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Recent posts

Here's the 10 most recent posts:


#1. Looking for tips and recommendations for an African safari: (1 upvotes, 18 comments).


Posted by Amritha Joseph in Discussion , Africa, Safari.
Featured on Jan 20, 2026 (2 days ago).


18 comments:

Amritha Joseph (Online Journalist, In Transit Travel + Food Blog):

We are planning my husband's milestone 40th birthday trip this year including an African safari. I'm looking for advice from people who have done taken this trip which country they visited, which parks, tours/etc. they recommend.

Also, open to connecting with tour/package operators who can help me plan this. We are targeting Thanksgiving week or July.


Neil Jansson (YouTube | DMC, African Travel Crew):

What a great way to celebrate a milestone. A MASSIVE Hello from sunny Cape Town, South Africa. Please drop me an email or call ( WhatsApp works) and I will help you. www.africantravelcrew.com Look forward to hearing from you, there is no time like the present. Neil


Hannah Bamwerinde (Founder, Adventures With Locals):

Hello Amritha
Africa is always an amazing idea. I would recommend Planning a 40th birthday safari is such a special idea, and for a first milestone trip we usually recommend Tanzania, Kenya, or Uganda. Tanzania is ideal if you want the classic safari feel, wide open plains, big cats, and the option to end with a few relaxed days in Zanzibar. Kenya is perfect for iconic wildlife moments in the Maasai Mara and Amboseli, great guiding, and dramatic scenery. Uganda is a wonderful choice if you prefer something quieter and more personal, with beautiful landscapes, game drives, boat safaris, and the option to add chimp or gorilla tracking. July brings peak wildlife viewing so its a perfect time.

A few gentle but important tips can really shape the experience. Try not to rush. Fewer parks with more time in each almost always leads to better sightings and less fatigue. A private vehicle and an excellent guide matter more than how fancy the lodge looks. Build in breathing space so the trip feels like a celebration, not a checklist. Small touches like a sunset drink in the bush, bush breakfast , flexible game drive hours, and a customised dinner experince makes the days feel meaningful and personal.

At Adventures With Locals, we plan safaris a little differently. We are a female-led, all female team, and we care about responsible tourism that genuinely benefits local communities. We design private, custom journeys at a comfortable pace, work closely with local guides and lodges, and pay attention to the details that make a milestone birthday feel thoughtful and warm. If you would like, share your dates, travel style, and what matters most to you, and we would love to help you shape a safari that feels truly personal.
Feel free to reach out at adventureswithlocals@gmail.com for recommendations or even advice that could help you have a great day


Mike Amani (Director, Legacy Destinations & DMC):

From firsthand experience planning and operating safaris, Tanzania and Kenya are consistently top choices for first-time (and milestone) safari travelers.

Country & Parks to Consider:
Tanzania: Serengeti (iconic wildlife & Great Migration), Ngorongoro Crater (dense game viewing in a dramatic setting), Tarangire (elephants and baobabs), and Lake Manyara. Tanzania is especially well-suited for travelers seeking exclusivity, space, and a refined safari pace.

Kenya: Maasai Mara pairs beautifully with cultural encounters and migration viewing, particularly in July to October.

Timing:
July: Peak wildlife viewing, dry season, excellent for the Great Migration in both Serengeti and Maasai Mara.

Thanksgiving week: Also an excellent time in Tanzania, lush landscapes, and great game viewing.

Lodging Style:
For a milestone birthday, many travelers prefer boutique luxury or high-end tented camps rather than large lodges, they offer privacy, personalized service, and a more intimate connection with the wilderness.

Working with Operators:
If you’re considering tour operators, I’d recommend looking beyond price alone and focusing on:
1. How customized the itinerary is (vs. off-the-shelf packages)
2. Guide quality and consistency
3. Flexibility during the trip
4. Thoughtful touches for the celebration itself (private dinners, surprises, pacing)

I represent Legacy Destinations & DMC, a Tanzania-based safari company specializing in tailor-made safaris for milestone celebrations, honeymoons, and private journeys. What sets us apart is that we design each safari from the ground up, no templates and we operate on-the-ground, allowing for real-time support, trusted lodge partnerships, and seamless logistics.

Happy to share insights, sample routes, or simply answer questions as you explore options and equally happy to help even if you’re still in the research phase. Feel free to contact me through mike@legacydestinations-dmc.com or +255-743626826 (WhatsApp contact).

Wishing you an incredible celebration ahead.


Roobens Fils (Founder of a travel agency, Dunia Travel):

Hi Amrithha,

It really depends on what you enjoy doing when traveling. Each African country has their own characteristics when it comes to safaris. Traveling in July? Go to South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania. Thanksgiving week? You have less options (it's the rainy season in many countries) but you can still go to Namibia.

I'm running Dunia Travel, a tour operator focusing excluisively on trips to Africa. Feel free to reach out : info @ dunia-travel.com


Fuad Peters (Director, I Am Cape Town):

Amritha, Neil has years of experience doing tours and running lodges; and is one of the most amazing and best people to assist you. We have become more than just colleagues and we have been working together for a number of years now. You will be in great hands, having Neil assist with your request.


Michelle van der Westhuizen (Sale and Marketing, City Sightseeing South Africa):

Hi Amritha.
I suggest you reach out to an operator. They will be able to cater to your exact needs and budget and there are way too many lodges and parks in various countries to try and plan it yourself.

A tour operator I would recommend is familysafarisbookings.com
You can contact Gareth via email at gareth@familysafarisbookings.com

You will not regret doing a safari trip!


Amritha Joseph (Online Journalist, In Transit Travel + Food Blog):

Thank you I will reach out to Gareth!
Yes the combinations are overwhelming!! That's why I wanted to reach out to my Travel Massive network first.


paul mwendwa (Travel Consultant, Kenya Expresso Tours & Safaris):

1. Pick the right country (this matters more than the lodge)
Different countries = very different vibes.
Best first-time safaris

Kenya 🇰🇪 – Classic “Out of Africa” scenes, Great Migration (July–Oct), strong cultural experiences.
Tanzania 🇹🇿 – Serengeti + Ngorongoro = chef’s kiss. Slightly pricier, insanely beautiful.
Best for luxury & ease
Botswana 🇧🇼 – Top-tier wildlife, fewer crowds, stunning lodges (also $$$).
South Africa 🇿🇦 – Great value, malaria-free private reserves, excellent food & wine.
More adventurous / underrated
Namibia 🇳🇦 – Desert landscapes + wildlife (very photogenic).
Zambia / Zimbabwe 🇿🇲🇿🇼 – Amazing walking safaris + Victoria Falls.

👉 If you tell me your budget + travel style, I can narrow this fast.
2. When to go (don’t just chase “dry season”)
Dry season (Jun–Oct) = best wildlife viewing, less greenery, higher prices.
Green season (Nov–Mar) = lush landscapes, baby animals, fewer tourists, better deals.
Great Migration:
Serengeti (Dec–Mar calving, Jul–Sep river crossings)
Maasai Mara (Jul–Oct)


paul mwendwa (Travel Consultant, Kenya Expresso Tours & Safaris):

Try kenya expresso tours and safaris will offer you the best experience ever


David Brodie (Founder & CEO, Voyascape):

We went on Safari for my 50th last year. it was amazing! I did a podcast comparing two diffent Safari experiences we had (a luxury lodge vs. a self drive safari and tent camp in a national park) I reccomend doing both! You can check out the podcast at podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/travel-in-10-travel-podcast/id83260487?i=1000671968133


Charlotte Beauvoisin AKA Nagawa (Trainer & Consultant, Diary of a Muzungu):

Hi Amritha

Greetings from Uganda! The Pearl of Africa.

