Tourism Truth Through the Eyes of a Very Judgy Dog: New here? Orientation Time.

A recent spike in views tells me a lot of new folks found their way here.

I’m glad you did.

This corner of tourism comes with humor, honesty, and a mystery dog who has opinions about everything.

Since a fresh batch of readers wandered in, let me introduce myself before someone narrates for me.

I’m Jennifer Barbee. (Not the Roller Derby one, the financial one, or the horse training one) Tourism strategist. Creative meddler. Recovering "agency bro". A woman who keeps saying “I’m not trying to cause trouble,” then gently knocks over an entire row of dominoes without breaking eye contact.

I didn’t go looking for this role. I swear. I was just over here doing my job when I noticed the same five dudes making the same five decisions for the entire industry.

Again.

And again. And again.

At some point, you either start screaming into a pillow or you start writing a newsletter. I chose the newsletter.

Why I Write This

I write because I love this industry. Deeply. Irrationally. Comedically.

Like “I will defend you in public but yell at you in the car because I know you can do better” love.

I write because tourism is emotionally expensive and structurally confusing, and no one wants to admit it.

I write because the people doing the real work are out here holding entire communities together with charm, hope, and a laughable budget.

I write because residents deserve partnership, STR hosts deserve clarity, DMOs deserve support, and leaders deserve honesty wrapped in humor so it doesn’t sting as much.

I write because we cannot fix a system we refuse to talk about.

And I write because someone had to say it first. Apparently that someone is me. Reluctantly. Repeatedly. With perfect comedic timing and perfect manicure.

What I Stand For

• I stand for the humans in the tourism trenches.

• I stand for civic alignment that actually works.

• I stand for destinations with soul.

• I stand for STRs and DMOs acting like collaborators instead of exes.

• I stand for leadership that can admit when something isn’t working.

• I stand for humor as a survival strategy.

If we can’t laugh, we will cry. And not on my watch.

Predictions (A Few Things I Already See Coming)

I don’t have a crystal ball. I have something far more accurate: three decades of emotional labor and a front-row seat to everyone’s chaos.

Here is what I see on the horizon:

1. The workforce is about to get bold. (not in the way you're going to like)

2. STR hosts and DMOs will realize they are not enemies but estranged teammates.

3. Residents will become the most trusted voice in destination storytelling.

4. The old guard will cling tight before they finally let go.

5. Civic alignment will outpace marketing as the real job of tourism.

6. 2026 will reward the brave and bury the beige.

Add these to your bingo cards.

What I’m Working On (The Big Three)

1. The Book + Running My Mouth I’m wrapping up Everyday Audacity, which is basically a pep talk for people who are tired, talented, and two emails away from flipping a table. It’s courage, clarity, and just enough chaos to keep it fun. It’s also my keynote material for the next two years because apparently the universe and Kristen Cruz want me talking into microphones more often. (so, like - see if I'm avail for your stage)

2. Hosts & Home Teams Launching July 2026. It’s my traveling civic think lab where DMOs, STR hosts, and community leaders get in the same room and try honesty as a strategy. It’s part workshop, part mediation, part “wait… did we just solve something?” Someone always tears up. Someone always has an epiphany. Everyone leaves lighter, smarter, and slightly confused about why this wasn’t a thing already.

3. Cohorts + Workshops Small, hands-on sessions for STR operators, DMOs, boards, and civic partners who want less jargon and more actual help. No fluff. No buzzwords. No corporate theater. Just real conversations, useful tools, and those “ok… NOW this makes sense” moments. We’re opening new spots for 2026 and 2027, and the vibes are immaculate.

The Heart of It

I am not here to just clown the industry.

I am here to open the windows and get the air moving.

I am here to make space for the people we always forget to listen to. I am here to build the future with clarity and warmth and the occasional perfectly timed eyebrow raise.

If you’re new, welcome.

If you’ve been lurking, lean in closer.

If you’ve been here for a while, you already know this is the fun part.

Grab a snack. Pet the judgy dog.

Promise to keep exposing the cracks with charm and teeth. 🖤 Jenn