Brand USA Talks Travel
This podcast elevates the conversation concerning international travel to the United States by speaking with leaders in the travel industry. Subscribe to hear key answers to timely questions every week. Brand USA is the nation’s destination marketing organization. We work closely with more than 900 partner organizations to invite the world to explore the exceptional, diverse, and virtually limitless travel experiences and destinations available in the United States of America.
Episodes
May 6, 2025 • 19 mins
The "Carry On Queen" Mary Charleson joins Brand USA Talks Travel to talk marketing strategy, storytelling, and smart packing. From insights into the awards at ESTO to travel trends in AI-driven content, Mary offers actionable tips for DMOs and industry pros alike. Plus: media platforms that travel brands shouldn't overlook. Visit www.fiveminutemarketing.com and www.carryonqueen.com for more.
Mary Charleson is a marketing speaker, a...
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April 29, 2025 • 15 mins
Don Welsh returns to Brand USA Talks Travel to break down the must-know sessions, tools, and trends coming to Chicago this July. With record-breaking attendance, a focus on metrics and funding models, and some seriously fun evening events, the Destinations International Annual Convention is shaping up to be a standout. Bonus: Don shares what really happens behind the scenes.
Don Welsh is President and CEO of Destinations Internat...
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April 22, 2025 • 22 mins
Intergenerational travel, last-chance trips, and dealing with over-tourism: adventure travel is evolving, and U.S. destinations have a big opportunity. Shannon Stowell joins Mark to talk about a new adventure travel study, small town experiences and best practices.
Whether you’re promoting trails, small towns, or cultural immersion, this episode is packed with real-world guidance for travel marketers.
Shannon Stowell is CEO of the ...
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April 15, 2025 • 22 mins
As artificial intelligence continues to permeate the travel industry, understanding its use in travel planning is crucial. Carroll Rheem shares key takeaways from a new study titled "Traveler Technology: The State of AI,” including understanding current traveler planning routines, how AI will affect content created for destination websites, and whether consumers will go for specific travel planning AI tools or opt for their favori...
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April 8, 2025 • 17 mins
IPW is more than a trade show - it’s where the global travel industry connects. So, what should you pack besides your walking shoes? In this episode, U.S. Travel’s Aimee Misako Gabel and Michael Martin join Mark to talk prep tips, networking hacks, and what’s new for 2025 - including the cruise pavilion, super fun Chicago activities, and even a pickleball court. Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran, we’ll help you get the mo...
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April 1, 2025 • 21 mins
In an era of digital disruption and AI, what’s the best way for destinations to engage with travel media? Chez Chesak, a leader in both outdoor and travel writing, shares strategies for DMOs to build lasting relationships with writers, secure impactful coverage, and navigate the evolving content ecosystem. He also delivers advice for new travel writers. A must-listen for industry professionals looking to refine media outreach.
A...
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March 25, 2025 • 18 mins
Success in travel and tourism takes passion, resilience, and the right mindset—but how do you juggle it all?
In this special International Women’s History Month episode, Brand USA leaders Angie Briggs and Leah Chandler open up about their career journeys, the transformative power of mentorship, and the art of work-life balance in our evolving industry. Discover how a startup mentality has fueled their personal and professional gro...
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March 18, 2025 • 18 mins
Confidence and connections drive success in travel and tourism—but what happens when self-doubt sneaks in?
In this special International Women’s History Month episode, NYC Tourism & Conventions’ Kim Wright joins guest host Monica Lopez for an honest conversation about imposter syndrome, building authentic confidence, and the power of mentorship. Together, they share personal insights and practical strategies to help industry profe...
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March 11, 2025 • 20 mins
AI is revolutionizing the travel industry, but are destination organizations keeping up? In this special episode for International Women's History Month, guest host Janette Roush speaks with Esra Calvert, and Signe Jungersted about how AI can enhance strategy, efficiency, and visitor engagement. Learn practical ways to integrate AI into your work and why industry-wide adoption is key to staying competitive.
Janette Roush is SVP, I...
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March 4, 2025 • 22 mins
Guest host Casey D’Ambra kicks off our International Women’s History Month celebration with an intimate conversation with Emmy Award-winning storyteller Samantha Brown. She shares memorable experiences, the secrets to great travel content, and insights from 25 years in destination storytelling — all in under 25 minutes.
