oin us for an exclusive chat with Burak Ipekci, the Secretary General of Les Clefs d'Or, recorded live at the Forbes Travel Summit in Las Vegas. Burak walks us through the storied history and rigorous membership process of Les Clefs d'Or, an organization that has set the gold standard in hospitality since 1929. Discover what it takes to wear the iconic golden keys and the dedication required to elevate guest experiences to unparalleled heights.

In our latest podcast episode from 'The Summit' in Las Vegas, we explore an intriguing question, with Stuart Greif, my good friend and Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer: What if luxury hospitality could harness AI to deepen, rather than diminish, human connections?

Stuart shares his valuable insights on leveraging AI to streamline administrative tasks, allowing staff to focus on cultivating meaningful interactions with guests. Despite technological advancements, he emphasizes that the heart of luxury hospitality remains genuine human connection.

Ever wondered how personal connections can redefine luxury travel? We had a captivating chat with Eli Wagner, the mastermind behind Wagner Bespoke Travel, at the Forbes Travel Guide 'The Summit' in Las Vegas, who took us through her transition from entertainment law to luxury travel. Eli reveals why she believes travel advisors are irreplaceable in curating unforgettable experiences and shares her thoughts on the ever-evolving demographics of luxury travelers. Learn how her agency thrives solely on referrals and word-of-mouth, showcasing the unparalleled power of personal relationships in her line of work.

Curious about where luxury hospitality is headed in 2024? We had a fascinating conversation with Chris Gabaldon, Former SVP of Luxury Brands and Operations at Marriott International, live from the Forbes Travel Guide 'The Summit' in Las Vegas. Chris provides an insider’s perspective on how major trends like sustainability, wealth, and wellness are redefining the luxury travel experience. If you're eager to understand how the industry is shifting towards holistic well-being, including mental health, this episode is not to be missed.

In this episode of our Special Hospitality Series, we had the privilege of sitting down with one of the most esteemed travel journalists in the industry, Peter Greenberg of CBS News. Recorded at Forbes Travel Guide's 'The Summit' in Las Vegas, this episode showcases Peter's remarkable journey and his unique approach to travel journalism.

Key Highlights Include:

• Peter's Journey in Journalism

• The Role of Technology in Travel

• Industry Challenges and Trends

• Refocused Travel Priorities Post-Pandemic

• Financial Insights

Join us from the vibrant Forbes Travel Guide 'Summit' in Las Vegas as Mia Kyricos , the world's first Chief Love Officer, reveals how love and positivity can be game-changers in the corporate world. With a rich background from Starwood Hotels, Spa Finder, and Hyatt Hotels, Mia shares groundbreaking insights on integrating wellness into both personal and professional spheres.

Tune in to this episode to be inspired and ready to embrace wellness and positivity in every facet of your life.

Introducing Our Special Hospitality Series in Partnership with Forbes Travel Guide.

We're thrilled to kick off our new special podcast series in collaboration with Forbes Travel Guides, focusing on the incredible world of luxury hospitality that was showcased at their 'Summit' event in Las Vegas.

Our First Guest Spotlight: Chip Conley

To launch this series, we had the pleasure of sitting down with industry legend Chip Conley. From his illustrious career as a creator of the boutique hotel movement, to taking Airbnb public to founding the revolutionary Modern Elder Academy, Chip brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.

In the season three finale of Travel Trends, we gather the whole team for a heartfelt look back at the series' evolution. We reminisce over memorable episodes, from discussions on sustainability and women in travel to format changes that really resonated. Zach, Jen, and Katherine share their highlights, celebrating successes and overcoming the hurdles of our most successful season to date.

In this episode, we explore the significant travel trends impacting US travelers in 2024, focusing on tour operators, insurance, and the 50+ traveler. Our discussion features three experts in the travel industry: Christina Tunnah, GM at nib Travel, Ryan Busse, VP, Grand European Travel, and Matthew Philips from AARP. They shed light on the evolving consumer behavior of American travelers, their Summer 2024 travel interests and the impacts of being in an election year.

In this episode we bring together 3 All-Stars from the Tours and Activities space to share the key trends shaping our industry as we gear up for the summer travel season of 2024 and beyond.

Kicking off the discussion, we are joined by Stephen Joyce, Vice President of Content at Arival, who enriches our understanding with his comprehensive grasp of social media strategies, content creation, and his profound insights into the tours sector. Stephen, an authority in the field, also co-hosts the Arival podcast alongside Janelle, Visser offering many. beneficial insights and analysis.

Our conversation then shifts to Roman Townsend, the Managing Director of Belvera Partners, who plays a pivotal role in steering the public relations strategies for giants like Arival and Phocuswright. With his extensive experience working with B2B Travel companies globally, Roman unveils valuable strategies for harnessing 'Earned' Media, with a particular fondness for leveraging LinkedIn to amplify PR efforts.

