Team Member Spotlight: Nick Romeo Expands Guest Services’ Reach Through Partnerships and Education
September 17, 2025 | Team Member Spotlights
Guest Services has a long tradition of welcoming visitors to parks and public spaces across the country, ensuring they have access to memorable services and experiences. From tour operators to school programs, connecting people with park experiences is at the heart of Nick Romeo’s role as National Tour and Travel Sales Manager.
With more than 35 years in the hospitality industry, Nick brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous work with major attractions, including Legoland Activity Centers, the Big Wheel in Orlando, Madame Tussauds, and Sea Life. Now, he is applying that expertise to ensure Guest Services reaches travelers not only across the United States but also internationally.
A New Frontier with Resellers
One of Nick’s primary responsibilities is overseeing third-party resellers and hotel partnerships. This includes well-known online travel agents such as TripAdvisor, Viator, Get Your Guide, and Tripster, which allow Guest Services’ parks to reach millions of potential visitors. By activating these channels, Nick ensures that guests booking trips to Florida or beyond can seamlessly add natural experiences to their itineraries.
“Tour and travel sales are an essential part of how we grow awareness of our parks and experiences,” says Laura Sherman, Vice President of Hospitality. “Nick’s work is already making an impact, and his dedication to building strong partnerships is helping us reach new audiences every day.”
Some people hesitate to work with online travel agents because of high commission fees, concerns over losing control of pricing, and the challenge of maintaining the direct connection with guests that builds loyalty. Despite those drawbacks, OTAs still offer exposure to audiences a park might never reach otherwise.
“Not everyone likes working with resellers,” Nick admits. “But I’ve always enjoyed it. They bring in business we may never have reached otherwise.” His strategy is to partner with the strongest companies in both the U.S. and Europe, particularly those that integrate with FareHarbor, making it easier for guests to purchase tickets as part of larger travel packages.
Expanding Educational Programming
Another initiative Nick is passionate about is education. He is developing a series of programs designed to meet Florida State Park standards, connecting schools with immersive, hands-on learning in state parks. “We want students to learn about history, science, and culture in a way that’s tied to the natural world around them,” Nick says. By creating opportunities for schools to engage with parks, he hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation for conservation and cultural heritage among younger generations.
Personal Journey and Resilience
Nick’s professional journey is only matched by a personal story of resilience. Earlier this year, he experienced a medical emergency after a fall, which led to a seizure and two major brain surgeries. Recovery required time away from work, but Nick voiced his appreciation for the overwhelming support of the Guest Services team for helping him return. “It really feels good to be back,” he reflects. “At a company of this size, I was honored to have received this level of care. The support made all the difference.”
Outside of his role at Guest Services, Nick has a unique background, holding a degree in animal science and having previously worked as a licensed funeral director in New York. He and his husband live in Orlando, where they have built a life together for the past 24 years.
Here to Support Properties
For Nick, the most important part of his role is supporting general managers and property teams. He wants them to know he is a resource, whether it’s navigating reseller relationships, leveraging online travel agents, or developing educational partnerships with schools.
“I’d love to be able to work not only with Florida but across our park systems,” Nick says. “I’m here to help, and I want our teams to know the resources they have available.”