Podcasts about travel industry

What's Next for the Hospitality Industry?Join David Millili and Steve Carran as they sit down with Rosanna Maietta, CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), to discuss the state of the hospitality industry, labor challenges, AI in hotels, and the incredible ways hotels give back to their communities.In this episode, you'll learn about:The hospitality trends for 2026 and guest spending forecastsHow the industry is addressing labor shortages and workforce developmentThe role of AI and technology in enhancing hotel operations without losing the human touchInspiring stories of hotels supporting their local communitiesWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v9M5gyx9fi0Links:Rosanna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosanna-maietta-669a9151/AHLA: https://www.ahla.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanhotelassociation/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hotelassociationYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAHLAFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/255Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

How did Larry Korman go from growing up outside Philadelphia to leading one of the most innovative hospitality brands in the world? In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Larry Korman, President of AKA Hotels & Residences and Co‑CEO of Korman Communities. Larry shares his journey from growing up outside Philadelphia to leading one of the most innovative hospitality brands in the world. You'll hear about:The power of design and how it shaped his career.The four generations of the Korman family and their 100+ year legacy in real estate.How AKA redefined luxury with flexible stay residences.His collaboration with Airbnb and thoughts on the future of hospitality.Personal insights on family, travel, and what's next for AKA.This episode is packed with inspiration, history, and forward‑thinking ideas for hoteliers, designers, and anyone passionate about hospitality.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7-ci3RVgY5c Links:aka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aka/posts/?feedView=allaka: https://www.stayaka.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/254Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Guest BioMartin Rosenberg is the founder and CEO of OverseasInfo.tv, a pioneering video-based travel platform that connects travelers directly with tourism operators. With a background in international sales and procurement, Martin has spent decades building relationships across Europe and Asia. Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, he moved to London in 1985 before settling in Antalya, Türkiye, where he now balances semi-retirement with entrepreneurial passion.Known for his creative vision, sharp eye for detail, and love of networking, Martin continues to drive innovation in the travel space. His platform, OverseasInfo.tv, recently earned two industry awards for its unique approach to showcasing destinations through immersive video. When he's not developing new ideas, you can find him on the golf course enjoying the Mediterranean sun.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Martin about his journey from international business executive to founder of an award-winning tourism platform. They explore how OverseasInfo.tv offers an alternative to major booking engines by promoting direct relationships between travelers and local operators through engaging video content.Martin shares insights into how technology — particularly AI — is reshaping customer service in the travel industry, and why authentic experiences matter more than ever. The episode takes listeners behind the scenes of the travel tech world, offering a glimpse into how personal passion and global insight can spark meaningful innovation.Key Takeaways✓ How Martin's global business background inspired a new approach to tourism✓ The story behind launching OverseasInfo.tv as a video-first platform✓ Why direct booking empowers both travelers and tour operators✓ The role of storytelling in building traveler trust✓ How AI is improving — and complicating — customer service in tourism✓ Challenges independent travel businesses face in a platform-dominated market✓ The importance of visual content in the discovery phase of travel planning✓ Why authenticity and human connection are key to meaningful travel✓ Martin's perspective on semi-retirement as a time for reinvention✓ How networking remains central to his success — both online and off Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Greg Sukornyk, CEO and co-founder of Oli Labs, to explore how AI is transforming hotel sales, customer service, and revenue management.Greg shares his journey from law to entrepreneurship, building startups like Extreme Network, and now leading Oli Labs to innovate AI-driven sales solutions for hotels. Learn how AI sales agents like Ollie are helping properties respond faster to leads, prioritize high-value opportunities, and increase conversions—all while keeping hotel teams happier and more efficient.In this episode, we cover:The story of Extreme Network, the UK's first free internet service providerHow Oli Labs is revolutionizing AI-driven hotel sales and customer serviceReal results: increasing qualified leads by 2.5x and boosting conversion ratesHow AI and humans can work together seamlessly to enhance revenueWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JaU-9Jwudms Links:Gregory on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorysukornyk/Oli Labs: https://www.olilabs.ai/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/253Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Send a textLinking the Travel Industry is a business travel podcast where we review the top travel industry stories that are posted on LinkedIn by LinkedIn members.  We curate the top posts and discuss with them with travel industry veterans in a live session with audience members.  You can join the live recording session by visiting BusinessTravel360.comYour Hosts are Riaan van Schoor, Ann Cederhall and Aash ShravahStories covered on this podcast episode include:Wizz Air will start offering flights to the US, after it became known they have applied for rights to fly there but later in the week their CFO Ian Malin clarified their application related to providing charter flights for the World Cup.Spanish OTA DESTINIA acquired Netflights and Travel Republic, both much larger companies, from dnata.Emirates plans to hire 20,000 staff in the next 5 years.Property management company GuestReady has acquired Lightbooking and its 200 units in the Canary Islands for 1.2 million euros.Navan will shut down the Reed & Mackay brand and transition all customers to Navan.You can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created, edited and distributed by BusinessTravel360.  Be sure to sign up for regular updates at BusinessTravel360.com - Enjoy!Support the show

