Travel Trends with Dan Christian

Send us a textEver wondered why traveling to Africa feels so complicated compared to booking a European vacation? In the final instalment of our Safari Series, we’re joined by Joshua D'Souza, Co-founder and CEO of CloudSafaris, to explore how his company is transforming this narrative. Combining his expertise as a Waterloo-trained computer scientist with over 50 years of family ties to East African tourism, Joshua is breaking down barriers in the safari booking industry.CloudSafaris is solving a common travel pain point—accurate pricing and availability for African safaris—by working directly with trusted local operators. Covering destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and South Africa, their platform enables instant booking and guarantees authentic experiences through thorough vetting processes, including evaluating safaris firsthand. Joshua also challenges the misconception that safaris are exclusively luxury trips, showcasing how they can be surprisingly affordable—sometimes comparable to a week in New York City. We explore CloudSafaris' evolution from a software tool for local operators to a global B2B platform, and Joshua reveals his vision of an AI-powered tour operator that could extend beyond Africa.This episode offers invaluable insights into how technology is opening up one of travel's most transformative experiences. Subscribe now to hear how this Canadian startup is revolutionizing access to the wonders of Africa.👉 Listen to Transforming the Way We Book African Adventures 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 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textWelcome to Season 2 of our Special Hospitality Series in collaboration with Forbes Travel Guide, the global authority on luxury hospitality.In this season, we take you behind the scenes of Forbes Travel Guide 'The Summit' in Monaco—their first-ever international event. With over 750 attendees from 90+ countries, this prestigious event drew a global audience for learning, collaboration, and celebrating excellence in luxury hospitality, which featured main stage talks, exclusive sessions, and even the presence of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II.This season’s theme, “The Leaders Behind the Stars,” introduces you to 10 visionary leaders shaping the future of luxury hospitality. From their passion and innovation to the relentless pursuit of five-star excellence, we’re bringing you inspiring stories from Italy, France, Beverly Hills, the Seychelles, and more. In our first episode we are joined by Malcolm Hendry, Managing Director of Hotel 41, The Rubens at the Palace, and 100 Princes Street, who shares his incredible journey to earning his first Forbes Travel Guide’s coveted five-star rating and how they have maintained that status for nine consecutive years. Discover how he rallied his team after narrowly missing the mark on the first attempt and built a culture of excellence that defines Red Carnation Hotels.From pioneering sustainability efforts such as the living wall at Rubens to recommending local authentic experiences like Borough Market tours, Malcolm reveals the secrets behind creating unforgettable guest moments. Learn how Red Carnation Hotel's leadership team fosters happiness and staff loyalty, with many team members staying for over two decades.This discussion is filled with valuable insights on luxury hospitality trends and Malcolm’s tips for aspiring hoteliers—all delivered with his signature charm (and a memorable kilt story straight from Monaco!).We will be releasing new episodes every Thursday—don’t miss this exceptional 10-part series featuring hospitality leaders from Beverly Hills to the Seychelles.The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textStep into the world of Tanzanian safaris with Cliff D’Souza, Managing Director of Savannah Tours, a family-run business with 51 years of expertise. Cliff shares how safari experiences have transformed—from rugged Land Rovers and simple tents to modern vehicles with Wi-Fi and luxury lodges boasting spa facilities—all while preserving the raw beauty of the wilderness.  What You'll Uncover in This Episode  The evolution of Tanzanian safaris, now including cultural visits to Maasai villages and the Hadzabe hunter-gatherer tribe.  Highlights of the northern circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire), including the Great Migration and calving season.  Conservation efforts, with rangers protecting endangered species, a national ban on single-use plastics, and lodges adopting solar power and water conservation practices.  Accessibility improvements, making national parks even easier to explore.  Safari packages ranging from $863 for a seven-day experience to ultra-luxury adventures, ensuring options for every traveler.  Cliff also reveals fascinating trends, like increasing diversity in safari-goers (with growing interest from Asian travelers) and an exciting surge in advance bookings—2025 is already 70% sold! Whether you're planning your first adventure or a return to explore Tanzania’s southern gems like Nyerere National Park, this episode inspires you to plan an unforgettable journey.  Cliff’s parting wisdom? “Don’t rush. Take the time to truly experience the magic of Tanzania.”  