Travel Trends with Dan Christian

Dan Christian

Welcome to our Travel Trends Podcast, the #1 B2B global travel podcast for professionals shaping the future of travel. Hosted by Dan Christian, this show features candid conversations with global travel leaders, startup founders, tourism boards, hospitality executives, and technology innovators. Together they explore the ideas, innovations, and strategies driving the next era of travel. Whether you're building a travel startup, leading a destination, scaling a hospitality brand, or new to the industry, you’ll gain actionable insights and real-world perspectives from the leaders redefining the global travel economy.

  1. How HotelPORT is Streamlining Hospitality with Fred Bean, CEO

    5D AGO

    How HotelPORT is Streamlining Hospitality with Fred Bean, CEO

    Send us Fan Mail Hotel listings are supposed to be the easy part of distribution. Then you look closer and realize how often the basics are wrong: amenities, room details, policies, photos, outlet hours, phone numbers, and even where that information appears across OTAs, GDSs, maps, and review platforms. In this Captains of Industry episode, we’re joined by Fred Bean, CEO and founder of HotelPORT, to explore why content accuracy became a blind spot in hospitality technology and what it really takes to fix it at scale. We unpack how HotelPORT built Property View to audit and verify hotel content across third party endpoints, creating a structured system of record that teams can actually trust. Fred also shares a surprising operational reality: hotels can leave meaningful revenue on the table when OTA payments are not reconciled and collected on time. We discuss why this happens, how to reduce breakage, and what a practical, transparent approach looks like. From there, we turn to the impact of AI. As large language models and AI powered search begin to answer travel questions directly, inaccurate data is no longer just an inconvenience, it becomes a real risk. Fred explains why governance and normalized structured data are critical before adopting agentic AI, and why the industry may be moving toward a future where facts travel farther than traditional brand storytelling. We also touch on team culture, remote work, global expansion, and the broader consolidation trends shaping the industry. 👉 Listen to How Hotelport is Streamlining Hospitality 🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 7 Title Sponsors for their Support: Bokun, Civitatis, Intrepid, Kaptio, Propellic and Protect Group The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.  https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

    57 min
  2. Travel with Meaning: Rethinking Purpose-Driven Travel with Mike Schibel

    MAR 26

    Travel with Meaning: Rethinking Purpose-Driven Travel with Mike Schibel

    Send us Fan Mail He got fired, bought a one-way ticket to Australia, and accidentally built a travel media brand. In this episode, we’re joined by Mike Schibel, founder and host of Travel With Meaning and one of the early voices in travel podcasting. Mike shares how his background in Los Angeles and a decade in the entertainment industry shaped his approach to storytelling and interviewing. What started as a simple habit of asking travelers a few consistent questions quickly revealed something bigger: no matter where you’re from, people travel for the same reasons—connection, perspective, and stories that stay with them long after the trip ends. From there, we get into the realities of building and sustaining a travel podcast, from finding the right cadence and avoiding “podfade” to balancing preparation with spontaneity in conversations. We also explore the business side of travel storytelling, including how live podcast events can build real community, how destination campaigns can authentically elevate local voices, and how to create meaningful partnerships without diluting the message. Whether you’re building a brand, telling stories, or simply thinking more intentionally about how and why we travel, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what meaningful travel really looks like today. Learn more at travelwithmeaning.com. The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.  https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

    28 min
  3. Global Luxury Hotel Trends Part 3 with Stuart Greif

    MAR 25

    Global Luxury Hotel Trends Part 3 with Stuart Greif

    Send us Fan Mail Five-star luxury has a secret most travelers never see. It’s not the lobby, the suite, or the amenities. It’s the consistency behind the scenes, delivered by teams who feel supported enough to show up with genuine warmth every single time. That’s what we explore in the last episode of our Luxury Hotel Series with Stuart Greif, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Forbes Travel Guide, and one of the leading voices at the intersection of hospitality, technology, and guest experience. We break down how Forbes Travel Guide inspections actually work, why service carries such weight, and what truly separates a five-star hotel from a great property that falls just short. Stuart shares why “don’t chase the rating” is more than a philosophy, it’s a guiding principle for how the best hotels operate. We also touch on what makes the Forbes Travel Guide Summit in Monaco so impactful, with its focus on inspiration, community, and learning over sales. From there, we get practical on hotel technology and AI. Where can an AI concierge meaningfully reduce friction? Why does luxury adopt technology differently than the mass market? And how are generative AI and large language model search reshaping hotel marketing? The shift is not just technical, it’s reputational. When AI surfaces only a handful of options, a hotel’s differentiation, culture, and real guest outcomes become the true drivers of growth. Tune in if you’re thinking about where luxury hospitality is heading next and what it really takes to stand out. Thanks to GuestOS.ai for sponsoring this series! 👉 Listen to Global Luxury Hotel Trends Part 3 🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 7 Title Sponsors for their Support: Bokun, Civitatis, Intrepid, Kaptio, Propellic and Protect Group The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.  https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