Which hospitality events should YOU be attending in 2026? In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with John Burns, President of Hospitality Technology Consulting, to review the top hospitality events of 2026. From tech expos to independent hotel shows, cruise industry summits, and AI-focused conferences, we cover what's happening, who should attend, and why these events are game-changers for hoteliers, developers, and investors.  In this episode, we cover:The global power of ITB Berlin and why it's more than just a trade show.Networking gold at Hunter Conference Atlanta and what makes it a must-attend.Insider tips from HFTP Executive Vendor Summit, AAHOA Philadelphia, Sea Trade Cruise Summit, and more.How direct bookings and AI are shaking up the hotel industry.Whether you're a hotel owner, operator, developer, or just love staying ahead in hospitality, this episode is your roadmap for networking, learning, and making deals happen.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UbP3xSHCc-M Links:John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-burns-1a6139/Hospitality Technology Consulting: https://www.burns-htc.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/252Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Can AI stop your next big hotel claim before it happens?In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Sriram Nalla, Hospitality Vertical Lead at WithCoverage, to discuss his unique journey from music management and entrepreneurship to transforming the insurance industry for hotels.Topics Covered:How WithCoverage is disrupting traditional hotel insurance with AI-powered solutionsStories of hotels saving 20-25% on premiums and improving coverageTips for aspiring leaders in hospitality and entrepreneurshipThe importance of curiosity, networking, and building trust in business. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7cegKtiXR-ILinks:Sriram on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sriram-nalla/WithCoverage: https://withcoverage.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/251Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Guest BioRhiannon Hutton is the founder of The Luxury Travel Specialist, where she curates high-end, deeply personalized travel experiences for clients seeking more than just a getaway. With over two decades of experience in the travel industry, Rhiannon's career began in a traditional shopfront agency and has evolved into a niche role centered around bespoke luxury journeys. Her own transformative experiences — including a life-altering incident during a trip to China — have shaped her mission to help others explore the world with purpose and confidence. Beyond her travel expertise, she is now an author and advocate for personal resilience, using her story to inspire growth, healing, and bold adventures through travel.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Rhiannon about her remarkable evolution in the travel industry — from early days in a traditional agency to launching a business that specializes in luxury, intentional travel. She shares a pivotal story from her past: a harrowing hijacking experience in China that not only tested her courage but also reframed her entire outlook on life and travel.Rhiannon opens up about the emotional and spiritual impact of that journey and how it led her to write a forthcoming book on resilience. She explains how trusting her instincts — both on the road and in business — has become central to her philosophy. The conversation also touches on her upcoming wellness-focused travel projects, designed to help others navigate trauma and discover their own strength through curated group experiences.Key Takeaways✓ Rhiannon has more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry.✓ She transitioned from a traditional agency model to offering high-end, personalized travel services.✓ The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to virtual consultations and online client engagement.✓ A hijacking incident during a trip to China deeply influenced her perspective on travel and safety.✓ She stresses the importance of listening to your instincts while exploring unfamiliar places.✓ Her personal experiences have inspired her to write a book about resilience and transformation through travel.✓ Rhiannon believes challenging experiences can serve a greater purpose in helping others heal.✓ She is developing future travel programs focused on wellness, growth, and group connection.✓ Her work aims to support people who have experienced trauma or life-altering events.✓ She views travel as a powerful tool for recovery, empowerment, and self-discovery. Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Steve Carran & David Millili sit down with Mark Harmon, Founder of Auberge Resorts Collection, on this episode of The Modern Hotelier.From studying law at Princeton and UC Law to becoming one of the most influential leaders in luxury hospitality, Mark shares how he transitioned from Silicon Valley attorney to visionary hotel developer behind some of the most iconic boutique resorts in the world.Mark also shares his philosophy on leadership, empathy, innovation, and why hospitality is ultimately about creating meaningful experiences — not just rooms.In this episode, we explore:How Auberge Resorts redefined luxury hospitalityWhy 50-room hotels can be wildly profitableThe power of design, real estate, and residential-style experiencesWorkforce housing challenges in resort marketsAdvice for the next generation of hospitality leadersWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/luY77HXb6f0Links:Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-harmon-2184851/Auberge Resorts: https://auberge.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/250Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Send a textLinking the Travel Industry is a business travel podcast where we review the top travel industry stories that are posted on LinkedIn by LinkedIn members.  We curate the top posts and discuss with them with travel industry veterans in a live session with audience members.  You can join the live recording session by visiting BusinessTravel360.comYour Hosts are Riaan van Schoor, Ann Cederhall and Aash ShravahStories covered on this podcast episode include:Avis Budget Group will close their Zipcar car sharing service in the UK.Singapore Airlines, who already holds a 25% stake in Air India Limited, signs a broader agreement between the two airlines to work even more closely together.Pilots and unions come out very critical about the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) fine of only US$2.4m to IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd) for their recent disruptions to flights.Spain's competition authority imposes fines on four TMCs for allegedly colluding in public-sector tenders for corporate travel services. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines starts offering free wi-fi on their inter-European flights. Marjan Rintel, CEO at KLM, talks about that.The hospitality property management system Mews raises US$300m, giving them a $2.5b evaluation.Extra StoriesYou can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created, edited and distributed by BusinessTravel360.  Be sure to sign up for regular updates at BusinessTravel360.com - Enjoy!Support the show

In today's episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Ashley NeQuent, Director of Product Strategy at Jonas Hospitality, for an in-depth conversation about hotel tech, operations, and creating unforgettable guest experiences. We kick things off with a lightning round to get to know Ashley, then dive into her journey from working at a small resort in upstate New York to leading product strategy for one of the biggest names in hospitality tech. Along the way, Ashley shares:How mentorship and teamwork shaped her early career in hotelsMoving from front desk to tech leadership in hospitalityThe power of unified tech stacks and breaking down siloed hotel systemsUsing data to personalize guest experiences without losing the human touchWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NKlc9_j_AQc Links:Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleybooton/Jonas Hospitality: https://www.jonashospitality.com/Jonas Hospitality on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jonas-hospitality/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/249Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

How does a pro snowboarder become a hospitality innovator?Join David Millili and Steve Carran as they sit down with Bradley Steward, Co-founder and President of Caravan Outpost, to explore an extraordinary journey from professional snowboarding to creating one of America's most unique boutique hospitality experiences.In this episode, you'll discover:The transition from sports to media, directing projects for Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and even influencing early Jackass.How he co-founded Bonfire Snowboarding, turning it into a global apparel brand before selling to Adidas.The inspiration behind Caravan Outpost, and how he and his wife designed it as an experiential travel destination, blending luxury, community, and the outdoors.Tips for independent hoteliers and entrepreneurs on creating a brand that fosters emotional connections rather than just products.Get ready for candid stories, unexpected adventures, and behind-the-scenes moments from snowboarding competitions, Hollywood projects, and a luxury outdoor retreat that feels more like a community than a hotel.  Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/leosxe5M0-0 Links:Bradley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-steward-7b829a23/Caravan Outpost: https://caravanoutpostojai.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/248Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

It has been 10 years since Deanna took the plunge to become a Travel Advisor, and this episode's chat takes in all the ups and downs in the industry and how to keep the longevity and love for this career.The discussion covers weathering Covid, learning new destinations, handling the market and AI, as well as what keeps both Deanna & Sarah doing what they love...Creating vacations that allow you to "collect moments".So sit back and enjoy a light and fun conversation about being a travel advisor through the years.Deanna and Sarah are both moms and travel advisors who love sharing their travel stories and knowledge with others. With children ranging from teens to toddlers, they have traveled across the span of childhood with their children. We can wait for you to hop aboard and enjoy a listen of today's episode and more...to Disney and Beyond!Thanks so much for listening and don't forget to come back next week for another episode of fun!Visit us on:Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1119361928792931/Instagram (@magical_moment_makers)

