Travel Trends with Dan Christian

• Special Hospitality Series: Season 2 Grand Finale Episode

  Send us a textWelcome to our grand finale episode of Season 2 of our Special Hospitality Series in collaboration with Forbes Travel Guide, the global authority on luxury hospitality.In our finale episode, we're thrilled to feature three extraordinary "Leaders Behind the Stars." First, award-winning travel journalist Jeannette Ceja shares her journey of pursuing a master's degree in France while maintaining her global media career. Her perspective on representation and finding one's voice offers valuable insights for industry professionals.We then dive deep with Marc Friedland, founder of Couture Communications, who reveals how he transformed traditional printed communications into emotional touch-points that create lasting connections between luxury brands and their guests. His remarkable story of designing the Oscar envelopes demonstrates how tactile elements can elevate momentous occasions - a principle he now applies to hospitality settings where thoughtful design creates what he calls "emotional imprinting."The episode culminates with Freddie Moross, founder of Mindstream, who's revolutionizing how hotels approach sound design. Moving beyond background music, his company creates strategic sonic environments backed by neuroscience.The thread connecting these conversations is clear: in a digital age, thoughtfully designed sensory experiences - whether through personalized notes, branded tactile elements, or carefully composed soundscapes - create the meaningful connections and memory anchors that distinguish truly exceptional hospitality. Thank you for joining us for our special 10-part Forbes Travel Guide Hospitality Series.  We sincerely hope you enjoy this insightful finale and look forward to our continued collaboration with the Forbes Travel Guide team. Season 5 Launched Jan 15th. New Episodes Every Weds! Check out our first 4 Seasons. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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• Introducing River Cruise Travel with Kaptio

  Send us a textThe river cruise industry is poised for remarkable growth, with the market expected to double from $5 billion to $10 billion in the next five years. But what’s fueling this surge—and how is technology transforming one of travel’s most immersive and intimate experiences?In the kickoff episode of our River Cruise Series, we’re joined by Ragnar Fjölnisson, Founder and CIO of travel tech platform Kaptio, for a behind-the-scenes look at a sector that millions have fallen in love with, yet few truly understand.From humble beginnings with repurposed barges in the 1960s to Viking’s breakthrough launch in 1997—now a publicly traded company worth nearly $20 billion—river cruising has evolved into a refined blend of luxury, accessibility, and cultural depth.Ragnar explains what makes river cruising unique: smaller ships with just 100–120 passengers, docking directly in historic town centers, and offering a boutique hotel experience on water. This format is attracting a new wave of travelers—from affluent explorers to multi-generational families, where grandparents often fund the trip for the entire group.But with opportunity comes challenge. While many operators excel in fleet management, fragmented distribution channels and inflexible tech stacks continue to hold the industry back. That’s where Kaptio steps in - bringing modern, agile technology built for cruise operations, dynamic packaging, and future-forward innovation. Still, Ragnar emphasizes one constant:“AI plays a supporting, augmenting role. But it can’t replace the human connection.”With thought leaders like Kaptio and pivotal players such as Tauk, Avalon, and Scenic, the future of river travel promises to be as inspiring as the journeys themselves. Join us as we continue to uncover the stories redefining the river cruise experience in this exclusive series.👉 Listen to Introducing River Cruise Travel Now🔥 Season 5 Title Sponsors: TravelAI, Stay22, Propellic, Flight Centre, Collette, Flywire, Traveltek and Protect GroupSeason 5 Launched Jan 15th. New Episodes Every Weds! Check out our first 4 Seasons. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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• Event Spotlight: State of Business Travel in Canada 2025 with Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)

