Travel Trends with Dan Christian

• How to Succeed with a Membership Model in Travel with Joan Roca

  Send us a textAt 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 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: Aviation Festival Americas 2025

  Send us a textStep 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• Aviation recruiters, Signal Software highlight the growing demand for digital talent in traditionally operations-focused environmentsWhether 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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• Expedia's B2B Strategy: How Technology Drives Global Travel Partnerships

  Send us a textTravel 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 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: Educational Travel Consortium (ETC) Conference 2025

  Send us a textThis 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. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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• How a Global Tour Operator Masters River Cruising with Avalon Waterways

  Send us a textWhat’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 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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