Craig Zapatka
Co-Founder at elsewhere- Claim this Profile
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English Native or bilingual proficiency
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Spanish Professional working proficiency
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Portuguese Limited working proficiency
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French Limited working proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Ian Johnson
Working with Craig was excellent. His is a mind of intelligence and clarity. 'Working smart' seems to be in his DNA and it was a pleasure to have Craig as an Out Now client. He is so well-informed and filled with both experience and expertise. If you get to work with him - you should enjoy it.
Jordan Washington
I can confidently say that every moment I've spent working with Craig has been an absolute delight. Craig's energy is contagious and his knowledge about the tourism industry is not only incredibly vast, it also come from first hand experience. His passion for his role as Offer Manager was felt company wide. Some of my best memories of working at Evaneos have been working with Craig to open the North American market. I would consider myself lucky to get a chance to work with Craig in the future.
Ian Johnson
Working with Craig was excellent. His is a mind of intelligence and clarity. 'Working smart' seems to be in his DNA and it was a pleasure to have Craig as an Out Now client. He is so well-informed and filled with both experience and expertise. If you get to work with him - you should enjoy it.
Jordan Washington
I can confidently say that every moment I've spent working with Craig has been an absolute delight. Craig's energy is contagious and his knowledge about the tourism industry is not only incredibly vast, it also come from first hand experience. His passion for his role as Offer Manager was felt company wide. Some of my best memories of working at Evaneos have been working with Craig to open the North American market. I would consider myself lucky to get a chance to work with Craig in the future.
Ian Johnson
Working with Craig was excellent. His is a mind of intelligence and clarity. 'Working smart' seems to be in his DNA and it was a pleasure to have Craig as an Out Now client. He is so well-informed and filled with both experience and expertise. If you get to work with him - you should enjoy it.
Jordan Washington
I can confidently say that every moment I've spent working with Craig has been an absolute delight. Craig's energy is contagious and his knowledge about the tourism industry is not only incredibly vast, it also come from first hand experience. His passion for his role as Offer Manager was felt company wide. Some of my best memories of working at Evaneos have been working with Craig to open the North American market. I would consider myself lucky to get a chance to work with Craig in the future.
Ian Johnson
Working with Craig was excellent. His is a mind of intelligence and clarity. 'Working smart' seems to be in his DNA and it was a pleasure to have Craig as an Out Now client. He is so well-informed and filled with both experience and expertise. If you get to work with him - you should enjoy it.
Jordan Washington
I can confidently say that every moment I've spent working with Craig has been an absolute delight. Craig's energy is contagious and his knowledge about the tourism industry is not only incredibly vast, it also come from first hand experience. His passion for his role as Offer Manager was felt company wide. Some of my best memories of working at Evaneos have been working with Craig to open the North American market. I would consider myself lucky to get a chance to work with Craig in the future.
Credentials
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Wilderness First Responder
Nantahala Outdoor CenterFeb, 2018- Oct, 2024 -
CPR & Advanced First Aid
American Safety & Health InstituteFeb, 2018- Oct, 2024
Experience
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elsewhere
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United Kingdom
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Real Estate
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1 - 100 Employee
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Co-Founder
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Nov 2020 - Present
Elsewhere is a flexible and socially conscious travel company with an impact-driven approach and direct-to-consumer model. Born from the idea that travelers—and the destinations they visit—deserve better than the all-too-traditional travel space, elsewhere focuses on a model of economic fairness and environmental protection for the destination, as well as extraordinary experiences for travelers. The direct-to-local model we use not only ensures that travel dollars stay local, but offers an alternative to mass tourism that’s led by the communities themselves. At elsewhere, we pride ourselves on our badass network and ensuring that there’s a positive local impact from every trip sold. We’ll let you know when it’s time to start packing. See you in 2021✌️
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Evaneos
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France
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Travel Arrangements
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100 - 200 Employee
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North American Offer & Experiences Manager
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Oct 2018 - Aug 2020
• Curating 500+ customizable travel itineraries and localized experiences targeting the North American Market • Collaborate with over 300 Local Agencies in 90 countries, speaking English, French, Spanish and Portuguese • Conduct trainings on a cross market level discussing travel trends to better optimize the offer • Data driven position: Utilizing Data Studio and Google Analytics to draw conclusions about buying trends, positioning offer for seasonality and interpreting demographics • Curating 500+ customizable travel itineraries and localized experiences targeting the North American Market • Collaborate with over 300 Local Agencies in 90 countries, speaking English, French, Spanish and Portuguese • Conduct trainings on a cross market level discussing travel trends to better optimize the offer • Data driven position: Utilizing Data Studio and Google Analytics to draw conclusions about buying trends, positioning offer for seasonality and interpreting demographics