I'd love to help advise on a trip for your husband's 40th.

I am a fellow blogger and content creator and work with a number of tour operators, lodges and guides in Uganda, Rwanda and across East Africa. I also host The East Africa Travel Podcast www.eastafricatravelpodcast.com. I travel the region widely, researching for my blog Diary of a Muzungu www.diaryofamuzungu.com and international guidebooks such as Fodor's. Which activities are you and your husband most interested in?


Peter Kibe Njunguna ():

Hello,
We have a boutique travel company based in Diani Beach (Google Diani Beach)
Our travel consultant can help you ideate,
This is what we can do, instead of us sending you generic itineraries, why don't we do what all TOs don't do?
We start with a Zoom meeting (40 minutes)
He will answer all questions, including how to travel responsibly and get the most out of your trip, and travel for a purpose, not just for structured, touristy packages. Is it a thing: support@kaaribu.com


Amritha Joseph (Online Journalist, In Transit Travel + Food Blog):

Thanks, I've emailed your team.


Leonore Tjikune Cavalier (Marketing Manager, Plume Africa):

Hi Amritha! What a wonderful way to celebrate a 40th. An African safari would be unforgettable.

Both July and Thanksgiving week can work very well, but they offer slightly different experiences. July is peak dry season in southern Africa, which is excellent for wildlife viewing, especially around waterholes. Thanksgiving week also works well, particularly in southern Africa, and can be a great time to combine wildlife with the dramatic landscapes.

For first-time safari travellers, Namibia and South Africa are both fantastic options:

Namibia is ideal if you’re looking for wide-open landscapes, wildlife, culture, deserts (like Sossusvlei), and a sense of space and adventure — without feeling rushed.

South Africa (Kruger region) is perfect for a weekend trip to see the Big Five.

If you’d like, I’m happy to share a platform I’m involved with called Plume Africa (www.plume.africa). We specialise in instant, fully coordinated safari packages/circuits in Namibia and offer a Kruger package — including lodges, transfers between destinations, and guided activities — without the need to self-drive or manage lots of separate bookings. It’s designed to make your planning much easier, especially if it's your first time.

Either way, happy to answer questions any more questions.

Good luck ! :)


Bobby Lyamuya (Director, Everyday Safaris Limited):

Tanzania is a great choice for an African safari, especially if you’re looking for classic wildlife areas like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, strong guiding standards, and the option to combine a safari with Mount Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar.

What really makes the difference here is good planning and working with a properly licensed operator that knows the parks, seasons, and logistics on the ground.

We operate locally in Tanzania as Everyday Safaris, organizing safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs for international travelers and partners. Happy to share advice or insights with anyone considering Tanzania.


Lee Ntlokwana (Wine & Cultural Experiences Curator, Mnandi Times Experiences):

Hello Amritha

Awesomeness that you’re thinking of celebrating your hubby’s milestone on a Safari trip!

We don’t book safaris - we offer wine tourism experiences. But Safaris are also my hubbles and I’s escape and total fascination. So I’m happy to help you crystallise all the quotes and information you gather.

In South Africa we have a television channel called WildEarth. You can access it online too wildearth.tv

It’s an amazing resource for not only breaking away from the busyness of the day, but their programs inform you about the different animals - their terrains, Safari guides and vehicles, weather (best seasons per regions for viewing or significant movement of the animals), notable periods like the great migration or mating season, and which species can be found in which parts of Africa. Watching the channel could help to narrow down your search to the kind of experiences you want. I must say I haven’t seen any shows about the gorillas of Uganda yet - I may have missed it.

Wishing you all the best and shout if you need to test any thoughts or plans.

Have an amazing week.


Fredric Switser ():

Hi Amritha,

Congratulations on planning such a special milestone celebration! A 40th birthday safari is absolutely unforgettable.
We recently wrote a comprehensive guide about African safaris that might help you navigate all the options you're receiving here: zuid-afrikareizen.be/afrika-safari/

While I see many excellent recommendations for Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda above (all fantastic choices!), I'd like to add South Africa to your consideration, especially given your timeframe options.

Why South Africa works particularly well:
For July (peak season): South Africa's dry winter offers exceptional wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources. Kruger National Park and surrounding private reserves like Sabi Sands deliver outstanding Big Five experiences with excellent infrastructure.
For Thanksgiving week: This timing actually works beautifully in South Africa (early summer/green season) when many East African destinations face heavy rains. You'll see lush landscapes, newborn animals, and excellent birding - plus generally better rates.

What makes South Africa unique and pleasant for a milestone celebration:
* Malaria-free options like Addo Elephant Park and Pilanesberg if health concerns are a factor
* Incredible variety beyond safari: You can seamlessly combine wildlife with Cape Town, wine country, coastal experiences, or the cinematic Garden Route
* Self-drive freedom OR luxury lodges: Budget-friendly options in public parks or splurge-worthy private reserves - truly "on maat voor ieders budget" (tailored to any budget)
* The "Big Seven": Only place you can see both the Big Five AND great white sharks and southern right whales

The article I mentioned covers everything from the best parks (Kruger, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, Kgalagadi) to practical tips on timing, packing, and responsible tourism. It is in Dutch, but I'm pretty sure your browser will assist in translating it perfectly.

Whatever you choose, make sure your operator emphasizes personalized service for this special occasion - those thoughtful touches (bush dinners, sunset drinks, flexible schedules) transform a great safari into an extraordinary birthday celebration.

We are only operating in Belgium & the Netherlands, but I am sure you will find a great colleague near you!

Safe travels,
Fredric


End of comments.

#2. Has anyone had any experience with tourist.com?: (1 upvotes, 4 comments).


Posted by James Mortimer in Discussion , Tour Company.
Featured on Jan 20, 2026 (2 days ago).


4 comments:

James Mortimer (Chief of Historical shenanigans, Best UK Tours):

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with Tourist.com they are asking me to join the platform, but before I do I thought I would ask the community as there seems to be an explosion of online resellers some of which don't look great. this was the email from them - am slightly dubious as they claim its FREE

Hello,

Just following up on your recent correspondence with our team.

Attached you’ll find a detailed proposal explaining how our platform works, the advantages of joining, and what you can expect as one of our partners.

Here’s a quick summary:
∙ Add your business to the Tourist app for free
∙ Keep 100% of your earnings — we never charge commissions
∙ Simply provide an exclusive discount or special offer for Tourist travelers (the final offer is fully up to you)

Registration is very simple — it’s just a short form at partners.tourist.com and the setup takes less than a minute.

Here's a step-by-step guide for registering & adding offers.
[link removed]

Should you have any questions, please let me know.

Best regards,
Walter
Tourist.com — Your key to the world


Ian (Founder, Travel Massive):

Hi James, I was contacted with an almost identical message in December last year. I asked "Can you tell me more about who is behind your business? e.g. your team etc" and I got a generic response that didn't answer my question. When I followed up with a "Who are the founders and who is the CEO of your company?" I did not get a reply.

If they can't tell you who is the owner or the founders of the company, I wouldn't trust it. Nice domain though!


