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Getting sick while traveling is more common than most people realize. Whether it's food poisoning, a fever, an injury, or an unexpected illness, navigating a foreign healthcare system can quickly become one of the most stressful parts of any trip. You may not speak the language, know where to go, or trust the care you're receiving.

In this Company Spotlight, Dan sits down with Max Levine, CEO and Founder of Awayward, a virtual healthcare platform designed specifically for international travellers. Max shares the personal travel experiences that inspired him to launch the company and explains why calling your family doctor back home often isn't enough when local prescriptions, licensing, and healthcare systems come into play.

They discuss how Awayward connects travelers with vetted, English speaking doctors who are licensed in the country they're visiting, providing trusted medical care wherever the journey takes them. The conversation also looks at why travel healthcare is becoming increasingly important for tour operators, travel advisors, employers, hotels, and study abroad programs as part of their duty of care.

Max also discusses where AI can improve the travel healthcare experience, where human expertise remains essential, and why access to trusted medical care is becoming an important part of the overall travel experience.

Whether you're a frequent traveler or work in the travel industry, this conversation offers practical insights into one of the most overlooked aspects of travel planning.

Learn more at awayward.com.

For corporate travel, visit awayward.com/corporate-travel.

For study abroad, visit awayward.com/study-abroad.

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

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Mentorship can be the difference between building a successful career in travel or leaving the industry altogether. In this episode, Dan sits down with Penny Spencer, Chair and Founder of the Travel Industry Mentor Experience (TIME), to discuss how the not for profit mentoring program has helped hundreds of travel professionals across Australia and New Zealand and why it's now launching in Canada.

Penny explains how the six month program matches mentors and mentees, why experienced leaders volunteer their time, and how mentorship helps professionals build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, overcome imposter syndrome, and prepare for the next stage of their careers.

She also shares what excites her most about bringing TIME to Canada and how stronger connections between Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can help develop the next generation of travel leaders.

Whether you're a travel advisor, tour operator, agency owner, supplier, or an emerging leader looking to grow your career, this conversation is a reminder that sometimes the greatest investment our industry can make is in its people.

Learn more at travelindustrymentor.ca.

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

https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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Sonder was once one of the most recognizable names in modern hospitality. Then, almost overnight, it disappeared. Now, it's back in a very different form. In this breaking news episode, Dan sits down with John Lyotier, Co-founder and CEO of TravelAI, to discuss the company's acquisition of the Sonder trademarks and domain portfolio, including Sonder.com, and why it's relaunching the brand as an AI powered, curated guide to the world's best urban stays. The acquisition includes the brand and intellectual property only. It does not include Sonder's former operating business, properties, leases, or staff.

John shares the inside story behind the acquisition, what it was like navigating a trustee led bankruptcy process, and why his team believed the Sonder name was worth bringing back. The conversation also explores the realities of building and scaling travel companies, the lessons entrepreneurs can take from bankruptcy and capital markets, and why TravelAI has focused on acquiring trusted travel brands while remaining founder owned and profitable.

The discussion then turns to the future of AI in travel. John explains TravelAI's vision for a traveler owned memory layer, how AI can deliver more meaningful personalization without starting from scratch on every trip, and why the new Sonder is designed to combine machine intelligence with thoughtful human curation. It's a fascinating look at how an iconic travel brand can be reimagined for a new era and what that could mean for the future of travel discovery, personalization, and trust.

Learn more at sonder.com.

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

https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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The travel industry creates an incredible amount of content, yet some of its most valuable stories are never shared. In this Company Spotlight, Dan sits down with Annie Pezza, Founder and CEO of Pinerary, to explore why travel doesn't have a content problem, it has a capture problem, and what brands are missing when travelers' experiences disappear into camera rolls and social feeds.

The conversation goes beyond where people stayed or what they did to uncover what really makes travel memorable: the moments that surprise us, change our perspective, and inspire us to return. Annie explains how Pinerary helps travelers preserve those experiences through shareable itineraries while giving travel brands access to authentic stories that build trust, inspire future bookings, and continue delivering value long after a trip has ended.

We also explore the evolving role of user-generated content, why authentic traveler stories have become one of the most powerful forms of marketing, and how AI can help organize and surface those stories without replacing the human experiences behind them.

Whether you're a destination, hotel, tour operator, or technology provider, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how capturing and sharing real traveler experiences can strengthen trust, influence future bookings, and create value long after the trip is over.

Learn more pinerary.com.

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

https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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Travel television rarely leaves a lasting impact on the real world, but The Amazing Race has been inspiring people to explore the world differently for the past 25 years In this Captains of Industry episode and our season seven finale, we’re joined by Elise Doganieri, co-creator and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning series, for an honest conversation about how one of television's most iconic travel shows came to life and why it continues to influence the way people think about travel.

Elise takes us back to the beginning, from a backpacking trip through Europe and a moment of frustration between travel partners to the simple question that sparked it all: What if people raced around the world? She also shares what viewers never see: the months of planning, route scouting, casting, permits, visas, logistics, and local partnerships required to transform a 25-day race into twelve unforgettable episodes. It's a fascinating look at the complexity behind great travel storytelling.

We also discuss the responsibility that comes with filming around the world, from designing challenges that respect local cultures to working with tourism boards, film commissions, and communities to create a positive, lasting impact. Elise reflects on how the series has influenced tourism in destinations around the globe, why experiential travel has become more important than ever, and how destinations can balance growing visitor demand with sustainability.