Rounding off the discussion, we engage with Craig Everett, the Founder of Hollibob. Craig introduces us to his company's highly successful experiences booking platform, providing a global perspective on Tours and Activities providers. A highlight of our conversation includes the emerging prominence of Saudi Arabia as a tourism hotspot and how Craig’s team effectively utilizes AI to stay ahead in the industry.

In this captivating discussion with Charles Shima, the visionary Rwandan-Canadian entrepreneur behind Tourifique, we explore his powerful journey from enduring the Genocide against the Tutsi's in Rwanda, to revolutionizing Afro-centric travel.

We discuss the profound experiences that not only shaped Charles resilience but also inspired him to create a platform that celebrates the richness of Africa's culture, offering travelers a gateway to genuine and underexplored local experiences. Throughout the conversation, we discuss the significant underrepresentation of African destinations in the global tourism landscape and how Tourifique is actively changing this narrative.

Welcome to Travel Trends, the go-to podcast for travel industry insights, where today’s episode is must-listen for anyone aiming to propel their brand forward through strategic affiliate marketing. We're sitting down with Jamie Birch, the founder of JebCommerce, and a luminary in the affiliate marketing world.

Are you a travel business owner or marketer on a quest to in increase bookings & revenue? Get ready then, as Jamie's deep well of knowledge is about to become your guiding force in the vast affiliate marketing universe.

Special Hospitality Edition - Live from Vegas @ Forbes Travel Guide's 'The Summit'

Join us for this captivating conversation with visionary CEO & Founder of Virtuoso, Matthew Upchurch. With his roots deeply embedded in travel, Matthew offers us a remarkable glimpse into his family's legacy and the collective ingenuity of 1950's boutique travel agencies that helped shaped the tailored travel advisor experiences we clamor for today.

In this episode, we set our compass north and uncover the many wonders of Canadian travel. I’m joined by 3 remarkable trailblazers of Canadian tourism. First we have Gloria Luree, the CMO of Destination Canada, who steers the national tourism narrative for our treasured country. Then we have John Gunter, CEO of Frontiers North, who crafts unforgettable tours to Churchill, Manitoba for travellers to experience polar bears and the northern lights, and we have Jason Sarracini, Founder of travel agency Landsby that focuses on authentic Canadian and indigenous travel & his magazine called 'Northern Soul' that showcases these stories.

Join us as we discuss, debate, and unfold Canada's travel trends and destinations for 2024. This discussion is much more than a podcast for me—it's about the future of travel to and around this beautiful country that we are all proud to call home.

Australia's travel scene is as diverse as the continent itself, ranging from the sun-soaked beaches of Queensland to the rugged wilderness of Tasmania. In this episode, we are privileged to sit down with Sarah Clark, the dynamic CEO of Tourism Tasmania. Having climbed the ranks from a passionate tour guide to a global travel executive with Top Deck and Intrepid and now leading a large Tourism organization, Sarah brings a refreshing perspective on the travel industry's evolution Down Under.

In this exclusive 'Special Guest' edition, we're thrilled to bring you a compelling conversation with Douglas Quinby—a visionary leader in the travel industry and the much loved CEO of Arival. Join us as we explore the depths of his rich history in travel , from the formative days at Phocuswright to his bold venture in pioneering the Arival conference.

Brian Jewell, VP & Executive Editor, The Travel Group Leader, joins us for a journey through the evolving landscapes of culture, politics, and travel. As we traverse his career path and the stories behind his travel narratives, you'll gain a fresh perspective on how destinations become more than just places on a map. Brian's passion for the art of storytelling illuminates the importance of narrative in connecting with a location's heart and soul, inviting listeners to uncover the deeper layers of group travel journalism and the surprising resilience of print media.

To celebrate International Women's Day, join us for an engaging conversation with the internationally acclaimed Laura Sileo Pavat, who expertly manages the prestigious brand homes for the global wine & spirits giant Pernod Ricard. Laura's impressive career trajectory began in her native Italy, where her passion for literature and dedication led her to master five languages. Her path then wove through France's illustrious Champagne region — a place where she not only pursued her professional ambitions but also fulfilled personal dreams, falling in love and marrying a wine marker.

In this podcast, we engage in an in-depth discussion about the intersection of technology and global travel, featuring insights from industry leaders. Rebecca from TravelTek and Kelly Tompkins of Reserve X, together with the highly regarded Ragnar, from Kaptio provide an analysis of the significant digital shift within the travel sector. The episode explores topics such as the revolutionary impact of APIs, real-time booking systems, and AI's influential role in personalizing travel experiences.

Get a better understanding about the future of eco-conscious travel with our elite panel of sustainability pioneers. In this episode, Shannon Guihan, Christian Moeller-Hoist, and Zach Demuth come together to discuss the complexities of sustainable travel. Discover how they're engineering a seismic shift towards environmentally responsible tourism, Expect to walk away with actionable insights on how to travel with a lighter footprint.