Travel Trends with Dan Christian

Send us a textWelcome to Season 4 Episode 2 of the Travel Trends Podcast where our host Dan Christian welcomes James Thornton, the esteemed CEO of Intrepid Travel, for an enlightening discussion on the transformative power of sustainable travel. Prepare to hear James' remarkable journey from aspiring investment banker to a pioneer in purpose-driven adventures, unraveling the story of how Intrepid Travel evolved from a vision between two university friends into a global enterprise serving hundreds of thousands of travelers across the globe.Discover the secrets behind Intrepid’s impressive growth and its unwavering commitment to creating meaningful and experience-rich adventures. Gain insights into the strategic pivots and innovations that allowed Intrepid Travel to navigate unprecedented challenges, including the launch of Intrepid Premium and key partnerships. Learn about the impactful "Travel is Back for Good" campaign and how the company achieved its best year ever, fostering deeper connections with travelers and local communities. Plus, get a visionary outlook on Intrepid's ambitious goals for 2030, including reaching 600,000 customers and investing in purpose-driven initiatives.Curious to explore how travel can enrich lives and contribute positively to our planet?Don't forget to show your support by hitting the like button and subscribing to the Travel Trends Podcast for a wealth of industry knowledge and expert guidance on your favourite Podcast App!Connect with Our Guest: www.intrepidtravel.com/ca🔥 Adventure Series Sponsored by our friends at TourRadar. 🔥 Season 4 Title Sponsors: Stay 22, TravelAI, Propellic and Northern Soul by LandsbyThe #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textWelcome 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.comWe'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.Discover the three pillars that define adventure travel—nature, culture, and activity.Learn about the significant growth in the adventure travel industry and the rising financial prospects for niche tour operators.Understand the pivotal role of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) in promoting sustainability and connecting stakeholders within the industry.Get practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the adventure travel industry, focusing on passion-driven leadership.Our Adventure series will continue with:James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid TravelErika De Santi, Co-Founder of WeRoadSean Mulhern, CEO of One Life AdventuresTravis Pittman, Co-Founder and CEO of TourRadarThese incredible industry leaders will share their unique perspectives valuable insights into the dynamic world of adventure travel. Get Ready for an Action-Packed Season!From Adventure Travel to the resurgence of Travel Advisors, the massive global Cruise market, the rapidly growing Tours and Activities sector, and the role of Influencers, Season 4 is packed with valuable deep dives into the most important categories in travel and are filled with expert insights and industry trends that you won't want to miss. Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter to stay updated https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/Special thanks to our Season 4 Title SponsorsPropellic - https://www.propellic.comTravelAI - http://travelai.com/trendsStay 22 - https://www.stay22.com/traveltrendsNorthern Soul by Landsby - https://landsby.ca/northernsoulThe #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textExperience the behind-the-scenes magic of 'The Summit' in Las Vegas with Amanda Fraser, President, Standards & Ratings at Forbes Travel Guide. Discover the meticulous planning and unparalleled vision that go into creating this extraordinary event, where structured sessions seamlessly blend with ample networking opportunities. Amanda provides exclusive insights into how this invitation only event brings together an unparalleled group of global leaders in hospitality, influential luxury brands, thought leaders, and travel professionals.You'll also get an insider's look at the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide ratings process. Learn about the rigorous standards that properties must meet to achieve and maintain their coveted five-star ratings. Amanda sheds light on the role of incognito evaluators and the annual nature of these prestigious awards, emphasizing the independence and credibility of Forbes' rating system.We wrap up this incredible series by highlighting the the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Summit in Monaco.   We sincerely hope you enjoy this insightful finale and look forward to our continued collaboration with the Forbes Travel Guide team. The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textWhat if the pandemic had an unexpected silver lining for luxury travel in India? Join us as we sit down with Sanjay Arya, CEO of KFT Corporation, who shares how the Forbes Travel Summit in Las Vegas transformed his perspective on the industry. Sanjay opens up about the fascinating shift from ticketing to high-end hotel specialization, revealing how high-net-worth Indian clients began to appreciate the opulence within their own country. Learn how Forbes Travel Guide verification has been a game-changer in building client trust, and get an insider's look at current challenges like visa issues and the anticipated resurgence of Chinese travelers.We really enjoyed our conversation with Sanjay and hope you enjoy his unique perspective.  The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textEver wondered how watching media stars like Sofia Vergara can ignite a passion for travel? Meet Jeannette Ceja, the dynamic founder of Jet Set with Jeannette, who joins us to share her inspiring journey from her roots in Orange County and Nashville to becoming a trailblazer in the travel industry. Jeannette reveals how her Mexican heritage and early aspirations, fueled by travel shows on Discovery Channel, shaped her mission to represent the Latina community in media. Tune in to hear Jeannette’s dedication to promoting diversity in the travel world and how she uses her platform to showcase the beauty of the world and her cultural roots.Our discussion takes you behind the scenes at the Forbes Travel Guide 'The Summit', where Jeannette moderated an excellent panel on wellness, well-being, longevity, and sleep. Feel Jeannette's energy as she shares her insights on health and well-being, major themes at the summit, and her passion for connecting with industry leaders. From discussions on AI and technology to women in the hotel industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Join us as we celebrate the power of travel, wellness, and the vibrant connections made through networking at conferences.  