Travel Trends with Dan Christian

Send us Fan MailReplacing the technology at the heart of a travel business is no small undertaking, especially when that business has been operating for more than 100 years. Recorded live from Kaptio Unite 2026 in Reykjavik, Dan sits down with Tauck’s Jonathan Franco and Jared Zech to discuss the challenges, decisions, and lessons learned from modernizing the reservation system behind one of the industry's most established tour operators.From choosing the right technology partner and navigating the build-versus-buy decision to managing complex cruise inventory, John and Jared share what it takes to replace a legacy system without disrupting the business. They walk us through Tauck’s approach to data migration, system integrations, employee training, and the decision to schedule a four-day shutdown to ensure a smooth transition. The conversation also explores how modern reservation technology is improving the booking experience for travel advisors and customers, with faster workflows, live availability, and greater e-commerce capabilities.Later, Kaptio CEO Vidar Svansson and co-founder and CTO Ragnar Fjölnisson join Dan to explore what's next for travel technology and the growing role of AI. They discuss Kaptio’s Edge platform, what it means to become an AI-native business, and how AI teammates like Kai and Rúna are helping reduce repetitive tasks and streamline daily operations. They also share their perspectives on agentic AI and how it could change the way travel companies operate and make decisions.Together, these conversations offer a fascinating look at how travel technology is evolving, from the challenges of replacing decades-old systems to the opportunities emerging with AI. It's a reminder that successful digital transformation isn't just about adopting new technology. It's about giving people the tools to work smarter, serve customers better, and build a business that's ready for whatever comes next.The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us Fan MailSearch engines, social media, and word of mouth have long shaped how travelers discover and book their trips. But generative AI is quickly changing that, becoming a new starting point for travel inspiration, research, and planning. Recording live from Vancouver following World Travel Market (WTM), in this month’s Travel Trends Report, Dan and Marius reflect on the conversations, insights, and emerging trends shaping the future of travel marketing, and why the industry is changing faster than ever.Drawing on findings from our latest report, we explore a key shift: AI is becoming the front door to travel, but it's not yet where bookings happen. With fewer US travelers starting their trip planning on traditional search engines and more turning to generative AI, what does this mean for travel brands? We discuss the implications for SEO, AI visibility, customer acquisition, and the future of booking, including the growing potential of agentic AI. We also share insights from live demonstrations and industry conversations that show how travel companies are moving beyond AI experimentation and starting to put these technologies to work.But as AI becomes more capable, the human side of travel remains just as important. One particularly revealing statistic caught our attention: when given the choice between speaking with an AI phone agent or waiting for a human, only 2% of callers chose AI. We explore what this tells us about consumer trust, the importance of keeping humans involved, and where personal service continues to make a difference.We wrap up with a look ahead to Season 8 of the Travel Trends Podcast, including our upcoming DMC series, and share how our advisory work is evolving to help travel businesses navigate AI through practical strategies, prototypes, and new technology development.Download the full November Travel Trends Report, for a closer look at how generative AI is reshaping travel discovery, the rise of agentic booking, and why the human touch still matters. We break down the latest research, industry insights, and emerging trends to help you understand what's changing and what it means for your business heading into 2027.👉 Listen to Travel Trends Monthly Report - November 2026 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/

