Travel Trends with Dan Christian

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Discover Colombia like never before - a country where music, nature, and community transformation redefine travel. In this Destination Spotlight episode, Dan explores this vibrant destination with Impulse Travel and their inspiring local guides.

Our journey begins with Juliana Medina (CEO) and Rodrigo Atuesta (Co-Founder), the visionaries behind Impulse Travel, who are redefining tourism as a force for good. They’ll show you a Colombia that shatters outdated stereotypes – a country brimming with warmth, creativity, and breathtaking diversity, now one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations. Stroll Bogota’s colorful...

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In this spotlight episode, Murray Decker, CEO and founder of Tour Amigo, shares how his innovative technology platform is transforming the multi-day tour industry by equipping operators with cutting-edge reservation systems and seamless distribution capabilities.

Murray’s journey began as a Contiki tour guide in 2008, where he gained firsthand insight into the travel industry. By 2016, he founded Tour Amigo to address a glaring gap in travel technology: while day tours, accommodations, and flights had embraced digital solutions, multi-day tours remained stuck in the analog era.

The statistics Murray reveals ar...

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Imagine travel not merely as an escape, but as a powerful catalyst for healing, transformation, and self-discovery. This is the groundbreaking vision Sahara Rose De Vore has brought to life through her pioneering work with the Travel Coach Network.

Sahara’s journey began with a hospitality degree and a one-way ticket to Europe, igniting a decade-long adventure across 84 countries. Along the way, her personal battles with anxiety and depression unveiled the profound therapeutic potential of travel. This revelation inspired her to create the world’s first ICF-accredited travel coaching certification program.

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When millennials rediscovered travel advisors, they revived a profession many had written off too soon. “Millennials’ expertise is knowing who the experts are,” says Arnie Weissmann, editor-in-chief of Travel Weekly. With more than 25 years leading the travel industry’s most influential trade publication, Arnie has chronicled - and shaped - some of the most pivotal transformations in travel.

His own path from passionate explorer to industry leader is as compelling as it is instructive. Arnie’s love for discovery began on a 10-country camping trip through Africa, a journey fueled by curiosity...

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Imagine exploring Rome with an archaeologist who's unearthed its ancient secrets, wandering Tokyo with an architect shaping its skyline, or navigating Barcelona's vibrant markets with a culinary expert who knows every vendor by name. This is the transformative experience Context Travel has been perfecting for over two decades.

In this conversation with CEO June Chin-Ramsey, we discuss how Context Travel is redefining guided tours through its unwavering commitment to expert-led experiences. Unlike traditional tour companies that rely on guides reciting memorized scripts, Context exclusively collaborates with academics and professionals holding advanced...

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Join us at Arival DC from September 29 to October 3, 2025, and be part of the most transformative event in the experiences sector. Use promo code FOADACHDC to get 10% off the AI Forum for Destination Experiences and Arival 360 DC combo ticket (excludes Pro Members). Plus, as a special bonus, you will be guaranteed a feature on the Event Spotlight that Dan will be recording live at the event!

As Douglas Quinby, CEO, and Bruce Rosard, CCO, shared in our recent conversation, Arival DC isn’t just another industry conference - it’s a...

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Recorded Live at Phocuswright Europe in Barcelona, this massive 5 hour special event spotlight episode features 19 interviews with the brightest minds in travel and tech who took the stage - and joined us for exclusive interviews that you don’t want to miss. Plus, we have a special bonus offer for all of our listeners to join us at Phocuswright in San Diego Nov 18-20 and be guaranteed to be feature in our next Event Spotlight.  We hope you enjoy these insight rich conversations and plan to join us in November.

If you...

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The travel industry was forever changed when Rod Cuthbert founded Viator in 1995, revolutionizing how travelers discover and book experiences worldwide. In this season finale of Travel Trends, the visionary founder shares his extraordinary journey from Tasmania to Silicon Valley and beyond.

Rod recounts how a serendipitous twist of fate - developing an e-commerce solution for Sabre that went unused - sparked the creation of what would become the world’s leading experiences marketplace. At a time when guided tours were dismissed as outdated, Rod identified a shift in consumer priorities: experiences we...