Now is your chance to immerse yourself in a safari adventure of a lifetime.👉 Listen to Inside Tanzania's Safari Legacy: The Great Migration & Affordable Luxury 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 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textOur 2nd Safari Series episode takes you deep into the stunning world of African safaris with the expert insights of Iain McConachie from Wilderness. With years of experience curating luxurious and meaningful safari adventures, Iain uncovers the powerful synergy between luxury, wildlife, and community-driven conservation efforts.We’ll explore how Wilderness has seamlessly evolved safari experiences by blending ecotourism with impactful practices that uplift local communities and protect the natural environment. From unforgettable wildlife encounters to the unexpected cultural gems, this conversation captures what makes a safari truly extraordinary.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:An insider look at Wilderness’ heritage and purpose How ecotourism is expanding beyond Africa’s landscapes Unique safari activities you might not expect beyond game drives The fusion of high-end luxury with sustainable travel practices The vital role of local communities in preserving wildlife Expert tips to help first-time safari travelers make the most of their trip The exciting future of safaris, focusing on meaningful impact Ways to enrich your safari by engaging in community-based projects and experiences Whether you’re curating trips for clients or simply dreaming of your next adventure, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice to fuel your passion for travel. Don’t miss the insights that could redefine your idea of a safari!👉 Listen to rom Africa to the World: Luxury Safari Camps Redefining Conservation and Sustainability 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 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textAre you ready to experience the untamed beauty of Africa? In this episode Sherwin Banda, president of African Travel Inc. and a Cape Town native, takes us deep into the world of African safaris. With his expert insights, Sherwin paints a vivid picture of the safari adventure—from breathtaking wildlife encounters to the growing emphasis on community and conservation.What You’ll Learn:The booming popularity and evolution of African safaris Changing demographics and the rise of luxury travel options How sustainability is shaping the future of safari tourism Essential tips for choosing the best safari experience and providers Exciting new destinations redefining the safari landscape Sherwin’s heartfelt stories and expertise reveal how safaris offer more than just thrilling moments—they’re a life-changing way to connect with Africa’s incredible landscapes and wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the safari scene, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to help you plan your next wild adventure for yourself or one of your clients.Don’t miss the chance to step into the heart of the African wilderness.  It's time to answer the call of the wild!👉 Listen to Beyond the Big Five: Expert Tips for Your Ultimate African Safari 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 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textThis Special Event Spotlight features exclusive coverage from the inaugural Les Grands Remous Conference in Québec City—a groundbreaking gathering focused on innovation and sustainability in tourism brought together by MT Labs and Destination Quebec. What to Expect:Expert Insights: Hear from influential speakers like Martin Lessard, Managing Director of MT Lab, and Robert Mercure, CEO of Destination Québec City, as they discuss the future of sustainable travel and cutting-edge technology and tourism initiatives.Visionary Entrepreneurs: Learn how trailblazers like JP Descheneau use AI to reinvent businesses, or explore the creative impact of Olivier’s eco-friendly electric camper vans.A Celebration of Québec: Discover why Québec City is a must-visit destination, with breathtaking winter scenes, Carnaval festivities, ice sculptures, and more.Dan also speaks with keynote speaker from New Zealand, Mat Woods, the Chief Executive from Queenstown Tourism who share many valuable insights on sustainability along with Genvieve, a Quebec based sustainability advocate as well as Simon Jacobs from Immersion Québec who collectively paint a vivid picture of the ideas shaping our industry.This special Event Spotlight really captures the magic of this inspiring inaugural event. We hope you enjoy these conversations and get to join us next year!The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textDiscover everything you need to know about ITB Berlin, the largest global travel trade show, with valuable insights from Debbie Rothe, Director of ITB. This special episode spotlights dives all the speakers, session plans and tips for making the most essential event for travel industry professionals.We cover the highlights to help you maximize your ITB Berlin experience:What makes ITB Berlin a key event for the travel industryA look at its diverse exhibitors and global participantsKey details on ticket pricing and accessibilityA preview of ITB Berlin 2025, featuring themes of innovationA deep focus on sustainability in travelAlbania’s