Travel Trends with Dan Christian

• Staying on Track: Rail Travel in 2025 Part 2 with Frank Marini, CEO, Railbookers

  Send us a textFrank Marini’s rise from the mailroom at Collette Vacations to CEO of Railbookers Group is a masterclass in travel industry leadership. Recorded live at ITB Berlin, this episode dives into how Frank has built a fully remote company with 350+ staff across six countries and driven an impressive 36% growth by 2025.What sets Railbookers apart? A focus on crafting complete rail vacations with over 6,000 customizable itineraries across destinations like Switzerland, Italy, and Ireland. Blending transportation, accommodations, and experiences, their packages cater to discerning travelers, averaging 10.5-day trips at $6,000 per person. Bookings are split evenly between direct consumers and travel advisors.Frank’s passion for innovation is clear in his approach to AI. Armed with MIT training, he’s rolled out an enterprise-wide AI strategy, giving every employee access to advanced tools and developing a proprietary system to enhance rail-related answers. This tech-savvy approach aligns with his commitment to exceptional customer service, as outlined in his new book, Staying on Track.“Rail is the new river cruising,” Frank observes, signaling the rapid growth and luxury appeal of rail travel. Tune in for insights into this evolving industry and the future of rail adventures.Season 5 Launched Jan 15th. New Episodes Every Weds! Check out our first 4 Seasons. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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• Special Hospitality Series: Pradeep Raman on Redefining Ultra-Luxury at The Surrey - A Corinthia Hotel

  Send us a textIn this episode of our Special Hospitality Series with Forbes Travel Guide, we spotlight one of the "Leaders Behind the Stars" — Pradeep Raman, Managing Director of The Surrey – A Corinthia Hotel.Nestled in New York’s Upper East Side, this newly opened luxury hotel has achieved an incredible 35% repeat guest rate in just months. Pradeep shares the secret behind its success—genuine connections. From doormen who know local pets by name to a guest who moved his entire business to the hotel after witnessing this level of care, Corinthia’s philosophy is clear: You come as a guest, leave as a friend, and return as family.More than just attaining Five-Star ratings, the brand focuses on curating unforgettable moments that transcend mere service. Join us to hear how The Surrey and Corinthia Hotels are redefining the art of hospitality through authenticity, warmth, and a steadfast dedication to creating true connections that last a lifetime.Season 5 Launched Jan 15th. New Episodes Every Weds! Check out our first 4 Seasons. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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• Rail Travel in 2025 Part 1 with Rail Europe

  Send us a textRail travel is on the rise, transforming into Europe's go-to mode of transportation by seamlessly blending sustainability, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. Join us for an engaging discussion with Bjorn Bender, CEO of Rail Europe, as he sheds light on why train travel is projected to grow from $84 billion to a staggering $128 billion by 2028, outpacing other sectors like river cruising. Bender, a veteran with over two decades in the mobility industry, highlights how rail travel not only enriches travel experiences but also boosts local economies, as train travelers are spending 35% more on hotels and visiting more cities.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Rail Europe's evolution from its founding in 1930s New York to becoming an independent, neutral platform connecting 200+ European train operators• Growing popularity of "hidden gems" beyond traditional destinations – including Portugal, Slovenia, Budapest, and secondary cities like Lyon instead of Paris• Technology innovations creating seamless booking experiences across multiple rail carriers• How competition between rail providers is driving better pricing and service, with fares starting at just €19 between major cities• The sustainability advantage of rail travel being 15-20 times greener than car transportation• Luxury and first-class rail experiences seeing 15-25% annual growth as premium travelers discover the benefits of train travel• Night trains making a comeback with new comfortable options across major European routesThis episode highlights rail travel’s renaissance as a sustainable, convenient, and authentic alternative to other modes of transportation. Whether you’re a sustainability enthusiast, a fan of premium travel, or simply someone seeking an effortless way to explore Europe, trains offer an unbeatable option for your next adventure.  What journeys could rail travel unlock for you in 2025 and beyond? Tune in and get inspired to see Europe in a whole new way.  👉 Listen to Rail Travel in  2025 Part 1 Now🔥 Season 5 Title Sponsors: TravelAI, Stay22, Propellic, Flight Centre, Collette, Flywire, Traveltek and Protect GroupSeason 5 Launched Jan 15th. New Episodes Every Weds! Check out our first 4 Seasons. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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• Special Hospitality Series: A Five-Star Journey - From Room Attendant to Hotel Manager with Sarah McIntosh from Maybourne Beverly Hills

  Send us a textIn this episode of our Special Hospitality Series in collaboration with Forbes Travel Guide, we highlight one of the Leaders Behind the Stars—Sarah McIntosh, the inspiring Hotel Manager at the Five-Star Maybourne Beverly Hills.  Sarah takes us behind the scenes of her impressive career trajectory, her leadership approach, and the trends defining the next chapter of Five-Star hospitality.  Sarah shares key insights into trends shaping the future of luxury hospitality, providing a glimpse into how properties like The Maybourne Beverly Hills remain leaders in the industry.  Through her leadership, Sarah balances the elegant traditions of London with the vibrancy of Southern California to offer a guest experience that feels both dynamic and timeless. Her innovative strategies ensure that The Maybourne Beverly Hills continues to define what true luxury looks and feels like.  Tune in to hear the full conversation that explores leadership, innovation, and the secrets behind the stars of luxury hospitality.Season 5 Launched Jan 15th. New Episodes Every Weds! Check out our first 4 Seasons. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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• Transforming the Way We Book African Adventures with CloudSafaris

  Send us a textEver wondered why traveling to Africa feels so complicated compared to booking a European vacation? In the final instalment of our Safari Series, we’re joined by Joshua D'Souza, Co-founder and CEO of CloudSafaris, to explore how his company is transforming this narrative. Combining his expertise as a Waterloo-trained computer scientist with over 50 years of family ties to East African tourism, Joshua is breaking down barriers in the safari booking industry.CloudSafaris is solving a common travel pain point—accurate pricing and availability for African safaris—by working directly with trusted local operators. Covering destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and South Africa, their platform enables instant booking and guarantees authentic experiences through thorough vetting processes, including evaluating safaris firsthand. Joshua also challenges the misconception that safaris are exclusively luxury trips, showcasing how they can be surprisingly affordable—sometimes comparable to a week in New York City. We explore CloudSafaris' evolution from a software tool for local operators to a global B2B platform, and Joshua reveals his vision of an AI-powered tour operator that could extend beyond Africa.This episode offers invaluable insights into how technology is opening up one of travel's most transformative experiences. Subscribe now to hear how this Canadian startup is revolutionizing access to the wonders of Africa.👉 Listen to Transforming the Way We Book African Adventures Now🔥 Season 5 Title Sponsors: TravelAI, Stay22, Propellic, Flight Centre, Collette, Flywire, Traveltek and Protect GroupSeason 5 Launched Jan 15th. New Episodes Every Weds! Check out our first 4 Seasons. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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