    1h 18m
  4. Event Preview: Phocuswright Europe 2026

    MAR 19

    Event Preview: Phocuswright Europe 2026

    Send us Fan Mail Barcelona is calling, and not just for the beaches. From the floor of ITB Berlin, we sit down with Pete Comeau and Florence Kaci to preview Phocuswright Europe 2026 and why it has become a must attend event for travel leaders who are driving real decisions. We break down what sets it apart, from the venue and energy to its focus on meaningful insights and dealmaking over sheer scale. A major focus of the conversation is AI in travel and what AI transformation actually looks like inside leading companies. We explore the types of executives taking the stage in Barcelona and why their perspectives matter across distribution, product, marketing, payments, and partnerships. Expect practical insight into how strategy teams are approaching AI, where the pressure points are, and what is rising to the top of the industry agenda. Florence also shares an important update. 2026 will be the final year Phocuswright Europe is hosted in Barcelona before relocating in 2027. We discuss what is new for this year’s event, from the opening night programming to more curated roundtables and breakouts, as well as the Global Startup Pitch open to founders worldwide. If you are attending, take advantage of the listener discount, secure your spot, and reach out. We would love to connect on site. Special Offer: Get 10% off the prevailing price at Phocuswright Europe. Register here and enter code: TravelTrends26. The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.  https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

    28 min
  5. Global Luxury Hotel Trends Part 2 with Emily Goldfischer and Marlene Poynder

    MAR 19

    Global Luxury Hotel Trends Part 2 with Emily Goldfischer and Marlene Poynder

    Send us Fan Mail Luxury hotels don’t win by doing more. They win by noticing more and by building teams with the time and confidence to act on what they see. In this episode, we’re joined by Emily Goldfischer, founder of Hertelier, and Marlene Poynder, Managing Director of The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York City. Emily shares the inspiration behind Hertelier, a platform dedicated to elevating women in hospitality leadership, and highlights a striking industry reality: just 19% of Forbes Travel Guide hotels and related companies are led by women. Drawing from her work interviewing leaders across the industry, she unpacks what truly drives advancement, what barriers still exist, and why better systems, not just resilience are key to change. Marlene brings the perspective of leading one of the world’s most iconic luxury hotels while evolving it for a new generation of guests. From multigenerational travel to longer stays, she explains why today’s luxury traveler values thoughtful, personal touches over grand gestures—and how cultivating a strong local community in New York has become a powerful driver of loyalty and referrals. The conversation also explores the role of technology and AI in luxury hospitality. The takeaway is clear: the goal isn’t to replace human connection, but to enhance it. From improving responsiveness to capturing guest preferences more effectively and even rethinking how leadership spends time, Emily and Marlene share practical ways hotels can use technology to elevate service while keeping it deeply personal. Together, this episode offers a thoughtful look at leadership, culture, and the future of luxury hospitality, grounded in real-world experience from two leaders shaping the industry. Thanks to GuestOS.ai for sponsoring this series! 👉 Global Luxury Hotel Trends Part 2 🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 7 Title Sponsors for their Support: Bokun, Civitatis, Intrepid, Kaptio, Propellic and Protect Group The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.  https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

    1h 24m
  6. Shaping the Future of Urban Tourism with GetYourGuide

    MAR 12

    Shaping the Future of Urban Tourism with GetYourGuide

    Send us Fan Mail Seventy five percent of travelers visit just four percent of Italy. That statistic alone explains why Europe is rethinking tourism and why simply attracting more visitors can no longer be the only goal. Following a live panel at GetYourGuide headquarters, Dan sat down with Francesca de Falco, Regional Manager Italy at GetYourGuide, Miguel Sanz, President of the European Travel Commission and General Director of Turespaña, and Barbara Jamison-Woods, President of CityDNA and Head of London and Partners, to discuss what sustainable tourism looks like when destinations measure impact, listen to residents, and rethink how travel experiences are designed. The conversation explores the shift from volume to value through real data, policy pressures, and practical examples that allow residents to benefit while travelers still enjoy meaningful and memorable trips. We explore the report Driving Sustainable Tourism: GetYourGuide’s Impact in Italy and what the data reveals, including experiences reaching 105 provinces, longer visitor stays, increased traveler spending, and the growing number of travelers choosing destinations because of a specific experience. The discussion then broadens to Spain’s Vision for Tourism 2030, including the rapid surge in arrivals following the pandemic and the reality that overtourism is often shaped by issues such as housing pressures, seasonality, and everyday quality of life for residents. The central theme is clear. The tourism industry must move beyond volume toward value, combining economic growth with social benefit. From London’s work using high street data to understand visitor flows to practical solutions such as extending opening hours at crowded attractions and sharing guidance that helps travelers visit respectfully, the conversation focuses on ideas destinations can actually implement. We also examine the role of cultural heritage and regenerative tourism, from free museum access and innovative funding models to Spain’s Paradores program, which transforms historic buildings into vibrant and living destinations. Learn more at getyourguide.com. The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.  https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