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Butterfield & Robinson Luxury Travel
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Canada
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Travel Arrangements
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100 - 200 Employee
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Tour Guide
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Jun 2018 - Dec 2018
• Co-guided luxury cycling tours throughout France, Portugal and Spain • Conducted extensive pre-trip research: Cycling known trails and pathways as well as discovering new ones • Meeting local managers, chefs, business owners for spot-check of quality and service • Organized group activities and schedules to meet the demands of the group and individual • Co-guided luxury cycling tours throughout France, Portugal and Spain • Conducted extensive pre-trip research: Cycling known trails and pathways as well as discovering new ones • Meeting local managers, chefs, business owners for spot-check of quality and service • Organized group activities and schedules to meet the demands of the group and individual
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No Hand Rails
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United States
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Leisure, Travel & Tourism
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Owner & Founder
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Oct 2016 - Oct 2018
• Managed an organization dedicated to travel advising and custom travel development • Connect with native guides and experts to ensure a local authentic experience; liaise with local suppliers, vendors, and businesses for information to share with guests • Plan and curate trips across North & South America and Europe for guests and previous passengers (60+ trips completed to date) • Provide local insight and ensure each trip is unique for guests based on location • Develop itineraries customized to the needs of guests
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AmeriCan Adventures
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United States
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Travel Arrangements
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1 - 100 Employee
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Tour Leader
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Apr 2016 - Sep 2017
• Led small group tours across USA and Canada; organized on-road activity, driving routes, accommodations, and bookings • Ensured tours remained compliant with safety regulations; conducted spot checks and vetted safety of various activities • Rated 4.95/5 for customer service and knowledge of tour from 15 separate tours • Led small group tours across USA and Canada; organized on-road activity, driving routes, accommodations, and bookings • Ensured tours remained compliant with safety regulations; conducted spot checks and vetted safety of various activities • Rated 4.95/5 for customer service and knowledge of tour from 15 separate tours
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Tour Manager
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Oct 2013 - Mar 2016
• Managed large group tours of 55+ guests throughout the USA and Canada; completed ten tours within a six-month span • Performed and maintained administrative tasks and financial needs/budgeting for tours and guests; prepared on-road activities, trip itineraries, transportation and accommodations • Serve as subject-matter expert of tour destinations in history, geology, geography, and popular culture • Specialized client base, ages 18-35 • Managed large group tours of 55+ guests throughout the USA and Canada; completed ten tours within a six-month span • Performed and maintained administrative tasks and financial needs/budgeting for tours and guests; prepared on-road activities, trip itineraries, transportation and accommodations • Serve as subject-matter expert of tour destinations in history, geology, geography, and popular culture • Specialized client base, ages 18-35
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G Adventures
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Canada
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Travel Arrangements
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700 & Above Employee
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Chief Experience Officer
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Dec 2011 - Jul 2013
• Performed on-road organization and accommodations; served as local transportation advisor for guided tours throughout Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay • Provided the local experience with vendors and activities pertinent to the area being toured • Created alternative cost-efficient routes for future tours; designed 13-day tour through Argentina and Chile • Recognized as a top tour professional for leadership and customer care • Mastered language skills in Spanish and Portuguese in dealings with suppliers and providers
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Restaurant Manager
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Jun 2011 - Dec 2011
• Managed operations for a prominent Peruvian-American fusion restaurant in Peru’s Sacred Valley • Oversaw and coordinated scheduling for eight employees; organized food shipments, staffing needs, and employee finances • Calculated payroll and distributed compensation amongst employees • Expanded social media presence on travel sites, notably Trip Advisor; partnered with local businesses and tour companies to increase marketing and business development efforts • Managed operations for a prominent Peruvian-American fusion restaurant in Peru’s Sacred Valley • Oversaw and coordinated scheduling for eight employees; organized food shipments, staffing needs, and employee finances • Calculated payroll and distributed compensation amongst employees • Expanded social media presence on travel sites, notably Trip Advisor; partnered with local businesses and tour companies to increase marketing and business development efforts
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Education
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2008 - 2011
Binghamton University
Associate's degree, Environmental Studies -
2001 - 2008
International School Bangkok
High School Diploma, General Studies
Community
