Travel Trends with Dan Christian

Hosted by Dan Christian

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Episodes

279

Latest episode

Nov 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to our Travel Trends Podcast, the #1 B2B global travel podcast for professionals shaping the future of travel. Hosted by Dan Christian, this show features candid conversations with global travel leaders, startup founders, tourism boards, hospitality executives, and technology innovators. Together they explore the ideas, innovations, and strategies driving the next era of travel. Whether you're building a travel startup, leading a destination, scaling a hospitality brand, or new to the industry, you’ll gain actionable insights and real-world perspectives from the leaders redefining the global travel economy.

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November 11, 2026Episode 101 hr 10 min

Travel Trends Monthly Report - November 2026

Send us Fan Mail Search engines, social media, and word of mouth have long shaped how travelers discover and book their trips. But generative AI is quickly changing that, becoming a new starting point for travel inspiration, research, and planning. Recording live from Vancouver following World Travel Market (WTM), in this month’s Travel Trends Report , Dan and Marius reflect on the conversations, insights, and emerging trends shaping the future of travel marketing, and why the industry is changing faster than ever. Drawing on findings from our latest report, we explore a key shift: AI is becoming the front door to travel, but it's not yet where bookings happen. With fewer US travelers starting their trip planning on traditional search engines and more turning to generative AI, what does this mean for travel brands? We discuss the implications for SEO, AI visibility, customer acquisition, and the future of booking, including the growing potential of agentic AI. We also share insights from live demonstrations and industry conversations that show how travel companies are moving beyond AI experimentation and starting to put these technologies to work. But as AI becomes more capable, the human side of travel remains just as important. One particularly revealing statistic caught our attention: when given the choice between speaking with an AI phone agent or waiting for a human, only 2% of callers chose AI. We explore what this tells us about consumer trust, the importance of keeping humans involved, and where personal service continues to make a difference. We wrap up with a look ahead to Season 8 of the Travel Trends Podcast , including our upcoming DMC series, and share how our advisory work is evolving to help travel businesses navigate AI through practical strategies, prototypes, and new technology development. Download the full November Travel Trends Report , for a closer look at how generative AI is reshaping travel discovery, the rise of agentic booking, and why the human touch still matters. We break down the latest research, industry insights, and emerging trends to help you understand what's changing and what it means for your business heading into 2027. 👉 Listen to Travel Trends Monthly Report - November 2026 Now 🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 8 Title Sponsors for their Support: Quark Expeditions , Intrepid , Kaptio , Propellic , Repayd , and Holafly . The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

November 10, 20261 hr 5 min

Queenstown's Next Adventure: Building a Travel Tech Hub in New Zealand with Technology Queenstown

Send us Fan Mail Queenstown is the kind of destination many of us dream of visiting. With its breathtaking mountains, stunning lakes, and world-class adventure experiences, tourism has long been at the heart of the local economy. But when COVID closed international borders and visitors disappeared almost overnight, the community faced a major challenge. It also sparked an ambitious idea: what if Queenstown could become a global hub for travel and hospitality technology, creating new opportunities beyond tourism? In this Company Spotlight episode, Dan sits down with Roger Sharp, Chair of Technology Queenstown , to explore how that vision is becoming a reality. Roger brings decades of experience in travel technology, from building and selling lastminute.com in Australia and New Zealand to chairing Webjet and now WebBeds. He shares how Queenstown is working to attract startups, develop local talent through a partnership with the University of Otago, secure long-term private funding, and position itself as a real-world testing ground where travel technology companies can develop and trial new products with hotels, operators, and travelers. The conversation also explores what it takes to turn an ambitious idea into something the entire community can get behind. Drawing inspiration from destinations like Bend and Bozeman, Roger discusses the importance of local support, investment, and collaboration, along with the role of WiT (Web in Travel) in putting Queenstown on the global innovation map. From economic resilience and remote work to venture capital and the growing influence of AI, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how destinations can build more diverse economies and become centres for innovation. Learn more at technologyqueenstown.com . The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

