
Brand USA Talks Travel
This podcast elevates the conversation concerning international travel to the United States by speaking with leaders in the travel industry. Subscribe to hear key answers to timely questions every week. Brand USA is the nation’s destination marketing organization. We work closely with more than 900 partner organizations to invite the world to explore the exceptional, diverse, and virtually limitless travel experiences and destinations available in the United States of America.
Latest episodes

Dec 4, 2024 • 16min
KAYAK's Role With Consumers & Destinations
Daniel Wiener and Matt Clarke share how KAYAK empowers travelers, explain how destinations utilize their services, and happily debunk common travel planning myths.
Daniel Wiener is KAYAK's Senior Director of Ad Sales and Data Partnerships, and Matt Clarke is Vice President of North America Marketing.

Nov 27, 2024 • 21min
Soaring Through the World of Luxury Private Aviation
From what started as a family passion for David to now being named one of the top five private airlines in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler, David Zipkin chats with Mark about his company Tradewind Aviation. You’ll get a glimpse into the exclusive world of luxury private aviation, plus, sustainable practices that are shaping the future of air travel.
David Zipkin is the co-founder of Tradewind Aviation.

Nov 20, 2024 • 21min
Meet Mindtrip, a new AI Travel Tool
Mark quizzes Michelle Denogean about Mindtrip’s proposition for consumers and businesses and how it differs from other products. She also delivers solid career advice for upward mobility in any company.
Michelle Denogean is Chief Marketing Officer at Mindtrip and author of GrowUp: Take Your Startup To The Next Level.

Nov 13, 2024 • 23min
The State of Destination Marketing Report from Sojern & DTTT
Seth Orozco & Nick Hall serve up highlights from an extensive research project that will get you up to speed on developments in destination marketing. Their organizations work with hundreds of global destinations to reach consumers who are ready to travel. This new report is 48 pages of valuable research that you can download for free at https://www.sojern.com/reports/state-of-destination-marketing. Nick Hall is Founder/CEO of the Digital Tourism Think Tank in the U.K. Seth Orozco is Sales Director at Sojern.

Nov 6, 2024 • 16min
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month with Sherry Rupert
Learn how AIANTA connects the 574 tribes across the nation with partners like Leave No Trace and the National Tour Association, meeting the growing interest in Native Tourism while preserving mutual respect and authenticity, and how travelers can participate in Native American Heritage Month during November. Sherry Rupert is CEO of AIANTA, the organization that serves as a united voice for the $15.7B Native hospitality sector.

Oct 30, 2024 • 35min
Live From Travel Week: Growing the Experience Economy with Access to Off-the-Beaten-Path Product
Our final panel from Travel Week dives deep into growing demand for hidden gems, illustrating how destinations can connect with travelers seeking unique, authentic travel along with more traditional landmarks and luxuries. You’ll also hear how Tourism Exchange USA and receptive tour operators can help.
Moderator: April Hutchinson, Editor of TTG Luxury. Panelists: Liz Bittner, CEO of Travel South USA; Nate Huff, President of Tourism Exchange USA; and Lena Ross, Director of Product Development at America 4 You.

Oct 29, 2024 • 34min
Live From Travel Week: Discover Diverse Perspectives in Travel Storytelling
Hear the perspectives of a diverse array of travel storytellers. This Travel Week panel explores how destinations can create more seamless and inclusive experiences for travelers from diverse backgrounds.
Moderator: Kav Dadfar, Founder of JRNY Travel Magazine. Panelists: Rashmi Narayan, Freelance Travel Journalist; Gerda van't Land, Accessible Tour Operator; and Ben Pechey, Author and Trans/Queer Advocate.

Oct 28, 2024 • 36min
Live From Travel Week: Consumer Trends in 2025
Discover why British travelers are seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations, how TikTok is transforming the way people book trips, and why sports tourism is booming. This panel session from Brand USA’s Travel Week 2024 provides a data-driven look into new consumer trends for 2025.
Panelists are Simon Calder, Travel Journalist and Broadcaster; Nicky Kelvin, Senior Director of Content at The Points Guy; and Angelique Miller, Vice President at Expedia Group Media Studio.
Moderated by Tania Bryer, anchor at CNBC International.

Oct 25, 2024 • 42min
Live From Travel Week: Leadership Alignment with Generative AI
Janette Roush offers you an unflinching look at the urgency of learning and leading the way in this era of artificial intelligence, which is evolving at a rapid pace. Janette Roush is Brand USA's new Senior Vice President of Innovation and Chief AI Officer. Believe it or not, this is Janette’s first week on the job!

Oct 24, 2024 • 37min
Live From Travel Week: Policy In Action 2024: Facilitating Travel to the USA
If you’re interested in the future of international travel to the United States, this episode is a must-listen.
Leaders from the U.S. Departments of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security discuss how their agencies are making travel to the USA safer and easier – and provide updates on the National Travel and Tourism Strategy, record-breaking visa issuance, enhancements to trusted traveler programs, collaboration with the private-sector, and more practical takeaways.
Panelists: Alex Lasry, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism, National Travel and Tourism Office, U.S. Department of Commerce; Brooke Wehrenberg, Outreach & Inquiries Chief, Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State; and Brendan Blackmer, Branch Chief, Trusted Traveler Programs, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Moderated by Brand USA's Director of Public Affairs, Peter Dodge.