Best Arival Podcasts (2025)

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TourRadar’s Social Playbook: How to Turn Followers into Bookings with Travis Pittman, CEO 30:59

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7h ago30:59

30:59

Send us a text The way travelers discover and book multi-day adventures is shifting fast, and TourRadar is leaning all the way in. In this episode, TourRadar co-founder and CEO Travis Pittman breaks down how a $200B category is rewriting its playbook around creators, mobile, and practical AI to turn social inspiration into real, bookable demand. Fr…

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Popups, Pinkmas and Planning Ahead: One New York Attraction’s Approach to Special Events 57:53

1d ago57:53

57:53

In this episode of The Best Part of Travel, your hosts Janelle Visser and Stephen Joyce sit down with Haley Ward, VP of Sales at Hudson Yards Experiences, to unpack how one of New York City’s most iconic attractions—Edge NYC—drives demand, delivers exceptional moments, and keeps guests coming back. Haley shares how her team uses seasonal activation…

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Travelzoo Best Bets: Where to Go in 2026 with Jonathan Jones, Head of Publishing, Travelzoo 47:16

1d ago47:16

47:16

Send us a text We’re kicking off a 10-part Travelzoo Best Bets Series to explore how smarter and more meaningful travel is taking center stage and how to book it at real value. Dan and Travelzoo’s Senior Editor and co-host Gabe Saglie are joined by Jonathan Jones, Travelzoo’s Head of Publishing, who leads the team behind the brand’s most trusted de…

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Company Spotlight: How Agentic AI Is Transforming the Traveler Journey with Dan Flores, Satisfi Labs 56:35

2d ago56:35

56:35

Send us a text What happens when your customers stop “visiting” your website because their AI agents visit for them? That’s the future we explore with Dan Flores of Satisfi Labs, who went from helping grow Maverick Helicopters into a tourism powerhouse to pioneering agent-first customer experiences that sell tickets, qualify MICE leads, and streaml…

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The Power of True Guest Loyalty in Scaling a Global Boutique Hotel Brand with Lennert De Jong, CEO, another star (former citizenM) 51:13

7d ago51:13

51:13

Send us a text In the final episode of our Loyalty Series, we sit down with citizenM’s former CEO and now another star CEO Lennert De Jong to unpack how a boutique hotel brand reinvented loyalty as a product rather than a points program. The result was a paid subscription model, guaranteed room availability, and a bold brand IP sale to Marriott, al…

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The New Loyalty Playbook: Global Status Commercialization with Loyalty Status Co 1:09:47

14d ago1:09:47

1:09:47

Send us a text Think points are the prize? In travel loyalty, status is the real currency - the fast lane, the lounge, the upgrades, and the ease that comes from knowing you’re looked after. In the second episode of our Loyalty Series, we sit down with Erin Murray, CMO of Loyalty Status Co, to explore why many loyalty programs are now more valuable…

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Safaris, Climate Strategy & Small Group Tours: Intrepid Travel’s Journey from Small Groups to Global Brand 59:57

15d ago59:57

59:57

In this episode of The Best Part of Travel, we sit down with James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, to explore why multi-day tours are taking off, and how authentic small group experiences, people-first leadership and a thoughtfully integrated climate strategy have been essential to Intrepid’s success. 🗺️ Topics we cover: The rise of multi-day tou…

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How Airlines are Redefining Loyalty for the Modern Traveler with KM Malta Airlines 1:03:22

21d ago1:03:22

1:03:22

Send us a text We’re excited to kick off a new three-part Loyalty Series, where we explore how airlines, hotels, and loyalty status companies are rewriting the rules of traveler engagement. In this first episode, we begin with a refreshingly simple philosophy from KM Malta Airlines: make value clear, make status meaningful, and make the journey smo…

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The Ultra-Rich No Longer Want Luxury Goods, They Want Purpose 21:52

22d ago21:52

21:52

The conversation explores the evolving perception of wealth and meaning, highlighting a shift towards purpose-driven initiatives among wealthy individuals like Musk and Gates. Taken from the article in the Economist, entitled the Ultra-rich Are Giving Up on Luxury Assets, it discusses how traditional symbols of wealth are losing significance as peo…

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Event Spotlight: Adventure Travel World Summit 2025 4:28:55

26d ago4:28:55

4:28:55

Send us a text Recorded live in Puerto Natales, Chile, this special Event Spotlight takes you inside the Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) — the annual gathering of global adventure leaders hosted by the Adventure Travel Trade Association. From rewilded national parks to the gravel roads of Aysén, from marble caves at sunrise to a tent shaking t…

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Remaking the Premium Movie Experience 24:29

28d ago24:29

24:29

Two articles caught our attention. The first was in The Hollywood Reporter about a new movie theater concepts with private rooms and high end food in New York. The second was a story about the power of IMAX in the movie industry, per the Wall Street Journal. In this episode, Joe Pine, Aransas Savas, and Dave Norton discuss the evolving landscape of…

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Innovation, Leadership & the Future of Travel with Erik Blachford 55:11

28d ago55:11

55:11

Send us a text Want a clear-eyed look at where travel is headed next? Erik Blachford, early Expedia leader turned board member at Zillow, Hipcamp, and Fora, joins us to unpack what the future that actually works looks like — AI behind the scenes, humans up front, and real-world experiences that no screen can replace. We trace Erik’s journey from bu…

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Moments, Moola & Multi-Day Tours: Booking Tech & Distribution for Multi-Day Operators 57:17

1M ago57:17

57:17

The world of multi-day tours is changing fast — and the technology powering it is evolving just as quickly. In this episode, your podcast co-hosts Janelle Visser and Stephen Joyce dive into the tech side of the increasingly popular world of multi-day travel, exploring how distribution and booking tech are evolving to move multi-day forward. First u…

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The Amusement Episode: Can Travis Kelce Save Six Flags? 23:02

1M ago23:02

23:02

In a recent WSJ article entitled "Travis Kelce Is Jumping In to Save Six Flags Just When It Needed It Most", the author notes that all theme parks are down, and Six Flags needs a rescue. So, we decided to unpack the why, the how, and the what to do to reenergize theme parks. The conversation goes from Travis' desire for more thrilling roller coaste…

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Cycle, Hike & Adventure - The New Multi-Day Movement with Active England Tours 1:04:08

1M ago1:04:08

1:04:08

Send us a text Travelers think they want Stonehenge - but what they remember is a pint shared with locals, the scent of wild hedgerows, and a guide who brings the landscape to life. In the final episode of our Emerging Multi-day Tour series, we sit down with Will Cairns, Managing Director of Active England Tours, to explore how a soft-adventure bra…

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Event Spotlight: Arival 360 2025 4:46:47

1M ago4:46:47

4:46:47

Send us a text Recorded live from Washington, D.C., Arival 360 is the premier gathering for what many call the “1% of the experiences sector.” This meticulously curated event brings together visionary creators, resellers, technologists, and leaders from across the travel ecosystem — from day tour operators and multi-day specialists to innovative st…

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High Point University, The Transformational Education Example for Schools of the Future 25:09

1M ago25:09

25:09

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss an article from the Wall Street Journal about High Point University in North Carolina, which has become a magnet for wealthy students. They explore how the university's focus on creating transformational experiences and life skills prepares st…

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Uncharted Worlds: Perspective-Shifting Journeys with Crooked Compass 57:32

1M ago57:32

57:32

Send us a text Curiosity changes everything. That’s the thread running through our conversation with Crooked Compass founder and CEO Lisa Pagotto, whose frontier-travel philosophy favors depth over dazzle and local impact over checklists. In this second episode of our Emerging Multi-Day Tour Operators series, we explore how she designs perspective-…

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Strategies, Secrets & Sea Urchin: One Food Tour Company’s Recipe to Rapid Growth 54:36

2M ago54:36

54:36

What’s the secret behind Secret Food Tours — one of the fastest-growing culinary experience brands in the world? Co-founders Oliver Mernick-Levene and Nico Jacquart join The Best Part of Travel co-hosts Janelle Visser and Stephen Joyce to share how they scaled from one city to over 100, all while keeping each experience personal, local, and delicio…

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Girl Gone Global: Building a Bold New Kind of Travel Brand with A Dose of Travel 1:09:44

2M ago1:09:44

1:09:44

Send us a text We’re kicking off our new Emerging Multi-Day Operators series - spotlighting how a new wave of founders is reinventing group travel for modern explorers. The multi-day category is poised for growth in the next 5-10 years an impressive average of 20–30% annually, driven by travelers seeking deeper connection, curated itineraries, and …

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Is PWC Redefining Customer Experience/CX ? We Hope So 23:18

2M ago23:18

23:18

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Joe Pine, Dave Norton, and Aransas Savas discuss PwC's recent report on growth through experience. They explore the evolving definitions of customer experience, emphasizing the importance of trust and meaningful interactions. The conversation delves into PwC's four dimensions of exceptional …

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The Impact of AI on Destination Marketing featuring Discover Puerto Rico 1:12:15

2M ago1:12:15

1:12:15

Send us a text In the third and final episode of our Mindtrip mini-series, we sit down with Discover Puerto Rico’s CMO, Storm Tussey to see how AI is reshaping trip planning - making it easier, smarter, and more personal while keeping culture and community at the heart of the journey. Our conversation explores how the destination uses AI to turn in…

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The Impact of AI on Destination Marketing featuring Visit California 1:05:12

2M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

Send us a text In this second episode - part of a 3-part mini-series with Mindtrip exploring how AI is transforming destination marketing - we sit down with Lynn Carpenter, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Visit California, to unpack how a how a $157.3B tourism economy is being reimagined through AI, data, and human storytelling. Lynn shares w…

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Leading the Future of Educational Travel & More with EF World Journeys 1:12:34

2M ago1:12:34

1:12:34

Send us a text Purposeful travel is having a moment—and we’re getting to the heart of what’s driving it. From a windswept opening in Patagonia to an inside look at EF’s new active brand, this "Captains of Industry," conversation with Heidi Durflinger, CEO of EF World Journeys USA, explores how learning, community, and movement are reshaping multi-d…

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The Impact of AI on Destination Marketing featuring Brand USA 49:01

2M ago49:01

49:01

Send us a text We're so fascinated on how Destination Marketing is being transformed by AI that we partnered with Mindtrip to bring together this 3-part mini series. We have an incredible line-up of speakers joining us in advance of our AI Summit to exploring how AI is transforming the way travelers dream, plan, and book their journeys. In our firs…

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Inside GetYourGuide's Journey with Tao Tao 1:07:59

2M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

Send us a text A misbooked flight, a lost day in Beijing, and a spark that reshaped how millions discover what to do when they land. In this Captains of Industry episode, we sit down with Tao Tao, Co-Founder and COO of GetYourGuide, to unpack what it really takes to build a global marketplace for experiences—from cold-calling suppliers before the w…

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What's Your Point of View: Insights from Arival 25 and The Collaboratives 21:19

2M ago21:19

21:19

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Joe Pine, Dave Norton, and Aransas Savas discuss their recent experiences at the Arival Conference and The Collaboratives, focusing on the evolving landscape of travel experiences and the impact of AI on search and social proof. They emphasize the importance of human connection in the age of…

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Event Preview: TIS - Tourism Innovation Summit 2025 27:20

2M ago27:20

27:20

Send us a text Tickets are booked, slides are brewing, and Seville is calling. The Tourism Innovation Summit is a three-day, five-stage gathering where tech, innovation, and sustainability meet the real reasons we travel: culture, connection, and stories that last. In this event preview episode, we sit down with Congress Director Brigitte Hidalgo t…

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Turning Destinations into Immersive Storytelling Experiences with Geotourist 1:03:11

2M ago1:03:11

1:03:11

Send us a text 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 and Founder Shaon Talukder begins. From its start as an “audio map of the world” to hosting community voices, screen tourism, and accessibility rou…

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Lessons About Customers and Experiences from Uber's New Advertising Campaign 24:35

3M ago24:35

24:35

Adweek just did a write up on Uber's new ad campaign and we found reasons to concur with the article and take what Uber is doing farther. In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aranzas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss Uber's new advertising campaign, focusing on its storytelling approach and the importance of experiences …

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Viator: Powering 400,000+ Experiences Around the Globe 1:17:13

3M ago1:17:13

1:17:13

Send us a text 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 Vi…

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Private, Personalized & Global: Behind Context Travel's OTA-free Expansion 57:48

3M ago57:48

57:48

Can tour operators grow without relying on OTAs? In this episode of The Best Part of Travel podcast, we explore how private tours and personalized experiences are reshaping the future of travel. Context Travel’s CEO June Chin shares why private, personalized experiences are the key to long-term growth and loyal customers. Discover: ✅ Why personaliz…

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The Future of Immersive Art & Experience with Vince Kadlubek, Meow Wolf 1:06:24

3M ago1:06:24

1:06:24

Send us a text 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 a…

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Pop Mart: A Case Study in Consumer Engagement 23:34

3M ago23:34

23:34

In a recent HBR article, Yang Li shares his theory for how Pop Mart won young customers. But we think that fragmented attention is not what Pop Mart has mastered. Instead, they have mastered markets within/situational markets. In this conversation, the speakers delve into emphasizing the importance of customer engagement and customization. They dis…

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What Can Lil' Miquela and Mia Zelu Teach Experience Strategists About Trust? 28:42

3M ago28:42

28:42

Lil' Miquela and Mia Zelu have millions of followers and generate serious income, despite being created with artificial intelligence. A recent article in the NY Times caught our attention and we just had to weigh in on how AI influencers are changing the way customers think about what they can trust. In this episode of the Experience Strategy podca…

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Investing in Travel in 2026 with Chris Hemmeter, Thayer Ventures 1:04:34

3M ago1:04:34

1:04:34

Send us a text Introducing the First Captain of Season 6! We’re thrilled to kick off Season 6 of Travel Trends and our Captain of Industry series with Chris Hemmeter, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Thayer Ventures, for a powerhouse conversation on the future of travel and tech investment. Chris opens the black box of venture capital, revealing …

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Destination Spotlight: Colombia with Juliana Medina (CEO) & Rodrigo Atuesta (Co-Founder), Impulse Travel 2:53:58

3M ago2:53:58

2:53:58

Send us a text Discover 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 vision…

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The Price of Magic: Disney's Tiered System and the Middle Class 25:12

3M ago25:12

25:12

In The New York Times article written by Daniel Currell, the author/consultant contents that Disney's tiered system is designed to target affluent guests, not middle class people. In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Joe Pine, Dave Norton, and Aransas Savas discuss the article about Disney's transformation from an egalitarian e…

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Spotlight Episode: Tour Amigo with Murray Decker, CEO 55:23

4M ago55:23

55:23

Send us a text 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…

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Experiences, Economy, Evolution: The Rise of The Transformation Economy | 44:16

4M ago44:16

44:16

People are choosing experiences over things — but what happens when even experiences risk becoming commodities? In this episode of the Best Part of Travel podcast, Joe Pine, co-author of The Experience Economy and author of the forthcoming book on The Transformation Economy, joins hosts Janelle Visser and Stephen Joyce to talk about experience desi…

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Spotlight Episode: The Travel Coach Network with Sahara Rose De Vore 1:04:01

4M ago1:04:01

1:04:01

Send us a text 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, ignit…

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Did Saks Global Make a $600 Million Mistake With It's Personalization Platform? 26:40

4M ago26:40

26:40

In an August 14th Vogue Business article by Madeleine Schultz , Saks Global, the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, discussed its personalisation strategy and an investment of $600 million for it's new platform. The only problem is: based on the article, we think they got it wrong. In this episode of the Experi…

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Spotlight Episode: Travel Weekly with Editor in Chief, Arnie Weissmann 1:13:33

4M ago1:13:33

1:13:33

Send us a text 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 s…

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Spotlight Episode: Context Travel with CEO, June Chin-Ramsey 46:26

4M ago46:26

46:26

Send us a text 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 thi…

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Is the Movie Theater Industry About to Rebound? Why Yes, and its Because of Movies 22:20

4M ago22:20

22:20

Q2 of the US economy was very kind to movie theaters who are still recovering from the pandemic. AMC's financial performance and the evolving landscape of cinema experiences suggests a rebirth for badly bitten sector. Thanks to A Minecraft Movie and other blockbusters, we are finally seeing the repurposing of movie theater. The hosts explore the im…

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Event Preview: Your Guide to Arival 360 - Sept 29-Oct 3, 2025 - Washington, DC 59:35

4M ago59:35

59:35

Send us a text 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 Ev…

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The Next 15 Years Will NOT Be Hell and Experience Strategists Can Lead the Way 29:16

4M ago29:16

29:16

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss a recent episode of the Diary of a CEO featuring Mo Gawdot, who predicts a dystopian future driven by technology and AI. The conversation explores themes of transformation, the value of work, and the implications of AI on jobs and society. The…

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Event Spotlight: Phocuswright Europe 2025 5:05:11

4M ago5:05:11

5:05:11

Send us a text Recorded Live at Phocuswright Europe in Barcelona, this massive 5 hour special event spotlight episode features 19 interviews with the brightest minds in travel and tech who took the stage - and joined us for exclusive interviews that you don’t want to miss. Plus, we have a special bonus offer for all of our listeners to join us at P…

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Admissions and Subscriptions: Navigating the Future of Travel in Italy 27:44

4M ago27:44

27:44

The Experience Strategy Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms for free. In this episode, the hosts discuss the complexities of tourism in Italy, particularly focusing on the balance between local experiences and tourist demands. They explore the impact of consumer behavior on travel, the need for sustainable tourism practices, and the…

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From Department Stores to Apartment Stores: Printemp Shows Up in Manhattan 27:03

5M ago27:03

27:03

This episode builds on Dave Norton's article on Substack about Kate King's report in the Wall Street Journal: Can the French Reinvent America's Broken Department Store Model. Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss the evolving landscape of retail, particularly focusing on the experiential model as exemplified by the French department stor…