James Mortimer (Chief of Historical shenanigans, Best UK Tours):

Hi Iam, thanks for the comment, yea seems strange that they cant answer who the CEO is, I wonder what thier plan is to make money in the long term, will quizz them and update my findings on this discussion for the benefit of everyone, but as you said, fantastic domain name, it does look very professional :-)


Averil Huck (Founder & tour guide, Prague Feminist Tours):

I also got contacted a couple of days ago with an HTML short email with typos... I'm interested in hearing from people who have joined the app.


End of comments.

#3. Safety on Mount Kilimanjaro Is Not a Personal Choice. It’s an Ethical One: (9 upvotes, 2 comments).


Posted by Anniina Sandberg in Article , Hiking, Tanzania, Sustainability, Responsible Travel, Africa.
Featured on Jan 15, 2026 (7 days ago).
External link to website.

I have long wondered why Mount Kilimanjaro is marketed as an uncomplicated tourist activity, presented as broadly accessible and almost routine, even though it is a high altitude environment where the margin for error is narrow and the consequences of poor decisions can be serious. The idea that it is a mountain almost anyone can climb with enough determination has become so normalized that it rarely invites scrutiny, despite the way it shapes pricing, itineraries, and expectations.

The more time I have spent around Kilimanjaro, the clearer it has become that safety on the mountain is largely determined long before anyone sets foot on the trail. It is built into choices about itinerary length, acclimatization pace, group size, staffing, and the pressure placed on reaching the summit. These decisions are often made far from Tanzania, guided by marketing narratives and cost considerations rather than by the realities of operating at altitude.

When incidents occur, responsibility does not fall evenly across an expedition. It concentrates on local guides and porters who must manage health emergencies, rapidly changing weather, and difficult judgment calls in an environment where mistakes have immediate consequences. Kilimanjaro depends entirely on local labor, yet the dominant narrative continues to frame the climb as an individual achievement rather than a collective effort sustained by the experience and risk borne by others.

Most guides, assistant guides, cooks, and porters work as freelancers, paid per climb and dependent on seasonal demand. Despite this uncertainty, they carry the greatest responsibility on the mountain. They monitor acclimatization, recognize early signs of altitude illness, and decide when to slow down or turn back. Their judgment is what keeps people safe, yet the pressure to deliver summits often overrides the authority their role requires.

This is where ethical questions emerge. When climbs are rushed to reduce costs or to protect summit success rates, risk does not disappear but is transferred downward to those with the least power to refuse it. Framing Kilimanjaro as simple or universally accessible allows these dynamics to remain largely invisible, even though they shape outcomes on the mountain.

Over time, this has led me to question how a responsible Kilimanjaro climb should be designed. Rather than measuring success primarily by whether the summit is reached, a well designed expedition prioritizes adequate acclimatization, manageable group sizes, and leadership structures that respect local expertise. Within this approach, porter welfare is not a secondary concern but a central element of safety for everyone involved.

I also believe responsibility should not end at the park gate. Kilimanjaro exists within a lived landscape shaped by communities whose lives are affected by tourism and environmental change. When climbs conclude without any engagement beyond wages and park fees, they remain extractive in practice, even when intentions are good. Some expeditions now extend the journey beyond the descent by connecting climbers with practical, community led initiatives, such as clean energy access, that respond to real needs and are implemented through local systems.

Because of these experiences, I wrote a comprehensive guide that examines how Kilimanjaro climbing is structured, how safety and labor intersect, and why responsibility should extend beyond the summit rather than ending at the gate. The full analysis is on my website: [Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro With Purpose: A Responsible Guide to Safety and Community Impact](www.visitnatives.com/post/climbing-mount-kilimanjaro-with-purpose-a-responsible-guide-to-safety-and-community-impact).

For those working in adventure travel or expedition design, the question is no longer simply whether people should continue climbing Kilimanjaro, but whether summit success should remain the primary measure of a good climb, or whether the model itself needs to change.


2 comments:

Anniina Sandberg (Sustainable Indigenous Tourism, Visit Natives):

My name is Anniina Sandberg. I am an anthropologist and the founder of Visit Natives, a travel company focused on community led and field based experiences. I have worked in Northern Tanzania and around Mount Kilimanjaro, spending time with mountain crews and communities connected to the tourism economy there.

I wrote this piece after repeatedly seeing how safety on Kilimanjaro is shaped less by individual climbers and more by structural decisions made long before anyone reaches the mountain. This article is a shortened reflection on those observations. I have also written a much more comprehensive guide that looks in detail at how Kilimanjaro climbing is designed, how labor and safety intersect, and what responsibility can realistically look like beyond the summit, which I link to in the post for anyone who wants to go deeper:

www.visitnatives.com/post/climbing-mount-kilimanjaro-with-purpose-a-responsible-guide-to-safety-and-community-impact

I would genuinely welcome perspectives from others working in adventure travel, guiding, or expedition design. Where do you think responsibility on a mountain like Kilimanjaro should begin, and where should it end?


Peter Kinyaiya (Tanzania Local Tour Guide and Organizer, Twende Africa Tours):

Thousands of travelers fly to Tanzania every year to attempt to climb the highest point on the African continent, Mount Kilimanjaro (5.895 meters). Some of them return home without reaching the summit. This happens for a variety of reasons,

One is to forget that Kilimanjaro climbing isn't something you can do it by yourself you need a crew and crew need you as well, As Kilimanjaro local Toour Guide over experience of 10 years and above I have this statements during a brief to my team and cleats.

The mountain never bows down for anyone, so please I have special request

SPECIAL REQUEST: Please, remember we are all climbing as a team and a family and therefore should be ready and willing to assist each other during the trekking whenever the need arises.


End of comments.

#4. Sustainable tourism challenges and initiatives in Zanzibar?: (2 upvotes, 4 comments).


Posted by Belén Gallardo in Discussion , Zanzibar, Sustainability, Tanzania, Africa, Responsible Travel.
Featured on Jan 15, 2026 (7 days ago).


4 comments:

Belén Gallardo ():

Jambo, I'm Maria, a travel and content creator living in Zanzibar since 2019.

Living in Zanzibar is wonderful — the beaches, spice farms, and vibrant culture are incredible and the people care deeply about their home. But like many popular destinations, the island faces challenges with waste management, recycling, and energy.

I'd like to open up a discussion about sustainable tourism initiatives in Zanzibar and invite other members to share their experiences or feedback.

Here's two topics I want to share my thoughts on: plastic waste, and clean energy.

Plastic waste

Plastic waste is a big problem, and when you visit, they remind you not to bring plastic bags inside the island. Many people are aware of the impact of plastic on the environment and marine life.

Interestingly, the local community has found creative ways to recycle and repurpose garbage; Plastic bottles and containers are reused and transformed into new products.

There are also glass recycling initiatives. Companies collect old glass bottles, like wine bottles, and turn them into a new glass products, giving a second life to what would otherwise become waste.

We often hear that tourism equals garbage - but it doesn't have to be this way. Tourism brings income, jobs, and cultural exchange, but it can be done sustainably. Hotels, businesses, residents, and visitors who prioritize recycling, reducing plastic, and reusing resources can make a huge difference.

Despite local efforts, garbage collection and awareness are still inconsistent, and require the collaboration between residents, businesses, visitors, and the government.