Whether you've been watching The Amazing Race since the very first season or simply believe travel has the power to change people, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the show that has inspired millions to pack a bag, step outside their comfort zone, and see the world with fresh eyes.

👉 Listen to How The Amazing Race Inspired Millions to See the World 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/

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MarketHub Americas by HBX Group has become one of the travel industry's premier gatherings, bringing together nearly 600 travel leaders from 16 source markets to explore the trends shaping the future of travel. Recorded live from Punta Cana, this special Travel Trends event spotlight features three conversations with HBX Group executives on AI, travel distribution, luxury travel, and the partnerships driving the industry's next chapter.

The episode begins with Javier Cabrerizo, Chief Strategy, Transformation & AI Officer (3m33s), who explains why fragmentation remains one of travel's biggest challenges and opportunities. Javier shares HBX Group's "Triple A" approach to AI—Automate, Accelerate, and Augment—and discusses how agentic AI, personalization, and intelligent pricing are transforming travel distribution

Next, Una O'Leary, Vice President of Sales for The Luxurist (37m37s), shares how luxury travel is evolving beyond five-star hotels. From immersive experiences and off-season travel to the growing influence of millennials and the enduring value of travel advisors, she shares what today's luxury travelers are looking for.

The episode concludes with Danielle Von Weyhrother, Vice President of Sales, North America (58m17s), who offers a practical look at what travel partners are asking for today: simpler connectivity, richer content, practical AI solutions, and a more seamless way to connect hotels, transportation, and in-destination experiences.

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

https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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The Giant's Causeway is one of those places that has to be seen to be believed. With its 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, dramatic coastal setting, and views across the sea to Scotland, it's one of the world's most extraordinary natural wonders. But as Jennifer Michael, Business Development Manager at the National Trust Northern Ireland, explains in the final episode of our In-Destination Experiences Series, it's the stories, history, and sense of place that turn a visit into something truly unforgettable.

Jennifer takes us behind the scenes of managing a UNESCO World Heritage Site that welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. We explore how the National Trust balances conservation with visitor demand through timed entry, thoughtful capacity management, and pricing strategies that encourage guests to visit during quieter times. It's a fascinating look at how one of the world's most iconic attractions protects both the landscape and the visitor experience for generations to come.

We also explore how the Giant's Causeway is encouraging visitors to stay longer and discover more of Northern Ireland. From guided cliff-top walks and local storytelling to experiences like Whiskey on the Rocks with the nearby Old Bushmills Distillery and coastal boat tours, Jennifer shares how partnerships with local businesses are creating richer, more immersive journeys while spreading the economic benefits of tourism throughout the region.

Whether you're planning your own trip to Northern Ireland or looking for inspiration to create more meaningful itineraries, this conversation is full of insights into what it takes to transform a world-famous landmark into an unforgettable destination experience.

Thanks to Pernod Ricard for sponsoring this series!

👉 Listen to How Iconic Natural Attractions Create Unforgettable Visitor Experiences

🔥 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/

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Our most comprehensive Event Spotlight to date! Recorded live at Phocuswright Europe 2026 in Barcelona.

Over two days at one of the industry's most influential gatherings, Dan sat down with more than 20 founders, CEOs, investors, and analysts to understand what is actually reshaping the future of travel in Europe. The result is over six and a half hours of conversations covering everyting from AI and how it is genuinely being deployed to shifting traveler behavior, evolving business models, and the technologies and companies positioned to define the next chapter of this industry.

What makes this episode special is the range of perspectives in one place. You'll hear where these leaders agree, where they sharply diverge, and which opportunities and challenges they believe will matter most in the year ahead.

A special thank you to Pete, Gene, and the entire Phocuswright team for another exceptional event in Barcelona and for their continued partnership and support of the Travel Trends Podcast.

With this many conversations in one episode, we've made it easy to navigate. Scroll down for full timestamps to jump directly to the guests you'd like to hear from.

5m29m54s - Siew Hoon Yeoh, Founder, & Managing Director, Web in Travel (Singapore)

29m55s - John Lyotier, CEO, TravelAI

55m13s - Stuart Greif, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Forbes Travel Guide

1hr23m19s - Andreas Spitzer, CEO, Civitatis

1hr42m35s - Brennen Bliss, CEO, Propellic

1hr58m59s - Alex Trimis - CEO, Welcome Pickups

2hr20m27s - Julie Cheetham, CEO, Travalyst

2hr38m29s - Seb Herbranda, CEO , Rail Europe

2hr53m26s - Andy Moss, CEO, Mindtrip

3hr10m28s - Charlotte Lamp Davies, Founder & CEO, A Bright Approach

3hr24m45s - Carolina Castillo, General Manager - EMEA Travel Payments, WEX

3hr39m14s - Erez Bousso, Founder & CEO, Move

3hr55m20s - Carlos Cendra - Chief Marketing and Communication Officer, Data Appeal

4hr13m25s - Brooke Gilbertson, Conference, Events & Experience Leader, WTM

4hr29m27s - CD Lazear, Managing Director, TripAdd

4hr35m51s - Benoit Cerceau, Founder & CEO, OnSpot Travel Group

5hr05m46s - Oz Har Adir, Founder & CEO, Vio.com

5hr20m12s - Eimy Santos, AI Solution Expert, Maya

5hr32m10s - Sebastian Texier, Co-founder & Co-CEO, Jinko

5hr47m42s - Matei Psatta, Chief AI & Growth Officer, Vola.ro

5hr55m42s - Nina Lakatos, Business Development Manager, Message.Help

6hr03m48s - Marius Nigond, iWander, CEO

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

https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/