What if your hotel could know exactly what your guests want before they even check in — and deliver it automatically? In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Scott Buelter, CEO of Ascent 360, to dive into the transformative power of AI, data, and personalization in the hospitality industry.In this episode you'll learn about:How hotels are using Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) to unify guest data from multiple systems.The current and future role of AI in hospitality, from marketing automation to operational efficiency.How AI can support staff rather than replace them, improving the human touch in guest interactions.The shift from providing tools to delivering outcomes, and why marketers who embrace AI will thrive.If you want to understand how AI and data are shaping the next generation of hotel marketing, guest experiences, and operational efficiency, this episode is a must-watch.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wM8cOSoRIXsThis episode is sponsored by Ascent360: https://ascent360.com/ Links:Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbuelter/Ascent360: https://ascent360.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/247Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Join Steve Carran and David Millili as he welcomes Jon Bumhoffer, producer of The Modern Hotelier, for a deep dive into hospitality trends and industry forecasts for 2026. In this episode, we break down everything hotel owners, operators, and travelers need to know—from group business rebounds, rising labor costs, and food & beverage innovations, to AI-driven bookings, lifestyle brands, and the latest in hotel tech investments.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Food & beverage shifts: pop-ups, healthy options, and tech-driven dining experiencesRising labor and operational costs impacting the hospitality industryAI in travel: how large language models are reshaping hotel bookingsHotel tech spotlight: MEWS secures $300M funding and what this means for cloud PMSControversial hotel design trends: the debate over doorless bathroomsSubscribe to The Modern Hotelier for more industry analysis, expert interviews, and hospitality hot topics.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gDHkSaG0Wu0Links:2026 US Industry Forecast5 Trends to watch in 2026MEWS Secures $300 Million in FundingU.S. Hotel Bathroom “Privacy Backlash” Goes ViralFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/246Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Send us a textLinking the Travel Industry is a business travel podcast where we review the top travel industry stories that are posted on LinkedIn by LinkedIn members.  We curate the top posts and discuss with them with travel industry veterans in a live session with audience members.  You can join the live recording session by visiting BusinessTravel360.comYour Hosts are Riaan van Schoor, Ann Cederhall and Aash ShravahStories covered on this podcast episode include:Heathrow Airport announces a £1.3bn investment programme for 2026.The Las Vegas based airline Allegiant is to acquire Sun Country Airlines in a $1.5bn cash and stock deal.eDreams ODIGEO and Tryp.com end up in a legal battle, raising plenty of discussion about agentic AI, screen-scraping and more.Google launches the Universal Commerce Protocol with a group of retailers. In a highly engaged and discussed post, Benjamin Rhatigan explores the future impact of this in how travel is bought and sold.Sabre Corporation invests in BizTrip AI to "bring agentic AI to corporate travel". In his post, Branko Karlezi talks about some of the results already achieved with this partnership.Ryanair - Europe's Favourite Airline decides against equipping it's fleet with Starlink internet connectivity....whilst Lufthansa Group does invest in Starlink, announcing that 850+ of the aircraft in many of their airlines will have this enabled, starting in the second half of 2026.China opens an antitrust probe into Trip.com Group due to alleged "monopolistic practices and abuse of its dominant market position".The most engaged post of the week goes to Rebecca Crook, where she talks about her frustration with the "something went wrong" message on British Airways' websites and app many of us are very familiar with.Extra StoriesYou can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created, edited and distributed by BusinessTravel360.  Be sure to sign up for regular updates at BusinessTravel360.com - Enjoy!Support the show

This week, I welcome Antoine Wilson, owner of AD Elite Travels and CEO and Co-Founder of Melanated Safaris, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including winter storm Fern's impact, a big change for NYC's hotel scene, and more. Later, Wilson and I dive into what changes the travel industry needs to make. He shares his thoughts on inclusiveness, representation, customer service being key, the advisor-supplier relationship, and more. Additionally, Wilson closes it out with his advice for travel industry peers on how to make 2026 their best year yet. The discussion on travel industry changes begins after the 13-minute mark. Today's episode sponsor: Globus family of brands If your clients are asking about escorted touring, Globus and Cosmos should be at the top of your list. Together, they offer the widest touring portfolio in the industry — from affordable adventures with Cosmos to immersive, experience-rich journeys with Globus. Touring with Globus means everything is handled — hotels, transportation, sightseeing — all led by expert Tour Directors who manage logistics, unlock local insight, and bring destinations to life. That’s the difference between touring and FIT travel, where clients are left juggling the details. Add in strong commissions and dedicated advisor support, and Globus makes escorted touring easy to sell — and easy to trust. Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guida Botelho from The Travel Institute joins this episode to talk about the significance of certifications for travel advisors. She shares her career background with The Travel Institute, the role it's played in shaping advisor education since 1964, and what certifications are really meant to do beyond adding letters to your name. You'll learn how certifications should be used, why they still matter in today's travel landscape, and why foundational education is key to building a sustainable, professional business. If you've ever wondered whether certifications are worth the time and investment, this conversation is for you. And if you're looking for more resources to elevate your travel business, be sure to join the Niche Community!Niche is the premier travel agent community where ambitious advisors learn proven systems, get ongoing support, and grow their business with confidence. → https://www.tiquehq.com/niche/?utm_source=Tique_Talks&utm_medium=Show_Notes&utm_campaign=Ep186&utm_content=NicheAbout Guida Botelho:Guida is Vice President of The Travel Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing professionalism and career success in the travel industry through education. In this role, Guida provides strategic leadership across education, partnerships, and workforce development initiatives that strengthen the industry and elevate the value of professional credentials. Known for a clear-eyed, results-driven approach, Guida champions education that delivers real-world application, career mobility, and long-term relevance. By aligning learning pathways with industry needs, partner priorities, and emerging trends, Guida plays a key role in shaping the future of travel education and ensuring advisors are prepared to compete—and win—in an evolving marketplace.thetravelinstitute.comgbotelho@thetravelinstitute.comlinkedin.com/in/guida-botelho-ctie-b36603284Scholarship link: thetravelinstitute.com/travel-agent-training-scholarshipToday we will cover:(03:30) How The Travel Institute has shaped advisor education(08:45) Why credibility and education matter more than ever(11:00) How certifications impact client trust and professionalism(18:00) Using education to improve sales and client conversations(27:30) Avoiding burnout and building a long-term travel business(30:30) How to leverage certifications strategicallyFOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQThanks to Our Tique Talks Sponsors:Cozy Earth - Use code TIQUEBOGO

In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Kunal Shah, Managing Partner of Travel & Hospitality at ZS, to explore the future of the hotel industry in 2026, key revenue strategies, and how technology is reshaping guest experiences.Kunal shares insights from his global career—starting at United Airlines, earning an MBA at London Business School, and now leading ZS's travel and hospitality practice. He breaks down the biggest opportunities and challenges hotels face today, including RevPAR pressure, AI adoption, guest personalization, and new revenue streams beyond rooms.Whether you're a hotel operator, GM, revenue manager, or hospitality investor—this episode is packed with practical strategies and industry foresight.What You'll Learn in This Episode:2026 hospitality trends & industry outlookWhy RevPAR growth is plateauingHow hotels can improve guest engagement & incremental revenueThe most promising new revenue streams beyond roomsWhy relationships & intellectual curiosity matter in hospitality leadershipThis episode is sponsored by ZSWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7y2WcNmOwfoLinks:Contact ZSKunal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksshah/ZS: https://www.zs.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/245Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

