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.

In the kickoff episode of our "In-destination Experiences" series, we speak with Christian Lachel, Chief Creative Officer of BRC Imagination Arts, who has spent over 25 years crafting some of the world's most engaging travel experiences. From the award-winning Jameson Distillery Bow Street in Dublin to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Christian shares the secrets behind designing spaces that transform how visitors think, feel, and connect.

We dive into the $1.3 trillion in-destination experience industry, exploring how Christian's team turns ordinary venues into unforgettable memory-makers. A standout example is the Jameson Distillery, where they doubled capacity while capturing the essence of Irish hospitality and storytelling.

Christian also highlights how thoughtfully designed travel experiences can counteract digital disconnection, fostering play, connection, and shared moments. His optimistic approach shows how technology can enhance, not replace, human interaction.