Samantha’s adventures air on PBS in the U.S. and GoUSA TV internationally. Casey D’Ambra is Brand USA’s Director...
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February 25, 2025 • 18 mins
Luxury expert Alison Gilmore and Mark explore luxury travel for 2025 and beyond, unpacking VIP experiences, and what’s next for the industry. From the rise of branded residences to how AI is reshaping high-end travel, get the inside scoop on what’s redefining the luxury lifestyle. Alison Gilmore is the Portfolio Director of the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM).
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February 18, 2025 • 17 mins
How do life stages impact the way people travel? Steven Paganelli joins Mark to discuss the Travel Through Life study and the first-ever Tripadvisor Trendcast 2025. Plus, hear about unexpected trends like "waterculturalism" and gaming tourism that could reshape the industry. Steven Paganelli is Senior Head of Americas Partnerships at Tripadvisor.
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February 11, 2025 • 19 mins
Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, Doug’s insights will help you take your communication skills to the next level. Mark and Doug tackle overcoming stage fright, engaging an audience, death by PowerPoint, and avoiding common presentation pitfalls.
Doug Lansky has authored ten books, worked as a syndicated travel journalist, hosted a Travel Channel show, and continues to appear as the keynote speaker at travel’s...
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February 4, 2025 • 18 mins
Kristin Dunne and Dawnielle Tehama introduce the innovative Wayfinder framework, a strategic approach that helps destinations balance tourism with community priorities, foster economic growth, manage risks, and adapt to evolving challenges. Discover how this model enables destinations to thrive while safeguarding their unique character for future generations. Kristin Dunne is Director, Destination Stewardship at Miles Partnership a...
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January 28, 2025 • 16 mins
Explore how Fort Worth, Texas has become a global model for music-driven tourism. Mark is joined by Bob Jameson, CEO of Visit Fort Worth, and Shain Shapiro, Founder of Sound Diplomacy, to discuss strategies that blend music and cultural policy to elevate tourism, economic growth, and quality of life. Learn how data-informed insights, initiatives like the Fort Worth Music Office, and support for local artists are transforming Fort...
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January 21, 2025 • 20 mins
Movies have the unique power to create emotional connections and inspire us to explore the world. Mark sits down with Erik Nachtrieb and Charlie Hartsock, the team behind SetJetters — a groundbreaking mobile app that brings film tourism to life.
SetJetters allows fans to step into the scenes of their favorite films with pinpoint accuracy. With over 7,000 iconic locations from more than 1,500 movies, this app transforms movie mag...
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January 14, 2025 • 20 mins
Group travel has strong growth ahead and is more demographically diverse than ever, according to Brian Jewell, VP & Executive Editor of The Group Travel Leader. In this episode, Brian debunks stereotypes concerning group travel and explains why the future looks bright. He also shares insight into international groups and faith-based group travel.
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January 7, 2025 • 19 mins
We kick off the new year with Jenny Southan, Founder and CEO of U.K. travel trend forecasting agency Globetrender. Jenny shares Globetrender's 5 big travel trend predictions for 2025, from appealing to travelers' sense of nostalgia to uplift from Asia.
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December 17, 2024 • 32 mins
Take a journey through some of the top moments of 2024 with insights from Geoff Freeman, Julie Coker, Elliott Ferguson, Cambria Jones, Nick Hentschel, Liz Bittner, David Gilbert, Katie Streater, Taylor Ruoff Snider, Mike Mangeot, Jeremy Jauncey, Sophie Morgan, Nick Hall, Seth Orozco, and Fred Dixon. This special year-end review offers a curated audio tour of the year’s most intriguing conversations.
Hear a highlight that catches y...
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December 10, 2024 • 20 mins
Mark and Sammy Malave Jr., Manager of Creative Insights at Getty Images, explore how visuals can transform travel marketing.
Discover how Getty Image’s VisualGPS informs creative decisions with data, learn about common image licensing challenges, and understand why authenticity matters. This episode is packed with actionable advice for marketers, content creators, and creatives alike.
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