Clean energy

One thing you might notice when visiting is that electricity here can still be unpredictable. Many hotels still face power outages, especially during busy tourist season. The reality is that almost all hotels in Zanzibar rely on diesel generators. While generators provide electricity, they are expensive, noisy, and polluting. This means, that when fuel supplies are low on equipment fails, hotels can experience blackouts.

My husband works in the solar business, and we often talk about this topic. He tells me that many hotels still don't believe in solar - when they see the cost, they immediately drop the idea. We are in 2025, why don't more hotels use solar power?

Well, there are a few reasons.

The problem is they don't see the long term-benefits. Solar power can save money, reduce reliance on generators, and make businesses more sustainable. Some hotels have started using solar, and it's inspiring to see, but many are still hesitant.

Another reason for frequent power issues is that Zanzibar depends on electricity imported from mainland Tanzania. If there's a disruption in the national grid, the island feels the impact, and the reliance on generators becomes even more critical.

The government is aware of the issue and has introduced programs to encourage renewable energy, including tax breaks and pilot projects. However, implementation is slow, and many hotel owners either don't know about these programs or hesitate to invest. Awareness is key - many business simply don't realize the economic and environmental benefits of switching to solar.

For travelers; support eco-friendly hotels, enjoy the island, and know that Zanzibar has the potential to become a solar-powered paradise. With awareness, innovation, and responsible tourism, the island can maintain its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and natural beauty for the generations to come.

If you've traveled to Zanzibar please share your experience from a sustainable tourism perspective, I'd be glad to hear about it!


Sarah Rhodes (Founder, Plastic Free Southeast Asia):

Love this post, Maria! I've done a lot of work around plastic waste and sustainability in Southeast Asia and really resonate with the issues you highlighted. A little intention goes a long way, and especially supporting those operators and hotels taking steps to make things better :)


Isabel Gruß (Founder of Village Adventures, Travel agent, Village Adventures):

Hi Maria,

thank you for sharing such an inspiring perspective on tourism in Zanzibar! I spent three weeks there a few years ago and truly had one of the best times. On the one hand, I also noticed a lot of rubbish on some beaches. On the other hand, it was powerful to see how many small local initiatives are actively driving sustainability. I visited several and loved them, for example:

-CHAKO Zanzibar – they upcycle wine bottles into beautiful décor and furniture. You can even tour their production site.
-Recycle@OZTI & Ozeankind – fantastic initiatives collecting plastic from beaches with local communities and children; they recycle it into furniture, keychains, and more.
I wrote a blog article about them: village-adventures.com/sansibar-schluesselanhaenger-aus-6-deckeln-recycling-mit-impact/
-Chumbe Island – one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever seen and a flagship sustainability project in Zanzibar.
-Muungoni Village – my favorite place to experience authentic rural life. I spent three days in a simple homestay; we did a mangrove boat tour, and Rama showed me so much of village life there.

There are so many other businesses and places I genuinely loved.
With Village Adventures, I’m focusing exactly on sustainable, rural, and local initiatives—especially homestays and local guides—and helping to promote them.

If you’re interested in a cooperation or in being a testimonial for Village Adventures, I’d be delighted. The platform is still quite new, and I’m currently focusing on visibility.


Debbie Hindle (Chair, ICRT global):

Hi Maria it's really interesting to read your comments. Waste, as the other commentators have said is a massive issue in many countries. Our organisation runs the free to enter Responsible Tourism Awards - these run around the world and in Africa we announce them at WTM Africa. Last year's winners included a waste project with the TUI care foundation in Zanzibar but I'd definitely recommend reading some of the other waste winners which are doing great work on this subject in Africa. You can find more detail here icrt.global/africa-changemakers-2025/. If you know of anyone else doing great work in Zanzibar or elsewhere please do encourage them to enter the 2026 Responsible Tourism Awards. our 2026 categories are different but It's free to enter!


End of comments.

#5. What questions would you ask Travel Massive AI if I built it?: (1 upvotes, 3 comments).


Posted by Ian in Discussion , AI, Travel Tech, Future, Travel Massive.
Featured on Jan 12, 2026 (10 days ago).
External link to website.

3 comments:

Ian (Founder, Travel Massive):

As some of you might know, I develop and maintain the Travel Massive platform (that you're using right now) that helps everyone connect and publish their projects in our community. It's a huge project as you might imagine!

This year I'd like to implement some AI features so I'm asking the community for their suggestions about what we could build — the more wild the idea, the better!

👉 What are some of the things you would ask "Travel Massive AI" if I built it?

For example: could an AI feature help find and match you with members in the community to do business with? Could it search our database of companies to find a new distribution partner? Could it help you find a new affiliate network suitable for your blog or website?

The possibilities with AI are endless and could give our platform super powers!

Please share your ideas on our feedback form at travelmassive.com/ai so I can keep track of your suggestions. You can also comment here if you'd like to discuss your ideas.

Thanks for helping create Travel Massive and I'm looking forward to hearing your ideas.


Jason M. Cronen (The Lycian Way Challenge):

Ian - I'd love to help with this Travel Massive effort and have been training a model ahead of my Lycian Way Challenge in May that will aggregate and help answer common questions from the trail. Let's connect soon!


Ian (Founder, Travel Massive):

Thanks to everyone who submitted feedback!

I've just published an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server for Travel Massive, so you can connect your favourite AI client such as ChatGPT or Claude directly to Travel Massive and your agent can access realtime data from our network.

So far, I've developed two tools:

• upcoming_events to query Travel Massive events and meetups
• search_companies to query our company directory (eg: Tour companies in Thailand)

I'll be looking at some more advanced tools in the future (such as member search) but for now I'll see how these two tools perform and what kind of agents use them.

If you'd like to try these tools, it only takes a minute — you need an AI client or IDE with MCP Server support (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini CLI, Cursor, Windsurf, etc). Then add the server URL www.travelmassive.com/mcp to your client (don't click, the link won't work in your browser) and our MCP tools should be available in your context.

I hope you find these tools useful and please share your feedback here or via DM.


End of comments.

#6. Trove and Adara's 2026 US Outbound Market Guide for Destination Marketers: (12 upvotes, 4 comments).


Posted by Ian in News , United States, Marketing, Destination Marketing, Trends, Future.
Featured on Jan 8, 2026 (14 days ago).
External link to website.

4 comments:

Ian (Founder, Travel Massive):

Trove Tourism Development Advisors and Adara recently released a report on the 2026 US Outbound Market for Destination Marketers.

The report draws from data across Adara's partner network and highlights recent shifts in US outbound travel intent into 2026, followed by analysis and recommendations.

Here's a few highlights that I found interesting:

• Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic collectively represent 41% of US outbound bookings from the present through April 2026.
• The proportion of bookings exceeding one week has grown by double digits.
• Trip durations to APAC are approximately 3x longer than those to Latin America.
• Group and MICE business is one of the most efficient ways to grow high-yield arrivals.
• DMOs are operating in a landscape where sentiment moves quickly – driven by news cycles, safety perceptions, social media discourse, and creator commentary. The old model of tourism PR – sending out press releases, hosting occasional group press trips, and counting “clips” – does not work in this environment.

The report includes a list of insightful recommendations including DO's and DON'Ts for working with influencers and creators. On the creator front, the report affirms that discovery is "video first" and social platforms are the primary discovery tool for many travelers. Nothing new there, but hopefully more DMOs take note.