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We’re thrilled to conclude our Season 5 In-Destination series with a truly thought-provoking conversation featuring Joe Pine and Jake Haupert - two visionaries shaping the future of travel.

The future of travel is undergoing a profound transformation - shifting from curated experiences to a deeper focus on personal growth and self-discovery. At the heart of this evolution lies the emerging Transformation Economy, a $208 billion market shift that is redefining what travelers value and how the industry delivers on those expectations. In this week's episode, Experience Economy pioneer Joe Pine and Transformational Tr...

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Join us as we hit the road to Denver for a special edition of Travel Trends, recorded live at the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s (ATTA) Elevate Conference.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Colorado’s beauty, this episode takes you straight into the heart of the $896 billion adventure travel industry. It’s a celebration of sustainability, outdoor exploration, and the magic of human connection in a world that’s increasingly digital.

Think of this as your ultimate road trip playlist - featuring 15 intimate conversations with the trailblazers shaping the futu...

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Laura Sileo Pavat, Global Head of Brand Homes at Pernod Ricard, returns to Travel Trends to explore how spirit tourism is transforming cultural connections across the globe.

With over 35 brand homes spanning four continents, Pernod Ricard has reimagined these spaces as immersive destinations that tell authentic stories and forge lasting emotional bonds. From the award-winning Jameson Distillery in Dublin to the architecturally striking Rabbit Hole in Louisville's arts district, these experiences highlight a new way for travelers to engage with places and their narratives.

The discussion takes us to...

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In the kickoff episode of our "In-destination Experiences" series, we speak with Christian Lachel, Chief Creative Officer of BRC Imagination Arts, who has spent over 25 years crafting some of the world's most engaging travel experiences. From the award-winning Jameson Distillery Bow Street in Dublin to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Christian shares the secrets behind designing spaces that transform how visitors think, feel, and connect.

We dive into the $1.3 trillion in-destination experience industry, exploring how Christian's team turns ordinary venues into unforgettable memory-makers. A standout example is the Jameson Distillery, where...

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At the crossroads of cutting-edge technology and deeply personalized service lies Essentialist, a membership-based travel company reshaping the definition of luxury travel. In this insightful conversation, CEO & founder Joan Roca reveals how his $2,600 annual membership service crafts extraordinary travel experiences by truly understanding each member's unique passions, preferences, and aspirations.

Unlike traditional luxury travel agencies or impersonal online booking platforms, Essentialist thrives on building intimate relationships with its members. "Travel combines everything in your lifestyle," Roca explains. "From how you like to eat and your cultural interests to whether you prefer...

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Step into the future of aviation in this special event spotlight, recorded live from the Aviation Festival Americas in Miami.

Host, Dan Christian sits down with some of the brightest minds in aviation and travel tech to explore the innovations reshaping the industry:

• Amir Amidi explains how Plug and Play Tech Center connects startups with corporate partners across the travel ecosystem
• Tom Trotta details how travel insurance is evolving through AI-powered claims processing and proactive benefits for delayed travelers
• Marco Gons from "No Longer Lost" demonstrates their innova...

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Travel tech is evolving at lightning speed - reshaping how the world moves, books, and experiences journeys. In this episode, we sit down with Karen Bolda, Chief Product and Technology Officer for Private Label Solutions, Expedia Group’s B2B division, to explore the cutting-edge innovations driving the future of global travel from behind the scenes.

Karen takes us behind the scenes of Expedia Group's massive B2B operation – a side of the business many travelers never see but that powers over 70,000 businesses and 160,000 travel advisors worldwide. From her unique journey star...

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This spotlight episode takes you behind the scenes of the Educational Travel Consortium (ETC) 2025 Conference in Mobile, Alabama. 

Since its inception in 1987, ETC has cultivated a unique and thriving community of U.S. college alumni programs, nonprofits, travel planners, and industry suppliers. Together, this network manages billions in travel spending, united by a common goal—to create travel experiences that inspire meaningful change and lifelong memories.  