Send us Fan MailQueenstown is the kind of destination many of us dream of visiting. With its breathtaking mountains, stunning lakes, and world-class adventure experiences, tourism has long been at the heart of the local economy. But when COVID closed international borders and visitors disappeared almost overnight, the community faced a major challenge. It also sparked an ambitious idea: what if Queenstown could become a global hub for travel and hospitality technology, creating new opportunities beyond tourism?In this Company Spotlight episode, Dan sits down with Roger Sharp, Chair of Technology Queenstown, to explore how that vision is becoming a reality. Roger brings decades of experience in travel technology, from building and selling lastminute.com in Australia and New Zealand to chairing Webjet and now WebBeds. He shares how Queenstown is working to attract startups, develop local talent through a partnership with the University of Otago, secure long-term private funding, and position itself as a real-world testing ground where travel technology companies can develop and trial new products with hotels, operators, and travelers.The conversation also explores what it takes to turn an ambitious idea into something the entire community can get behind. Drawing inspiration from destinations like Bend and Bozeman, Roger discusses the importance of local support, investment, and collaboration, along with the role of WiT (Web in Travel) in putting Queenstown on the global innovation map. From economic resilience and remote work to venture capital and the growing influence of AI, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how destinations can build more diverse economies and become centres for innovation.Learn more at technologyqueenstown.com.The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us Fan MailRecorded live at Arival 360 in Spokane, this special Event Spotlight episode brings together leaders from across the tours, activities, attractions, and multi-day travel sectors to explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the industry heading into 2027.Dan returned as MC of Arival’s Multi-Day Stream, following successful editions in Washington, DC, and Valencia, Spain. This year’s program turned its attention to the United States, the world’s largest travel market, and the growing opportunities for multi-day tour operators. The Multi Day stream kicked off with with a main-stage panel discussion featuring Dan Berger, the new US General Manager at WeRoad, Katy Rockett, Regional Director, Explore Worldwide and Tingting Guo, Global VP Tours4fun, exploring the rise of small-group travel and the new players reshaping the market.Throughout the event, Dan connected with industry leaders, tour operators, technology providers, and destination experience specialists to hear what’s driving growth across the sector. From changing traveler expectations and the growing demand for small-group adventures to smarter distribution, product innovation, and the practical applications of AI, these conversations offer a firsthand look at how businesses are adapting to a rapidly evolving travel landscape.This episode starts with Intrepid’s President North American, Leigh Barnes and closes with Bruce Rosard, Arival Co-Founder and CCO and is filled with insights from both established industry leaders and emerging companies, discussing where the biggest opportunities are and what travel businesses should be thinking about as they plan for 2027 and beyond.Highlights & Timestamps5s - Leigh Barnes, US General Manager, Intrepid Travel17m04s - Kristin Dorsett, GM, Experiences, Tripadvisor34m45s - Heather MacDonald, President, Gibbons Whistler52m26s - Sahara Rose De Vore, CEO & Founder, The Travel Coach Network1hr00m15s - Caitlin Montgomery, Group Director of Revenue, Magnicity1hr11m02s - Tingting Guo, Global VP, Tours4fun1hr27m31s - Dan Berger, General Manager, United States, WeRoad1hr50m41s - Katy Rockett, Regional Director, Explore Worldwide2hr03m37s - Christian Watts, CEO, Magpie Travel2hr24m45s - Sean Hebert, VP, The Americas, Goway2hr38m41s - Sarah Sprague, COO, Batch2hr54m01s - Bastien Delapré, COO, Secret Food Tours3hr06m55s - Susan Sanderson, Rezometry3hr19m40s - Dan Moore, COO, The Adventure Hub3hr29m35s - Tom Monroe, Owner, Tom's Christian Tours3hr48m25s - Dale Schober, Founder & CEO, RADventures Canada4hr04m57s - Stephanie Piano, Trade Partnerships Manager, By Iris Co.4hr15m33s - Sara Margulis, Co-founder & CEO, Honeyfund4hr28m01s - Louis Juergens, Co-owner, Alaska Galore4hr38m48s - Lauren Shannon, Partner/General Manager, Arigato Japan4hr57m00s - Asgeir Baldurs, CEO, Arctic Adventures5hr15m24s - Ben Holz, Founder, AnyKai5hr28m14s - Katrina Demers, VP, Pursuit5hr44m17s - Jessica Johns, Head of Sales, Sojern5hr54m53s - Bruce Rosard, Co-founder & COO, ArivalThe #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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 HolaflyThe #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us Fan MailBooking 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/

Send us Fan MailAI 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 HolaflyThe #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

Send us Fan MailIf 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/

Send us Fan MailMeasuring 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/

Send us Fan MailThe 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 Journey14m16s - Jacinta Lim, CEO, Seek Sophie30m57s - Atsumi Araki, VELTRA50m48s - Brian Batista, CEO, Skyscanner1h04m02s - John Seaton, HotelREZ1h15m16s - Romy Abbrederis, CEO & Co-founder, Lobby AI1h31m36s - Alex Veka, Founder, CEO & CMO, Vibe Adventures1h45m30s - Roger Sharp, Founder & Chair, North Ridge Partners2h03m53s - Stephen Joyce, Global Strategy Lead- Travel, Tours & OTA’s, Protect Group2h28m42s - Nana Kankam, Founder, BookAfrica20h50m19s - Jason van Esso, Founder & CEO, Crewfare3h00m34s - Mikayla Allen, Founder & CEO, dnd video3h07m45s - Astha Kalbag, Founder, Talk to Magpie AI3h23m01s - Timothy O’Neill–Dunne, Principal, T2 Impact3h44m40s - Christa Sabathaly, Co-founder & CEO, Spun Global3h59m09s - Cara Whitehill, Venture Partner, Thayer Ventures4h15m16s - Pete Comeau, Managing Director, PhocuswrightThe #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/