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The 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 At a time when guided tours were dismissed as outdated, Rod identified a shift in consumer priorities: experiences were beginning to outweigh possessions.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 Group

The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress.

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We’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 Group

The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress.

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Join 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 & Timestamps

• 6m22s – Erik Blachford, Former CEO, Expedia
• 27m24s – Soraya Shattuck, Executive Director, Adventure Travel Conservation Fund
• 41m20s – Jody Potts-Joseph, Han Gwich’in Leader, Raven Clan Kennels
• 1h04s – Rob Holmes, Founder & Chief Strategist, GLP Films
• 1h29s – David & Becky Blacksford, Owners & CEO, Blacksford Premium RV Rentals
• 1h50s – Christina Tunnah, GM, World Nomads
• 2h11s – Richard Naha, Co-founder, Surf Synergy
• 2h30s – Heather O’Halloran, MD, Destination Rwanda
• 2h46s – Zaal Gachechiladze, CEO, Wandero
• 3h11s – Jason Reckers, COO, ATTA & Eirik Skjærseth, Founder & CEO, Bolder Technology
• 3h39s – Casey Hanisko, Coach & Consultant
• 3h53s – Andy Brown, Communications Manager, Tourism Golden
• 4h05s – Julia Tregaskis-Allen, Co-owner, Tracks and Trails
• 4h21s – Will Cairns, MD, Active England Tours
• 4h34s – Jorge Perez, Founder, Tierra De Volcan

Whether 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.

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Laura 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 Group

The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress.

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In 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 Group

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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At the crossroads of cutting-edge technology and deeply personalized service lies Essentialist, a membership-based travel company reshaping the definition of luxury travel. In this insightful conversation, CEO & founder Joan Roca reveals how his $2,600 annual membership service crafts extraordinary travel experiences by truly understanding each member's unique passions, preferences, and aspirations.

Unlike traditional luxury travel agencies or impersonal online booking platforms, Essentialist thrives on building intimate relationships with its members. "Travel combines everything in your lifestyle," Roca explains. "From how you like to eat and your cultural interests to whether you prefer early-morning adventures or lazy beach days - we need to know our members deeply to deliver on our promise." This relationship-driven approach results in meticulously curated itineraries, averaging 28 components, each tailored to individual tastes.

What sets Essentialist apart is its blend of editorial expertise and technology. Collaborating with tastemakers worldwide, the company uncovers authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, while technology streamlines operations to focus on creativity.

The membership model taps into a growing demand among affluent travelers for more meaningful, personalized journeys. By seamlessly merging digital convenience with human understanding, Essentialist not only connects travelers more deeply to their destinations but also rekindles the magic of exploration - one unforgettable journey at a time.

👉 Listen to How to Succeed with a Membership Model in Travel Now

🔥 Season 5 Title Sponsors: TravelAI, Stay22, Propellic, Flight Centre, Collette, Flywire, Traveltek and Protect Group

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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Step into the future of aviation in this special event spotlight, recorded live from the Aviation Festival Americas in Miami.

Host, Dan Christian sits down with some of the brightest minds in aviation and travel tech to explore the innovations reshaping the industry:

• Amir Amidi explains how Plug and Play Tech Center connects startups with corporate partners across the travel ecosystem
• Tom Trotta details how travel insurance is evolving through AI-powered claims processing and proactive benefits for delayed travelers
• Marco Gons from "No Longer Lost" demonstrates their innovative QR code solution for reuniting travelers with misplaced items, pets, and even children
• Aaron Bricker, CEO & Founder, Skyward Aviation Insights shares how to enhance efficiency and profitability 
• RAVL's community platform combats the isolation of business travel by connecting professionals in the same destination
• Irma Sadlauskaite, Avion Express shares strategies for recruiting and retaining pilots amid a global shortage
• Terminal manager Yaqui Ramos reveals how Munich Airport NJ creates exceptional passenger experiences
• Arpad Szakal, Partner Aviation & Transportation, Cormis Partner shares how to find the best senior level talent
• Dalton Laine from GoJetAirlines discusses his unique business helping entrepreneurs launch new airlines
• Oleksandr Plyska from Sigma Software Group highlights digital transformation and AI from an IT services company for airlines

Whether you’re in the business of travel or simply curious about the future of flying, this episode delivers insider insights, breakthrough ideas, and a glimpse of what’s next in aviation.

Subscribe now and stay tuned for Season 6 of Travel Trends, launching this September with an in-depth focus on aviation’s future.