November 7, 20266 hr 13 min

Event Spotlight: Arival 360 Spokane 2026

Send us Fan Mail Recorded live at Arival 360 in Spokane, this special Event Spotlight episode brings together leaders from across the tours, activities, attractions, and multi-day travel sectors to explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the industry heading into 2027. Dan returned as MC of Arival’s Multi-Day Stream, following successful editions in Washington, DC, and Valencia, Spain. This year’s program turned its attention to the United States, the world’s largest travel market, and the growing opportunities for multi-day tour operators. The Multi Day stream kicked off with with a main-stage panel discussion featuring Dan Berger, the new US General Manager at WeRoad, Katy Rockett, Regional Director, Explore Worldwide and Tingting Guo, Global VP Tours4fun, exploring the rise of small-group travel and the new players reshaping the market. Throughout the event, Dan connected with industry leaders, tour operators, technology providers, and destination experience specialists to hear what’s driving growth across the sector. From changing traveler expectations and the growing demand for small-group adventures to smarter distribution, product innovation, and the practical applications of AI, these conversations offer a firsthand look at how businesses are adapting to a rapidly evolving travel landscape. This episode starts with Intrepid’s President North American, Leigh Barnes and closes with Bruce Rosard, Arival Co-Founder and CCO and is filled with insights from both established industry leaders and emerging companies, discussing where the biggest opportunities are and what travel businesses should be thinking about as they plan for 2027 and beyond. Highlights & Timestamps 5s - Leigh Barnes, US General Manager, Intrepid Travel 17m04s - Kristin Dorsett, GM, Experiences, Tripadvisor 34m45s - Heather MacDonald, President, Gibbons Whistler 52m26s - Sahara Rose De Vore, CEO & Founder, The Travel Coach Network 1hr00m15s - Caitlin Montgomery, Group Director of Revenue, Magnicity 1hr11m02s - Tingting Guo, Global VP, Tours4fun 1hr27m31s - Dan Berger, General Manager, United States, WeRoad 1hr50m41s - Katy Rockett, Regional Director, Explore Worldwide 2hr03m37s - Christian Watts, CEO, Magpie Travel 2hr24m45s - Sean Hebert, VP, The Americas, Goway 2hr38m41s - Sarah Sprague, COO, Batch 2hr54m01s - Bastien Delapré, COO, Secret Food Tours 3hr06m55s - Susan Sanderson, Rezometry 3hr19m40s - Dan Moore, COO, The Adventure Hub 3hr29m35s - Tom Monroe, Owner, Tom's Christian Tours 3hr48m25s - Dale Schober, Founder & CEO, RADventures Canada 4hr04m57s - Stephanie Piano, Trade Partnerships Manager, By Iris Co. 4hr15m33s - Sara Margulis, Co-founder & CEO, Honeyfund 4hr28m01s - Louis Juergens, Co-owner, Alaska Galore 4hr38m48s - Lauren Shannon, Partner/General Manager, Arigato Japan 4hr57m00s - Asgeir Baldurs, CEO, Arctic Adventures 5hr15m24s - Ben Holz, Founder, AnyKai 5hr28m14s - Katrina Demers, VP, Pursuit 5hr44m17s - Jessica Johns, Head of Sales, Sojern 5hr54m53s - Bruce Rosard, Co-founder & COO, Arival The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

November 4, 2026Episode 91 hr 12 min

Why Pet Travel Is Booming and What Hotels Are Getting Wrong with PetsVivo

Send us Fan Mail “Pet-friendly” is a term we see everywhere in travel, but what does it actually mean? For many travelers, it still comes with frustrating restrictions, unexpected fees, and limited options. In this episode, Dan sits down with Luis Zamora, Co-Founder and CMO of PetsVivo , to explore the growing pet travel market, what pet owners really want, and why hotels and destinations could be missing out on a major opportunity. Luis shares insights into the rise of pet travel, including how changing attitudes toward pets are influencing travel decisions and spending habits. We discuss why travelers are willing to spend more with businesses that genuinely welcome their pets, and what hotels can do to create a better experience. From clearer pet policies and more transparent fees to thoughtful amenities that make a real difference, Luis explains how small changes can help properties attract more guests and encourage repeat bookings. We also explore some of the biggest opportunities in pet travel, from RV adventures and national parks to wellness retreats designed for people and their pets. As more travelers look to include their four-legged companions in their vacations, destinations and travel businesses have an opportunity to rethink how they cater to this growing audience. Finally, we look at how AI and search are changing the way travelers discover pet-friendly accommodations. Luis shares why clear information, relevant content, and authentic guest reviews are becoming increasingly important for hotels looking to stand out online. For hotels, destinations, travel advisors, and anyone looking to better serve this growing market, this conversation offers practical insights into what it takes to move beyond simply allowing pets to creating experiences that make travelers and their companions feel genuinely welcome. 👉 Listen to Why Pet Travel Is Booming and What Hotels Are Getting Wrong Now 🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 8 Title Sponsors for their Support: Quark Expeditions , Intrepid , Kaptio , Propellic , Repayd , and Holafly The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

November 3, 20261 hr 1 min

Tern's Vision for the Travel Industry

Send us Fan Mail Booking travel shouldn’t mean entering the same client details over and over, chasing commissions months after a trip, or juggling multiple platforms just to book a hotel. In this Company Spotlight episode, Dan sits down with David Shull, CEO and co-founder of Tern , to explore how the company is simplifying the way travel advisors and host agencies run their businesses. David shares the challenges that inspired Tern, including the behind-the-scenes administrative work that can take up 80 to 90% of an advisor’s day. From client management and itinerary planning to payments, compliance and commission tracking, Tern brings the tools advisors need into one platform. The goal is simple: less time spent on admin and more time building relationships, serving clients and growing their businesses. One of the biggest announcements is the launch of Hotels by Tern , a new hotel booking platform taking aim at one of the travel industry’s most persistent headaches: getting advisors paid. With guaranteed commissions automatically reconciled and paid to agencies and host agencies within seven days of checkout, Tern is changing the way hotel bookings work, making the process faster, simpler and more financially predictable for travel advisors. David also discusses how Tern handles payment processing, disputes and chargebacks, along with its approach to 24/7 hotel reservation support. We look at how the company is using AI to manage routine requests, support personalized email marketing and give advisors more time to focus on what matters most. As technology continues to reshape the travel industry, this conversation offers a look at what happens when innovation is built around the people actually using it, and how removing everyday frustrations can help travel advisors build stronger, more profitable businesses. Learn more at tern.travel . The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

October 28, 2026Episode 81 hr 17 min

The 2027 Travel Marketing Playbook Part 3: AI Visibility

Send us Fan Mail AI is changing how travelers discover, compare and book trips, and travel brands need to rethink how they get found. In the final episode of our Marketing Series sponsored by Propellic, Dan sits down with Brennen Bliss, Founder and CEO of Propellic, and John Lyotier, Co-Founder and CEO of TravelAI , to explore what AI visibility means for travel businesses heading into 2027 and beyond. As platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Perplexity become part of the travel planning process, the rules of online visibility are changing. Brennen and John break down Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) , how it builds on traditional SEO, and why showing up in AI-generated recommendations is becoming increasingly important for travel brands. Brennen shares how Propellic studies real traveler behavior to better understand how people use AI to research and plan trips, and what marketers can learn from those insights. John brings the perspective of building AI-powered travel technology, explaining the growing role of connectors, plugins and proprietary data in shaping which businesses get recommended. The conversation also tackles one of the biggest questions facing the industry: Will AI agents eventually handle the entire booking process, or will travelers still want to be involved in planning their trips? From trust and transparency to attribution challenges and the changing relationship between travelers and suppliers, Dan, Brennen and John explore what these developments could mean for the future of travel. For tour operators, hotels, destinations and travel technology companies, this episode offers a practical look at where AI-powered discovery is heading and what businesses should be paying attention to today. The way travelers find and book trips is changing. The opportunity now is to understand those changes, rethink how your business gets discovered, and make sure you're part of the conversation when AI starts making recommendations. 👉 Listen to The 2027 Travel Marketing Playbook Part 3: AI Visibility Now 🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 8 Title Sponsors for their Support: Quark Expeditions , Intrepid , Kaptio , Propellic , Repayd , and Holafly The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

October 22, 20261 hr 19 min

95% Execution, 5% Magic: How The Travel Collection Is Building the DMCs of the Future

Send us Fan Mail If ChatGPT can build a two-week travel itinerary in seconds, where does that leave destination management companies (DMCs)? In this Spotlight Episode, Dan sits down with Hicham Alaoui, co-founder of The Travel Collection , a network of 16 locally led DMCs operating across 22 countries, to explore why local expertise and personal connections matter more than ever. Hicham shares how a Harvard Business School trip to Morocco that sold out in minutes helped launch a business built around delivering exceptional travel experiences. At the heart of the conversation is Hicham's philosophy that great travel comes down to 95% execution and 5% magic . From quick response times and seamless logistics to thoughtful budgeting and attention to detail, he explains what it takes to be a trusted DMC partner. But it's that final 5% that makes an experience truly memorable: understanding what travellers want, drawing on local relationships, and creating moments they wouldn't find on their own. The conversation also turns to AI and how it's changing the way trips are planned. With more travelers and advisors arriving with AI-generated itineraries, Hicham explains why local knowledge is still essential for turning those plans into experiences that actually work. He also shares how The Travel Collection is using AI behind the scenes, where he sees the biggest opportunities for automation, and why the human side of travel remains so important. As AI makes travel planning faster and more accessible, this episode explores what technology can't replace: trusted relationships, local insight, and the ability to turn a good itinerary into an unforgettable experience. Learn more at travelcollection.co . The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

October 21, 2026Episode 71 hr 34 min

The 2027 Travel Marketing Playbook Part 2: Performance Marketing & Data Attribution