We're sharing a preview of a new podcast from Skift called Skift Take Sessions. Skift Take Sessions is a weekly, journalist-led podcast built from the most important conversations shaping the global travel industry. Each episode features candid interviews with CEOs and senior leaders across airlines, hotels, and travel platforms, recorded live at Skift events and expanded with context around why the conversation matters now and what we learned. Hosted by Wil Slickers, the show brings listeners inside executive-level thinking from leaders at companies like Hilton, Expedia Group, Airbnb, JetBlue, and more. New episodes drop every week. Listen and follow Skift Take Sessions: Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skift-take-sessions/id1871511773⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4oKApv7z0I65VpySjh9rqP?si=2e8f1e3e83e8459d⁠⁠ Skift.com: ⁠⁠https://skift.com/skift-travel-podcasts/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're sharing a preview of a new podcast from Skift called Skift Take Sessions. Skift Take Sessions is a weekly, journalist-led podcast built from the most important conversations shaping the global travel industry. Each episode features candid interviews with CEOs and senior leaders across airlines, hotels, and travel platforms, recorded live at Skift events and expanded with context around why the conversation matters now and what we learned. Hosted by Wil Slickers, the show brings listeners inside executive-level thinking from leaders at companies like Hilton, Expedia Group, Airbnb, JetBlue, and more. New episodes drop every week. Listen and follow Skift Take Sessions: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skift-take-sessions/id1871511773 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oKApv7z0I65VpySjh9rqP?si=2e8f1e3e83e8459d Skift.com: https://skift.com/skift-travel-podcasts/

We're sharing a preview of a new podcast from Skift called Skift Take Sessions. Skift Take Sessions is a weekly, journalist-led podcast built from the most important conversations shaping the global travel industry. Each episode features candid interviews with CEOs and senior leaders across airlines, hotels, and travel platforms, recorded live at Skift events and expanded with context around why the conversation matters now and what we learned. Hosted by Wil Slickers, the show brings listeners inside executive-level thinking from leaders at companies like Hilton, Expedia Group, Airbnb, JetBlue, and more. New episodes drop every week. Listen and follow Skift Take Sessions: Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skift-take-sessions/id1871511773⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4oKApv7z0I65VpySjh9rqP?si=2e8f1e3e83e8459d⁠⁠ Skift.com: ⁠⁠https://skift.com/skift-travel-podcasts/

This week, I welcome back Stephen Scott, founder of Travel Hub 365 and the Odyssey Travel App, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including new developments from ASTA, big cruise industry happenings, and more. Later, Scott and I dive into the recent billion-dollar deals that have been shaking up the travel industry during both pre-and-post-pandemic times. Scott provides insights into how these mergers and acquisitions impact the industry and what they mean for the travel advisor. The discussion on billion-dollar deals begins after the 15-minute mark. Today's episode sponsor: Globus family of brands If your clients are asking about escorted touring, Globus and Cosmos should be at the top of your list. Together, they offer the widest touring portfolio in the industry — from affordable adventures with Cosmos to immersive, experience-rich journeys with Globus. Touring with Globus means everything is handled — hotels, transportation, sightseeing — all led by expert Tour Directors who manage logistics, unlock local insight, and bring destinations to life. That’s the difference between touring and FIT travel, where clients are left juggling the details. Add in strong commissions and dedicated advisor support, and Globus makes escorted touring easy to sell — and easy to trust. Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you lead a hotel through a major renovation and emerge stronger than ever? Join David Millili and Steve Carran as they sit down with Alpha Barry, General Manager of the newly renovated Courtyard San Diego Downtown Little Italy. Alpha shares his 25+ year hospitality journey—from front desk to finance leadership to GM—and the transformational renovation that reshaped the hotel into a modern destination in one of San Diego's most vibrant neighborhoods.In This Episode You'll Learn:How Alpha built a career from operations to finance to GMThe massive renovation and brand transformation of the hotelWhat a Noble Investment + Schulte Hospitality supported the visionHow the hotel connects to Little Italy through local partnershipsWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pNcXsExpASQ Links:Alpha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alpha-midiaou-barry-42a6b014/ Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sandy-courtyard-san-diego-downtown-little-italy/overview/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/244Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Send us a textLinking the Travel Industry is a business travel podcast where we review the top travel industry stories that are posted on LinkedIn by LinkedIn members.  We curate the top posts and discuss with them with travel industry veterans in a live session with audience members.  You can join the live recording session by visiting BusinessTravel360.comYour Hosts are Riaan van Schoor, Ann Cederhall and Aash ShravahStories covered on this podcast episode include:Travel industry fintech platform Travel Ledger integrates with Expedia Group's Travel Agent Affiliate Program to offer seamless reporting on virtual card spend by the agent.Amadeus announces that Lufthansa Group has chosen their Nevio platform for 9 of the group's airlines to "power a traveler-centric transformation toward modern airline retailing".Royal Schiphol Group receives plenty of criticism for a recent disruption to Schiphol airport from what appears to be a total lack of planning for adverse winter weather.Last month a new high-speed rail service between Doha and Riyadh was announced. Kit Aspen dives into this a bit more with his thoughts on this.The most engaged post of the week goes to Gilbert Ott, who recently joined oneworld Alliance as their Director of Loyalty.This is a special edition of the podcast. Whilst we will discuss the above, each of us have come up with a wish list item for our industry & predictions for 2026.You can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created, edited and distributed by BusinessTravel360.  Be sure to sign up for regular updates at BusinessTravel360.com - Enjoy!Support the show

BIPOC creatives are still underrepresented in the travel industry — Aspen Cierra shares how collectives like Black Women Photographers and the Black Travel Alliance unlocked grants, press trips, mentorship, and access that led to Iceland, Jordan, and beyond. From a Nikon-backed grant to tourism board work and creator press trips, her journey shows how representation, shared resources, and showing up in the right spaces can change who gets seen — and who gets hired. This conversation is about building a career through alignment, visibility, and belonging in an industry still catching up.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

What do hoteliers need to know about PMS implementations, hospitality tech, and leadership today? In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Ryan King, Senior Vice President of Americas at Shiji, for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about hospitality, technology, leadership, and the future of guest experience.Ryan shares his journey from working on-property in Washington, DC to leading Shiji's growth across the Americas, including the strategic decision to shift operations to Mexico as a hub for North and South America. Along the way, he opens up about career pivots, leadership lessons, and why curiosity, humility, and communication are essential for long-term success in hospitality tech.In this episode, we cover:What lessons from working on-property still shape Ryan's approach to hotel tech today?How important are communication and change management during a system rollout?The Shiji's philosophy on all-in-one platforms vs best-of-breed solutions What are the fastest wins hoteliers can achieve when adopting new technology? Why PMS implementations succeed or fail (and it's not the technology) This episode is sponsored by Shiji: https://www.shijigroup.com/Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/R3aCzbt_4Ac Links:Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-king-11083842/Shiji Group: https://www.shijigroup.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/243Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Travel is one of the most demo-friendly use cases for AI — and one of the hardest industries to actually disrupt.Every AI launch seems to promise the same thing: “Tell me where you want to go, and I'll plan everything.” But behind the slick demos sits a deeply consolidated industry dominated by platforms, hotel chains, and airlines that optimize for upsell and extraction.Rafat Ali is the founder and CEO of Skift, which bills itself as “the daily homepage for the global travel industry.” We discuss whether AI is likely to have a traveler-friendly effect — or whether the big platforms will just use these new tools of hyper-personalization to extract even more from us. We cover: Whether AI creates new intermediaries—or just strengthens existing giantsWhy no breakout consumer AI travel startup has emerged (yet)Where AI does work in travel today: ops, logistics, and B2B automationWhy travel is a graveyard for “great UX, bad business” startups (RIP HipmunkRafat's dad hacks for traveling with three kids---Featured voices:Rafat Ali — Founder and CEO of SkiftMe (Dan Blumberg) — I'm the host of CRAFTED. and the founder of Modern Product Minds. HMU if you want to build something great! I love building from zero to one.---And if you please…Share with a friend! Word of mouth is by far the most powerful way for podcasts to growSubscribe to the CRAFTED. newsletter at crafted.fmShare your feedback! I'm experimenting with new episode formats and would love your honest feedback on this and other episodes. Email me: dan@modernproductminds.com or DM me on LinkedInSponsor the show? I'm actively speaking to potential sponsors. Drop me a line and let's talk.Get psyched!… There are some big updates to this show coming soon!

