Spotlight Episodes

IDiscover Colombia like never before - a country where music, nature, and community transformation redefine travel. In this Destination Spotlight episode, Dan explores this vibrant destination with Impulse Travel and their inspiring local guides.

Our journey begins with Juliana Medina (CEO) and Rodrigo Atuesta (Co-Founder), the visionaries behind Impulse Travel, who are redefining tourism as a force for good. They’ll show you a Colombia that shatters outdated stereotypes – a country brimming with warmth, creativity, and breathtaking diversity, now one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations. Stroll Bogota’s colorful markets with Raul, uncover Medellin’s remarkable urban renewal with Carolina, and feel the soul of Cartagena through Oralis’ passion for Afro-Colombian culture and coastal beauty.

In this spotlight episode, Murray Decker, CEO and founder of Tour Amigo, shares how his innovative technology platform is transforming the multi-day tour industry by equipping operators with cutting-edge reservation systems and seamless distribution capabilities.

Murray’s journey began as a Contiki tour guide in 2008, where he gained firsthand insight into the travel industry. By 2016, he founded Tour Amigo to address a glaring gap in travel technology: while day tours, accommodations, and flights had embraced digital solutions, multi-day tours remained stuck in the analog era.

The statistics Murray reveals are both surprising and inspiring. The multi-day tour market is expanding at an impressive 8-9% annually, even in the wake of COVID-19. Travelers are now spending $4,500-$5,000 per trip—nearly double the pre-pandemic average of $2,500. Yet, when Tour Amigo first introduced the concept of APIs to tour operators, the response was often, "What is an API?" This disconnect highlighted a massive opportunity in what Murray estimates to be a $300 billion global market.

Imagine travel not merely as an escape, but as a powerful catalyst for healing, transformation, and self-discovery. This is the groundbreaking vision Sahara Rose De Vore has brought to life through her pioneering work with the Travel Coach Network.

Sahara’s journey began with a hospitality degree and a one-way ticket to Europe, igniting a decade-long adventure across 84 countries. Along the way, her personal battles with anxiety and depression unveiled the profound therapeutic potential of travel. This revelation inspired her to create the world’s first ICF-accredited travel coaching certification program.

When millennials rediscovered travel advisors, they revived a profession many had written off too soon. “Millennials’ expertise is knowing who the experts are,” says Arnie Weissmann, editor-in-chief of Travel Weekly. With more than 25 years leading the travel industry’s most influential trade publication, Arnie has chronicled - and shaped - some of the most pivotal transformations in travel.

His own path from passionate explorer to industry leader is as compelling as it is instructive. Arnie’s love for discovery began on a 10-country camping trip through Africa, a journey fueled by curiosity and wanderlust. Frustrated by the lack of meaningful pre-trip resources, he launched a destination information service that later became part of Travel 42. That entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a deep empathy for traveler needs, made him the perfect fit to take the helm at Travel Weekly - a role he stepped into just after the seismic events of 9/11. Today, as part of Northstar Media’s global portfolio - which also includes Phocuswright and Business Travel News, Arnie oversees an unparalleled network of travel industry intelligence.

Imagine exploring Rome with an archaeologist who's unearthed its ancient secrets, wandering Tokyo with an architect shaping its skyline, or navigating Barcelona's vibrant markets with a culinary expert who knows every vendor by name. This is the transformative experience Context Travel has been perfecting for over two decades.

In this conversation with CEO June Chin-Ramsey, we discuss how Context Travel is redefining guided tours through its unwavering commitment to expert-led experiences. Unlike traditional tour companies that rely on guides reciting memorized scripts, Context exclusively collaborates with academics and professionals holding advanced degrees. These experts bring depth and authenticity to every tour, making complex topics not only accessible but also deeply engaging. As June explains, "They actually make the most exceptional guides because they're able to take fascinating, complex concepts and make them simple, digestible, and entirely relatable."

Join us at Arival DC from September 29 to October 3, 2025, and be part of the most transformative event in the experiences sector. Use promo code FOADACHDC to get 10% off the AI Forum for Destination Experiences and Arival 360 DC combo ticket (excludes Pro Members). Plus, as a special bonus, you will be guaranteed a feature on the Event Spotlight that Dan will be recording live at the event!

As Douglas Quinby, CEO, and Bruce Rosard, CCO, shared in our recent conversation, Arival DC isn’t just another industry conference - it’s a meticulously curated gathering of the "the 1% of the experiences sector." Visionary creators, resellers, technologists, and leaders from across the ecosystem - think day tour operators, multi-day specialists, tech startups, and platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator - will come together to shape the future of travel experiences.

Join us as we hit the road to Denver for a special edition of Travel Trends, recorded live at the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s (ATTA) Elevate Conference.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Colorado’s beauty, this episode takes you straight into the heart of the $896 billion adventure travel industry. It’s a celebration of sustainability, outdoor exploration, and the magic of human connection in a world that’s increasingly digital.

Think of this as your ultimate road trip playlist - featuring 15 intimate conversations with the trailblazers shaping the future of adventure tourism. From tech innovators and conservation champions to Indigenous leaders and destination dreamers, these voices share one thing in common: a deep love for people, planet, and place.

Join us as we hit the road to Denver for a special edition of Travel Trends, recorded live at the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s (ATTA) Elevate Conference.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Colorado’s beauty, this episode takes you straight into the heart of the $896 billion adventure travel industry. It’s a celebration of sustainability, outdoor exploration, and the magic of human connection in a world that’s increasingly digital.

Think of this as your ultimate road trip playlist - featuring 15 intimate conversations with the trailblazers shaping the future of adventure tourism. From tech innovators and conservation champions to Indigenous leaders and destination dreamers, these voices share one thing in common: a deep love for people, planet, and place.