Send us Fan Mail Measuring marketing performance in travel has never been straightforward, and it's only getting more complicated. With evolving privacy regulations, changing attribution models, and travelers researching trips across multiple platforms over weeks or even months, how can marketers really know what's driving bookings and where to invest their budgets? In the second episode of our three-part Marketing Series, sponsored by Propellic , Dan sits down with John Matson, Chief Revenue Officer at Propellic , and Nicole Robinson, CMO at andBeyond , to explore what effective performance marketing looks like in today's travel industry. From understanding key metrics like ROAS, CPA, and conversion rates to tackling the challenges of attribution for high-value, long-consideration trips, the conversation looks at why traditional measurement models don't always tell the full story. John and Nicole share their perspectives on first-party data, CRM integration, and incrementality testing, including how marketers can better distinguish between campaigns that generate new demand and those that simply capture existing interest. The discussion also turns to marketing budgets for 2027. If you had an additional $100,000 to spend, where would you invest it? Paid search, social media, retargeting, content, or something entirely different? And as AI-powered search and agentic booking continue to evolve, how should travel brands rethink the way they attract, engage, and convert travelers? For travel marketers looking to make smarter investment decisions, better understand what's working, and build a strategy that delivers measurable results, this episode offers practical insights from both sides of the industry. 👉 Listen to The 2027 Travel Marketing Playbook Part 2: Performance Marketing & Data Attribution 🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 8 Title Sponsors for their Support: Quark Expeditions , Intrepid , Kaptio , Propellic , Repayd , and Holafly . The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

October 21, 20264 hr 41 min

Event Spotlight: WiT Singapore 2026

Send us Fan Mail The travel industry is changing fast, and there's no better place to hear what's happening than WiT Singapore 2026 . For the first time, Dan was on the ground at this leading travel technology conference, connecting with the people driving change across the industry. Recorded live from the conference floor, this special Event Spotlight episode brings you conversations with the founders, innovators, and industry leaders shaping the future of travel. As Asia Pacific's leading travel technology conference, WiT Singapore brings together hundreds of decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and investors from more than 30 countries to explore what's next for the industry. This year's theme, "21: A New Beginning," focuses on a new era of travel driven by generative AI, changing consumer expectations, and fresh opportunities for innovation. Across these conversations, we explore everything from payments and metasearch to hotel technology, AI-powered discovery, and the behind-the-scenes systems that make travel bookings possible. Hear firsthand how businesses are adapting, where they're investing, and what they believe will have the biggest impact on the industry in the years ahead. Highlights & Timestamps: 0m05s - Brian Dass, CEO, One Journey 14m16s - Jacinta Lim, CEO, Seek Sophie 30m57s - Atsumi Araki, VELTRA 50m48s - Brian Batista, CEO, Skyscanner 1h04m02s - John Seaton, HotelREZ 1h15m16s - Romy Abbrederis, CEO & Co-founder, Lobby AI 1h31m36s - Alex Veka, Founder, CEO & CMO, Vibe Adventures 1h45m30s - Roger Sharp, Founder & Chair, North Ridge Partners 2h03m53s - Stephen Joyce, Global Strategy Lead- Travel, Tours & OTA’s, Protect Group 2h28m42s - Nana Kankam, Founder, BookAfrica 20h50m19s - Jason van Esso, Founder & CEO, Crewfare 3h00m34s - Mikayla Allen, Founder & CEO, dnd video 3h07m45s - Astha Kalbag, Founder, Talk to Magpie AI 3h23m01s - Timothy O’Neill–Dunne, Principal, T2 Impact 3h44m40s - Christa Sabathaly, Co-founder & CEO, Spun Global 3h59m09s - Cara Whitehill, Venture Partner, Thayer Ventures 4h15m16s - Pete Comeau, Managing Director, Phocuswright The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

October 15, 20261 hr 5 min

Inside Airbnb’s Growing Experiences Business

Send us Fan Mail The tours and activities sector is one of the fastest-growing and most competitive areas of travel. With so many platforms offering similar experiences, what does it take to stand out? And how do you bring together iconic attractions, authentic local experiences, and the personal connections that make travel memorable? In this Company Spotlight episode, Dan sits down with Doug Weiss, Global Head of Airbnb Experiences , to explore how Airbnb is reimagining the way travelers discover and book experiences around the world. Doug shares the strategy behind Airbnb Experiences' evolution, from embracing the famous landmarks travelers want to see to creating unique, host-led experiences they can't find anywhere else. They discuss what makes a great experience, why the quality and passion of local hosts are so important, and how Airbnb is helping travelers connect with both their destinations and each other. Doug also shares practical advice for tour operators and local experts looking to bring their experiences onto the platform. The conversation also explores the growing demand for food tours and culinary experiences, Airbnb's expanding partnerships with tour operators and reservation technology providers, and how AI is changing the way travelers discover and book things to do. Looking ahead, Doug shares what's next for Airbnb Experiences, including plans to expand into new markets, grow its global offering, and explore new booking options for travelers. As Airbnb continues to invest in experiences and strengthen its relationships with the travel industry, the opportunities for operators, hosts, and suppliers are growing. This conversation offers a fascinating look at the strategy behind that growth, the role of local expertise, and why the experiences we have along the way are often the most memorable part of any trip. Learn more at airbnb.ca/experiences . The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/