Travel Trends with Dan Christian

• Season 5 Finale: The Visionary Behind Viator

  Send us a textThe travel industry was forever changed when Rod Cuthbert founded Viator in 1995, revolutionizing how travelers discover and book experiences worldwide. In this season finale of Travel Trends, the visionary founder shares his extraordinary journey from Tasmania to Silicon Valley and beyond.Rod recounts how a serendipitous twist of fate - developing an e-commerce solution for Sabre that went unused - sparked the creation of what would become the world’s leading experiences marketplace. At a time when guided tours were dismissed as outdated, Rod identified a shift in consumer priorities: experiences were beginning to outweigh possessions. By creating a platform for innovative tour operators to quickly reach consumers, Viator helped elevate the entire category from afterthought to the very reason people travel.After selling Viator to TripAdvisor for $200 million in 2014, Rod continued to drive travel innovation with ventures like Rome2Rio (a transportation search engine) and Veltra (Japan’s leading tour booking platform). Renowned for his candid advice to startups—earning him the nickname "the Simon Cowell of judges" - Rod offers invaluable insights into the future of the industry. His bold prediction? Artificial intelligence will disrupt travel distribution, empowering suppliers to reclaim direct customer relationships and challenging the OTA model that has dominated for decades.This conversation delivers rare insights from a pioneer who didn’t just observe the industry’s transformation - he led it.Over the course of 27 episodes, we were honored to feature more than 30 extraordinary guests, each bringing unique perspectives and valuable expertise to the table. From groundbreaking innovations to strategies redefining the future, this season showcased the very best of what the travel industry has to offer. We couldn’t be more thankful for your support in making it all possible. And the excitement doesn’t end here! Subscribe now and join us for season six this September, as we continue to explore how industry leaders are shaping the future of travel for 2026 and beyond.👉 Listen to Season 5 Finale: The Visionary Behind Viator 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/

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• How the Transformation Economy Is Redefining Tourism with Jake Haupert and Joe Pine

  Send us a textWe’re thrilled to conclude our Season 5 In-Destination series with a truly thought-provoking conversation featuring Joe Pine and Jake Haupert - two visionaries shaping the future of travel.The future of travel is undergoing a profound transformation - shifting from curated experiences to a deeper focus on personal growth and self-discovery. At the heart of this evolution lies the emerging Transformation Economy, a $208 billion market shift that is redefining what travelers value and how the industry delivers on those expectations. In this week's episode, Experience Economy pioneer Joe Pine and Transformational Travel Council co-founder Jake Haupert discuss why this movement is far more than a passing trend - it’s a reimagining of travel’s true purpose.Transformational travel stands apart from traditional tourism. It’s not about fleeting moments or checking off bucket-list destinations. Instead, it’s a holistic journey that unfolds in three essential phases: intentional preparation, immersive experiences, and meaningful reflection. Without this complete arc, the potential for lasting change often fades once travelers return home.Joe and Jake argue that transformation is the missing link between the ideals of sustainable tourism and real behavioral change. It’s a pathway to deeper connections - with ourselves, with others, and with the natural world.For travel businesses, this shift demands more than surface-level adaptation - it requires a fundamental redefinition of their mission. Joe challenges providers to see themselves not merely as hosts or experience creators, but as facilitators of personal growth. Those who embrace this role will unlock greater value - not just for travelers, but for communities and their own organizations.As we look to the future, travel has the potential to return to its most sacred role: a vehicle for human flourishing. In a world increasingly dominated by digital interaction, real journeys offer the space to slow down, reconnect, and grow. Transformation, not transaction, will define the next era of meaningful travel.👉 Listen to How the Transformation Economy Is Redefining 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 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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• Event Spotlight: ATTA Elevate Denver 2025 Road Trip Edition

  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 Kennels1h04s – Rob Holmes, Founder & Chief Strategist, GLP Films1h29s – David & Becky Blacksford, Owners & CEO, Blacksford Premium RV Rentals1h50s – Christina Tunnah, GM, World Nomads2h11s – Richard Naha, Co-founder, Surf Synergy2h30s – Heather O’Halloran, MD, Destination Rwanda2h46s – Zaal Gachechiladze, CEO, Wandero3h11s – Jason Reckers, COO, ATTA & Eirik Skjærseth, Founder & CEO, Bolder Technology3h39s – Casey Hanisko, Coach & Consultant3h53s – Andy Brown, Communications Manager, Tourism Golden4h05s – Julia Tregaskis-Allen, Co-owner, Tracks and Trails4h21s – Will Cairns, MD, Active England Tours4h34s – 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 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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• Crafted Journeys: Exploring Culture Through Spirits Tourism with Pernod Ricard

  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 5 In Progress. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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• Crafting Immersive In-Destination Experiences with BRC Imagination Arts

  Send us a textIn the kickoff episode of our "In-destination Experiences" series, we speak with Christian Lachel, Chief Creative Officer of BRC Imagination Arts, who has spent over 25 years crafting some of the world's most engaging travel experiences. From the award-winning Jameson Distillery Bow Street in Dublin to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Christian shares the secrets behind designing spaces that transform how visitors think, feel, and connect.We dive into the $1.3 trillion in-destination experience industry, exploring how Christian's team turns ordinary venues into unforgettable memory-makers. A standout example is the Jameson Distillery, where they doubled capacity while capturing the essence of Irish hospitality and storytelling.Christian also highlights how thoughtfully designed travel experiences can counteract digital disconnection, fostering play, connection, and shared moments. His optimistic approach shows how technology can enhance, not replace, human interaction.Whether you're in tourism, cultural management, or just curious about what makes travel magical, Christian's insights will change how you see the places you visit. His advice for aspiring designers? Be "Renaissance people" with broad expertise in business, storytelling, and operations.👉 Listen to Crafting Immersive In-Destination Experiences 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/

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