    50 min
  7. Luxury Hotel Trends in 2026 with Jonathan Raggett, CEO, Red Carnation Hotels

    MAR 11

    Luxury Hotel Trends in 2026 with Jonathan Raggett, CEO, Red Carnation Hotels

    Send us Fan Mail Luxury travelers are becoming harder to impress, not because they want more “stuff,” but because they expect less friction and more recognition. In the first episode of our Luxury Hotel Series, Jonathan Raggett, CEO of Red Carnation Hotels, joins us to explore the trends shaping luxury hospitality in 2026. From deeper personalization and emotional service to the growing expectation of fast, accurate responses at every guest touchpoint, we discuss how leading luxury hotels are evolving to meet the changing demands of today’s travelers. We discuss what it takes to deliver truly bespoke hospitality at boutique five star hotels. That includes planning days ahead of arrival, using guest history thoughtfully, working closely with travel advisors, and recognizing that the moment a guest hears “your room is ready” is often the first true moment of trust. Jonathan shares how small but meaningful details and exclusive concierge access can create memories guests talk about for years. He also explains why hotel teams must strike the right balance with generosity in a world where social media makes every perk instantly visible and comparable. The conversation also turns to leadership and culture. Jonathan explains what exceptional general managers do differently, why leading from the floor is so important, and how Forbes Travel Guide standards align with service that feels genuine rather than scripted. He also discusses the role of Master Inholders, the importance of mentorship and scholarships, and why family owned hotel groups can often move faster than large global brands when decisions need to be made quickly. Finally, we explore the role of AI in hospitality. The goal is not to replace people but to use technology to improve consistency while protecting what luxury guests value most: a capable human who can solve problems and make them feel truly known.  Thanks to GuestOS.ai for sponsoring this series! 👉 Luxury Hotel Trends in 2026 Now 🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 7 Title Sponsors for their Support: Bokun, Civitatis, Intrepid, Kaptio, Propellic and Protect Group. The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.  https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

    1h 10m
  8. Guided, Personal, Anywhere: How Pintours Is Creating Experiences Worldwide by Empowering Guides

    MAR 6

    Guided, Personal, Anywhere: How Pintours Is Creating Experiences Worldwide by Empowering Guides

    Send us Fan Mail What if your best friend in every city could design your perfect day and get paid for it whether they are with you or not? That is the idea behind Pintours. In this episode, Dan speaks with founder and CEO Lou Chatta about how human storytelling combined with AI can scale the magic of a great guide while preserving the personality and authenticity that make guided experiences special. Lou explains how growing up with a father who worked as a guide for 40 years inspired him to build a platform designed for creators first. Guides can record their stories, routes, music, and recommendations, then share those experiences across different settings including walking tours, rideshares, museums, and attractions. Pintours’ personalization engine then adapts the experience to the traveler. A foodie couple, a family with young kids, or a solo history enthusiast might follow the same route but hear different stories, pacing, and suggestions tailored to their interests. It goes far beyond audio. The platform blends navigation, mood, bookings, and local context into one seamless experience. Lou also shares how strategic partnerships are bringing the concept to life in real travel moments. Integrations with companies like Uber and Blacklane support transportation, while platforms such as Yelp and OpenTable help connect travelers with local dining along the way. In cities hosting the FIFA World Cup, travelers will even be able to leave a match and instantly begin a curated neighborhood experience with dining and transport already aligned with their route. A key part of the conversation addresses the concern that AI could replace guides. Lou explains that Pintours is designed to do the opposite. Guides are compensated whenever their knowledge powers an experience, even if they are not physically present. This opens new income streams for creators, expands the range of available tours in lesser known destinations, and makes it easier to deliver experiences in multiple languages. From an onboarding process that welcomes storytellers with no technical background to a product roadmap that includes indoor mapping and enhanced navigation, this episode outlines how guides, operators, and destinations can meet the growing demand for more meaningful and personalized travel experiences. Whether you are interested in the evolving experience economy, exploring destinations beyond the usual hotspots, or building creator led travel products, this conversation offers a clear look at where guided travel is heading next.  Learn more at pintours.com. The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.  https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

    57 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to our Travel Trends Podcast, the #1 B2B global travel podcast for professionals shaping the future of travel. Hosted by Dan Christian, this show features candid conversations with global travel leaders, startup founders, tourism boards, hospitality executives, and technology innovators. Together they explore the ideas, innovations, and strategies driving the next era of travel. Whether you're building a travel startup, leading a destination, scaling a hospitality brand, or new to the industry, you’ll gain actionable insights and real-world perspectives from the leaders redefining the global travel economy.

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Christian
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    208
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Travel Trends with Dan Christian
  • Show Website
    Travel Trends with Dan Christian

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