Andrea Wright is a natural-born salesperson. As the daughter of a single mother who built her own multimillion-dollar corporate travel agency from the ground up, she spent much of her childhood attending travel conferences, conducting fake “business meetings” in front of the mirror and dreaming about a life in the boardroom. Her strong business sense and extraverted personality kickstarted a successful travel industry career, first at Club Med, then Playa Hotels & Resorts and, finally, as the vice president of luxury sales and trade partnerships for Opulence, the new luxury division of host agency Outside Agents. During this episode of Humans of Travel, listeners will hear Wright reflect on her decades-long career in travel, including how her mother impacted her career and why she decided to spearhead Outside Agents’ new luxury division. In the second half of the episode, she'll reflect on one of the most profound experiences she's had, to date – suffering a brain aneurysm back in February 2025. Thanks to the swift response of those around her, Wright is now healthy — she did, however, walk away with about $600,000 in medical debt that insurance wouldn't cover. Wright describes how her travel industry peers quickly and generously rallied around her, and how the Family Bonds Foundation (created by John Lovell, formerly of Internova Travel Group) stepped in to cover a substantial amount of the cost. This episode is sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Outside AgentsOpulence, by Outside AgentsFamily Bonds Foundation Contact Wright:  Andrea@outsideagents.com ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textLinking the Travel Industry is a business travel podcast where we review the top travel industry stories that are posted on LinkedIn by LinkedIn members.  We curate the top posts and discuss with them with travel industry veterans in a live session with audience members.  You can join the live recording session by visiting BusinessTravel360.comYour Hosts are Riaan van Schoor, Ann Cederhall and Aash ShravahStories covered on this podcast episode include:American Airlines stops awarding miles and status points on basic economy fares.They have also launched a $5,000 offer which will get you immediate Gold status. This was launched so quietly earlier in December I totally missed it, but luckily I spotted Iñaki's post.Italy fines Ryanair - Europe's Favourite Airline a whopping €225m for their "abusive strategy against OTAs".There were 4 mergers & acquisition stories during the last 2 weeks of 2025.Ann's personal experiences on Brightline.You can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created, edited and distributed by BusinessTravel360.  Be sure to sign up for regular updates at BusinessTravel360.com - Enjoy!Support the show

Ever wondered what it takes to run luxury and international hotel brands? On this episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Ron Pohl, President of World Hotels and Head of International Operations for Best Western, to talk all things hospitality.Ron shares his journey from growing up in Ohio to leading hotels across the globe, and gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run luxury, upscale, and international hotel brands. They dive into hot topics like hotel storytelling, guest experiences, sustainability, and how technology like AR, VR, and AI is shaping the future of hospitality.What you'll learn in this episode:The strategy behind growing Best Western & World Hotels into 18 brands worldwideHow storytelling and crafted hotel experiences drive guest loyalty and ROIThe role of sustainability and technology as revenue driversLessons on building a successful career in hospitality and leading teamsWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sSky7DGRyTY Links:Ron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-pohl-8214205/WorldHotels and International Operations for BWH Hotels: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US.htmlFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/242Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Send us a textLinking the Travel Industry is a business travel podcast where we review the top travel industry stories that are posted on LinkedIn by LinkedIn members.  We curate the top posts and discuss with them with travel industry veterans in a live session with audience members.  You can join the live recording session by visiting BusinessTravel360.comYour Hosts are Riaan van Schoor, Ann Cederhall and Aash ShravahStories covered on this podcast episode include:Air Albania ceases flight operations.Croatia Airlines is getting a government bailout to the tune of €150m.Frontier Airlines replaces their CEO Barry Biffle after 11 years.And it looks like Frontier and Spirit Airlines might end up merging.Amtrak content becomes available in Travelport via SilverRail.Finnair makes a surprise route announcement with services to Melbourne (via BKK) to start late next year from Helsinki.Former Qantas executives and board members who hold life-time travel perks with the airline have been told they won't be able to utilize those in first class on their ultra long-haul project Sunrise flights.Which companies got mentioned the most in these weekly summaries during 2025? Which stories stood out for us during the #LTTI recordings?What are our predictions for 2026?You can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created, edited and distributed by BusinessTravel360.  Be sure to sign up for regular updates at BusinessTravel360.com - Enjoy!Support the show

David Millili & Steve Carran sit down with Steve Slack, General Manager of the iconic Lafayette Hotel & Club in San Diego, for a deep dive into hospitality leadership, community-driven hotels, and what it takes to run a Michelin-recognized property.In this episode, Steve Slack shares his journey from growing up in Oceanside, California, to leading one of the most talked-about boutique hotels in the country. From early days in golf operations to becoming a hotel general manager, Steve breaks down the mindset, hustle, and attention to detail required to succeed in modern hospitality.We also explore the historic renovation and relaunch of the Lafayette Hotel, the unique ownership model behind CH Projects, and how food, beverage, and community engagement drive the hotel's success. Steve opens up about earning a Michelin Key, traveling to Paris for the award ceremony, and how the Lafayette has reclaimed its place as a cultural landmark in San Diego.Plus, we take you behind the scenes of the Lafayette's legendary holiday transformation, including the viral hanging Christmas trees, in-house decorating process, and why guests and locals alike keep coming back.In this episode, you'll learn:Why community-driven hotels outperform traditional modelsHow CH Projects operates 20+ restaurants and boutique hotelsThe role of food & beverage in creating unforgettable guest experiencesHow the Lafayette Hotel became a San Diego destination againWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Sa3tbaOzSF8Links:Steve Slack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveaslack/The Lafayette Hotel & Club: https://lafayettehotelsd.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/241Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Thank you for tuning in to The Prosperous Woman Podcast!In today's episode, Claire joins Wild Terrains founder Lauren Bates in a conversation about how authentic connection is a far better marketing tool than ads, gimmicks, or vanity metrics. Learn how Lauren built her travel company from the ground up with grassroots marketing from the very beginning.Inside this episode:How Lauren came up with the idea for her women's travel brand and took the first leap into businessHow COVID required Lauren's to pivot her business quicklyLauren's unique approach to marketingReady for more?Reserve your free ticket for The Simple AF Business Summit hereFollow Claire Sellers on ⁠Instagram⁠For the woman ready to start a business - join Claire's 4-month business birthing program ⁠The Dream Accelerator⁠ ⁠For the woman scaling to multiple 6 figures - Join ⁠The Opulence Mastermind⁠ Connect with today's guest!Follow Wild Terrains on ⁠Instagram⁠Travel with ⁠Wild Terrains

