Travel Trends Podcast Season 3

Welcome to the season three finale of Travel Trends! In this special episode, the entire team comes together for a warm and reflective look back at the podcast's journey this season. We share our favorite memories, from insightful discussions on sustainability and the powerful voices of women in travel to format changes that truly connected with our listeners. Zach, Jen, and Katherine each share their personal highlights, celebrating the triumphs and acknowledging the challenges overcome during our most successful season yet.

What's shaping how Americans travel in 2024? Today on the Travel Trends Podcast, we zero in on the key trends impacting US travelers, with a particular focus on the worlds of tour operators, travel insurance, and the influential 50+ demographic. We're joined by three leading voices in the travel industry: Christina Tunnah, GM at nib Travel; Ryan Busse, VP at Grand European Travel; and Matthew Philips from AARP, who offer their expert perspectives on shifting consumer behaviours, summer travel aspirations, and the undercurrents of an election year.

In this episode of the Travel Trends Podcast, we've gathered three all-stars from the Tours and Activities world to share the key trends that are shaping our industry as we prepare for the summer travel season of 2024 and beyond.

Our discussion begins with Stephen Joyce, Vice President of Content at Arival, who deepens our understanding with his extensive knowledge of social media strategies, content creation, and his insightful perspective on the tours sector. Stephen, a true expert in the field, also co-hosts the Arival podcast with Janelle Visser, offering a wealth of beneficial insights and analysis.

In this engaging conversation on the Travel Trends Podcast, we connect with Charles Shima, the inspiring Rwandan-Canadian entrepreneur who founded Tourifique. We trace his incredible journey from enduring the unimaginable during the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda to becoming a force for change in Afro-centric travel.

We explore the deep experiences that not only built Charles' strength but also motivated him to build a platform that truly honors the vibrant cultures of Africa. He's creating ways for travelers to discover real, often unseen, local experiences. Throughout our talk, we discuss how African destinations are often missing from the bigger picture of global tourism and how Tourifique is actively working to bring these stories forward.

Today's episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to drive their brand forward through strategic affiliate marketing. We're joined by Jamie Birch, the founder of JebCommerce and a leading expert in the world of affiliate marketing.

Are you a travel business owner or marketer aiming to increase bookings and revenue? Then get ready, because Jamie's extensive knowledge is about to become your guiding light in the expansive affiliate marketing landscape.

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.

Join us for this special hospitality edition of the Travel Trends Podcast, broadcasting live from Forbes Travel Guide's 'The Summit' in Las Vegas, for a captivating conversation with the visionary CEO & Founder of Virtuoso, Matthew Upchurch. With a deep-rooted history in travel, Matthew provides a remarkable look into his family's legacy and the collective ingenuity of 1950s boutique travel agencies that played a significant role in shaping the personalized travel advisor experiences we value today.

In this episode of the Travel Trends Podcast, we turn our focus north and explore the diverse wonders of Canadian travel. I'm joined by three remarkable trailblazers in Canadian tourism. First, we welcome Gloria Luree, the CMO of Destination Canada, who expertly guides the national tourism narrative for our cherished country. Next, we have John Gunter, CEO of Frontiers North, who creates unforgettable journeys to Churchill, Manitoba, offering travelers incredible experiences with polar bears and the mesmerizing northern lights. Finally, we're joined by Jason Sarracini, Founder of the travel agency Landsby, which specializes in authentic Canadian and Indigenous travel, and the creator of 'Northern Soul' magazine, dedicated to showcasing these unique 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.

Explore the diverse and captivating travel landscape of Australia, from Queensland's sunny shores to Tasmania's rugged wilderness, with our special guest, Sarah Clark, the dynamic CEO of Tourism Tasmania. Having journeyed from a passionate tour guide to a global travel executive with Top Deck and Intrepid, and now leading a major Tourism organization, Sarah offers a refreshing and insightful perspective on the evolution of the travel industry Down Under.

In this exclusive 'Special Guest' edition of the Travel Trends Podcast, we're excited to present a compelling conversation with Douglas Quinby—a visionary leader in the travel industry and the esteemed CEO of Arival. Join us as we explore his extensive history in travel, from the foundational years at Phocuswright to his ambitious venture in launching the Arival conference.

