Travel Trends with Dan Christian

Send us a textWhat happens when luxury meets the open seas? Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Regent Seven Seas Cruises with our special guest, Steve Odell, Chief Sales Officer. From his global career journey to insights on crafting culturally rich cruise experiences, Steve shares how Regent is redefining luxury travel. Discover what makes their boutique offerings irresistible to a wide range of travelers and why their inclusive pricing model is a game-changer in the high-end cruise market.The cruise industry is on a thrilling post-COVID resurgence, and we’re here to explore its trajectory toward 40 million cruisers by 2027. We tackle the industry's challenges, including sustainability and over-tourism, and highlight Regent’s Sail & Sustain program aimed at reducing environmental impact. As luxury travelers shift their focus to more remote destinations, learn how technology is shaping the future of luxury cruising, making expeditions to cooler climates like Greenland and Antarctica more accessible and intimate.We also peek into Regent Seven Seas’ ambitious growth strategies, from new ships set to launch to innovative itineraries catering to discerning globe-trotters. With a spotlight on the evolving role of travel agents and emerging markets, discover how Regent plans to capture new generations of cruisers. As we wrap up our exploration of ocean cruises, stay tuned for future episodes where we’ll navigate through river cruises and more, and don’t forget to connect with us on social media for the latest updates.👉 Listen to Discover the Ultra-Luxury Experience at Sea with Steve Odell, Regent Seven Seas Cruises Now 🔥 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 textPrepare to set sail on a journey through the cruise industry's remarkable resurgence. Together with industry leaders, we decipher the changing demographics and motivations of today's cruise passengers, revealing a youthful curiosity fueling the sector's evolution. Join the conversation as we spotlight Virgin Voyages and their game-changing approach to cruising. Special guest John Diorio shares how Virgin Voyages midsize, adult-only ships and innovative experiences, like the "happenings cast" and unique app features, are turning the traditional cruise model on its head. From the vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of boutique hotels to destinations that captivate the adventurous spirit, Virgin Voyages is redefining what it means to embark on a sea journey.With visionary marketing campaigns and the savvy use of travel advisors, Virgin Voyages is carving out a unique space in the cruise world. Listen in to uncover how these trends are shaping the future of cruising and why companies like Virgin Voyages are at the helm of this exciting transformation.👉 Listen to Sea the Difference: A Journey into Cruises with John Diorio, VP, Virgin Voyages Now🔥 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 textJoin us for an exciting conversation with Eva Fouquet, Strategic Partnerships, Accommodations & K4B at KAYAK, as we uncover the visionary leap KAYAK is making into the corporate travel sector. Eva reveals how KAYAK aims to disrupt the long-standing dynamics of business travel by translating its leisure travel expertise into innovative corporate solutions. Our episode promises insights into how strategic partnerships with firms like PwC and BlockSky are paving the way for a new era in corporate booking tools, blending ease, speed, and sophistication.We soar into the future of business travel, where technology and AI reign supreme. KAYAK for Business is leading the charge, not by processing tickets directly, but by providing a robust search tool for airlines and hotels, integrated with travel management features. We explore how this tech-driven approach, coupled with innovations like APIs and blockchain, positions KAYAK at the forefront of transforming travel disruptions into manageable hiccups. Delve into the promising prospects of "bleisure" travel and strategic global market focus, painting a vibrant picture of the road ahead for travelers and the industry alike.👉 Listen to The Future of Business Travel Part 2 with Eva Fouquet, SVP of KAYAK for Business Now🔥 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 textImagine harnessing travel as a force for good. In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Gardiner, SVP at Finn Partners and Director of Travel Massive, London, to explore the industry’s transformative power.  This episode highlights World Travel Market (WTM) in London, where Matthew and host Dan Christian unpack the latest trends in travel marketing, from SEO breakthroughs to brand innovation and loyalty programs. Discover how WTM’s “Travel Power” theme showcases the industry’s role in driving positive global change.We also dive into the compelling rise of podcasts as a key engagement tool in travel, with Finn Partners’ insights highlighting their high engagement rates. Learn how the podcast format uniquely conveys complex stories, with successes like collaborations with the Malta Tourist Board and the Evening Standard. This conversation celebrates the expanding podcast ecosystem and its impact, as we share stories of past guests who have launched their own ventures, enriching the vibrant world of travel media.Listen in to uncover the trends and strategies shaping the future of travel marketing, all while fostering emotional connections that redefine destination marketing in a post-pandemic world.