Explore Marketing: Travel Trade Sales & Marketing Expertise

Welcome to Explore Marketing

Helping Attractions and Destinations Succeed in the Travel Trade

Explore Marketing LLC is a tourism sales and marketing consultancy led by Stefan Merkl, specializing in connecting attractions, sightseeing companies, and destinations with travel trade buyers worldwide. With more than two decades of experience in tourism sales and marketing, our approach is built on strategy, professionalism, and market knowledge.

We work with DMOs, museums, cultural attractions, and sightseeing tour operators to expand their distribution networks, grow ticket sales and overnight stays, and build long-term partnerships with the right set of OTAs, tour operators, receptive operators, student group planners, and destination management companies.

Our Services: What We Do for the Tourism Industry

Travel Trade Representation

We represent attractions and DMOs at sales missions, trade shows, and in-person meetings with key travel trade buyers in both U.S. and international markets.

Travel Trade Marketing

We create targeted marketing campaigns and promotional initiatives that reach the right buyers, inspire product inclusion in travel itineraries, and deliver measurable results.

Contracting & Distribution

We manage product contracting with OTAs, wholesalers, and resellers to maximize visibility, improve availability, and streamline ticket sales processes.

Strategic Sales & Marketing Plans

We develop custom strategic plans that align your tourism product with the right audiences, markets, and sales channels for sustainable growth.

Custom Sales Missions

We design and lead exclusive sales missions for DMOs, bringing member organizations face-to-face with the right travel trade buyers in priority markets.

Boutique Group Missions

We organize small, high-value sales missions that individual trade suppliers can join, offering direct access to qualified buyers in key source markets.

Why Tourism Organizations Work With Explore Marketing

Proven Experience: Since 2016, we have worked with DMOs, attractions and sightseeing operators. Currently this includes the Exploratorium, Red and White Fleet, and Experience NYC, as well as innovative travel technology providers like Intentful.
Global Market Insight: We understand travel trade distribution across North America, Europe, and other major inbound markets.
Hands-On Partnership: We work as an extension of your sales team, ensuring you are represented with professionalism and insider knowledge.
Tailored Solutions: Every client receives a customized approach to match their goals, resources, and market priorities.

Our Focus and Commitment

We believe in building sustainable, long-term relationships between tourism suppliers and the travel trade. By focusing on a select group of 3–4 clients at a time, we can dedicate the time, insight, and resources needed to achieve measurable success. Our work is built on trust, strategic thinking, and clear communication, ensuring that our clients and their partners thrive in a competitive global market.