Founded by the visionary Mara DelliPriscoli, ETC has set the standard for collaboration and innovation in the travel industry.

This year’s conf...

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What’s really behind the rising tide of interest in river cruising? In this episode, Pam Hoffee, President of Avalon Waterways, dispels common myths and reveals the innovations fueling this fast-growing segment of the travel industry. From her serendipitous start in travel after a chance encounter in a college bar to leading award-winning ship designs, Pam shares how Avalon has reimagined the river cruise experience—infusing it with authenticity, sustainability, and unexpected luxury.

By orienting beds to face panoramic windows and sourcing ingredients from local markets, Avalon redefines the meaning of deta...

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Discover how Scenic has redefined river cruising by introducing the industry's first ships with outdoor private balconies. Lisa McCaskill, VP of Sales and Marketing for Scenic Canada, shares the inspiring story of how this Australian-founded company evolved from a land touring operator into a global leader in luxury river cruising - all by listening closely to guest feedback. 

Scenic's "spaceships" deliver an ultra-luxury, truly all-inclusive experience where guests can enjoy fine dining, premium beverages, excursions, and gratuities without worrying about additional costs. Their sister brand, Emerald Cruises, offers a more customizable "i...

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What happens when 100 years of travel expertise converge with Europe’s iconic rivers? In an engaging discussion with Steve Spivak, Tauck’s Vice President of Global Sales & Reservations, we uncover how this family-owned company’s “small is big” philosophy elevates river cruising into a truly exceptional experience. Since its founding in 1925, when Arthur Tauck guided six guests on a New England adventure in a rented Studebaker, the company has grown while maintaining a steadfast commitment to its core principles.

Tauck’s river cruising approach embodies this legacy, offering a more exclusive experience b...

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Welcome to our grand finale episode of Season 2 of our Special Hospitality Series in collaboration with Forbes Travel Guide, the global authority on luxury hospitality.

In our finale episode, we're thrilled to feature three extraordinary "Leaders Behind the Stars." First, award-winning travel journalist Jeannette Ceja shares her journey of pursuing a master's degree in France while maintaining her global media career. Her perspective on representation and finding one's voice offers valuable insights for industry professionals.

We then dive deep with Marc Friedland, founder of Couture...

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The river cruise industry is poised for remarkable growth, with the market expected to double from $5 billion to $10 billion in the next five years. But what’s fueling this surge—and how is technology transforming one of travel’s most immersive and intimate experiences?

In the kickoff episode of our River Cruise Series, we’re joined by Ragnar Fjölnisson, Founder and CIO of travel tech platform Kaptio, for a behind-the-scenes look at a sector that millions have fallen in love with, yet few truly understand.

From humble beginnings with repu...

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Step into the world of global business travel as we record live from the Global Business Travel Association's (GBTA) Toronto conference—where industry leaders overseeing a staggering $345 billion in corporate travel spending converge. The business travel sector isn’t just rebounding; it’s thriving. According to GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang, global travel spending has surged beyond pre-pandemic levels, projected to hit $1.63 trillion in 2025 and exceed $2 trillion by 2028. Despite early doubts about its future, business travel has proven indispensable, with face-to-face meetings remaining a key driver for cultivating relationships and fostering corporate culture.

Our...

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In this episode of our Special Hospitality Series in collaboration with Forbes Travel Guide, we spotlight two standout leaders from The Summit in Monaco: Scott Campbell, Director of Revenue Management at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, and Jeff Wielgopolan, Service Director at Meadowood Napa Valley.

What does it take to deliver world-class service—when you've never experienced it yourself? This powerful question sits at the heart of five-star hospitality, and both Scott and Jeff offer deep insight into how they lead teams to create authentic, elevated guest ex...

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In this episode, we’re joined by Ismael García, Chief Marketing Officer of Civitatis, a leading Spanish-language OTA that’s reshaping how millions experience travel. From humble beginnings as a travel blog to becoming a major player offering tens of thousands of activities worldwide, Civitatis has carved out a unique space in the global tourism industry.