Request your copy at www.trovetourism.com/news/2026-us-outbound-market-guide

I hope others find this report helpful!


Jasmin "Jazz" Linton (Travel Advisor & Experience Curator, The Urban Traveler / Trevello):

Requested! Thanks!


Lee Ntlokwana (Wine & Cultural Experiences Curator, Mnandi Times Experiences):

Very helpful research. Trove has some good research pieces


Jenn Warren (Travel content creator, Dinkum Tribe):

Video has been first for awhile now - glad to see it confirmed here.


End of comments.

#7. Map Your Voyage — Plan Trips from Instagram reels in minutes: (11 upvotes, 9 comments).


Posted by Shivam Saxena in Website , Startup, Instagram, Planning, Map, Travel Tech.
Featured on Jan 8, 2026 (14 days ago).
External link to website.

9 comments:

Shivam Saxena (Founder, Map Your Voyage):

Hi Travel Massive community,

My name is Shivam, and I am the founder of Map Your Voyage. I began my software engineering career in Singapore in 2016. After seven years in Singapore, my focus turned to full-time work on my India-based startup.

The idea came from a problem I faced myself—I had around 12,000 saved posts on Instagram, all sitting in the default "Saved" folder. When I wanted to visit a specific country, there was no easy way to figure out which posts were from that country.

Even if I managed to find them, I still had to rewatch all the reels and posts, jot down the locations manually, and figure out how to include them in my itinerary—a process that was incredibly time-consuming. That's what inspired me to create Map Your Voyage.

With Map Your Voyage, you can simply DM your favorite travel reels to our Instagram account while scrolling, and we’ll handle the heavy lifting — detecting locations from each reel and organizing them into country-specific bucket lists. When you’re ready to travel, you can turn these bucket lists into an itinerary in just a few minutes.

I’d love to get your feedback, suggestions, or general thoughts on this! Happy to answer any questions and connect with people across the community.

Thanks,
Shivam


Ian (Founder, Travel Massive):

Hi Shivam,

Thanks for sharing Map Your Voyage and welcome to the Travel Massive community.

The explainer video is very helpful and I encourage anyone else interested in your idea to watch the video.

Is there a simpler way to share the videos (e.g. share the reel URL to an external service or website) or is there a technical reason why you require people to DM to another account? This onboarding friction could slow down growing your platform.

Do you have any interesting insights so far about what kinds of journeys and bucketlists people are generating? e.g. top countries, places? And what tech did you build the platform in?

Well done!


Shivam Saxena (Founder, Map Your Voyage):

Hi Ian,

Thank you for the warm welcome and for taking the time to review Map Your Voyage—your feedback means a lot. We're grateful for your thoughtful questions, and I'll address them below.

On sharing reels more simply:
You're spot on about onboarding friction, and we're actively exploring ways to minimize it. Currently, logged-in users can paste Instagram reel links directly into our search bar here: mapyourvoyage.com/app/build-itinerary-from-travel-content, which works seamlessly. We've prioritized DMs to our Instagram as the quickest option for users saving content on the fly—it's one less step while scrolling, and it helps us stand out as a unique solution. That said, we recognize it might not suit everyone, so a native app integration is on our roadmap if demand grows that will allow users to open Instagram links in our iOS OR android app to add locations to their bucket list.

On user insights for journeys and bucket lists:
We have analytics in place to track this, but with our focus until recently on building core features, we don't yet have enough data for meaningful trends (e.g., top countries or spots). As we ramp up marketing, I'll circle back with some exciting early insights.

Tech stack:
It's a lean, self-hosted setup: Next.js (frontend/backend), Postgres, Memcached, Redis, NATS for messaging, Bunny CDN, and Cloudflare. We host on Hetzner for its rock-solid reliability at a fraction of AWS/GCP costs—keeps us agile as an early-stage startup.

Thanks again for the kind words and encouragement, Ian.

Best,
Shivam


Stefani Gospodinova (Travel blogger, Kiss My Backpack):

Hi Shivan - you’re an absolute genius! I love this idea and I’m planning to try it later this week. If it works well for me, I’ll start recommending it right away ❤️

I also agree with Ian's comment, and it’s great that you’re offering another option. I’m not very technical, but one thought: I save reels into collections and organize them by country (e.g. Bulgaria, Italy, etc.). Each collection has its own URL, so if there were a way to share a full collection link rather than individual reels, that would be incredibly handy.

Love the concept - wishing you the best of luck with it!


Shivam Saxena (Founder, Map Your Voyage):

Hi Stefani,

Wow, thank you so much for the kind words—you just made my day! I'm thrilled you're excited to try Map Your Voyage and would consider recommending it. As a fellow travel enthusiast, that's exactly the kind of feedback that keeps us going.

Your collection idea is brilliant and spot on—I love how you're already organizing reels by country like that. It's a fantastic suggestion, and while we don't support full collection links yet, it's now top of our wishlist. In the meantime, pasting individual reel URLs or DMing them works great for building those itineraries. Can't wait to hear how it goes for you this week!

Wishing Kiss My Backpack all the success—let's stay connected and chat more about any feedbacks, suggestions or feature requests you might have.


Stefani Gospodinova (Travel blogger, Kiss My Backpack):

Hi again 🙂 I was actually thinking about your project after replying, and another idea popped into my head.

I also save travel videos on TikTok and Facebook, and I’ve noticed that my saved content is different on all three platforms. It would be very cool if there were a way to somehow bring those together, so you get the full picture when planning a trip rather than bits and pieces from just one platform.

Anyway, really excited to try Map Your Voyage this week. And thank you for your support too 🙂


Shivam Saxena (Founder, Map Your Voyage):

Hi Stefani, this is actually a great idea! Thank you for sharing. TikTok was already something we were planning to add but I haven't looked into facebook so far. :)

Just curious out of the 3 options below, what will be your preferred way to add content+locations from different platforms?
1. Sending DMs to our account within the app. In this option, you never have to leave the social media app. You can just keep scrolling & keep sending DMs.
2. Visiting our website & copy pasting links from different platforms.
3. Clicking share from inside the social media app & then opening the link in our iOS or android app. Just to be clear we do not have a native app at the moment but we plan to have this in future.

Also looking forward to hear from you once you try out the app. It would be great if you can share the feedback with me through email here: hello@mapyourvoyage.com


Dorcas Dogara ():

Thank you for sharing this. It was helpful.


Shivam Saxena (Founder, Map Your Voyage):

Thank you Dorcas! It would be great if you can share the feedback with me through email here: hello@mapyourvoyage.com


End of comments.

#8. Rome2Rio 2026 Travel Trends Report: Mobility Trends Reshaping Demand: (9 upvotes, 4 comments).


Posted by Molly Mulloy in News , Trends, Future, Planning.
Featured on Jan 8, 2026 (14 days ago).
External link to website.

4 comments:

Molly Mulloy (Co-owner of PR firm representing travel companies., Crafted Communications):

Travel demand is not disappearing - it is redistributing. In 2026, travelers are making more intentional choices about where they go and how they get there, driven by infrastructure upgrades, surface-first behavior, and shifting traveler priorities.