  Send us a textStep into the world of global business travel as we record live from the Global Business Travel Association's (GBTA) Toronto conference—where industry leaders overseeing a staggering $345 billion in corporate travel spending converge. The business travel sector isn’t just rebounding; it’s thriving. According to GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang, global travel spending has surged beyond pre-pandemic levels, projected to hit $1.63 trillion in 2025 and exceed $2 trillion by 2028. Despite early doubts about its future, business travel has proven indispensable, with face-to-face meetings remaining a key driver for cultivating relationships and fostering corporate culture.Our discussions uncover remarkable transformations in travel trends. Day trips are nearly obsolete, replaced by longer stays of 3-5 nights, as 40% of business travelers prioritize productivity and better work-life balance. Additionally, "blended travel"—combining business with leisure—has soared, with a 60% rise in adoption compared to pre-pandemic times. We also explore Toronto’s Exhibition Place, a 192-acre hub hosting over 2,100 annual events, as General Manager Laura Purdy highlights its sustainability leadership through LEED certification, renewable energy initiatives, and robust waste diversion programs that make eco-friendly meetings a reality. Heather Neale from Destination Toronto paints the city as a global business hub, celebrated for its multicultural vibrancy and connectivity. With 53% of residents born outside Canada and direct flights from 180 destinations, Toronto offers a unique blend of international appeal and North American convenience. Whether you’re organizing corporate events, managing travel programs, or curious about the forces driving global mobility, this episode offers valuable insights into an industry that builds connections and drives innovation across borders. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at the power of bringing people together.Season 5 Launched Jan 15th. New Episodes Every Weds! Check out our first 4 Seasons. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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• Special Hospitality Series: From Napa to St. Augustine. Two Stars Share their Learnings

  Send us a textIn this episode of our Special Hospitality Series in collaboration with Forbes Travel Guide, we spotlight two standout leaders from The Summit in Monaco: Scott Campbell, Director of Revenue Management at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, and Jeff Wielgopolan, Service Director at Meadowood Napa Valley.What does it take to deliver world-class service—when you've never experienced it yourself? This powerful question sits at the heart of five-star hospitality, and both Scott and Jeff offer deep insight into how they lead teams to create authentic, elevated guest experiences that go far beyond expectations.From Hammock Beach’s coastal charm and multi-generational appeal to Meadowood’s remarkable comeback following a devastating fire, both properties reflect a unique commitment to service, storytelling, and soul. Jeff’s past life as a Forbes Travel Guide inspector brings rare perspective to training and standards, while Scott’s philosophy balances innovation with emotional connection.Together, they unpack the secrets to balancing consistency with flexibility, empowering teams to excel, and ensuring that luxury is a deeply personal and unforgettable experience. Tune in for a meaningful look behind the stars of luxury hospitality—and the people who make it shine.The final episode of Season 2 of our Special Hospitality Series with Forbes Travel Guide premieres next Thursday - don’t miss the grand finale!Season 5 Launched Jan 15th. New Episodes Every Weds! Check out our first 4 Seasons. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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• Growing Global Spanish Speaking Tourism with Civitatis

  Send us a textIn this episode, we’re joined by Ismael García, Chief Marketing Officer of Civitatis, a leading Spanish-language OTA that’s reshaping how millions experience travel. From humble beginnings as a travel blog to becoming a major player offering tens of thousands of activities worldwide, Civitatis has carved out a unique space in the global tourism industry.We discuss into their impressive growth trajectory (including a $50M raise and 30% annual growth), their strategic expansion into new language markets, and why offering 24/7 support in travelers’ native languages has helped earn a 9.1/10 satisfaction rating from over 4 million reviews.Ismael also talks about:How social media is evolving into a search engine for travel inspirationWhy Japan is becoming a top destination for Latin American and European travelersHow curation, sustainability, and local expertise will shape the future of tourismAnd for those building their career in travel? Ismael's advice: find the wave—and ride it.👉 Listen to Transforming Spanish-Speaking  Tourism Through Curation Now🔥 Season 5 Title Sponsors: TravelAI, Stay22, Propellic, Flight Centre, Collette, Flywire, Traveltek and Protect GroupSeason 5 Launched Jan 15th. New Episodes Every Weds! Check out our first 4 Seasons. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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