Truth Behind Travel Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In today’s episode, as we all brace for what will be a busy year in travel and tourism, I took a little ‘fun’ time to observe the travel trends we will be witnessing in 2026. 

Some were new, some others not so much, but it was good to bring them back to light – or like in trend n.7 to actually switch off that light. 

Trends are signs of major shifts in people’s preferences, values, behaviors but the funny thing is that with them, new words come to life, which we use to define and describe the nature of the travel trends – so on today’s episode, we will observe 10 new words in the travel sphere that are underlying a significant travel trend worth of notice. 

Bibliography of this episode's content is included in the transcript. 

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

dolores@doloressemeraro.com

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Welcome back to Truth Behind Travel Podcast! 

Dolores Semeraro interviews the person leading the conference programme across the the World Travel Market Portfolio, in London and Dubai Brooke Gilbertson. 

On today’s conversation we have gone through the digital, the physical, the relevancy and buzz of the conference space, to understand what keeps them going, what makes them successful - a space where people want to go and learn, be inspired, connect and grow - all this in the spirit of innovation, creativity and technology. 

WTM London 4-6 November 2025

ATM Dubai 4-7 May 2026

Questions featured in this episode:

1. How is technology affecting the event industry today - what do you keep what do you not keep?

2. What is it that attendees can do at the show that can’t do by themselves? 

3. How do you stay above the buzz words?

4. How do you ensure that there is genuine interaction with the content that is being delivered on stage?

5. How do you appeal to a more senior audience, the CEOs the trade show people?

6. stressing the point of DEA - how do you make sure that the conference topics and the trade show attendance are aligned?

7. Travel power theme - how did the concept of the theme came about?

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

dolores@doloressemeraro.com

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Dolores Semeraro interviews founder of UniqueStays Catarina Varão on true experiential hospitality ultimately leads to social growth. 

Portugal-based Catarina is passionate traveler by profession, hotel curator by vocation, dedicated to an adventurous lifestyle that inspires and teaches, in contrast to an immersive and “slow” pace of life. Full-time mother and part-time dreamer, whose main activity is consultancy in luxury hospitality and tourism. Hotelier, designer, trainer, coach, PTO (nor just “CEO” jack of all trades) of the company TH2 and founder of the luxury hotel soft brand UniqueStays. Graduated in Tourism Management, postgraduate in Tourism Products, Master in Hotel Management with Character and PhD in Geography. 

On this episode:

The Importance of Guest Experience

• The value of “time” in the hospitality industry and the need to focus on guest experience, where even small activities can make a significant impact on guest experience if done with dedication.
• The loss of human touch in industrialized and standardized hospitality practices.

Sustainability and Local Involvement

• The challenges of industrializing and standardizing hospitality, emphasizing the importance of local community involvement, calling out The McDonaldization of the world and the rise of small boutique hotels.
• The importance of involving local communities in decision-making processes and the need to respect local habits and traditions while teaching sustainable practices.

Authenticity vs. Staged Experiences

• The difference between authentic and staged experiences with the importance of raw moments over  uber-staged experiences that repel tourists rather than attract them. 
• The importance of genuine interactions and experiences in creating a memorable guest experience.

Connect with Catarina on: 

www.th2.com.pt 

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

dolores@doloressemeraro.com

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Dolores Semeraro intervierws the founders of Women Travel Leaders Jennine Cohen and Catherine Gallagher how community over competition comes from abundance mindset, heart-centered leadership is the key to community and true growth, and fostering a supportive, values-aligned network is their prime mission.

On this episode: 

• Birth and Growth of Women Travel Leaders
• Core Mission and Community Building of the network
• Women Empowerment and Leadership in the Travel Industry
• Heart-Centered Leadership and Community Support
• Future Vision and Growth of Women Travel Leaders

Women Travel Leaders supports high performing purpose driven travel business leaders grow their travel businesses in less time by fostering a community of empowered, purpose-driven and heart-led leaders who prioritise authenticity and impact above all else.

Together, through online and global in-person events, community lead learning, and peer to peer support, we create the conditions for trusted connections that foster mutual support that lead to new business opportunities. 

Are you ready to start thriving in your travel business and your life through connecting with a powerful community that truly has your back? 

Join the waiting list and mention Dolores in the Referrer name to first access when applications open again and receive 25% off your first year of membership. 

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

dolores@doloressemeraro.com

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Dolores Semeraro interviews Global Tourism Expert and Thought Leader Aradhana Khowala on where do we really stand today in gender representation and opportunities, how to build the mindset of a change maker and where is regenerative tourism heading. 

