Imagine walking into a distillery and being greeted by the master as a hologram who already knows your questions. That’s the bold vision of GeoTourist, and where our conversation with CEO Shaon Talukder begins. From its start as an “audio map of the world” to hosting community voices, screen tourism, and accessibility routes across 94 countries, GeoTourist is redefining how stories connect travelers to place.

Shaon shares how DMOs use the platform’s view-to-visit data to prove impact, why communities and fans create the most compelling tours, and how Holoxar—an AR layer powered by light AI—is bringing guides into real-world spaces without distraction. We also look ahead to the traveler’s near future: natural language interfaces, ambient AR glasses, and real-time translation that dissolve barriers.

Discover how Viator became the world’s go-to platform for in-destination experiences. Viator is transforming how travelers discover and book more than 400,000 unique activities worldwide. In this episode, Laurel Greatrix, Viator’s VP of Marketing, takes us behind the scenes of this powerhouse and its rapid rise.

Laurel reveals how Viator’s acquisition by TripAdvisor turned into one of the industry’s most successful partnerships, blending TripAdvisor’s massive audience with Viator’s unmatched supply network and fueling a staggering 200% growth in the first year of post-pandemic recovery.

Step into the wonderfully weird world of Meow Wolf as founder Vince Kadlubek takes us behind the refrigerator door to reveal the journey from a dumpster-diving art collective to a multimillion-dollar immersive empire.

In this episode, Vince shares how a scrappy group of twenty-something artists in Santa Fe - working restaurant jobs and transforming recycled materials into fantastical realms - grew into one of the most talked-about immersive experiences in the world. A chance connection with Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin secured their first permanent home in an abandoned bowling alley, setting the stage for Meow Wolf’s meteoric rise.

We’re thrilled to conclude our Season 5 In-Destination series with a truly thought-provoking conversation featuring Joe Pine and Jake Haupert - two visionaries shaping the future of travel.

The future of travel is undergoing a profound transformation - shifting from curated experiences to a deeper focus on personal growth and self-discovery. At the heart of this evolution lies the emerging Transformation Economy, a $208 billion market shift that is redefining what travelers value and how the industry delivers on those expectations. In this week's episode, Experience Economy pioneer Joe Pine and Transformational Travel Council co-founder Jake Haupert discuss why this movement is far more than a passing trend - it’s a reimagining of travel’s true purpose.

Transformational travel stands apart from traditional tourism. It’s not about fleeting moments or checking off bucket-list destinations. Instead, it’s a holistic journey that unfolds in three essential phases: intentional preparation, immersive experiences, and meaningful reflection. Without this complete arc, the potential for lasting change often fades once travelers return home.

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

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