How Steven Garcia's Empire Tours and Productions is Redefining Socially Responsible Travel
Steven “Stevie” Garcia, the founder and CEO of Empire Tours and Productions, is making waves in the production experience and sightseeing industry with his innovative approach to sustainability and social responsibility. With a focus on minimizing waste and giving back to local communities, Garcia's company is leading the way in creating a positive impact while providing exceptional experiences for travelers.
Empire Tours and Productions provides unique and immersive experiences for its customers. With a focus on history, culture, and local attractions, the company aims to create memorable experiences that showcase the best of each destination. With locations in Chicago, New York City, Charleston, New Orleans, Wisconsin, and the Ohio River Valley, the company offers a wide range of services, including walking tours, ghost tours, private events, convention services, unique lodging experiences and more.
Garcia believes in taking practical steps to minimize the environmental footprint of tours and events. He emphasizes the importance of walking tours, which not only promote healthier options for customers but also reduce congestion and pollution.
“About 90% of our tours are walking tours, which is a deliberate choice for various reasons. There are over 100,000 people that take these tours and mega buses only hold 55 people,” he says. “That’s thousands of hours of passenger bus emissions that we don’t have. Walking is a healthier option for our customers and also better for the environment."
In addition to environmental considerations, Empire Tours and Productions actively work towards benefiting local communities. The company hires locals from economically disadvantaged regions, particularly when operating in areas prioritizing natural environments.
“By employing locals from these communities, we can positively impact their lives and become an economic driver for small communities,” he says. “It's truly rewarding to make a difference in people's lives."
Empire Tours and Productions also addresses issues related to littering and irresponsible behavior. The company organizes clean-up initiatives to keep the areas they operate in clean and pristine.
Moreover, they encourage responsible behavior among both visitors and locals. They provide their customers with hiking sticks and small trash bags at their glamping compound in Appalachia, encouraging them to pick up any litter they see while hiking. This initiative not only helps keep the trails clean but also sets a positive example for others and creates a sense of responsibility among both visitors and locals.
“Our spot in Appalachia is located in an economic opportunity zone, and our local construction crews are mostly made up of locals many of which happen to be ex-cons. It is known as one of the poorest areas in the country and about half of welfare goes to that part of the country alone,” says Garcia. “I’m currently employing three orphaned 16-year-olds whose parents died from overdoses. The kids are learning carpentry, electrical and plumbing trades from the formerly incarcerated people working for us out there.”
Garcia believes that setting positive examples can inspire change among both visitors and locals. By witnessing affluent individuals taking responsibility for the environment, locals may be encouraged to adopt a similar mindset and take pride in maintaining the cleanliness of their surroundings.
The company is very flexible and hires a lot of "starving artists," history professors and teachers, actors and art history majors. He’s also hired several students in New York City and Chicago completing their degrees and needing some extra cash while paying tuition.
“I have a diverse group of tour guides, including young, enthusiastic historians pursuing their PhDs, and Broadway actors and aspiring comics from Second City,” he says. “It's astonishing how many people have expressed gratitude, acknowledging that they wouldn't have been able to pursue their dreams while working in jobs like waiting tables. They often credit me for helping them achieve their aspirations.”
Although tourism can place significant pressure on natural resources and ecosystems, Garcia has figured out how to practice responsible tourism while still providing engaging and educational experiences for their customers. By prioritizing sustainability, supporting local communities, and addressing issues such as littering, the company strives to minimize the negative impact of tourism and events on the environment and local areas.
“We’re currently supporting local communities, and doing food tours across NYC, Chicago and Charleston,” he says. “We do daily business with about 12 different restaurants across the country that are all family-owned and operated.”
Through their efforts, Empire Tours and Productions sets an example for the industry, showing that it is possible to run successful and profitable businesses while prioritizing sustainability and social responsibility. By incorporating these values into their operations, they contribute to the overall well-being of the destinations they serve and inspire others in the industry to follow suit.