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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Travel tech is evolving at lightning speed - reshaping how the world moves, books, and experiences journeys. In this episode, we sit down with Karen Bolda, Chief Product and Technology Officer for Private Label Solutions, Expedia Group’s B2B division, to explore the cutting-edge innovations driving the future of global travel from behind the scenes.

Karen takes us behind the scenes of Expedia Group's massive B2B operation – a side of the business many travelers never see but that powers over 70,000 businesses and 160,000 travel advisors worldwide. From her unique journey starting as a software developer to leading technology strategy for one of travel's biggest players, Karen offers rare insights into how Expedia is integrating AI throughout its ecosystem.

The conversation shatters common misconceptions about technology's role in travel. Rather than replacing travel advisors, Expedia Group's AI-powered tools are freeing them from operational tasks to focus on what computers can't replicate: human connection and expertise. Through specific examples like their quotation tools and virtual agents for travel advisors, Karen illustrates how technology enhances rather than diminishes the human element in travel planning.

We explore how Expedia Group's expanding product offerings – from hotel and flight bookings to vacation rentals through vrbo and increasingly into activities and experiences – reflect evolving traveler expectations for more comprehensive, seamless journeys. Perhaps most impressive is their AI-powered fraud prevention system, which stopped $4 billion in fraud in 2024 alone.

This episode offers a compelling look at the technological revolution transforming the way we explore the world. It highlights how innovative advancements are making travel more secure, seamless, and deeply personalized—ushering in a new era of smarter, more meaningful journeys. 

👉 Listen to Expedia's B2B Strategy: How Technology Drives Global Travel Partnerships Now

🔥 Season 5 Title Sponsors: TravelAI, Stay22, Propellic, Flight Centre, Collette, Flywire, Traveltek and Protect Group

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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This spotlight episode takes you behind the scenes of the Educational Travel Consortium (ETC) 2025 Conference in Mobile, Alabama. 

Since its inception in 1987, ETC has cultivated a unique and thriving community of U.S. college alumni programs, nonprofits, travel planners, and industry suppliers. Together, this network manages billions in travel spending, united by a common goal—to create travel experiences that inspire meaningful change and lifelong memories.  

Founded by the visionary Mara DelliPriscoli, ETC has set the standard for collaboration and innovation in the travel industry.

This year’s conference brought together extraordinary voices, including Susan Black of Wowzitude, who is redefining virtual travel, and Alan Merschen, who introduced us to the enriching concept of the “dim sum life.” Industry leaders from organizations like National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions, Journey Mexico, Adventure Canada, Tourism Winnipeg shared their expertise on the art of meaningful travel. Additionally, PHD Academic Michael Luongo took us on a deep-dive into travel in conflict zones, and Jim Friedlander gave us unique insights into ultra-luxury private tours.

A special highlight? Our host, Dan, delivered a keynote on the groundbreaking role of AI in travel, an address that is now available on the Travel Trends Podcast YouTube channel for anyone who missed the live presentation. 

We’re thrilled to have been part of such an impactful gathering and are excited to have been invited to return next year! To all of our esteemed guests, the ETC Team and especially to Mara DelliPriscoli, who built this remarkable community from the ground up, thank you for making this gathering so extraordinary.

For those passionate about shaping the future of travel and creating transformational journeys, this is the episode for you. Don’t miss it! 

The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress.

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What’s really behind the rising tide of interest in river cruising? In this episode, Pam Hoffee, President of Avalon Waterways, dispels common myths and reveals the innovations fueling this fast-growing segment of the travel industry. From her serendipitous start in travel after a chance encounter in a college bar to leading award-winning ship designs, Pam shares how Avalon has reimagined the river cruise experience—infusing it with authenticity, sustainability, and unexpected luxury.

By orienting beds to face panoramic windows and sourcing ingredients from local markets, Avalon redefines the meaning of detail-driven travel. Pam also discusses the surprising rise in younger travelers drawn to river cruising post-pandemic, and how programs like Avalon Choice deliver immersive, flexible experiences to match evolving preferences.

Whether you're curious about crowd-free, motion-sickness-free cruising or simply want to hear what makes exploring the Rhine, Bordeaux, or Southeast Asia by river so unforgettable - this conversation will make you rethink what river cruising is really all about.

👉 Listen to Transforming How a Global Tour Operator Masters River Cruising Now

🔥 Season 5 Title Sponsors: TravelAI, Stay22, Propellic, Flight Centre, Collette, Flywire, Traveltek and Protect Group

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/