👉 Listen to World Travel Market, Digital Trends for 2025 & the Power of Podcasting with Matthew Gardiner Now🔥 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 textUnlock the secrets of the rapidly evolving business travel landscape with Rich Liu, CEO of Navan, formerly known as Trip Actions. Discover how the industry is bouncing back post-pandemic, with projections pointing to a booming $2 trillion market by 2028. Rich shares his vision for Navan's strategic growth and highlights the importance of innovation in redefining travel and expense management. Discover how a mix of passion for travel and cutting-edge technology is essential for successfully scaling a business in today's competitive environment.Get ready to explore the art of building robust end-to-end travel platforms that go beyond financial milestones to solve significant problems in unique ways. We'll dive into how Navan integrates travel booking and expense management for a seamless user experience that automates traditional processes and enhances operational efficiency.  As we look toward the future, witness the transformative impact of AI in the travel industry through Navan's innovations. Ava, an AI virtual assistant, is set to revolutionize customer service and communication across languages through slicing and dicing real-time spend data, provide insights into T&E questions, and proactively find opportunities for savings. Stay tuned for insights into future trends, including the importance of personalized travel solutions and the growth potential of in-person business interactions. Plus, don't miss upcoming episodes featuring key players as we continue to explore the dynamic world of corporate travel management.👉 Listen to The Future of Business Travel with Navan CEO, Rich Liu Now 🔥 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 text🔥 Proudly Sponsored by: Flight CentreDiscover how travel is reinventing itself in the modern age with insights from Chadd Andre, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Flight Centre Canada. Chadd offers a compelling perspective on the future of travel advisors and how they can maintain their relevance amidst rapid technological advancements. Inspired by his early exposure to the travel industry, Chadd reflects on his journey from accompanying his pilot father on flights to leading one of the largest travel agencies and how those experiences shaped his understanding of the importance of human connection. Join us as we navigate the transformation of the travel industry, where balancing technology with personal interaction becomes crucial. Chadd highlights how Flight Centre leverages both digital tools and face-to-face relationships to create lasting customer loyalty, even as online platforms dominate the market. Chadd also highlights how sustainability is reshaping travel, focusing on Flight Centre's initiatives to support local communities and eco-friendly practices. His insights emphasize the travel advisor’s role in guiding consumers toward more sustainable, rewarding journeys through informed decisions and strategic partnerships.Tune in to hear engaging stories from Chadd's extensive career and how the human touch remains a crucial advantage, enabling travel advisors to thrive by delivering personalized experiences and exclusive access that technology alone can't replicate.👉  Be sure to check out flightcentre.ca/traveltrends for more insights!🔥 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 textWhat if the travel industry could be revolutionized by technology and inclusivity? Join us for an exciting conversation with Jake Peters, Co-founder, Chief Product & Technical Officer of Fora, as he reveals the future of travel advisory services and the cutting-edge innovations shaping the industry. Discover how Fora is transforming the way travel advisors work, offering flexible opportunities and fostering a dynamic community. As Jake shares the origins of Fora, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how the company emerged post-pandemic to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers and advisors alike.This episode takes you through the challenges and opportunities faced when blending legacy systems with innovative platforms and sheds light on Fora's strategic decisions that set it apart, highlighting the potential for growth and transformation through clever tech integration and community engagement. Listen to Fora’s strategic growth plans and the exciting role of AI in reshaping the travel advisory landscape. Uncover the importance of community support and specialized training in cultivating successful travel advisors from diverse backgrounds. With insights into expanding luxury travel segments and the enduring value of personal relationships, Jake paints a compelling picture of what lies ahead with travel advisors. Tune in to explore how Fora is not just adapting to industry trends but actively shaping the future of travel.