In this special 2025 Year-End Recap, hosts David Millili, Steve Carran, and Jon Bumhoffer reflect on a massive year for The Modern Hotelier, filmed on location at the Lafayette Hotel & Club in San Diego, California.From nearly doubling episode output and becoming hospitality's most engaged podcast, to launching Modern Hotelier Media, producing high-impact hotel experience tours, and covering major hospitality events and trade shows across the U.S., this episode breaks down the milestones that defined 2025.Topics Covered: Favorite moments from the yearBehind-the-scenes stories from major hospitality conferencesLessons learned building a media company in hospitalityWhat excites them most about 2026, including international expansion If you're a hotel owner, operator, hospitality professional, or hotel tech brand, this episode offers insight into where hospitality media is heading—and how storytelling, video, and community engagement are shaping the future of the industry.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/j_zOdOB1kFIFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/240Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Send us a textLinking the Travel Industry is a business travel podcast where we review the top travel industry stories that are posted on LinkedIn by LinkedIn members.  We curate the top posts and discuss with them with travel industry veterans in a live session with audience members.  You can join the live recording session by visiting BusinessTravel360.comYour Hosts are Riaan van Schoor, Ann Cederhall and Aash ShravahStories covered on this podcast episode include:Travelport announces a strategic relationship with United Airlines with the aim of enabling new capabilities and functionality for agency and corporate buying communities.The risk management and crisis response solution Crisis24 shuts down OnSolve CodeRED, a voluntary, opt-in emergency notification system used by US law enforcement agencies and municipalities after a ransomware attack claimed by the INCRansom group. Millions of user's personal data is also at risk of being leaked.Expensify integrates with Uber for Business, automating trip receipts.The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) announces the creation of a unified GCC Civil Aviation Authority.In a major restructure, a large number of executive positions (rumours are up to 400) at Qantas are made redundant by CEO Vanessa Hudson.Wizz Air announces a partnership with Kyte, to open their content to third-party distribution and strengthen their presence in the corporate travel market.IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd) is in crisis mode after a series of cancellations leaves them with their worst disruption in their 20 year history.Indigo published a full apology and offers of no-questions-asked refunds and hotel bookings for thousands of stranded passengers.Extra StoriesYou can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created, edited and distributed by BusinessTravel360.  Be sure to sign up for regular updates at BusinessTravel360.com - Enjoy!Support the show

Steve Carran and David Millili join a special holiday roundtable led by Katie Cline (Suite Success), alongside Glenn Hausmann (No Vacancy), Josiah Mackenzie (Hospitality Daily), and Zach Busekrus (Behind the Stays), to unpack the biggest hospitality moments of 2025 and what's likely coming in 2026.From the long-awaited Waldorf Astoria New York revival and the acceleration of “ultra-luxury,” to loyalty disruption, trade show fatigue, boutique brands being gobbled up by the majors, and the industry's messy (but inevitable) race to adopt AI—this conversation is packed with sharp takes, real operator perspective, and plenty of friendly debate.They wrap with 2026 predictions, including the growing divide between luxury and everyone else, the next evolution of loyalty (beyond points), authentic content backlash against the “AI buffet,” workforce shifts driven by automation, and what's next for branded short-term rentals and experience-led travel.In this episode, we cover:2025's biggest headline: the Waldorf Astoria New York restoration and what it signals for luxuryWhy points can feel more like “bribery” than true loyaltyAI in hospitality: confusion, hype, and the gap between “buzzwords” vs real resultsHow AI should support staff (reduce stress, protect service) rather than replace peopleTravel behaviour shifts: more local trips, road trips, and value-driven getaways (without giving up travel)Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT3HtYbHDNYLinks:Katie Cline on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecline13/Host of Suite Success: https://www.suitesuccesspodcast.com/ Josiah Mackenzie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahmackenzie/Host, Hospitality Daily: https://podcast.hospitalitydaily.com/p/start-here/ Glenn Hausmann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennhaussman/Host, No Vacancy: https://novacancynews.com/ Zach Busekrus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/Host, Behind the Stays: https://www.journey.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/239Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Send us a textLinking the Travel Industry is a business travel podcast where we review the top travel industry stories that are posted on LinkedIn by LinkedIn members.  We curate the top posts and discuss with them with travel industry veterans in a live session with audience members.  You can join the live recording session by visiting BusinessTravel360.comYour Hosts are Riaan van Schoor, Ann Cederhall and Aash ShravahStories covered on this podcast episode include:Airbus warning causes global disruptionsAer Lingus is considering closing it's Manchester base.The BTA welcomes the UK government's decision to freeze rail fares in England next year.Two more airlines cease to operate this week:❌ Latvia'a SmartLynx Airlines Ltd❌ Anchorage based New Pacific AirlinesAmerican Express Global Business Travel is exploring the possibility of a sale.The Venezuelan government revokes the operating licenses of six major international airlines.Ryanair shuts down their Prime membership after it costs them more than they earned from it.The most engaged post of the week is by Dennis Schaal about Capital One wanting to acquire the software that Hopper uses to power Capital One Travel, and to then expand their travel offering.Extra StoriesYou can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created, edited and distributed by BusinessTravel360.  Be sure to sign up for regular updates at BusinessTravel360.com - Enjoy!Support the show

