Travel Trends with Dan Christian

Send us a textIn this spotlight episode, Murray Decker, CEO and founder of Tour Amigo, shares how his innovative technology platform is transforming the multi-day tour industry by equipping operators with cutting-edge reservation systems and seamless distribution capabilities.Murray’s journey began as a Contiki tour guide in 2008, where he gained firsthand insight into the travel industry. By 2016, he founded Tour Amigo to address a glaring gap in travel technology: while day tours, accommodations, and flights had embraced digital solutions, multi-day tours remained stuck in the analog era.The statistics Murray reveals are both surprising and inspiring. The multi-day tour market is expanding at an impressive 8-9% annually, even in the wake of COVID-19. Travelers are now spending $4,500-$5,000 per trip—nearly double the pre-pandemic average of $2,500. Yet, when Tour Amigo first introduced the concept of APIs to tour operators, the response was often, "What is an API?" This disconnect highlighted a massive opportunity in what Murray estimates to be a $300 billion global market.Whether you're a tour operator seeking to modernize, an investor exploring the next big travel tech innovation, or simply someone intrigued by the evolution of the travel industry, this episode is packed with invaluable insights. Murray’s vision for the future of multi-day tours is not just about technology - it’s about unlocking the full potential of an industry poised for extraordinary growth.Tune in to discover how Tour Amigo is leading the charge in this remarkable transformation. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Murray!The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 6 launches in September. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textImagine travel not merely as an escape, but as a powerful catalyst for healing, transformation, and self-discovery. This is the groundbreaking vision Sahara Rose De Vore has brought to life through her pioneering work with the Travel Coach Network.Sahara’s journey began with a hospitality degree and a one-way ticket to Europe, igniting a decade-long adventure across 84 countries. Along the way, her personal battles with anxiety and depression unveiled the profound therapeutic potential of travel. This revelation inspired her to create the world’s first ICF-accredited travel coaching certification program.Today, the Travel Coach Network has grown to include over 700 coaches spanning more than 40 countries. These coaches offer a revolutionary approach to travel - one that transcends booking itineraries and accommodations. Instead, they guide clients in using travel as a tool for personal growth, healing from trauma, rediscovering themselves, and uncovering their purpose. It’s a transformative shift in how we approach travel, focusing on the traveler’s inner journey rather than just external destinations.This episode explores the profound healing power of travel. Ready to see how your next trip could transform more than just your surroundings? A big thank you to Sahara for sharing her inspiring vision with us!The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 6 launches in September. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textWhen millennials rediscovered travel advisors, they revived a profession many had written off too soon. “Millennials’ expertise is knowing who the experts are,” says Arnie Weissmann, editor-in-chief of Travel Weekly. With more than 25 years leading the travel industry’s most influential trade publication, Arnie has chronicled - and shaped - some of the most pivotal transformations in travel.His own path from passionate explorer to industry leader is as compelling as it is instructive. Arnie’s love for discovery began on a 10-country camping trip through Africa, a journey fueled by curiosity and wanderlust. Frustrated by the lack of meaningful pre-trip resources, he launched a destination information service that later became part of Travel 42. That entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a deep empathy for traveler needs, made him the perfect fit to take the helm at Travel Weekly - a role he stepped into just after the seismic events of 9/11. Today, as part of Northstar Media’s global portfolio - which also includes Phocuswright and Business Travel News, Arnie oversees an unparalleled network of travel industry intelligence.For those eager to make their mark in travel, his advice is both simple and timeless: stand apart. “What are you going to do that isn’t being done right now, that nobody else is doing, and that people truly need?” It’s a guiding principle that has shaped Arnie’s extraordinary career and continues to serve as a compass for innovation in a constantly evolving industry.As travel undergoes yet another era of change, Arnie’s insights remind us that clarity of purpose and a willingness to innovate are the keys to thriving. We’re deeply grateful to Arnie for sharing his journey and wisdom - this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 6 launches in September. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textImagine exploring Rome with an archaeologist who's unearthed its ancient secrets, wandering Tokyo with an architect shaping its skyline, or navigating Barcelona's vibrant markets with a culinary expert who knows every vendor by name. This is the transformative experience Context Travel has been perfecting for over two decades.In this conversation with CEO June Chin-Ramsey, we discuss how Context Travel is redefining guided tours through its unwavering commitment to expert-led experiences. Unlike traditional tour companies that rely on guides reciting memorized scripts, Context exclusively collaborates with academics and professionals holding advanced degrees. These experts bring depth and authenticity to every tour, making complex topics not only accessible but also deeply engaging. As June explains, "They actually make the most exceptional guides because they're able to take fascinating, complex concepts and make them simple, digestible, and entirely relatable."The company’s journey began in Rome as a rebellion against the cookie-cutter approach of mass tourism - those all-too-familiar scenes of large groups trailing behind flag-waving guides at overcrowded landmarks. Instead, Context pioneered intimate, small-group walking tours where personalization and meaningful connections take center stage. This philosophy has fueled their growth to nearly 70 cities across six continents, from iconic cultural hubs like Paris and London to dynamic, emerging destinations like Mexico City and Seoul.Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or a curious traveler, Context Travel offers more than just a tour - it’s an invitation to see the world through the eyes of an expert. We hope you enjoy this spotlight episode. The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 6 launches in September. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textJoin us at Arival DC from September 29 to October 3, 2025, and be part of the most transformative event in the experiences sector. Use promo code FOADACHDC to get 10% off the AI Forum for Destination Experiences and Arival 360 DC combo ticket (excludes Pro Members). Plus, as a special bonus, you will be guaranteed a feature on the Event Spotlight that Dan will be recording live at the event!As Douglas Quinby, CEO, and Bruce Rosard, CCO, shared in our recent conversation, Arival DC isn’t just another industry conference - it’s a meticulously curated gathering of the "the 1% of the experiences sector." Visionary creators, resellers, technologists, and leaders from across the ecosystem - think day tour operators, multi-day specialists, tech startups, and platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator - will come together to shape the future of travel experiences.This year’s event is packed with groundbreaking programming:Monday: The Executive Summit, where industry leaders tackle the strategic challenges shaping the next decade.Tuesday: The first-ever AI Forum, offering hands-on guidance for integrating artificial intelligence into marketing, customer service, and product development.Wednesday through Friday: The main Arival 360 conference, featuring a brand-new Multi-Day Tour track alongside its established programming for day tours, activities, and attractions.Throughout the event, you’ll hear from industry visionaries like Joe Pine, the "godfather of the experience economy," who will explore the shift from selling experiences to enabling transformations. Key trends like the rise of experience-driven travel planning, the revolutionary potential of AI, and the demand for transformational experiences will dominate the conversation.And don’t miss Dan, who will be MC’ing the Multi-Day Track at Arival 360 on October 1 & 2, guiding two full days of sessions dedicated to the future of multi-day travel. From trends and technology to tour operator strategies and distribution, this track is a must-attend for anyone in the multi-day travel space.Don’t wait - secure your spot today! Use promo code FOADACHDC for your discount and guarantee your feature on the Event Spotlight. Mark your calendars and see you in DC!The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 6 launches in September. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

