Travel Trends Podcast Season 4

Listen to the remaining highlights from this year’s Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) in Panama with Part 2 of our special series. This episode showcases ATTA's profound power of connection and the fundamental importance of sustainability in shaping a brighter future for the adventure travel industry.

Packed with powerful stories and insights, this final installment from our Tours & Activities series features an exceptional lineup of industry thought leaders, including:

• Jonathan Coleman, CEO, UnTours 

• Struan Robertson, CEO, SpiceRoads 

• Natalie Gauthier, GM, Great Canadian Trails 

• Hamish Keith, CEO,  EXO Travel Group 

• Justin Wateridge, CEO, Steppes Travel 

• Mariyana Castleberry, Yolo Dream Adventure 

• Christian Valencia, GM, Active Expedition 

• Gabi Stowell, VP, ATTA 

Did you know there was a global event for Adventure Travel companies? Join us as Dan attends his very first Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) held in Panama and interviews many fascinating people from Iraq to Pakistan and from Influencers to technology leaders that are shaping this massive industry.

This episode features insights from an exceptional lineup of industry leaders:

• Eric Segalstad, Gondwana Ecotours

• Kit Bernardi, Travel Journalist and Photographer

• Rich Heller, Miru Adventures

• Douglas Layton, Mesopotami Tour

• Sarah Higgins, World Expeditions

• Raza Akhtar, The Wander

• Ava Zupančič, World Discovery 

• Jason Halberstadt, MyTrip.ai

• Dan Flores, Satisfi Labs

Get ready to immerse yourself in the future of travel! Part 2 of our exclusive series from Arival 360 in San Diego takes you behind the scenes of the dynamic tours and activities sector—a thriving heartbeat of the travel industry.

This episode features insights from an all-star lineup of industry leaders, including:

• Sarah Dines, Chief Commercial Officer, Viator  Lori Timony, Go City 

• Kelsey Tonner, Guest Focus 

• Shradha Bhatia, WithLocals 

• Oliver Merneck Leverne, Secret Food Tours 

• Ryan O'Grady, Fotaflo 

• Alex Grant, Travel Curious 

• Sarah Dines, Chief Commercial Officer, Viator 

• Randy Stancic, The Sky Deck 

• John Maguire, TripAdmit 

• Bruce Rosard. Arival Co-Founder, and Christian Watts 

Curious about how a sandwich tour in New York City went virtual during the pandemic, or how a ghost tour entrepreneur turned his love for spooky stories into a nationwide adventure? You'll discover innovative approaches and clever pivots in the world of tours and activities with live interviews from Arival in San Diego. This episode promises a fascinating look at how passion projects can blossom into successful enterprises. Dive into these transformative journeys that show the resilience and creativity within the travel sector.

Discover the vibrant evolution of UK tourism with Tom Macklin, the visionary Managing Director of Evans Evans, as your guide. From his humble beginnings at a cruise travel agency to leading London's oldest sightseeing company, Tom shares his journey and how Evan Evans has grown since the 1930s. We unravel the rich tapestry of the company’s history, discussing its innovative transformation into a leader of diverse experiences, including day trips, small group tours, and bespoke attraction ticket wholesaling.

What if travel could be more than just a series of sights and sounds, but rather a transformative journey that resonates with your passions? Join us as we explore a world of personalized adventures and innovative tourism trends set to redefine your travel experiences by 2025.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and heritage of India with insights from Sanchin and Nidhi, the dynamic duo behind India City Walks.

What role do Online Travel Agencies play in the future of travel, and how are they poised to revolutionize the industry? We're thrilled to continue the conversation about the evolving OTA landscape with Rob Ransom, the Chief Strategy Officer for Booking Holdings. Rob shares his insider perspective on the transformative journey of Booking Holdings, one of the world's largest online travel agencies, from the pivotal acquisition of Booking.com by Priceline to its strategic rebranding. We'll uncover the company's dual focus on corporate growth and sustainability, and how these priorities shape its role in the world of travel.

What if your travel booking experience could be completely transformed? Join us as we unravel the captivating evolution of Online Travel Agencies. From the groundbreaking innovations since the 1990s to today's data-driven personalization, you'll discover how OTAs like Priceline have reshaped the travel landscape and what that means for your next trip.

Our episode dives into the heart of Priceline's strategies with insights from Traci Mercer, Priceline's Senior Vice President & Head of Accommodations, Flights & Strategic Projects. Learn how OTAs are not just service providers but vital partners for consumers and suppliers, streamlining the travel booking journey with convenience and flexibility.

Ever wondered how the world of expedition cruising blends adventure, luxury and sustainability? Join us for an in-depth conversation with HX | Hurtigruten Expeditions' CEO Gebhard Rainer and Chief Expedition Officer Alex McNeil. Together, we embark on a journey through HX's unique offerings, where every voyage promises a meaningful connection to the planet and its rich history. From Gebhard's transition from the hospitality industry to leading a trailblazer in expedition travel, to Alex's operational insights that reassure and excite future travelers, we uncover the essence of what makes HX stand out in the world of exploration at sea.