What does it really take for a boutique hotel to stand out in the crowded world of social media? In this episode, host David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dino Jevric, Social Media Marketing Manager at Arlo Hotels, to explore how hotels can thrive in today's digital world.From Dino's early days in social media to running creative campaigns for Arlo Hotels, we dive deep into strategies that connect travelers with authentic experiences. Discover how Arlo leverages culture, personality, and behind-the-scenes content to redefine boutique hotel marketing—and why authenticity is more important than ever in social media.In this episode, you'll learn:How Arlo Hotels builds engaging campaigns without relying solely on promotionsThe balance between polished visuals and authentic, “run-and-gun” contentTips for hotels struggling with social media: leaning into culture and personalityHow Arlo's social media creates connection before guests even step on propertyWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FvaCNK7_vYc Links:Dino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dino-jevric/Arlo Hotels: https://arlohotels.com/Arlo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlohotels/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/238Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Vaibhav KalaFounderAquaterra Adventureshttps://adventuretravelmarketing.com/guest/vaibhav-kala/Vaibhav has guided experiences from Morocco to the Inca trail, from the Colorado to the Yangtze, from the Futaleufu to Aconcagua, Ahansel to the Zambezi and from Kilimanjaro to the Everest trail. His leadership and expertise in both mountain and river environments, safety, risk management, knowledge, and impeccable planning has been the mainstay of the globally acknowledged Aquaterra Adventures. Vaibhav has opened many Himalayan trips to adventure tourism and his outfit is the only Indian adventure company on the 2008 & 2009 list of the BEST ADVENTURE TRAVEL COMPANIES ON EARTH,  rated by the National Geographic Society. Having guided for 33 years in the adventure tourism industry, with many firsts to his name, his contributions have helped bring many rural regions to international tourism while unlocking the latent potential of youth not only through employment, but by training and imparting the ethos of being proud of ones' origins. His work with governments involves crafting policies and nuances for adventure tourism to make it safer, responsible and more sustainable. Today, Vaibhav  showcases a sustainable adventure tourism model that brings together culture, community, environment, health and wellness coupled with adventure, excitement and thrill improving lives and livelihoods through fun, grit, pride and purpose.SummaryIn this episode, Jason Elkins welcomes back Vaibhav Kala, founder of Aquaterra Adventures, to discuss the evolution of adventure travel in India. Bipav shares his journey from a chemistry student to a leading figure in the adventure tourism industry, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability. The conversation explores the challenges of over-tourism, the need for sustainable practices, and the future of adventure travel, highlighting the untouched beauty of India's landscapes. Vaibhav also discusses the changing demographics of travelers and the impact of technology on the industry, advocating for a more responsible approach to adventure tourism.TakeawaysAquaterra Adventures focuses on 'limbs and lungs' travel, emphasizing human-powered activities.Vaibhav's journey into adventure travel began with guiding river trips at a young age.Childhood experiences in a military family fostered resilience and adaptability.The adventure travel industry in India has evolved significantly over the past 30 years.Over-tourism poses a significant threat to the sustainability of adventure travel.The importance of setting expectations for travelers has increased with changing demographics.India offers untouched areas that are still open for exploration and adventure.The future of adventure travel lies in small group experiences in remote locations.Discerning travelers are becoming more aware of safety and environmental impacts. Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, Steve Carran and David Millili is joined by Luis Segredo, CEO of Hapi, to discuss the biggest hospitality news and trends from November. They dive into the recent dissolution of the Marriott–Sonder partnership, exploring why integrations and siloed technology can make or break hotel collaborations.Steve and Luis also examine the rise of direct bookings, the impact of loyalty programs, and how travelers are navigating Black Friday and Travel Tuesday deals. They share insights on how hotel brands are adapting to changing customer expectations, leveraging technology to create seamless experiences, and preparing for the future of hospitality.Topics covered in this episode:Marriott & Sonder partnership dissolves: lessons learned from failed integrations and siloed tech.Why hotel brands are leading in U.S. travel searches.Thanksgiving travel trends: record-breaking numbers, road vs. air travel, and insights from personal experiences.How hotels can innovate faster with harmonized data across multiple property management systems.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IeKEY3anr54Links:Luis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luissegredo/Hapi: https://www.stayhapi.com/ Mariott Terminates Sonder AgreementBrands lead US Travel searchesThanksgiving TravelBlack Friday or Travel Tuesday dealsTell us more about the findings of The Future of Hotel Data ReportWhat is new at Hapi?For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/237Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, host KJ sits down with John Choate, co-founder of Apogee Travel, to discuss how the travel industry hides value, the illusion of price comparison, and how Apogee is disrupting the online travel agency model by turning every hotel booking into a charitable donation. Discover the truth behind loyalty programs, the commoditization of hotels, and how transparency and social good can reshape an entire industry. Four Key Takeaways: The Illusion of Comparison Shopping [00:41]John explains how consumers believe they are comparison shopping for hotels, but in reality, prices are controlled and nearly identical across platforms. The Birth of Apogee’s Value Model [06:55]The story of how a charity hotel stay and a conversation with Steve Wynn inspired the idea of using hotel profits for social good. Exposing Loyalty Program Devaluation [24:15]John breaks down how hotel loyalty programs manipulate point values, creating “value blindness” for consumers. How Apogee Travel Disrupts the Industry [32:05]Apogee’s unique model: every booking generates a donation to a charity of the traveler’s choice, at no extra cost, while still earning brand rewards points. Quote of the Show (34:20):"Most people think charity is emotional. In our model, it's structural. Travel's the largest overlooked fundraising engine in the world. We just plugged it in." – John Choate Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with John Choate: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnchoate/ Company Website: https://apogeetravel.com How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD?si=22332d4cd4ef4e41See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Steve Carran and David Millili on The Modern Hotelier as they sit down with Brittney Jones, Chief Development Officer at Brittain Resorts & Hotels, to explore her inspiring journey from working on-property at a hotel to becoming a C-level executive.In this episode, Brittney shares insights on:The career lessons that shaped her path in hospitalityHow curiosity, humility, and adaptability have fueled her successThe intricacies of hotel development, acquisitions, and third-party managementStrategies for aligning owners and operators for long-term successEmerging trends in leisure and experiential hospitality, from condo hotels to upscale RV resortsAdvice for aspiring hospitality executives looking to grow in the industryBrittney also opens up about her personal journey, the values instilled growing up in South Carolina, and the small wins that have made a big impact throughout her career.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pNG3z7i_RLgLinks:Brittney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittney-s-jones/Brittain Resorts & Hotels: https://www.brittainresorts.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/236Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