Thanks for joining us Jeannette! Wishing you much continued success. The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textWhat if you could transform your travel experiences while empowering local artisans? Join us for an engaging conversation with Rana Saad, the visionary founder and CEO of Tuzmo, recorded live at Forbes Travel Guide’s ‘The Summit’ in Las Vegas. Rana takes us through Tuzmo’s journey from its launch just before the pandemic to its current standing as a platform that connects travelers with local artisans for authentic cultural experiences. You'll gain insights into the massive $650 billion handicraft market, poised to grow to $1.3 trillion, and learn how Tuzmo is ensuring that more revenue reaches the artisans themselves. Rana's extensive background in travel and digital innovation at Accenture has helped fuel Tuzmo’s mission to create meaningful and fair travel experiences.We also dive into Tuzmo’s innovative features, including upcoming VR and AI-driven smart matching, designed to enhance how users interact with local crafts. Hear about their strategic partnerships with luxury hotels to provide unique, localized experiences, that was highlighted during their participation in the "Emporium of the Future Discover”. Learn about the importance of avoiding tourist traps and instead foster genuine connections with local communities. Have a look at Tuzmo's active market hotspots in Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa for example. This episode underscores the universal need for increased visibility for artisans and how Tuzmo is pioneering economic and cultural benefits worldwide. We hope you enjoy this discussion.The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textWhat does it take to build a luxury car rental empire from just seven vehicles to a fleet of 6,000? Join us as we sit down with Mauricio Souza, VP of Operations at Go Rentals, to uncover the secret behind their remarkable growth. We explore how the company, founded by two brothers in 1995, caters exclusively to the ultra-high-net-worth community with an unwavering focus on exceptional service, products, and relationships. Mauricio shares his valuable insights from the Forbes Travel Guide Summit where he emphasizes the importance of community in achieving unparalleled service excellence.We also discuss the post-pandemic resurgence of the travel industry, the increasing emphasis on wellness, and how Go Rentals maintains their stellar reputation Learn about the strategies that make Go Rentals stand out, from competitive pricing to long-term relationship building. Whether you're a high-net-worth individual or someone planning a special occasion, this episode is your VIP pass to the world of luxury car rentals. We hope you enjoy this discussion.  The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textHow do luxury hotels craft unforgettable experiences while accommodating diverse dietary needs? Join us live from the Forbes Travel Guide Summit in Las Vegas as we sit down with Tiffany Dowd, better known as Luxe Tiffany. With over 15 years of experience in the luxury hotel social media landscape, Tiffany shares her journey and the pivotal role she plays as an ambassador for Forbes Travel Guide. Gain exclusive insights into how luxury hotels, private islands, and real estate companies refine their social media strategies under her expert guidance.We also explore the highlights of Leslie Durso's impactful seminar on plant-based vegan menus and the significance of personalized dining experiences for guests with dietary restrictions. Hear Tiffany's personal reflections on navigating these challenges, especially as her husband has turned to veganism for health reasons. Discover the strategies luxurious resorts are employing to ensure every guest enjoys a memorable culinary experience, no matter their dietary needs. Don't miss this compelling conversation on the future of luxury travel and hospitality.The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textWhat if you could launch an iconic luxury resort and achieve a five-star rating within its first year? Discover the secrets behind this incredible feat as we sit down with Tom Roelens, the Managing Director of Atlantis Dubai, live from the FTG Summit in Las Vegas. Tom's journey is nothing short of remarkable, from Michelin-starred kitchens in Belgium and France to earning his stripes at Cornell University and leading renowned properties with Four Seasons. We uncover his strategies for exceptional guest service, the pivotal role of his team, and how Atlantis Dubai achieved top honors from Forbes Travel Guide right out of the gate.In one of our most enlightening conversations, we discuss how tom has launched luxury resorts across the globe, including breathtaking locations like the Maldives, Hawaii, and Kuala Lumpur. Tom offers captivating insights into his team-building philosophy, mentorship approach, and the lifelong bonds forged through these endeavors. Our conversation covers the sensational opening of Atlantis the Royal in Dubai, where architectural brilliance meets ultra-luxury. Headlined by Beyoncé and grabbing global headlines, this grand opening has set a new benchmark in the hospitality industry. Tom reflects on this high-stakes project and its alignment with the Atlantis brand's core values.Tom shares his perspective on the power of networking and the importance of attending global summits. His personal travel tales to exotic destinations such as Bhutan and Namibia add a colorful touch and we tackle the common perceptions about traveling to the Middle East.  We hope you enjoy this fascinating conversation with a true industry leader. Thanks for joining us Tom. Wishing you and the Atlantis Dubai team much continued success!The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textHow does a background in hospitality and fashion production lead to revolutionizing the luxury hotel industry? Join us as we chat with Jason Lurie, the mastermind behind Jalen Designs, who has turned the world of hospitality uniform design on its head. From his beginnings making costumes for Disney and Marvel to an unexpected pivot into outfitting elite private members clubs, Jason's journey is a testament to innovation and adaptability. Discover how a chance meeting with Forbes Travel Guide opened the doors to a global luxury market and learn about the meticulous approach Jason takes to understand each hotel's unique regionality and history.Get ready to explore the cutting-edge trends of 2024 in hospitality uniform design, where fashion meets functionality in ways never seen before. Jason reveals how today's uniforms are moving away from traditional, logo-heavy designs towards more personalized, stylish garments that celebrate individuality while maintaining team cohesion. Learn about the game-changing benefits of modern fabric blends, the scalability of production for large hotel chains, and the versatility of using consistent base garments across various roles. As we wrap up, Jason shares how you can connect with Jalen Design for your next project, where he emphasizes the importance of a progressive uniform design in fostering a proud and engaged workforce.The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/