Aradhana Khowala is a global expert and one of the most influential leaders in the luxury hospitality, travel and tourism sector. Today, she is the CEO of Aptamind Partners, a global consultancy firm for governments, emerging destinations, and public and private organisations seeking regenerative tourism development solutions and Prior to her current role, she served as the Managing Director of Tourism at NEOM, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

She pioneers environmental regeneration and social transformation across her diverse range of global roles and responsibilities. 

SUMMARY

They highlight the lack of progress in gender parity, noting that only 8 out of 78 world leaders at COP29 were women, despite a 1% increase in female participation. Khowala emphasizes the need for structural changes, investment, and accountability to drive gender diversity and sustainability. They also discuss the potential of women in leadership roles, the importance of inclusive systems, and the challenges of greenwashing in regenerative tourism. Khowala advocates for bold, transformative actions and the integration of regenerative practices into tourism's financial models.

• Gender Representation in COP 29
• Challenges and Strengths of Women in Tourism
• Embracing Sustainability Roles
• Solutions for Increasing Women's Representation
• Challenges in Tourism Destinations
• Regenerative Tourism and Women Leaders
• Preventing Greenwashing in Regenerative Tourism
• The Role of Vision and Innovation
• Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

dolores@doloressemeraro.com

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Dolores Semeraro interviews tourism expert and internationally acclaimed keynote speaker and thought leader Anna Pollock on her journey in travel and tourism, the evolution of tourism from a network to an industry, and the shift towards technology and the early adoption of the internet and its tools.

Anna Pollock constructively criticises the tourism industry's focus on growth and productivity, leading to over-tourism and environmental degradation. She advocated for a regenerative approach, emphasizing community involvement, local pride, and sustainable practices.

Talking to Dolores Semeraro, Anna Pollock called for a paradigm shift in thinking, stressing the importance of ecological literacy, community responsibility, and the need for political leadership to align with sustainable tourism goals.

Connect with Anna Pollock here.

Truth Behind Travel Podcast is sponsored by “Women Travel Leaders”

Women Travel Leaders is a community that supports high performing purpose driven travel business leaders grow their travel businesses in less time by fostering a community of heart-led leaders who prioritise authenticity and impact above all else.

Through global online and in-person events, community lead learning, and peer to peer support, Women Travel Leaders creates the conditions for trusted connections that foster mutual support that lead to new business opportunities. 

Are you ready to start thriving in your travel business and your life through connecting with a powerful community that truly has your back? 

Follow this link mention DOLORES in the Referrer name to first access when applications open again and receive 25% off your first year of membership.

____________________________

Welcome to Truth Behind Travel Podcast a platform for tourism, travel and hospitality professionals and enthusiasts to share, learn and unlearn what we need to create better tourism, protect the environment and become better humans. 

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

dolores@doloressemeraro.com

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Dolores Semeraro interviews Lola Akinmade Åkerström, international bestselling author, keynote speaker, and award-winning travel photographer for National Geographic, BBC, CNN, The Guardian, Travel + Leisure and more. 
Lola Akinmade Åkerström was named one of 2023's Most Influential Women in Travel by Travel Pulse and has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards for her work including Condé Nast Traveler's 2024 Women Who Travel Power List. 

connect with Lola

Truth Behind Travel Podcast is sponsored by “Women Travel Leaders”

Women Travel Leaders is a community that supports high performing purpose driven travel business leaders grow their travel businesses in less time by fostering a community of heart-led leaders who prioritise authenticity and impact above all else.

Through global online and in-person events, community lead learning, and peer to peer support, Women Travel Leaders creates the conditions for trusted connections that foster mutual support that lead to new business opportunities. 

Are you ready to start thriving in your travel business and your life through connecting with a powerful community that truly has your back? 

Follow this link mention DOLORES in the Referrer name to first access when applications open again and receive 25% off your first year of membership.

____________________________

Welcome to Truth Behind Travel Podcast a platform for tourism, travel and hospitality professionals and enthusiasts to share, learn and unlearn what we need to create better tourism, protect the environment and become better humans. 

I am your host Dolores Semeraro and every week I bring on the podcast the voices of those out there making a difference, to learn the hard truths behind the world of travel and tourism, what works and what we can collectively do better. 

Welcome to Season 4 - a series of conversation fully dedicated to Women in Travel the trailblazers the visionaries who have been and continue to be the force for good we need to hear more from. 

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

dolores@doloressemeraro.com

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Podcast host Dolores Semeraro interviews Josh Filer, Managing Director of D&S Travel Supplies based in the UK on how to nail the art of gift giving in the tourism and travel corporate world. 

This is a very special time of the year. 