This is the final episode of the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a five-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts. Trade Secrets used Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. This week’s featured company is Travel Industry Solutions, represented by CEO and founder Sheila Folk. Trade Secrets will be back next week with a look back on 2025 and 2026 predictions before taking a holiday break. Season seven will return in early 2026 with Trade Secrets’ traditional question-and-answer format. This episode was sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Further resources Travel Industry Solutions on the web Travel Industry Solutions on Host Agency Reviews Get in touch! Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leigh BarnesPresident of the AmericasIntrepid Travelhttps://adventuretravelmarketing.com/guest/leigh-barnes/Leigh has recently stepped into a new role as President of Americas, where he will oversee Intrepid's expansion into the USA, the company's fastest growing market. Leigh will manage direct, industry and white label sales as well as operations across North, Central and South America. Previously Chief Purpose Officer and then Chief Customer Officer, he's been instrumental in building Intrepid's reputation as a purpose-led, customer-focussed organisation. Outside of work, Leigh's an avid supporter of local arts scenes and a keen ocean swimmer - even in the frosty Pacific Northwest where he is based.  Leigh's top Intrepid trip is Everest Base Camp Trek, which he credits for changing the way he sees the world.SummaryIn this episode, Jason Elkins speaks with Leigh Barnes, the President of the Americas for Intrepid Travel. They discuss the essence of Intrepid Travel, focusing on sustainable travel and community impact. Lee shares his personal journey from working at Intrepid to his transformative experiences traveling the world. He reflects on his upbringing in Australia, the challenges he faced while living in the UK, and how these experiences shaped his career and personal growth. The conversation also touches on the importance of travel in understanding oneself and the world, as well as the exciting developments at Intrepid Travel.TakeawaysIntrepid Travel focuses on sustainable experiences and community impact.Traveling in the UK was a formative experience for Lee.Leigh's role at Intrepid has evolved over 15 years.The importance of storytelling and personal responsibility in travel.AI presents new opportunities in the travel industry.Intrepid aims to create more intrepid travelers in the Americas.Travel is a way to learn about oneself and the world. Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Send us a textLinking the Travel Industry is a business travel podcast where we review the top travel industry stories that are posted on LinkedIn by LinkedIn members.  We curate the top posts and discuss with them with travel industry veterans in a live session with audience members.  You can join the live recording session by visiting BusinessTravel360.comYour Hosts are Riaan van Schoor, Ann Cederhall and Aash ShravahStories covered on this podcast episode include:UK airline Blue Islands collapses, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Hilton revamps their Honors loyalty scheme - Rob Burgess talks us through the changes.Rob also brings us news about Marriott Hotels launching two new payment cards in the UK, linked to their Bonvoy reward scheme: Google's new AI travel search function drives down the share prices in major OTAs.Russian hackers clone more than 4,300 travel sites in attempts to steal payment and other customer data.In Australia, Helloworld Travel Limited makes an aggressive bid for Webjet.com.au.The German government will reduce air taxes in 2026. Airlines are clamping down on the use of power banks on flights.Space News!You can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created, edited and distributed by BusinessTravel360.  Be sure to sign up for regular updates at BusinessTravel360.com - Enjoy!Support the show

How can video content and influencer partnerships actually drive bookings and engagement? In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Eileen Santiago, social media strategist at The Modern Hotelier, to explore how hotels can elevate their digital presence, drive engagement, and boost bookings through social media.Topics Covered:Why video content is king for showcasing hotelsHow to use influencer collaborations effectivelyChoosing the right influencers for your hotel (location, niche, engagement, reach, aesthetics)Leveraging giveaways to create buzz and attract guestsCreative video hooks to stop scrollers in their tracksTips for working with micro and nano influencers on a budgetIf you're a hotelier, marketer, or anyone in hospitality looking to stand out on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, this episode is packed with practical, actionable insights.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rS88tQw9VAYLinks:Eileen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileen-santiago-76a8115/topVue Marketing: https://topvuemarketing.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/235Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Send us a textLinking the Travel Industry is a business travel podcast where we review the top travel industry stories that are posted on LinkedIn by LinkedIn members.  We curate the top posts and discuss with them with travel industry veterans in a live session with audience members.  You can join the live recording session by visiting BusinessTravel360.comYour Hosts are Riaan van Schoor, Ann Cederhall and Aash ShravahStories covered on this podcast episode include:Rumours abound that LOT Polish Airlines is nearing their completion of the acquisition of Smartwings, the largest airline in the Czech Republic.Marriott Hotels' "bespoke stay" partnership with Sonder Inc. comes to an abrupt halt, and 48 hours later, Sonder files for bankruptcy. I saw many chaotic stories of travellers having to cut their stay short and being left without accommodation.Ethiopian Airlines becomes the latest airline to sign up for Sabre Corporation's Mosaic platform.BCD Travel and Conferma partner to launch a virtual card acceptance rating, with which travellers and travel managers can see how well a hotel is able to process virtual cards.Virgin Atlantic shakes up their loyalty program with an initiative called "High Five". Rob Burgess explains what it is about here, and why he thinks they've been a bit too generous.A financing deal done by Virgin Atlantic reveals their Heathrow slots are worth $745M.Revolut has partnered with SAS - Scandinavian Airlines to let EuroBonus members convert their RevPoints into EuroBonus points.The most engaged post of the week by miles goes to Avi Meir from Perk on his views about having a work/life balance.Extra StoriesYou can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created, edited and distributed by BusinessTravel360.  Be sure to sign up for regular updates at BusinessTravel360.com - Enjoy!Support the show

In this episode, David and Steve sit down with Sarah Jarnicki, the Creator of BrandClave, the AI-powered platform redefining how hotel brands are created, validated, and brought to life.Sarah shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Cincinnati to working in global commodities, traveling the world, and ultimately building a revolutionary system that predicts traveler desires before they hit trend reports.We cover everything from:How AI, emotional design, and Web3 will reshape hotels by 2030Why traditional hotel branding is “broken” — and how BrandClave fixes itHow Sarah built a 7-day process that delivers fully investor-ready hotel brandsThe rise of identity tourism, digital hotels, and immersive Web3 hospitalityWhy Middle Eastern cities like Dubai & Saudi Arabia are leading hospitality innovationHow local culture, wellness, and technology will define the next decade of travelSarah also reveals her bold initiative to build the world's first Web3 hotel, co-created with 100 influential women across hospitality, crypto, finance, and design. If you're a hotel developer, hospitality leader, futurist, or just curious about where travel is heading — this is a must-watch.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g7Lv21KxWjwLinks:Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahjarnicki/BrandClave Hotels: https://brandclavehotels.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/234Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

My guest this week is Barry Diller, one of America's most successful businessmen. At 83, he chose to publish a deeply personal book and open up about his successes and failures. With surprising candor he details the rules he's lived by: trust first, confront directly, and make the call when the clock starts. In our conversation, he shares why success teaches you nothing, why failure is essential, and why instinct still beats algorithms in a data-obsessed world. This episode is filled with Hollywood lore and business acumen. ----- About Barry: He is the Chairman and Senior Executive of IAC, and is best known for founding the Fox Broadcasting Company with Rupert Murdoch and leading Paramount Pictures. Over his career, he has reshaped television, film, and online media. ----- Approximate Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (01:48) Vulnerability and Writing 'Who Knew' (05:20) Lack Of Confidence & Fake It Until You Make It (17:58) Changes In The Entertainment Industry (22:35) Instinct Vs Data (27:17) AI's Impact on the Entertainment and Travel Industry (42:35) One Dumb Step At A Time (52:39) Accountability During Conflict (55:06) Public Broadcasting Regulation And Fair Reporting (58:04) What Is Success For You ----- Basecamp: Stop struggling, start making progress. Get somewhere with Basecamp. Sign up free at http://basecamp.com/knowledgeproject reMarkable: Get your paper tablet at https://www.reMarkable.com today .tech domains: Nothing says tech like being on .tech https://get.tech/ MINT MOBILE: If you're still overpaying for wireless, it's time to say yes to saying no. At Mint Mobile, their favorite word is no: no contracts, no monthly bills, no overages, no hidden fees, no B.S. Go to mintmobile.com/knowledgeproject ----- Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fs.blog/membership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------ Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it's completely free. Learn more and sign up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fs.blog/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------ Follow Shane Parrish X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ShaneAParrish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Insta ⁠@farnamstreet⁠ LinkedIn ⁠Shane Parrish ------ This episode is for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices