Travel Trends with Dan Christian

Dan Christian
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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. 11h ago

    Why Pet Travel Is Booming and What Hotels Are Getting Wrong with PetsVivo

    Send us Fan Mail “Pet-friendly” is a term we see everywhere in travel, but what does it actually mean? For many travelers, it still comes with frustrating restrictions, unexpected fees, and limited options. In this episode, Dan sits down with Luis Zamora, Co-Founder and CMO of PetsVivo, to explore the growing pet travel market, what pet owners really want, and why hotels and destinations could be missing out on a major opportunity. Luis shares insights into the rise of pet travel, including how changing attitudes toward pets are influencing travel decisions and spending habits. We discuss why travelers are willing to spend more with businesses that genuinely welcome their pets, and what hotels can do to create a better experience. From clearer pet policies and more transparent fees to thoughtful amenities that make a real difference, Luis explains how small changes can help properties attract more guests and encourage repeat bookings. We also explore some of the biggest opportunities in pet travel, from RV adventures and national parks to wellness retreats designed for people and their pets. As more travelers look to include their four-legged companions in their vacations, destinations and travel businesses have an opportunity to rethink how they cater to this growing audience. Finally, we look at how AI and search are changing the way travelers discover pet-friendly accommodations. Luis shares why clear information, relevant content, and authentic guest reviews are becoming increasingly important for hotels looking to stand out online. For hotels, destinations, travel advisors, and anyone looking to better serve this growing market, this conversation offers practical insights into what it takes to move beyond simply allowing pets to creating experiences that make travelers and their companions feel genuinely welcome. 👉 Listen to Why Pet Travel Is Booming and What Hotels Are Getting Wrong Now 🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 8 Title Sponsors for their Support: Quark Expeditions,  Intrepid, Kaptio, Propellic, Repayd, and Holafly The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.  https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

    Why Pet Travel Is Booming and What Hotels Are Getting Wrong with PetsVivo

  2. 1d ago

    Tern's Vision for the Travel Industry

    Send us Fan Mail Booking travel shouldn’t mean entering the same client details over and over, chasing commissions months after a trip, or juggling multiple platforms just to book a hotel. In this Company Spotlight episode, Dan sits down with David Shull, CEO and co-founder of Tern, to explore how the company is simplifying the way travel advisors and host agencies run their businesses. David shares the challenges that inspired Tern, including the behind-the-scenes administrative work that can take up 80 to 90% of an advisor’s day. From client management and itinerary planning to payments, compliance and commission tracking, Tern brings the tools advisors need into one platform. The goal is simple: less time spent on admin and more time building relationships, serving clients and growing their businesses. One of the biggest announcements is the launch of Hotels by Tern, a new hotel booking platform taking aim at one of the travel industry’s most persistent headaches: getting advisors paid. With guaranteed commissions automatically reconciled and paid to agencies and host agencies within seven days of checkout, Tern is changing the way hotel bookings work, making the process faster, simpler and more financially predictable for travel advisors. David also discusses how Tern handles payment processing, disputes and chargebacks, along with its approach to 24/7 hotel reservation support. We look at how the company is using AI to manage routine requests, support personalized email marketing and give advisors more time to focus on what matters most. As technology continues to reshape the travel industry, this conversation offers a look at what happens when innovation is built around the people actually using it, and how removing everyday frustrations can help travel advisors build stronger, more profitable businesses. Learn more at tern.travel. The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.  https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

    Tern's Vision for the Travel Industry

  3. Oct 28

    The 2027 Travel Marketing Playbook Part 3: AI Visibility

    Send us Fan Mail AI is changing how travelers discover, compare and book trips, and travel brands need to rethink how they get found. In the final episode of our Marketing Series sponsored by Propellic, Dan sits down with Brennen Bliss, Founder and CEO of Propellic, and John Lyotier, Co-Founder and CEO of TravelAI, to explore what AI visibility means for travel businesses heading into 2027 and beyond. As platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Perplexity become part of the travel planning process, the rules of online visibility are changing. Brennen and John break down Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), how it builds on traditional SEO, and why showing up in AI-generated recommendations is becoming increasingly important for travel brands. Brennen shares how Propellic studies real traveler behavior to better understand how people use AI to research and plan trips, and what marketers can learn from those insights. John brings the perspective of building AI-powered travel technology, explaining the growing role of connectors, plugins and proprietary data in shaping which businesses get recommended. The conversation also tackles one of the biggest questions facing the industry: Will AI agents eventually handle the entire booking process, or will travelers still want to be involved in planning their trips? From trust and transparency to attribution challenges and the changing relationship between travelers and suppliers, Dan, Brennen and John explore what these developments could mean for the future of travel. For tour operators, hotels, destinations and travel technology companies, this episode offers a practical look at where AI-powered discovery is heading and what businesses should be paying attention to today. The way travelers find and book trips is changing. The opportunity now is to understand those changes, rethink how your business gets discovered, and make sure you're part of the conversation when AI starts making recommendations. 👉 Listen to The 2027 Travel Marketing Playbook Part 3: AI Visibility Now 🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 8 Title Sponsors for their Support: Quark Expeditions,  Intrepid, Kaptio, Propellic, Repayd, and Holafly The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.  https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

    The 2027 Travel Marketing Playbook Part 3: AI Visibility

  4. Oct 22

    95% Execution, 5% Magic: How The Travel Collection Is Building the DMCs of the Future

    Send us Fan Mail If ChatGPT can build a two-week travel itinerary in seconds, where does that leave destination management companies (DMCs)? In this Spotlight Episode, Dan sits down with Hicham Alaoui, co-founder of The Travel Collection, a network of 16 locally led DMCs operating across 22 countries, to explore why local expertise and personal connections matter more than ever. Hicham shares how a Harvard Business School trip to Morocco that sold out in minutes helped launch a business built around delivering exceptional travel experiences. At the heart of the conversation is Hicham's philosophy that great travel comes down to 95% execution and 5% magic. From quick response times and seamless logistics to thoughtful budgeting and attention to detail, he explains what it takes to be a trusted DMC partner. But it's that final 5% that makes an experience truly memorable: understanding what travellers want, drawing on local relationships, and creating moments they wouldn't find on their own. The conversation also turns to AI and how it's changing the way trips are planned. With more travelers and advisors arriving with AI-generated itineraries, Hicham explains why local knowledge is still essential for turning those plans into experiences that actually work. He also shares how The Travel Collection is using AI behind the scenes, where he sees the biggest opportunities for automation, and why the human side of travel remains so important. As AI makes travel planning faster and more accessible, this episode explores what technology can't replace: trusted relationships, local insight, and the ability to turn a good itinerary into an unforgettable experience. Learn more at travelcollection.co. The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.  https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

    95% Execution, 5% Magic: How The Travel Collection Is Building the DMCs of the Future

  5. Oct 21

    The 2027 Travel Marketing Playbook Part 2: Performance Marketing & Data Attribution

    Send us Fan Mail Measuring marketing performance in travel has never been straightforward, and it's only getting more complicated. With evolving privacy regulations, changing attribution models, and travelers researching trips across multiple platforms over weeks or even months, how can marketers really know what's driving bookings and where to invest their budgets? In the second episode of our three-part Marketing Series, sponsored by Propellic, Dan sits down with John Matson, Chief Revenue Officer at Propellic, and Nicole Robinson, CMO at andBeyond, to explore what effective performance marketing looks like in today's travel industry. From understanding key metrics like ROAS, CPA, and conversion rates to tackling the challenges of attribution for high-value, long-consideration trips, the conversation looks at why traditional measurement models don't always tell the full story. John and Nicole share their perspectives on first-party data, CRM integration, and incrementality testing, including how marketers can better distinguish between campaigns that generate new demand and those that simply capture existing interest. The discussion also turns to marketing budgets for 2027. If you had an additional $100,000 to spend, where would you invest it? Paid search, social media, retargeting, content, or something entirely different? And as AI-powered search and agentic booking continue to evolve, how should travel brands rethink the way they attract, engage, and convert travelers? For travel marketers looking to make smarter investment decisions, better understand what's working, and build a strategy that delivers measurable results, this episode offers practical insights from both sides of the industry. 👉 Listen to The 2027 Travel Marketing Playbook Part 2: Performance Marketing & Data Attribution 🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 8 Title Sponsors for their Support: Quark Expeditions,  Intrepid, Kaptio, Propellic, Repayd, and Holafly.  The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.  https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

    The 2027 Travel Marketing Playbook Part 2: Performance Marketing & Data Attribution

  6. Oct 21

    Event Spotlight: WiT Singapore 2026

    Send us Fan Mail The travel industry is changing fast, and there's no better place to hear what's happening than WiT Singapore 2026. For the first time, Dan was on the ground at this leading travel technology conference, connecting with the people driving change across the industry. Recorded live from the conference floor, this special Event Spotlight episode brings you conversations with the founders, innovators, and industry leaders shaping the future of travel. As Asia Pacific's leading travel technology conference, WiT Singapore brings together hundreds of decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and investors from more than 30 countries to explore what's next for the industry. This year's theme, "21: A New Beginning," focuses on a new era of travel driven by generative AI, changing consumer expectations, and fresh opportunities for innovation. Across these conversations, we explore everything from payments and metasearch to hotel technology, AI-powered discovery, and the behind-the-scenes systems that make travel bookings possible. Hear firsthand how businesses are adapting, where they're investing, and what they believe will have the biggest impact on the industry in the years ahead. Highlights & Timestamps: 0m05s - Brian Dass, CEO, One Journey 14m16s - Jacinta Lim, CEO, Seek Sophie 30m57s - Atsumi Araki, VELTRA 50m48s - Brian Batista, CEO, Skyscanner 1h04m02s - John Seaton, HotelREZ 1h15m16s - Romy Abbrederis, CEO & Co-founder, Lobby AI 1h31m36s - Alex Veka, Founder, CEO & CMO, Vibe Adventures 1h45m30s - Roger Sharp, Founder & Chair, North Ridge Partners 2h03m53s - Stephen Joyce, Global Strategy Lead- Travel, Tours & OTA’s, Protect Group 2h28m42s - Nana Kankam, Founder, BookAfrica 20h50m19s - Jason van Esso, Founder & CEO, Crewfare 3h00m34s - Mikayla Allen, Founder & CEO, dnd video 3h07m45s - Astha Kalbag, Founder, Talk to Magpie AI 3h23m01s - Timothy O’Neill–Dunne, Principal, T2 Impact 3h44m40s - Christa Sabathaly, Co-founder & CEO, Spun Global 3h59m09s - Cara Whitehill, Venture Partner, Thayer Ventures 4h15m16s - Pete Comeau, Managing Director, Phocuswright The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.  https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

    Event Spotlight: WiT Singapore 2026

  7. Oct 15

    Inside Airbnb’s Growing Experiences Business

    Send us Fan Mail The tours and activities sector is one of the fastest-growing and most competitive areas of travel. With so many platforms offering similar experiences, what does it take to stand out? And how do you bring together iconic attractions, authentic local experiences, and the personal connections that make travel memorable? In this Company Spotlight episode, Dan sits down with Doug Weiss, Global Head of Airbnb Experiences, to explore how Airbnb is reimagining the way travelers discover and book experiences around the world. Doug shares the strategy behind Airbnb Experiences' evolution, from embracing the famous landmarks travelers want to see to creating unique, host-led experiences they can't find anywhere else. They discuss what makes a great experience, why the quality and passion of local hosts are so important, and how Airbnb is helping travelers connect with both their destinations and each other. Doug also shares practical advice for tour operators and local experts looking to bring their experiences onto the platform. The conversation also explores the growing demand for food tours and culinary experiences, Airbnb's expanding partnerships with tour operators and reservation technology providers, and how AI is changing the way travelers discover and book things to do. Looking ahead, Doug shares what's next for Airbnb Experiences, including plans to expand into new markets, grow its global offering, and explore new booking options for travelers. As Airbnb continues to invest in experiences and strengthen its relationships with the travel industry, the opportunities for operators, hosts, and suppliers are growing. This conversation offers a fascinating look at the strategy behind that growth, the role of local expertise, and why the experiences we have along the way are often the most memorable part of any trip. Learn more at airbnb.ca/experiences. The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.  https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

    Inside Airbnb’s Growing Experiences Business

  8. Oct 14

    The 2027 Travel Marketing Playbook Part 1: Brand, PR & the Human Advantage

    Send us Fan Mail As the travel industry looks ahead to 2027, standing out is becoming harder than ever. Performance marketing is more competitive and expensive, AI is flooding the market with content, and travellers have more choices at their fingertips than ever before. So what makes someone choose your brand, trust it and keep coming back? In the first episode of our three-part Marketing Series, sponsored by Propellic, Dan is joined by Laurel Greatrix, Chief Communications Officer at Tripadvisor; Roman Townsend, Managing Director at Belvera Partners; and Fabio Bin, Co-Founder and CMO of WeRoad, to explore why brand, PR and human connection matter more than ever. The conversation explores how AI is changing the way travellers discover brands, why reputation is increasingly shaped by everything from Reddit and social media to podcasts and AI-generated recommendations, and what it really takes to earn trust in a crowded marketplace. Laurel shares how Tripadvisor builds trust through authentic traveller reviews, real photos and experiences that make planning and booking easier. Roman explains why effective PR is about much more than promoting products, and how thought leadership, credibility and genuinely interesting stories help travel brands stand out with both media and customers. Fabio takes us behind the scenes of WeRoad's community-driven approach to marketing, sharing how the company has built a distinctive brand around bringing people together rather than simply selling destinations. From its recognizable visual identity to its organic social strategy, WeRoad offers a compelling example of what happens when customers become part of a brand's story. We also explore the growing role of AI in marketing, where it can make teams more efficient, where it risks making brands sound the same, and why the experiences people have with a company still matter more than any marketing campaign. As travel marketers plan for 2027, this conversation is a timely reminder that getting noticed is only half the challenge. Building a brand people remember, trust and genuinely want to be part of is what makes the difference. And this is just the beginning. Stay tuned for the next two episodes in our Marketing Series, where we'll explore Performance Marketing & Data Attribution and AI Visibility in Travel, with more industry leaders sharing their perspectives on what's next for travel marketing. 👉 Listen to The 2027 Travel Marketing Playbook Part 1: Brand, PR & the Human Advantage Now 🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 8 Title Sponsors for their Support: Quark Expeditions,  Intrepid, Kaptio, Propellic, Repayd, and Holafly.  The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.  https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

    The 2027 Travel Marketing Playbook Part 1: Brand, PR & the Human Advantage
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 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
    280
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Travel Trends with Dan Christian
  • Show Website
    Travel Trends with Dan Christian

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