Join us on the Travel Trends Podcast as we embark on a journey through the evolving landscapes of culture, politics, and travel with Brian Jewell, VP & Executive Editor of The Travel Group Leader. As we explore his career path and the stories behind his compelling travel narratives, you'll gain a fresh perspective on how destinations become more than just points on a map. Brian's passion for the art of storytelling illuminates the crucial role of narrative in connecting with a location's true essence, inviting listeners to uncover the deeper layers of group travel journalism and the surprising enduring power of print media.

In celebration of International Women's Day, join us for an engaging conversation on the Travel Trends Podcast with the internationally acclaimed Laura Sileo Pavat, the expert behind the prestigious brand homes for the global wine & spirits powerhouse Pernod Ricard. Laura's remarkable career journey began in her native Italy, where her love for literature and dedication led her to master five languages. Her path then led her through France's renowned Champagne region — a place where she not only pursued her professional goals but also realized personal dreams, falling in love and marrying a wine producer.

Join us on the Travel Trends Podcast for an in-depth discussion about the evolving relationship between technology and global travel, featuring valuable insights from industry leaders. 1 Rebecca from TravelTek, Kelly Tompkins of Reserve X, and the esteemed Ragnar from Kaptio come together to analyse the significant digital transformation currently underway within the travel sector. 2 This episode explores crucial topics such as the revolutionary impact of APIs, the efficiency of real-time booking systems, and the influential role of AI in personalising travel experiences for today's travellers.

Gain a deeper understanding of the future of environmentally responsible travel with our expert panel of sustainability leaders. In this episode of the Travel Trends Podcast, Shannon Guihan, Christian Moeller-Hoist, and Zach Demuth join forces to discuss the intricate world of sustainable tourism. Learn how they are driving a significant shift towards environmentally responsible travel, and expect to come away with practical knowledge on how to travel with a smaller environmental impact.

Join us for a captivating journey on the Travel Trends Podcast as we trace the steps of travel visionary Ian Cumming, the founder of Travel Massive. Starting with a spontaneous rooftop get-together of travel enthusiasts at the YHA in Sydney, Travel Massive has grown into a formidable global network, boasting over 75,000 members across 100 cities.

Join us for a captivating conversation on the Travel Trends Podcast with Christian Watts, the visionary CEO of Magpie Travel, as he unravels the significant changes happening at the intersection of travel and technology. Ever wondered how AI is creating ripples throughout the travel industry, a sector deeply rooted in human connection? This episode offers more than just a glimpse into the future; it's an insightful lesson in the art of innovation from a leader whose company name holds a story as compelling as the technological advancements he's championing.

Join us on the Travel Trends Podcast for a fascinating conversation with Alex Bainbridge, CEO of Autoura. We explore his innovative path from launching a RoboTaxi service to spearheading an AI-driven revolution in tourism. As he prepares for the upcoming AI summit, Alex shares valuable perspectives on how AI tour guides are transforming the way we experience travel.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the Travel Trends Podcast with Ragan Stone, Co-Founder & CEO of Nicer Travel, as we explore the evolving role of Travel Advisors in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

Get ready for an engaging conversation on the Travel Trends Podcast with Konrad Waliszewski, CEO and co-founder of @Hotel. We trace his remarkable path from the son of a Polish political refugee to a true innovator in the travel industry. Learn how he transformed hotel booking by leveraging the power of social media, now a crucial tool for savvy travelers. From his initial venture, Trip Scout, to the creation of @Hotel in response to the pandemic, Konrad’s story showcases resilience and the ability to find opportunities in a dynamic sector.

Our latest episode of 'Travel Trends' host Jen Burke welcomes three inspiring leaders for a special "Women Shaping the Future of Travel" panel: Nicole Smith, CEO and Founder of Flytographer; Iris Serbanescu, Founder and CEO of wmnsWORK; and Rita Varga, CEO of RaizUp. Get ready to explore their remarkable insights, experiences, and perspectives on how they are changing the travel industry, understand the importance of mentorship and building supportive communities that empower women, and gain valuable perspectives on how to speed up progress and the specific changes needed to help more women succeed in travel technology.

Welcome to Season 3! Our biggest and best season yet with over 20 episodes, key sponsors and a major virtual event. 

For our kick-off, we have Kayak Co-Founder, Paul English with us to discuss AI’s Impact on the travel industry in 2024.