Discover the magic behind Princess Cruises with our special guest, Nick Charrow, Director of Media, as he shares his captivating journey from creative and digital marketing to his influential role in the cruise industry. You'll gain insights into how Princess Cruises crafts a comprehensive vacation experience with its impressive fleet of 16 ships. Nick highlights the unique features that set the brand apart, such as the medallion class product, which uses wearable technology to elevate the guest experience. Whether you're a cruise veteran or a curious newcomer, there's something here for everyone.

World-renowned cruise industry expert Claudius Docekal, Vice President of Ocean Deployment and Shore Excursions at Scenic, joins us to pull back the curtain on the luxury cruise market.

The episode sails through the waves of the cruise industry’s future, from the evolution of passenger demographics to the expansion of forward bookings into 2026 and beyond. Claudius shares strategies that ensure customer retention and lifetime value, while we highlight the indispensable role of travel advisors in crafting personalized experiences.

What happens when luxury meets the open seas? Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Regent Seven Seas Cruises with our special guest, Steve Odell, Chief Sales Officer. From his global career journey to insights on crafting culturally rich cruise experiences, Steve shares how Regent is redefining luxury travel. Discover what makes their boutique offerings irresistible to a wide range of travelers and why their inclusive pricing model is a game-changer in the high-end cruise market.

Prepare to set sail on a journey through the cruise industry's remarkable resurgence. Together with industry leaders, we decipher the changing demographics and motivations of today's cruise passengers, revealing a youthful curiosity fueling the sector's evolution. 

Join the conversation as we spotlight Virgin Voyages and their game-changing approach to cruising. Special guest John Diorio shares how Virgin Voyages midsize, adult-only ships and innovative experiences, like the "happenings cast" and unique app features, are turning the traditional cruise model on its head.

Join us for an exciting conversation with Eva Fouquet, Strategic Partnerships, Accommodations & K4B at KAYAK, as we uncover the visionary leap KAYAK is making into the corporate travel sector. Eva reveals how KAYAK aims to disrupt the long-standing dynamics of business travel by translating its leisure travel expertise into innovative corporate solutions. Our episode promises insights into how strategic partnerships with firms like PwC and BlockSky are paving the way for a new era in corporate booking tools, blending ease, speed, and sophistication.

Imagine harnessing travel as a force for good. In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Gardiner, SVP at Finn Partners and Director of Travel Massive, London, to explore the industry’s transformative power.  This episode highlights World Travel Market (WTM) in London, where Matthew and host Dan Christian unpack the latest trends in travel marketing, from SEO breakthroughs to brand innovation and loyalty programs. Discover how WTM’s “Travel Power” theme showcases the industry’s role in driving positive global change.

Unlock the secrets of the rapidly evolving business travel landscape with Rich Liu, CEO of Navan, formerly known as Trip Actions. Discover how the industry is bouncing back post-pandemic, with projections pointing to a booming $2 trillion market by 2028. Rich shares his vision for Navan's strategic growth and highlights the importance of innovation in redefining travel and expense management. Discover how a mix of passion for travel and cutting-edge technology is essential for successfully scaling a business in today's competitive environment.

Discover how travel is reinventing itself in the modern age with insights from Chadd Andre, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Flight Centre Canada. Chadd offers a compelling perspective on the future of travel advisors and how they can maintain their relevance amidst rapid technological advancements. Inspired by his early exposure to the travel industry, Chadd reflects on his journey from accompanying his pilot father on flights to leading one of the largest travel agencies and how those experiences shaped his understanding of the importance of human connection.

What if the travel industry could be revolutionized by technology and inclusivity? Join us for an exciting conversation with Jake Peters, Co-founder, Chief Product & Technical Officer of Fora, as he reveals the future of travel advisory services and the cutting-edge innovations shaping the industry. Discover how Fora is transforming the way travel advisors work, offering flexible opportunities and fostering a dynamic community. As Jake shares the origins of Fora, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how the company emerged post-pandemic to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers and advisors alike.

Discover the transformative power of wellness travel with Lauren and Chris Pronger of Well Inspired Travels. Lauren’s poignant journey began with her father's courageous battle against cancer, where travel and holistic healing played pivotal roles in his treatment. Her experiences inspired her to become a certified health coach, blending her deep-rooted passion for health with unique travel experiences. Meanwhile, Chris, a Hockey Hall of Famer, highlights his own shift from sports to wellness travel, focusing on the importance of nutrition, recovery, and sleep optimization. Together, they showcase how wellness travel can enhance your health and overall well-being.

🔥 Proudly Sponsored by: Flight Centre

In the inaugural episode of our "Travel Advisor Series," we explore the incredible resurgence of travel advisors in the post-pandemic world. Discover why travelers of all ages are increasingly turning to travel advisors for personalized, expert planning.

To kick things off, we bring together three senior executives with extensive travel agency experience:

• Anita Emilio, VP & General Manager at Envoyage Group, Flight Centre Group

• Stephanie Lee, Founder of Host Agency Reviews

• Sandy Saburn, Chief Strategic Alliances Officer at Gifted Travel Network

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.