We discuss into their impressive growth trajectory (including a $50M raise and 30% annual growth), their strategic expansion into new language markets, and why offering 24/7 support in travelers’ native languages has helped earn a 9.1/10 satisfaction rating...

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Welcome back to episode 8 of our 10-part Special Hospitality Series in collaboration with Forbes Travel Guide! This week, we continue our "Leaders Behind the Stars" spotlight with two groundbreaking announcements from CEO Hermann Elger, shared at The Summit in Monaco.  

First, Hermann revealed ATELIER CX, a pioneering consulting studio dedicated to reshaping the customer experience for brands worldwide. Helmed by Silvia Nauta, a luxury hospitality executive with over 20 years of experience, ATELIER CX is poised to revolutionize how brands design and deliver exceptional c...

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Join us for the final instalment in our Guided Touring series as we chat with Ben Hall, CEO of AAT Kings, Australia and New Zealand's leading guided touring provider. This episode dives into the legacy of AAT Kings, a 100-year-old tour company renowned for creating immersive experiences that celebrate authentic cultural connections and sustainability.  

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:  

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Imagine stepping off a small turboprop plane onto a pristine island less than a mile long, where coconut trees sway in gentle breezes and sea turtles nest undisturbed along protected shores. Welcome to the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, where luxury meets untouched nature in perfect harmony.

Join us for the latest episode of our Special Hospitality Series in collaboration with Forbes Travel Guide, where we shine a light on one of the "Leaders Behind the Stars"—Mark Basaloga, Resort Manager at Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Pl...

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Listen to the latest episode of our Guided Touring series, where Dan is joined by Michael Edwards, Managing Director at Explore Worldwide, to discuss the rising popularity of small group adventures. Michael shares why he calls this moment the “golden age” of small group travel and highlights how intimate group sizes (12-16 people) foster meaningful "micro-communities," delivering the connection and camaraderie so many crave today.

What You'll Learn:

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This Earth Day, we’re proud to share present our first ATTA & Travel Trends Adventure Series discussion focused on important lessons in sustainability.  In this powerful episode, Travel Trends host Dan is joined by co-host Shannon Stowell, CEO of ATTA and together they interview the CEO of Tourism Cares  Greg Takehara.

Greg & Shannon unpack the current state of sustainable travel and share many actionable insights on how the industry, along with travelers, can move past surface-level greenwashing to drive meaningful, long-term impact.

Key Highlights from this discussion include:<...

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Step into Tuscan luxury with Episode 6 of our Special Hospitality Series in collaboration with Forbes Travel Guide. This week, our "Leaders Behind the Stars" spotlight falls on Roberto Protezione, General Manager of Castelfalfi, a 2,700-acre estate between Florence and Pisa. Under Roberto’s leadership, Castelfalfi transformed from a €250-per-night property into a €1,000+ ultra-luxury destination, earning a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating on its first application.

With nearly two decades of experience in hospitality across Italy and the Middle East, Roberto has redefined Castelfalfi as a premier global luxury...

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Episode 2 of our Guided Touring Series takes an in-depth look at the evolving world of guided travel with Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, the fourth CEO and first female leader of Collette, a 107-year-old family-owned touring company. Under Jaclyn’s leadership, Collette is redefining what guided travel can mean by focusing on authenticity, small group experiences, and genuine local connections.

Collette’s commitment to authenticity shines through their approach. Jaclyn emphasizes the importance of fostering genuine connections through meaningful interactions. Their Small Group Explorations program has seen over 70% year-over-year growth by venturing beyond typical tour...

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Join us for the latest episode of our Special Hospitality Series in collaboration with Forbes Travel Guide, where we shine a light on one of the "Leaders Behind the Stars"—Pierre-Louis Renou, General Manager of Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel. This legendary property, freshly reopened in March 2023 after a three-year transformation, has proudly earned a Five-Star rating this year. 

Pierre-Louis takes us behind the scenes to explore the leadership and vision that brought this milestone to life. The Carlton Cannes stands as a striking example of...

