Why sell a product when you can sell an adventure?
Experiences are a hot commodity in today’s marketplace. They make memories. The kids love them. And they come in packages that don’t need a warehouse. And when you sell an experience, you’re usually selling expertise.
Let’s say you want to go scuba diving. It’s not as simple as throwing on an oxygen mask and riding a dolphin. You need training, equipment and certifications. It’s an ordeal, but for adrenaline junkies and lovers of marine life — it’s totally worth it.
Greg Hidalgo got hooked on scuba at the age of 15. He worked his way through college teaching scuba classes and was recruited to teach diving at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Instead, Greg opened Divers Destination in 1986. Space would have to wait.
Greg Hidalgo, Divers Destination is, in fact, a destination for divers of all types from Acadiana and a gateway to aquatic enjoyment both above and below the surface
Divers Destination teaches scuba classes and sells all the stuff you need to go diving. Their clients range from hobbyists to commercial divers and law enforcement. They also arrange international diving trips. A big attraction is a marine biology camp based in Rotan, Honduras, where young divers learn about fish, coral and dolphins. And Divers Destination also offers year round swim lessons in a heated, indoor pool.
We live in a globalized economy, in case you haven’t heard. That means travel isn’t just a matter of leisure for big companies — it’s a necessity. And if you’re dealing with executives or large groups, booking trips isn’t as simple as an internet search.
Travel agencies still have a lot to offer corporate travel. Steven Landry served as regional head of business development for Wings Global Travel from 2019 to 2024. Wings is itself an international firm, founded in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Steven Landry, allowing folks to escape into the Acadiana Repertory Theater and in real life as a corporate travel consultant
Wings helps companies put together comprehensive travel packages that move their clientele from door to door, managing every stop on the trip. Spread across time zones, Wings’ operates around the clock, meaning they can respond to client emergencies and stay on top of changes in itineraries. Their clientele ranges from companies that spend millions on travel and logistics to small businesses with modest travel budgets.
Steven grew up in Lafayette and is also the founder and managing artistic director of the Acadiana Repertory Theater.
Greg Hildago, Steven Landry, Christiaan Mader, Out to Lunch at Tsunami Sushi
Out to Lunch Acadiana was recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette. Photos by Lea Urdiales.