👉  Be sure to check out flightcentre.ca/traveltrends for more insights!🔥 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 text🔥 Proudly Sponsored by: Flight CentreDiscover the transformative power of wellness travel with Lauren and Chris Pronger of Well Inspired Travels. Lauren’s poignant journey began with her father's courageous battle against cancer, where travel and holistic healing played pivotal roles in his treatment. Her experiences inspired her to become a certified health coach, blending her deep-rooted passion for health with unique travel experiences. Meanwhile, Chris, a Hockey Hall of Famer, highlights his own shift from sports to wellness travel, focusing on the importance of nutrition, recovery, and sleep optimization. Together, they showcase how wellness travel can enhance your health and overall well-being.Journey with us through the rise of Well Inspired Travels, a venture that marries Chris’s athletic discipline and Lauren’s wellness expertise to offer tailored and rejuvenating travel experiences. From navigating initial challenges to thriving during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prongers have dedicated themselves to creating meaningful travel plans for families and high net worth individuals, particularly within the hockey community. They reveal their joy in fostering family connections and the excitement these bespoke journeys bring to their clients.Delve into the critical aspects of sleep optimization and the concept of "bioharmony," where techniques like breath work, meditation, and cold immersion help combat jet lag and enhance overall health. Discover the importance of multi-generational travel and the thoughtful approach the Prongers take in planning each unique trip. With personal anecdotes and professional insights, this episode paints a comprehensive picture of how wellness and travel intertwine to create life-changing experiences.👉  Be sure to check out flightcentre.ca/traveltrends for more insights!🔥 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 text🔥 Proudly Sponsored by: Flight CentreWelcome to Season 4 Episode 9 of the Travel Trends Podcast and the inaugural episode of our special "Travel Advisor Series," proudly sponsored by Flight Centre! Join us as we explore the remarkable resurgence of travel advisors in today's travel landscape and uncover why travellers of all generations are increasingly seeking their personalised expertise.To launch this series, host Dan Christian brings together three distinguished senior executives with extensive experience in the travel agency sector: Anita Emilio, VP & General Manager at Envoyage Group, Flight Centre Group; Stephanie Lee, Founder of Host Agency Reviews; and Sandy Saburn, Chief Strategic Alliances Officer at Gifted Travel Network.Through compelling statistics from Flight Centre and Phocuswright reports, alongside real-world experiences shared by our expert panel, you'll discover the enduring and irreplaceable value of human connection and expert guidance. Learn how travel advisors are crafting unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences that go beyond what technology can offer.We also delve into the future of travel advisors in an era of advancing AI and emerging technologies. Hear Anita, Sandy, and Steph discuss how AI can enhance the travel advisory profession by streamlining processes and empowering advisors to focus on building strong client relationships. We'll address the evolving challenges and exciting opportunities these advancements present, the importance of creating a cohesive ecosystem for travel technology, and the growing demand for luxury and group travel experiences.Whether you're considering a career as a travel advisor, are a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the evolving travel industry, this episode provides actionable insights and a glimpse into its promising future.Join us as we uncover the essential and evolving role of travel advisors in 2025 and beyond.👉 Be sure to check out flightcentre.ca/traveltrends for more insights!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!🔥 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 textStep into the world of travel innovation with the Travel Trends Podcast! In this, our second episode spotlighting the Virtuoso Travel Tech Summit, your hosts Dan Christian and Gilad Berenstein bring you face-to-face with the brilliant minds behind some of the most exciting startups featured at the event.Meet Andy Moss of Mindtrip, who is redefining AI-driven travel planning with his groundbreaking platform. Discover Marissa Nelson of Intimacy Moons Couples Retreats, blending luxury with unique relationship-building experiences. Learn about Akiva Reich’s Feeel.io, enhancing hospitality with immersive 360 live video. And explore Jessie Fischer’s GuestOS, an AI concierge service for hotels elevating the guest experience.Join Gilad and Dan as they take you behind the scenes of the Summit’s first day, highlighting the massive opportunities for B2B partnerships and underscoring the power of human connection alongside the innovative spirit of Virtuoso.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!🔥 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/