In this engaging conversation, guests like Enrique Espinel, COO of Civitatis, emphasize the importance of customer-centric branding tailored for Spanish-speaking travelers. Teesta Raha from Sojern discusses innovative marketing strategies that adapt to post-pandemic challenges. Andy Headington, CEO of Adido, shares insights on improving digital marketing for travel brands. Mark Ross-Smith of StatusMatch highlights the evolving landscape of loyalty programs, while Andrea Lamparini from WeRoad focuses on community-driven travel experiences that resonate with millennials.

Rod Cuthbert, the visionary founder of Viator, shares his remarkable journey from Tasmania to transforming the travel landscape. He reveals how a chance project in e-commerce led to creating the world’s leading platform for booking experiences. Rod emphasizes the shift in consumer values towards experiences over possessions and predicts AI will revolutionize travel distribution. He also discusses the evolution of the tour industry and offers candid advice for startups, drawing on his rich entrepreneurial journey.

Join Joe Pine, renowned author and co-founder of Strategic Horizons, alongside Jake Haupert, co-founder of the Transformational Travel Council, as they delve into the transformational economy reshaping tourism. They discuss the shift from surface-level travel experiences to deeper, meaningful journeys that promote personal growth. Learn how this evolution can bridge sustainable tourism and real behavioral change, fostering connections with ourselves, each other, and nature. Discover why this movement is not just a trend, but a fundamental rethinking of travel's true purpose.

Send us a textJoin us as we hit the road to Denver for a special edition of Travel Trends, recorded live at the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s (ATTA) Elevate Conference.Set against the stunning backdrop of Colorado’s beauty, this episode takes you straight into the heart of the $896 billion adventure travel industry. It’s a celebration of sustainability, outdoor exploration, and the magic of human connection in a world that’s increasingly digital.Think of this as your ultimate road trip playlist - featuring 15 intimate conversations with the trailblazers shaping the future of adventure tourism. From tech innovators and conservation champions to Indigenous leaders and destination dreamers, these voices share one thing in common: a deep love for people, planet, and place.Highlights & Timestamps6m22s – Erik Blachford, Former CEO, Expedia27m24s – Soraya Shattuck, Executive Director, Adventure Travel Conservation Fund41m20s – Jody Potts-Joseph, Han Gwich’in Leader, Raven Clan Kennels1h04m – Rob Holmes, Founder & Chief Strategist, GLP Films1h29m – David & Becky Blacksford, Owners & CEO, Blacksford Premium RV Rentals1h50m – Christina Tunnah, GM, World Nomads2h11m – Richard Naha, Co-founder, Surf Synergy2h30m – Heather O’Halloran, MD, Destination Rwanda2h46m – Zaal Gachechiladze, CEO, Wandero3h11m – Jason Reckers, COO, ATTA & Eirik Skjærseth, Founder & CEO, Bolder Technology3h39m – Casey Hanisko, Coach & Consultant3h53m – Andy Brown, Communications Manager, Tourism Golden4h05m – Julia Tregaskis-Allen, Co-owner, Tracks and Trails4h21m – Will Cairns, MD, Active England Tours4h34m – Jorge Perez, Founder, Tierra De VolcanWhether you’re an adventure travel pro or just someone who believes in the transformative power of tourism, this episode is your ticket to inspiration. So, grab your headphones, hit play, and let’s explore the wild, wonderful world of adventure travel together!The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 6 launches in September. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textLaura Sileo Pavat, Global Head of Brand Homes at Pernod Ricard, returns to Travel Trends to explore how spirit tourism is transforming cultural connections across the globe.With over 35 brand homes spanning four continents, Pernod Ricard has reimagined these spaces as immersive destinations that tell authentic stories and forge lasting emotional bonds. From the award-winning Jameson Distillery in Dublin to the architecturally striking Rabbit Hole in Louisville's arts district, these experiences highlight a new way for travelers to engage with places and their narratives.The discussion takes us to extraordinary locations like Scapa Distillery in Scotland's remote Orkney Islands, where a boat shelter-inspired building overlooks historic waters, and TX Whiskey Ranch in Fort Worth, which evolves from a working distillery by day to a vibrant community hub by night, hosting everything from live country music to yoga sessions. Laura reveals how these brand homes foster genuine connections with local communities through collaborations with regional artisans, musicians, and chefs—such as TX Whiskey’s bottle caps made from recycled cowboy boot leather or locally-crafted goods at Casa Altos in Mexico.Perhaps most intriguing is how spirit tourism addresses overtourism by guiding travelers to lesser-known destinations while driving economic growth for local communities.Whether you're a travel advisor seeking distinctive client experiences, a destination marketer focused on sustainable tourism, or a curious traveler craving meaningful connections, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how spirit tourism is reshaping the travel industry.👉 Listen to Crafted Journeys: Exploring Culture Through Spirits Tourism Now🔥 Season 5 Title Sponsors: TravelAI, Stay22, Propellic, Flight Centre, Collette, Flywire, Traveltek and Protect GroupThe #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 6 launches in September. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/