Step into the future of aviation in this special event spotlight, recorded live from the Aviation Festival Americas in Miami.

Host, Dan Christian sits down with some of the brightest minds in aviation and travel tech to explore the innovations reshaping the industry:

• Amir Amidi explains how Plug and Play Tech Center connects startups with corporate partners across the travel ecosystem
• Tom Trotta details how travel insurance is evolving through AI-powered claims processing and proactive benefits for delayed travelers
• "No Longer Lost" demonstrates their innovative QR code solution for reuniting travelers with misplaced items, pets, and even children
• Ravel's community platform combats the isolation of business travel by connecting professionals in the same destination
• Avion Express shares strategies for recruiting and retaining pilots amid a global shortage
• Terminal manager Jack Ramos reveals how Munich Airport NJ creates exceptional passenger experiences
• Dalton Lane discusses his unique business helping entrepreneurs launch new airlines
• Aviation recruiters highlight the growing demand for digital talent in traditionally operations-focused environments

Travel isn’t just an escape—it’s a catalyst for transformation.

In this spotlight episode, we go behind the scenes at the Educational Travel Consortium (ETC) Conference in Mobile, Alabama—a gathering of institutions that design travel experiences to educate, connect, and inspire.

Founded in 1986 by visionary Mara DelliPriscoli, ETC unites alumni groups, museums, and cultural organizations managing billions in travel spending—all with a shared mission: to create journeys that change perspectives.

This episode features conversations with trailblazing innovators like Susan Black of Wowzitude, who redefines virtual travel, and Alan Merschen, who introduces us to the concept of the “dim sum life” through bite-sized, enriching adventures. We also hear from industry leaders representing Adventure Canada, National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions, and Journey Mexico, each offering unique perspectives on meaningful travel. Additionally, we explore the fascinating world of travel to conflict zones with Michael Luongo and uncover insights into ultra-luxury political tours with Jim Friedlander.

Step into the world of global business travel as we record live from the Global Business Travel Association's (GBTA) Toronto conference—where industry leaders overseeing a staggering $345 billion in corporate travel spending converge. The business travel sector isn’t just rebounding; it’s thriving. According to GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang, global travel spending has surged beyond pre-pandemic levels, projected to hit $1.63 trillion in 2025 and exceed $2 trillion by 2028. Despite early doubts about its future, business travel has proven indispensable, with face-to-face meetings remaining a key driver for cultivating relationships and fostering corporate culture.

Our discussions uncover remarkable transformations in travel trends. Day trips are nearly obsolete, replaced by longer stays of 3-5 nights, as 40% of business travelers prioritize productivity and better work-life balance. Additionally, "blended travel"—combining business with leisure—has soared, with a 60% rise in adoption compared to pre-pandemic times.

This Earth Day, we’re proud to share present our first ATTA & Travel Trends Adventure Series discussion focused on important lessons in sustainability.  In this powerful episode, Travel Trends host Dan is joined by co-host Shannon Stowell, CEO of ATTA and together they interview the CEO of Tourism Cares  Greg Takehara.

Greg & Shannon unpack the current state of sustainable travel and share many actionable insights on how the industry, along with travelers, can move past surface-level greenwashing to drive meaningful, long-term impact.

Key Highlights from this discussion include:

• Environmental Responsibility: Moving beyond buzzwords, learn how real practices can protect delicate ecosystems.

• Adventure Travel's Role: Did you know that adventure travel retains 65–70% of spending in local communities compared to only 10–15% for large-scale tourism? These numbers showcase the moral and economic power of mindful travel decisions.

• Cultural Preservation: Why Travel is an important bridge to connect and honor diverse customs and traditions.

• Human Connection: How this style of travel realizes the ultimate goal—forging connections that last a lifetime.

Mark your calendars—Phocuswright Europe is heading to Barcelona from June 10-12, 2025, bringing the premier travel technology conference to the iconic Palau de Congressos de Catalunya, just steps away from the luxurious Gran Meliá hotel. With a new venue and an executive-driven agenda tailored specifically for the European market, this event promises to redefine the conversation on the future of travel.

Why is Phocuswright Europe a Must-Attend Event?

At the core of Phocuswright Europe is an intentional focus on senior leadership and decision-makers. “Our speakers are all CEOs and presidents,” shares Pete Comeau, Managing Director of Phocuswright. “The attendees are typically director-level and above.” This unique concentration of C-suite executives creates a high-impact environment for organic partnerships, quick deal-making, and live discussions that shape tomorrow’s travel landscape.

This Special Event Spotlight features exclusive coverage from the inaugural Les Grands Remous Conference in Québec City—a groundbreaking gathering focused on innovation and sustainability in tourism brought together by MT Labs and Destination Quebec.

 What to Expect:

• Expert Insights: Hear from influential speakers like Martin Lessard, Managing Director of MT Lab, and Robert Mercure, CEO of Destination Québec City, as they discuss the future of sustainable travel and cutting-edge technology and tourism initiatives.

• Visionary Entrepreneurs: Learn how trailblazers like JP Descheneau use AI to reinvent businesses, or explore the creative impact of Olivier’s eco-friendly electric camper vans.

• A Celebration of Québec: Discover why Québec City is a must-visit destination, with breathtaking winter scenes, Carnaval festivities, ice sculptures, and more.

Discover everything you need to know about ITB Berlin, the largest global travel trade show, with valuable insights from Debbie Rothe, Director of ITB. This special episode spotlights dives all the speakers, session plans and tips for making the most essential event for travel industry professionals.We cover the highlights to help you maximize your ITB Berlin experience: