In our second Virtuoso episode, we introduce you to a group of visionaries behind the most innovative startups that were featured at the Travel Tech Summit.

Featured Startups:

• Andy Moss, Mindtrip is redefining AI-driven travel planning with his groundbreaking travel planning platform 

• Marissa Nelson, Intimacy Moons Couples Retreats blends luxury with relationship-building, offering unique experiences for couples.

• Akiva Reich’s Feeel.io enhances hospitality with immersive 360 live video.

• Jessie Fischer’s GuestOS is an AI concierge service for hotels that elevates the guest experience.

Unlock the secrets behind the tech revolution in the travel industry as we unpack the highlights from Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas—often called the "fashion week of travel." 

In this first episode, we begin with a deep dive into the Travel Tech and Innovation Summit, led by Gilad Berenstein. Industry titans like Shane from Microsoft, Stuart from Forbes Travel Guide, Travis from Virtuoso, and Betsy from F Prime share their valuable insights and takeaways that you do not want to miss.

Unlock the secrets of digital marketing success for the travel industry with Brennen Bliss, CEO of Propellic. Ever wondered how to craft a strategic digital marketing playbook that drives ROI? Brennan’s journey from teenage web developer to SEO and paid media guru offers a treasure trove of insights for large enterprises and smaller travel brands alike. Learn how to leverage SEO and paid media effectively while understanding the importance of learning from past victories to shape future strategies.

Discover the magic of organized adventure travel with our special guest, Travis Pittman, co-founder of TourRadar. Hear how a challenging trip to Croatia inspired Travis to revolutionize the adventure travel sector. You'll gain insights into the unique challenges faced by adventure travelers and how TourRadar strives to offer dependable and organized experiences that strike the perfect balance between meticulous planning and the thrill of exploration.

How does a chance encounter transform a hostel owner into a trailblazing tour operator? Join us on an exhilarating adventure with Sean Mulhern, the co-founder of One Life Adventures, as he recounts his journey from managing hostels in Thailand to creating a niche travel company in the Philippines. Sean's story is a testament to the power of adaptability and the impact of seizing unexpected opportunities in the dynamic world of travel. Hear firsthand how a simple conversation with an Australian travel agent sparked a career-shifting idea, leading to the birth of a unique tour operator that specializes in organized tours to relatively untapped destinations.

What if your passion for travel could be transformed into a groundbreaking business idea? On this special Deep Dive into Adventure series of Travel Trends, we're thrilled to have Erika De Santi, co-founder of WeRoad, join us to share her journey from a small village near Verona, Italy to shaking up the global adventure travel industry. Erika's story is one of passion, innovation, and the power of community. With a background in foreign languages and a master’s degree in tourism, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, making this conversation an essential listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and travel enthusiasts alike.

What if you could experience the world in a way that not only enriches your life but also contributes positively to our planet? Join us for an enlightening conversation with James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, as he shares his remarkable journey from an aspiring investment banker to a trailblazer in sustainable travel. Discover how two university friends' vision in the late '80s evolved into a global enterprise that now serves 328,000 customers across 1,000 trips in over 100 countries. James reveals the secrets behind Intrepid’s impressive growth and its steadfast commitment to creating meaningful, experience-rich adventures.

Welcome to Season 4! Our most comprehensive and captivating season yet, featuring over 20 episodes, 30 insightful guests, 10 sponsors, and 5 compelling themes that will take you on a deep exploration of the latest in the travel industry.

Kicking Off with Adventure Travel - We're starting this season with a special Adventure Travel series, sponsored by TourRadar.com

We're honored to have Shannon Stowell, CEO, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), join Host, Dan Christian for our first episode. Shannon will set the stage for the entire adventure travel category, discussing key players and overarching trends.

Experience the behind-the-scenes magic of 'The Summit' in Las Vegas with Amanda Fraser, President, Standards & Ratings at Forbes Travel Guide.

Discover the meticulous planning and unparalleled vision that go into creating this extraordinary event, where structured sessions seamlessly blend with ample networking opportunities. Amanda provides exclusive insights into how this invitation only event brings together an unparalleled group of global leaders in hospitality, influential luxury brands, thought leaders, and travel professionals.

What if the pandemic had an unexpected silver lining for luxury travel in India? Join us as we sit down with Sanjay Arya, CEO of KFT Corporation, who shares how the Forbes Travel Summit in Las Vegas transformed his perspective on the industry.

Ever wondered how watching media stars like Sofia Vergara can ignite a passion for travel? Meet Jeannette Ceja, the dynamic founder of Jet Set with Jeannette, who joins us to share her inspiring journey from her roots in Orange County and Nashville to becoming a trailblazer in the travel industry. Jeannette reveals how her Mexican heritage and early aspirations, fueled by travel shows on Discovery Channel, shaped her mission to represent the Latina community in media. Tune in to hear Jeannette’s dedication to promoting diversity in the travel world and how she uses her platform to showcase the beauty of the world and her cultural roots.

What if you could transform your travel experiences while empowering local artisans? Join us for an engaging conversation with Rana Saad, the visionary founder and CEO of Tuzmo, recorded live at Forbes Travel Guide’s ‘The Summit’ in Las Vegas. Rana takes us through Tuzmo’s journey from its launch just before the pandemic to its current standing as a platform that connects travelers with local artisans for authentic cultural experiences. You'll gain insights into the massive $650 billion handicraft market, poised to grow to $1.3 trillion, and learn how Tuzmo is ensuring that more revenue reaches the artisans themselves. Rana's extensive background in travel and digital innovation at Accenture has helped fuel Tuzmo’s mission to create meaningful and fair travel experiences.

What does it take to build a luxury car rental empire from just seven vehicles to a fleet of 6,000? Join us as we sit down with Mauricio Souza, VP of Operations at Go Rentals, to uncover the secret behind their remarkable growth. We explore how the company, founded by two brothers in 1995, caters exclusively to the ultra-high-net-worth community with an unwavering focus on exceptional service, products, and relationships. Mauricio shares his valuable insights from the Forbes Travel Guide Summit where he emphasizes the importance of community in achieving unparalleled service excellence.

How do luxury hotels craft unforgettable experiences while accommodating diverse dietary needs? Join us live from the Forbes Travel Guide Summit in Las Vegas as we sit down with Tiffany Dowd, better known as Luxe Tiffany. With over 15 years of experience in the luxury hotel social media landscape, Tiffany shares her journey and the pivotal role she plays as an ambassador for Forbes Travel Guide. Gain exclusive insights into how luxury hotels, private islands, and real estate companies refine their social media strategies under her expert guidance.

What if you could launch an iconic luxury resort and achieve a five-star rating within its first year? Discover the secrets behind this incredible feat as we sit down with Tom Roelens, the Managing Director of Atlantis Dubai, live from the FTG Summit in Las Vegas. Tom's journey is nothing short of remarkable, from Michelin-starred kitchens in Belgium and France to earning his stripes at Cornell University and leading renowned properties with Four Seasons. We uncover his strategies for exceptional guest service, the pivotal role of his team, and how Atlantis Dubai achieved top honors from Forbes Travel Guide right out of the gate.

How does a background in hospitality and fashion production lead to revolutionizing the luxury hotel industry? Join us as we chat with Jason Lurie, the mastermind behind Jalen Designs, who has turned the world of hospitality uniform design on its head. From his beginnings making costumes for Disney and Marvel to an unexpected pivot into outfitting elite private members clubs, Jason's journey is a testament to innovation and adaptability. Discover how a chance meeting with Forbes Travel Guide opened the doors to a global luxury market and learn about the meticulous approach Jason takes to understand each hotel's unique regionality and history.

Ever wondered what it takes to earn the prestigious triple five-star Forbes Travel Guide rating? In this episode, we sit down with Mark Langevin, General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton in Grand Cayman, who provides an insider’s perspective on elevating resort standards to this elite level. Mark discusses the essential role of teamwork and the relentless pursuit of excellence, emphasizing how 900 dedicated 'ladies and gentlemen' contributed to this remarkable achievement. He shares the joy of celebrating this milestone with his team and the continuous commitment to maintaining these high standards.

Imagine transforming every hotel stay into an unforgettable experience with just the right linens. That's exactly what Filippo Arnaboldi, CEO of Frette, shares with us on this episode. Filippo takes us on a journey through Frette's remarkable history since its inception in 1860, spotlighting its role in the global hospitality industry. Learn how Frette partners with elite hotels and cruise lines to craft bespoke, high-quality bedding and linens that cater to unique environments and climates. From luxurious, natural materials to meticulous tailoring, discover the art of creating a perfect sleep experience that leaves a lasting impression on guests.

Ever wondered how someone goes from washing dishes at a fried chicken restaurant to being a managing director of a luxury resort? Join us as we uncover Rick Fidel's remarkable journey from Auburn University psychology student to three-time Forbes Travel Guide five-star recipient.Rick shares his path to success, emphasizing the critical roles of hard work, vision, and team support. We also explore the camaraderie and recognition at the Forbes Summit, where Rick expresses heartfelt gratitude to his mentors and colleagues. This episode is not just about Rick’s inspiring story but also offers invaluable advice for aspiring leaders in the hospitality industry.

Ever wondered how a luxury hotel manages to maintain five-star service standards while hosting a prestigious global summit? Join us as Shannon McCallum, VP of Hotel Operations at Resorts World Las Vegas, shares her unique insights from hosting the Forbes Travel Guide Summit. Shannon recounts the ambitious journey of opening Resorts World amidst the pandemic in June 2021 and its pivotal role in revitalizing Las Vegas tourism. She takes us behind the scenes of this magnificent venue, revealing some extraordinary elements of the summit, including an unexpected pickleball court and a diverse array of international attendees.