Olivia’s Version: How Steven Garcia's Empire Tours and Productions is Redefining Socially Responsible Travel
Steven “Stevie” Garcia, the founder and CEO of Empire Tours and Productions, is making waves in the production experience and sightseeing industry with his innovative approach to sustainability and social responsibility. With a focus on minimizing waste and giving back to local communities, Garcia's company is leading the way in creating a positive impact while providing exceptional experiences for travelers.
Empire Tours and Productions provides unique and immersive experiences for its customers. With a focus on history, culture, and local attractions, the company aims to create memorable experiences that showcase the best of each destination. With locations in Chicago, New York City, Charleston, New Orleans, Wisconsin, and the Ohio River Valley, the company offers a wide range of services, including walking tours, ghost tours, private events, convention services, unique lodging experiences and more.
Garcia believes in taking practical steps to minimize the environmental footprint of tours and events. He emphasizes the importance of walking tours, which not only promote healthier options for customers but also reduce congestion and pollution.
“About 90% of our tours are walking tours, which is a deliberate choice for various reasons. There are over 100,000 people that take these tours and mega buses only hold 55 people,” he says. “That’s thousands of hours of passenger bus emissions that we don’t have. Walking is a healthier option for our customers and also better for the environment."
In addition to environmental considerations, Empire Tours and Productions actively work towards benefiting local communities. The company hires locals from economically disadvantaged regions, particularly when operating in areas prioritizing natural environments.
“By employing locals from these communities, we can positively impact their lives and become an economic driver for small communities,” he says. “It's truly rewarding to make a difference in people's lives."
Empire Tours and Productions also addresses issues related to littering and irresponsible behavior. The company organizes clean-up initiatives to keep the areas they operate in clean and pristine.
Moreover, they encourage responsible behavior among both visitors and locals. They provide their customers with hiking sticks and small trash bags at their glamping compound in Appalachia, encouraging them to pick up any litter they see while hiking. This initiative not only helps keep the trails clean but also sets a positive example for others and creates a sense of responsibility among both visitors and locals.
“Our spot in Appalachia is located in an economic opportunity zone, and our local construction crews are mostly made up of locals many of which happen to be ex-cons. It is known as one of the poorest areas in the country and about half of welfare goes to that part of the country alone,” says Garcia. “I’m currently employing three orphaned 16-year-olds whose parents died from overdoses. The kids are learning carpentry, electrical and plumbing trades from the formerly incarcerated people working for us out there.”
Garcia believes that setting positive examples can inspire change among both visitors and locals. By witnessing affluent individuals taking responsibility for the environment, locals may be encouraged to adopt a similar mindset and take pride in maintaining the cleanliness of their surroundings.
The company is very flexible and hires a lot of "starving artists," history professors and teachers, actors and art history majors. He’s also hired several students in New York City and Chicago completing their degrees and needing some extra cash while paying tuition.
“I have a diverse group of tour guides, including young, enthusiastic historians pursuing their PhDs, and Broadway actors and aspiring comics from Second City,” he says. “It's astonishing how many people have expressed gratitude, acknowledging that they wouldn't have been able to pursue their dreams while working in jobs like waiting tables. They often credit me for helping them achieve their aspirations.”
Although tourism can place significant pressure on natural resources and ecosystems, Garcia has figured out how to practice responsible tourism while still providing engaging and educational experiences for their customers. By prioritizing sustainability, supporting local communities, and addressing issues such as littering, the company strives to minimize the negative impact of tourism and events on the environment and local areas.
“We’re currently supporting local communities, and doing food tours across NYC, Chicago and Charleston,” he says. “We do daily business with about 12 different restaurants across the country that are all family-owned and operated.”
Through their efforts, Empire Tours and Productions sets an example for the industry, showing that it is possible to run successful and profitable businesses while prioritizing sustainability and social responsibility. By incorporating these values into their operations, they contribute to the overall well-being of the destinations they serve and inspire others in the industry to follow suit.