role as the host countryAn impressive lineup of speakers and their session topicsRegistration and important dates to markWhether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, this episode offers a rich roadmap to navigating the evolving world of global travel. Don’t miss it!The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textLearn how Mitch, Chris, and Pete from the Tourpreneur team are redefining the art of travel. Their collaboration showcases the exciting potential of immersive travel and how it’s reshaping the future of the industry. Through their expertise and passion, they reveal how to create unforgettable journeys, explore strategies to convert interest into bookings, and elevate the travel experience.The focus of this episode highlights the critical role of blending technology with authentic human connection in the travel industry. It emphasizes the growing demand for genuine and meaningful experiences. Tour operators are encouraged to go beyond algorithm-driven interactions by cultivating deeper customer engagement and fostering a sense of community.Key Takeaways from This Episode:Understanding the Power of Human Connection in designing impactful travel experiences.Tourpreneur’s Influence on the Industry and their continued growth.The move away from rigid itineraries toward custom, experiential travel options.The value of social and shared travel experiences in today’s market.Insight into the challenges tour operators face in a dynamic industry.How emerging technologies are transforming marketing strategies and customer relationships.This episode is packed with candid insights and actionable tips, using real-world examples to help tour operators and travel marketers balance the use of cutting-edge digital tools with the irreplaceable human touch. Join the conversation and learn how to adapt to the ever-changing travel landscape, creating deeper connections and more meaningful experiences for your customers.The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textJoin our final instalment of our Influencer series as Sally Bunnell, Founder and CEO of Navi Savi, shares her inspiring story from her Nebraska roots to building an innovative User Generated Content platform that is reshaping the travel industry. With experience spanning broadcast journalism and the music industry, Sally’s global adventures through 113 countries led her to create Navi Savi—a platform connecting creator videos with personalized travel recommendations.This episode dives into how Navi Savi's library of over 125,000 geolocated short-form videos across 180+ countries redefines the way businesses and travelers interact. Learn how travel professionals including travel agencies and airlines can use this authentic, real-time content to create more engaging customer experiences. Sally emphasizes the importance of genuine peer-to-peer interaction, highlighting the power of unedited insights to build trust and enhance travel planning.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Navi Savi works and the inspiration behind its creation The role of user-generated content in shaping travel decisions Why authenticity is vital in travel marketing strategies The impact of short-form video in today’s content-driven world Insights into influencer partnerships in the travel industry Upcoming trends and what’s next for Navi Savi For professionals in travel marketing and travelers alike, this conversation offers a unique perspective on using video to inspire and connect. If you're looking to stay ahead of industry trends, this episode is your roadmap.Plus, we have a special bonus conversation with Paulina Cameron, COO of Flytographer so you can learn more about their innovative business model that connects professional photographers with travelers for amazing in-destination photo shoots.👉 Listen to How Creators are Redefining Travel Booking Now🔥 Season 5 Title Sponsors: TravelAI, Stay22, Propellic, Flight Centre, Collette, Flywire, Traveltek and Protect Group.The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us a textDiscover how travel writers are shaping the way we explore the world with award-winning journalist and filmmaker Ash Bhardwaj. Having reported from over 50 countries, Ash shares valuable insights on the intersection of travel, culture, and current global affairs.This episode explores the deeper meaning on "why we travel" and gets behind our travel experiences, offering thoughtful reflections on cultural engagement and the impact of personal storytelling. Ash also highlights the ethical challenges facing travel journalism and influencers, while exploring the growing trend of adventure travel as a path to emotional connection.Key Takeaways Include:The 12 core motivations driving our travel choices How personal stories shape travel narratives Travel as a tool for healing The ethical responsibilities of travel influencers and writers The rise of adventure travel and its emotional resonance Join us for this engaging discussion that will challenge your perspective on travel and inspire more meaningful journeys!👉 Listen to Why We Travel: Exploring the Role of Travel Writers Now🔥 Season 5 Title Sponsors: TravelAI, Stay22, Propellic, Flight Centre, Collette, Flywire, Traveltek and Protect Group.The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/