Drawing on insights from 600M+ global users and regional experts, Rome2Rio’s 2026 Travel + Mobility Trends Report outlines the behavioral shifts reshaping demand worldwide, including:

- Hidden-gem destinations replacing major hubs
- Scenic trains and ferries becoming the travel flex, with #TrainTok leading the way
- Sleeper trains and night buses helping travelers chase daylight
- Regional loops replacing frantic city-hopping
- Adventure travel evolving toward purpose-driven, transformational experiences
- Surface-first routes replacing short flights

The report explores what these shifts mean for destinations, operators, and mobility providers, and where opportunity lies as travel becomes more distributed, surface-led, and experience-driven.

Access the full 2026 Travel + Mobility Trends Report here: drive.google.com/file/d/1CxFoOc6NqfZm3_Hb2tLjONfWOGckuY7F/view.

Reach out with any questions.


Ann Lewis (Travel Advisor Asta Northeast Regional Director, Just Travel NYC):

Fascinating insights. How are destinations and operators best adapting to capture this surface-first, regional-loop demand without losing accessibility for first-time visitors?


Molly Mulloy (Co-owner of PR firm representing travel companies., Crafted Communications):

Great question, and i's top of mind, based on the conversations at Skift Transatlantic Summit and The Phocuswright Conference.


Natasha Nester (Founder, See The Room):

Younger generations are becoming very intentional where they spend their travel dollars (and spend in general).


End of comments.

#9. What Hospitality Trends for 2026 are you most excited about?: (1 upvotes, 3 comments).


Posted by Shanna in Discussion , AI, Hospitality, Future, Trends.
Featured on Jan 8, 2026 (14 days ago).


3 comments:

Shanna (Partner Manager, Customer Alliance):

Which trend are you most excited about in 2026? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 🎄

Here's my Hospitality Trends for 2026:

1. AI-powered personalization
2. Authentic sustainability
3. F&B innovation
4. Reputation management
5. Integrated technology
6. Wellness & well-being
7. Whycation guest experiences
8. Work + Leisure Blending ("Bleisure")

Working at a SaaS reputation management company, I know that reputation management cannot be ignored by hotels, travelers and guests expect empathy and loyalty. Another trend I’m looking forward to is F&B innovation 🥗, which stands out as a key highlight.


Nardus Buys (Public Relations Executive, The Diamond Works Institute):

For myself in the PR side of luxury retail, its to get us to showcase as tech-adaptive and great at storytelling for our brand!


Shanna (Partner Manager, Customer Alliance):

Thanks for sharing, Nardus! It’s interesting to see the parallels, just like in luxury retail, hospitality brands are increasingly focusing on tech adoption and storytelling to enhance the guest experience. Hope you're having an amazing and successful year 2026!


End of comments.

#10. Do we have Travel Massive members at Vakantiebeurs in the Netherlands?: (0 upvotes, 3 comments).


Posted by Yakub Birungi in Discussion , Netherlands.
Featured on Jan 8, 2026 (14 days ago).


3 comments:

Yakub Birungi (Founder and CEO, Rafiki Eco Safaris):

Hi everyone, I'm Yakub Birungi from the Travel Massive Uganda Chapter
I'm visiting the Netherlands to network at VAKANTIE beurs 2026
I am avaliable only today at Uganda stand 07.E110


Tobias de Wolff ():

Hey Yakub! I’m not there unfortunately- how long will you stay in the Netherlands?


Yakub Birungi (Founder and CEO, Rafiki Eco Safaris):

Hi Tobias. Travel massive Greetings. I return home on Saturday 10th.I will not attend the travel show Tommorrow but I will be available in Amsterdam all day tomorrow.
You can get in touch +256779262990


End of comments.

Upcoming Events

HERE'S THE NEXT 5 UPCOMING EVENTS:


#1. Travel Massive Toronto and Hotel X showcase


City: Toronto
When: Thursday 22 January, starting at 6:00 PM
Description:

Happy New Year, Travel Massive Community!

We are excited to have you join us for an evening at Toronto’s Hotel X. It has been a while since we had a hotel tour and in the past, they have led to some really great partnerships. During this event, we will learn about this Library Collection hotel, a part of the World of Hyatt family, as we tour the hotel property and then gather for a social hour in the art gallery.

About Hotel X

Hotel X Toronto is a lakefront urban resort located on the historic grounds of Exhibition Place. Set across nine acres of green space, the hotel offers expansive city and lake views, resort style amenities, and a calm setting just minutes from downtown Toronto. Guests enjoy a heated rooftop pool, athletic club, spa, dining, and unique experiences designed for families, wellness focused travellers, and events of all sizes.

Learn more and make reservations at www.hotelxtoronto.com

This event is for:

• Active travel media and creators (journalists, reporters, bloggers, creators, influencers, YouTubers, podcasters)
• Travel agents and industry professionals responsible for booking accommodations and planning of events

⏰ Schedule of activities:

6:00 PM: Welcome drink in the VIP Lounge
6:15 PM: Hotel tour begins*
7:00 PM: Reception at the Kandy Gallery
7:35 PM: Giveaway winner announced
8:00 PM: Event ends

*Please make sure to arrive by 6:15 PM, we have timed tours and we can’t hold back.

🎁 Event giveaway:

Enter for a chance to win a one-night stay at Hotel X with complimentary parking 🥳 Must book within a year, blackout dates apply.

Ways to win 🎁

Share an Instagram story or feedpost telling us what you would be most excited about experiencing during a staycation at the Hotel X Toronto.

🚨 You must post by 7:15 PM on January 22, 2026. Make sure to tag and follow @travelmassiveTO and @hotelxtoronto + use hashtags #TravelMassiveToronto.

Will it be the rooms, the heated year-round rooftop pool, one of the many onsite dining options, the incredible city views, convention meeting spaces, the onsite luxury sports club (10XTO Athletic Club)? The choice is yours, especially once you see this fantastic property IRL.

Travel Trade? Post sharing what you think your clients would enjoy most!

*The winner must be present at the time of the raffle to claim the prize.

​​💬 Join the conversation:

Travel Massive: @travelmassiveTO #TravelMassiveToronto

Hotel X Toronto, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel: IG, FB, X & TikTok: @hotelxtoronto

🎟️ Event registration: There is a maximum capacity, so make sure to register. If there is a waitlist, we would encourage you to still sign-up in case someone is no longer able to come. If there are any cancellations, we will add people from the waitlist. In the meantime, please have a look at your Travel Massive profile and take a moment to make sure it is up to date.

🚙 Parking Underground parking is located on the east side of the building off Newfoundland Drive, between Princes’ Boulevard and Lake Shore Boulevard. Hotel X offers 411 parking spots and 23 electric car charging stations. Both Self-parking and Valet Parking are available, subject to availability. Cost is $35 per vehicle.

👉 Please note:
* All guests must be registered to attend.
* No +1s please.
* Must be an active member of the travel industry to attend with an approved and updated profile on www.travelmassive.com. Please make sure to describe what your role is in the travel industry and add associated social media and website links.

👉 Cancellations: If you are no longer able to attend, please try to release your ticket 48 hrs (2 days) before the event so others can attend. Thank you for understanding.

🚨As these events are limited capacity, we have a 3-strike no show policy.

📸 This event will be photographed by a member of a Travel Massive team or/and our event partner. If you do not wish to be photographed please let us know upon arrival.

Land acknowledgment

We wish to acknowledge the Ancestral Traditional Territories of the Ojibway, the Anishnabe and, in particular, the Mississauga’s of the New Credit whose territories we gather on. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties.