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Explore the captivating world of guided touring as we launch our new series with special guest Steve Born, Chief Marketing Officer of Globus. Did you know that guided touring is a $300 billion industry—nearly twice the size of ocean cruising? Yet, as Steve unveils, it remains "the best-kept secret in travel."  

This episode takes you through Globus’s remarkable story, from its humble beginnings with a rowboat in Switzerland in 1928 to its transformation into a global travel leader operating on six continents. Steve explains what sets guided tours apart, sharing how they...

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Mark your calendars—Phocuswright Europe is heading to Barcelona from June 10-12, 2025, bringing the premier travel technology conference to the iconic Palau de Congressos de Catalunya, just steps away from the luxurious Gran Meliá hotel. With a new venue and an executive-driven agenda tailored specifically for the European market, this event promises to redefine the conversation on the future of travel.

Why is Phocuswright Europe a Must-Attend Event?

At the core of Phocuswright Europe is an intentional focus on senior leadership and decision-makers. “Our speakers are all CEOs...

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In episode 4 of our 10-part Special Hospitality Series in collaboration with Forbes Travel Guide, we continue our "Leaders Behind the Stars" spotlight with Megan Torrance, Senior Vice President for Learning and Development at Forbes Travel Guide, as she takes us behind the scenes to explore how the world’s most prestigious hotels are adapting to meet these new demands.

Forbes Travel Guide’s approach goes beyond checklists—it's about creating meaningful, emotional connections with guests. With 40 expert trainers worldwide, their mission is to elevate service through personalized coachi...

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Frank Marini’s rise from the mailroom at Collette Vacations to CEO of Railbookers Group is a masterclass in travel industry leadership. Recorded live at ITB Berlin, this episode dives into how Frank has built a fully remote company with 350+ staff across six countries and driven an impressive 36% growth by 2025.

What sets Railbookers apart? A focus on crafting complete rail vacations with over 6,000 customizable itineraries across destinations like Switzerland, Italy, and Ireland. Blending transportation, accommodations, and experiences, their packages cater to discerning travelers, averaging 10.5-day trips at $6,000 per person. Bookings are sp...

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In this episode of our Special Hospitality Series with Forbes Travel Guide, we spotlight one of the "Leaders Behind the Stars" — Pradeep Raman, Managing Director of The Surrey – A Corinthia Hotel.

Nestled in New York’s Upper East Side, this newly opened luxury hotel has achieved an incredible 35% repeat guest rate in just months. Pradeep shares the secret behind its success—genuine connections. From doormen who know local pets by name to a guest who moved his entire business to the hotel after witnessing this level of care, Co...

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Rail travel is on the rise, transforming into Europe's go-to mode of transportation by seamlessly blending sustainability, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. Join us for an engaging discussion with Bjorn Bender, CEO of Rail Europe, as he sheds light on why train travel is projected to grow from $84 billion to a staggering $128 billion by 2028, outpacing other sectors like river cruising. Bender, a veteran with over two decades in the mobility industry, highlights how rail travel not only enriches travel experiences but also boosts local economies, as train travelers are spending 35% more on hotels and...

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In this episode of our Special Hospitality Series in collaboration with Forbes Travel Guide, we highlight one of the Leaders Behind the Stars—Sarah McIntosh, the inspiring Hotel Manager at the Five-Star Maybourne Beverly Hills.  Sarah takes us behind the scenes of her impressive career trajectory, her leadership approach, and the trends defining the next chapter of Five-Star hospitality.  

Sarah shares key insights into trends shaping the future of luxury hospitality, providing a glimpse into how properties like The Maybourne Beverly Hills remain lead...

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Ever wondered why traveling to Africa feels so complicated compared to booking a European vacation? In the final instalment of our Safari Series, we’re joined by Joshua D'Souza, Co-founder and CEO of CloudSafaris, to explore how his company is transforming this narrative. Combining his expertise as a Waterloo-trained computer scientist with over 50 years of family ties to East African tourism, Joshua is breaking down barriers in the safari booking industry.

CloudSafaris is solving a common travel pain point—accurate pricing and availability for African safaris—by working directly with trusted local...