Themes, Trends & Trust: Experiences in 2026 and Beyond with Erik Blachford

In this episode of The Best Part of Travel, we sit down with Erik Blachford, former Expedia CEO and longtime travel industry leader, to explore what’s really changing in travel experiences — and what’s not. From AI and consolidation to leadership and human connection, this conversation cuts through the hype to focus on what matters most for operators and experience creators in 2026 and beyond.

• 🧭 Why human-led planning still matters in travel: How discovery, anticipation, and choice are essential to meaningful travel experiences — and why fully automated itineraries miss the point.

• 🤖 AI’s double-edged impact on travel and experiences: Where AI is already reshaping operations and cost structures, and the looming risks of labor displacement and demand erosion.

• 📉 The K-shaped travel economy & inequality: Why high-income travelers are pulling ahead, what this means for mid-market operators, and the risk of travel becoming less accessible.

• 🌍 Overtourism, climate pressure & regulation: How environmental limits and policy decisions are reshaping destinations, pricing, and long-term growth potential.

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Human connection as the true differentiator: Why tours and activities function more like art than infrastructure — and why authenticity can’t be automated.

• 📵 The growing demand for digital detox and IRL (in-real-life) experiences: What screen-free environments, summer camps, and shared disconnection teach us about the future of experiences in an increasingly digital age.

• 💡 What this means for operators & leaders: Practical insights on where to focus, how to build resilience, and why leadership today starts with the product and the people.

Some resources and other things we mention:

• 6 Major Themes & Megatrends for Experiences in 2026: https://arival.travel/article/tourism-trends/ 

• Arival Summary Report from the Executive Summit on the Future of Experiences: https://arival.travel/research/executive-summit-2025-the-future-of-experiences-summary-report/ 

• Beyond Capacity: Managing Demand at Europe’s Top Attractions (Arival report on overtourism): https://arival.travel/research/beyond-capacity-managing-demand-at-europes-top-attractions/ 

• Medical referrals for outdoor experiences in Sweden: https://the-european.eu/story-51483/fancy-a-sauna-on-prescription-sweden-becomes-the-first-country-doctors-can-recommend-for-your-health.html 

• Join the next Executive Summit in Valencia: https://arival.travel/event/2026-valencia-exec-summit/ 

• Upcoming Arival events: https://arival.travel/all-events-dashboard/  

The Best Part of Travel podcast is brought to you by Arival. Season Two is sponsored by Protect Group.