Link to event page

#2. Nomad Week Cape Town


City: Cape Town
When: January 25-31 (7 Days), starting at 10:00
Description:

Join digital nomads, global travelers and locals interested in the lifestyle in Cape Town, South Africa for a full week of inspiring keynotes, workshops, outdoor activities & social evenings.

Nomad Week Cape Town brings digital nomads, entrepreneurs, remote workers & travelers together for a week of connection, collaboration, and fun while exploring the best of Cape Town and South Africa. Along with networking and personal growth, the event focuses on immersing in the local culture, supporting local businesses, and learning about sustainable travel. It’s a chance to build lasting friendships, share knowledge, and enjoy unforgettable experiences while bridging the gap between the nomad and local communities.

Cape Town Travel Massive — we're working on a collab with Nomad Week! In the meantime, please contact @matt-gray or @fuadpeters if you'd like to get your local business involved.

Why attend?

Be inspired & learn – Listen to digital nomads from various industries share insights on topics we need to know more about like AI, Business & Sustainable Travel.

Find community – Join digital nomads and solo travelers together from all over the world to connect in one jam-packed week filled with a ton of activities.

Experience Africa – Explore Cape Town, its beautiful Winelands, the Garden Route or even go on a safari in Botswana. Don’t just sit behind a laptop – experience Africa & support local business

Empower & Integrate – Connect with the local community through empowerment initiatives such as the Digital Skills Day, Africa Pitch Competition, SA Food Market & Student Sponsorship Program.

Africa Expo — Local Connect

As a South African-founded event, we’re committed to creating lasting impact for the local community, not just hosting an event. Thursday is the Africa Expo, dedicated to empowering and uplifting South Africans

• Empowering Local Entrepreneurs: 100 aspiring entrepreneurs will gain free training in digital skills and online business, plus the chance to pitch for prizes that help grow their ventures.
• Celebrating Local Culture: Experience authentic South African cuisine and handcrafted works, giving local vendors and artisans a platform to reach a global audience.
• Investing in the Next Generation: Throughout the week, we’ll promote the Nomad Africa Fund, where attendees can sponsor a local high school student’s education for an entire year, helping create pathways to a brighter future.

👉 Full program, including how to apply to be a speaker over at nomadweek.co

— See you in Cape Town this January!

Link to event page

#3. ENTER26 eTourism conference


City: Breda, The Netherlands
When: January 27-30 (4 Days), starting at 09:00
Description:

Welcome to the 33rd ENTER eTourism conference

The International Federation for IT and Travel & Tourism (IFITT) is delighted to announce Breda as the host city for the ENTER26 eTourism Conference. Nestled in the south of the Netherlands, Breda is a picturesque mid-sized city renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and exceptional connectivity. Located at the crossroads of major European cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Brussels, Breda offers an easily accessible and inspiring venue for this landmark event from 27th to 30th January 2026.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFJEe91wFnc

Breda University of Applied Sciences: Our Esteemed Partner

ENTER26 will be organized by Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUAS), a premier higher education institution celebrated for its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. With approximately 7,500 students hailing from over 60 countries, BUAS offers 17 bachelor’s and 12 master’s programs across a diverse array of disciplines, including Tourism, Hospitality, Leisure, Gaming, Media, and Logistics.

Since its founding in 1966, BUAS has earned numerous accolades, establishing itself as a leader in applied sciences education. Its unique teaching and learning approach seamlessly integrates academic theory with practical industry experience, creating an exceptional environment for student success. More information about BUAS’s innovative programs can be found at: www.buas.nl/en

A Hub for Innovation in eTourism

As a long-standing member of the IFITT community, BUAS boasts expertise in areas such as digital experience design, digital skills development, online communication, and AI & data science in tourism. Recently, the university launched the Hospitality, Tourism, Innovation & Technology (HTIT) knowledge platform to enhance academia-industry collaboration, establish a national research agenda, and foster innovation through hubs and best practices.

Global Connections and National Leadership

BUAS is also one of the founding members of CELTH, the Dutch National Centre of Expertise in Leisure, Tourism, and Hospitality. Furthermore, it serves as the home of ATLAS (the Association for Tourism and Leisure Education and Research), a global network of 150 universities committed to advancing tourism and leisure studies.

Join Us in Breda for ENTER26

IFITT and BUAS are thrilled to invite you to Breda for the ENTER26 eTourism Conference. This event promises to be an extraordinary opportunity to explore cutting-edge developments in IT and tourism, network with global experts, and immerse yourself in the inspiring atmosphere of Breda.

Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the future of eTourism in one of Europe’s most dynamic and welcoming cities. We look forward to seeing you in Breda in 2026!

For all questions regarding the conference, you can contact us at enter2026@buas.nl

👉 Learn more at ifitt.net/enter-conference/enter26/

Link to event page

#4. Berlin Travel Massive Unconference: Shape the Future of Travel


City: Berlin
When: Thursday 29 January, starting at 17:00
Description:

Join us for Berlin’s first Travel Massive Unconference, where the travel industry meets to learn, share and shape the conversations that matter most.

This isn’t a traditional conference. YOU set the agenda. Industry professionals propose the topics, the community votes, and together we create an evening of interactive sessions designed for real impact.

Here's what you can expect:
• Inspiring sessions across tech, hospitality, destinations, media and start-ups.
• A chance to share your expertise and discover fresh perspectives.
• Networking with Berlin’s most engaged travel community.
• Explore the latest trends in travel: Travel influencer marketing, Hospitality Innovation and AI in Travel.

🗓️ When: Thursday, 29 January, 2026 from 17:00 - evening
📍 Location: Hotel MOA Berlin (Stephanstraße 41, 10559 Berlin, Germany)
🎤 Sessions: 30 minutes each, across 3 rooms

Schedule:
17:00 — doors open and registration
17:30 — wildcard pitching (one slot left for a spontaneous speaker!)
18:00–21:00 — unconference sessions
21:00–00:00 — social mixer

Who should attend? Hoteliers, tour operators, agents, DMOs, tech companies, travel media, influencers, cultural institutions, start-ups and travel professionals.

Why attend? Learn from peers, not panels. Contribute your ideas and expertise. Build connections that go deeper than a business card exchange.

Contributors and speakers

Dario & Dana Reichmann, Textomap
"From content to interactive maps."
How travel brands and creators can turn text, photos, and links into engaging, AI-powered maps.

Luca Albano, Customer Alliance
"Turn Feedback into Value."
Guest review insights. Key findings from over one million verified hotel reviews and what really drives guest satisfaction.

Alexander Schober, Codyco GmbH
(DE) "KI-Hype vs. Realität: Das Toolset um Fettnäpfchen zu vermeiden"
Ein interaktiver Workshop, der zeigt, wie du sinnvolle KI-Anwendungen vom Hype unterscheidest und konkrete Automatisierungspotenziale erkennst.

(EN) "AI Hype vs. Reality: The Toolset to Avoid Pitfalls"
An interactive workshop that shows you how to distinguish meaningful AI applications from hype and identify concrete automation potential.

Cristian Boiangiu, GIATA
"Hotels and AI: standardising uniqueness"
Why accurate, up-to-date hotel content is critical in an AI-driven travel ecosystem.

Andreas Schürrle, ADAC
"The best travel experience nobody is selling"
Why ferry travel remains overlooked and how it could be repositioned for experience-led tourism.