For those of you celebrating the festivities ahead of us, this is a time that calls for celebration and reflection, time that we want to spend with our families and friends.

But even if you are not celebrating the festivities right around the corner, it’s almost impossible to escape the commercial side of things and the urge of buying gifts for the ones we love, the ones we work with, the boss or anyone else for that matter nowadays. 

So today’s podcast episode is dedicated to the art of gifting, particularly in the hospitality and tourism industry. 

How do we gift a business partner? A client of the travel agency, an attendees of our trade and tourism event, a guest of our hotel? 

And most importantly

What do we gift them with? A branded pen? A notebook? So much in the gifting arena has been said and done, so today, when eco-friendly materials and renewable energies are becoming one of the key decision factors in whether a gift is successful or not, wrapping up a branded item is simply not enough. 

My guest today is an expert in the art of gifting, particularly when it comes to corporate branded gift in the travel and hospitality industry. Mr. Josh Filer. 

Josh is the Director of D&S Travel Supplies, a specialist in promotional gifts and branded merchandise based in the UK. 

With Josh we are going to discuss how the art of gifting in the corporate world has changed over the years, what are people asking and how we can come up with the perfect gift for the perfect occasion, a process that he calls ‘the journey’. 

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

dolores@doloressemeraro.com

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Dolores Semeraro on the truth behind Accessible Travel today with guest speakers Ali Parker from Travel Counsellors and Mike and Silvia Hill from Endeavour Safaris in Botswana. 

We most commonly in tourism and travel, refer to Accessible Travel as the sphere in which travellers with limited mobility or disabilities can access travel options in a fully inclusive way. 

 In this episode we explore the truth behind booking accessible travel holidays for travel agents and tourism operators. In particular we discuss: 

1.  The Educational Sphere around Accessible Travel: the training needed amongst the tourism operators in order to deliver great travel experiences for travellers with limited mobilities or disabilities. 

2. The Supply Chain and all the parts involved in delivering the perfect travel experience: from the travel enquiry to the accommodation, the transport and all the logistics. 

3. The Hotel experience and how can hotel rooms & suites be more accessible and inclusive without compromising the look and feel of the space. 

4. Normalise Accessible Travel and the conversations we have both with the clients and the suppliers: how do we shift from accessible to inclusive.

5. The Business Volume: is it big enough to prompt more investments and much needed changes? 

6. The role of Governments and the public authorities in tourism and travel in Accessible Travel, where do the private operators feel supported and where, instead, lack of support negatively impacts the outcome of the travel experience. 

The Podcast guests:

Ali Parker - personal travel consultant with Travel Counsellors, a global award-winning travel professionals’ network. 

Ali has more than 20 years’ experience in making holidays and travel accessible and inclusive to all, and ever passionate on how to create holidays and travel that meet the need of travellers with even the most complex access and mobility requirements. 

 Ali is going to take us on a journey to when Accessible Travel was not even a thing to a world where traveling on a wheelchair is not a privilege but a right. 

 Mike and Silvia Hill - founders of Endeavor Safaris in - Maun, Botswana where they operate – perhaps being the only ones  - incredible safari experiences for all travellers, but with particular care for those affected by limited mobility. 

No matter how difficult or impossible might have seemed to take a wheelchair on a safari, they overcame all those hurdles and manage to create a barrier-free experience in a place where nobody else would have dared to operate. 

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

dolores@doloressemeraro.com

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem

Dolores Semeraro speaks to the Director General of Slovenia Ministry of Tourism Dubravka Kalin about the success story of destination Slovenia and how it became the sustainability most-copies and observed case study in Europe.

On this episode Dubravka shares: 

• The challenges faced growing and developing tourism industry
• The best practices that everyone embraced
• The shift in the type of tourists coming to the destination
• Who does Slovenia look up to?

and much more!

Learn more about Slovenia here: https://www.slovenia.info/en

Host of Truth Behind Travel Podcast, Dolores Semeraro is a sought-after international tourism keynote speaker and sustainable tourism marketing professional. 

Dolores actively works in the tourism and travel conference space as a keynote speaker and moderator, gracing the stages of international tourism summits and trade shows. 

As a professional keynote speaker, Dolores’ speaking topics encompass sustainability in tourism, digital marketing and how to identify today’s traveler’s needs through technology and innovation.

5 years ago, Dolores launched her podcast show named ‘Truth Behind Travel Podcast’ where she regularly interviews tourism and travel industry leaders and representatives on how to rebuild the future of travel.

www.doloressemeraro.com

dolores@doloressemeraro.com

Instagram @dolores_semeraro

LinkedIn @dolores.sem