Steffen Beil, TourSage
"AI is guiding us: the future of guided tours"
How AI is reshaping city tours, storytelling, and accessibility alongside human guides.

Denisa Kostolanyiova, Stay22
"The role of AI in the future of travel monetization tech."

Stefan Ellrott, Freedompay
"How payment outages damage your business and reputation."

Closing panel
A discussion about the Berlin travel industry, challenges and opportunities:
• Deborah Rothe, ITB Berlin director
• Michaela Kehrer, Visit Berlin
• BER aiport representative

A big thank you to our Unconference Partners for their support. Learn more about them below.

ITB Berlin
ITB Berlin is the World's Leading Travel Trade Show® and an indispensable meeting place for the global tourism industry. Next to its diverse exhibition area, the ITB Berlin Convention provides forward-looking impulses with top-notch speakers. At the same time, ITB 360° offers knowledge throughout the year with articles, videos, and podcast episodes. ITB is more than just a trade show—it is a global hub for an entire industry. From 3 to 5 March 2026 ITB Berlin will celebrate its 60th anniversary.

Hotel MOA Berlin
More than just a hotel, MOA Berlin is your all-in-one dynamic space to stay, meet, work, and connect during ITB and beyond. As an official ITB Partner Hotel, MOA Berlin stands for “Congress, Kiez & Culture”—bringing together a state-of-the-art convention center, authentic Berlin neighborhood spirit, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere under one roof. Centrally located in the heart of Berlin-Moabit, the hotel offers everything modern travelers and professionals need: an in-house fitness studio, a generous breakfast buffet, and an inspiring co-working space that fosters creativity and productivity.
Whether you’re attending ITB, hosting a meeting, or exploring the city, MOA Berlin is where urban lifestyle, warm hospitality, and professional event culture seamlessly merge."

About Destination Digital
Destination Digital is a travel influencer marketing agency connecting tourism boards and travel brands with travel influencers and creators from around the world. 👉 Interested in working with travel influencers or creators ? Catch Bjorn at the event or just drop him an email at bjorn@destinationdigital.agency

Travel Massive
The Travel Massive community connects thousands of tourism professionals, travel media, influencers and startups from around the world to meet, connect and share ideas. Our Berlin ITB meetups have been running since 2013 and have played host to some of Berlin's biggest travel meetups at venues across Berlin.

👉 Please note: When you register for this event we will may share your details (including email) with our event sponsors. There may also be photography during the evening.

Link to event page

#5. Berlin Travel Massive @ ITB party 2026


City: Berlin
When: Tuesday 3 March, starting at 19:00
Description:

Kick off the biggest travel fair in the world with the Travel Massive community and friends in Berlin

Mingle and dance with travel influencers, DMO & hospitality representatives, startup founders and travel industry professionals from all around the world at Generator Berlin in the heart of Berlin at the start of ITB.

Grab your tickets quickly since our event with over 350 attendees sold out 2 weeks in advance last year !

Travel Massive first timer or long-standing regular, we're looking forward to welcoming you. Here's the important details:

⏱ Tuesday, March 3, 2026 @ 19:00 (until late)
📍 Generator Alexanderplatz (Otto-Braun-Straße 65, 10178 Berlin)
🎟 RSVP essential. Tickets € 15 early birds / € 25 regular price
🍺 Some free drinks offered by our sponsors
👋 Complete your Travel Massive to connect with other attendees.
🎟️ One ticket per member (no +1's).
👋 Want to bring a team of +10 people? Get in touch.

Here's a look back at last year's epic evening...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=01j7zdEu7kc

A big thank you to our sponsors for their fantastic support. Learn more about them below.

🪩 About Generator Berlin
Pack your bags, because Berlin beckons… Whether you’re a solo traveller, raver, history nerd or just looking to explore the German capital, our experience and design-led hotel is the perfect place to stay in central Berlin.

🪩 About ITB Berlin
ITB Berlin is the World's Leading Travel Trade Show® and an indispensable meeting place for the global tourism industry. Next to its diverse exhibition area, the ITB Berlin Convention provides forward-looking impulses with top-notch speakers. At the same time, ITB 360° offers knowledge throughout the year with articles, videos, and podcast episodes. ITB is more than just a trade show—it is a global hub for an entire industry. From 3 to 5 March 2026 ITB Berlin will celebrate its 60th anniversary.

🌎 About Stripe
Stripe is a financial infrastructure platform for businesses. Millions of companies from the world's largest enterprises to the most ambitious start-ups use Stripe to accept payments, grow revenue and accelerate new business opportunities. Learn more at stripe.com/industries/travel

🤳 About FreedomPay
FreedomPay is a global leader in the travel industry with payment acceptance technology installed in many of the biggest airlines, 100+ airports, luxury cruise liners and travel plazas around the world. One unified platform technology with 1000+ integration partners is transforming the travel experience. Learn more at freedompay.com

💸 About Stay22
Stay22 helps travel creators turn content into revenue effortlessly. Their AI-powered technology connects readers’ travel intent in real time to the right products and accommodations, so creators earn more with less work. Whether you’re a blogger, publisher, or content creator, Stay22’s vast network and seamless integration mean better experiences for your readers—while you focus on what you love most: creating and exploring the world. Learn more at stay22.com

📍 About Destination Digital
Destination Digital is a travel influencer & creator marketing agency with over 15 years of experience. We connect content creators, influencers, tourism boards and travel brands from around the world via our Digital Sphere community & events and run influencer campaigns.
👉 Interested to learn more? Catch Bjorn at the party or just drop him an email at bjorn@destinationdigital.agency

🌎 About Travel Massive
The Travel Massive community connects thousands of tourism professionals, travel media, influencers and startups from around the world to meet, connect and share ideas. Our Berlin ITB meetups have been running since 2013 and have played host to some of Berlin's biggest travel meetups at venues across Berlin.

👉 Please note: When you register for this event we will may share your details (including email) with our event sponsors. There may also be photography during the evening.

Link to event page

#6. Family Traveller Live


City: London
When: March 21-22 (2 Days), starting at 10:00 AM
Description:

After a hugely successful inaugural year, Family Traveller Live is returning to
Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on 21–22 March 2026 for an unforgettable weekend of active family adventure.

Get ready for a family day out like no other. Over two action-packed days you can:

➤ Zipline across Allianz Stadium.
➤ Abseil at the home of English Rugby.
➤ Try your hand at Pickleball, Drumba, Rugby Skills and so much more.
➤ Let the little ones loose in soft-play.
➤ Step behind the scenes on the England changing room tour.
➤ Train like an astronaut and brave the multi-access trainer.
➤ And discover the world’s best family travel destinations, all under one roof.

This is the ultimate chance to spark your family’s wanderlust, get active, and experience something truly special together.

Tickets are limited. Don’t miss out: familytraveller.seetickets.com/event/family-traveller-live-2026/allianz-stadium/3531997?offercode=tm50.

As a member of Travel Massive you can enjoy 50% off entry tickets with our exclusive partner code: TM50.

We can’t wait to see you there!

🚀🌍 And if you are a travel brand ready to put your destination, product, or experience in front of a highly engaged, affluent, family audience, you can discover the opportunities to exhibit or sponsor a bespoke activation at the show by contacting Matthew Gardiner: matthew@travelmassive.com.

Link to event page

Classified Ads

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