Recorded in March of 2025, on this episode of Kusa Cast host Graeme Watson sits down with Danny Waine, the founder of Travel Nomads and a seasoned leader in the travel industry. Danny shares his journey, reflecting on how his childhood passion for travel led him through a diverse career spanning commercial roles, tour operations, and sales both in the UK and internationally. He recounts the challenges and rewards of joining ABTA as Head of Memberships at the onset of the pandemic, a period that ultimately inspired him to launch Travel Nomads in early 2025—a consultancy dedicated to supporting travel entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes.

Danny describes Travel Nomads as a flexible, collaborative platform, working with tech companies, travel agencies, and tour operators on projects that range from travel training to integrating new AI technologies. He emphasises the importance of embracing a digital nomad lifestyle, highlighting how remote work and global connectivity have transformed the way travel professionals operate.

The conversation shifts to Danny’s role as Vice Chair of the Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT), an organisation dedicated to raising professional standards and nurturing new talent in the sector. Danny outlines the value of ITT’s events, including their flagship annual conference, networking opportunities, and the successful Future You program, which connects students and graduates with industry leaders at major gatherings like the World Travel Market.

Technology, particularly AI, emerges as a major theme in the discussion. Danny notes that while AI brings both opportunities and concerns—such as automating certain tasks or changing traditional roles—it also offers powerful tools for improving customer service and business operations. He describes how some of the companies he works with use AI to transcribe and analyse phone calls, providing agents with instant feedback and actionable insights.

Trade shows and networking remain central to Danny’s philosophy. Despite the rise of virtual meetings, he believes that in-person events are irreplaceable for building genuine relationships and accessing new opportunities. The ITT lounge at World Travel Market is highlighted as a hub for both formal meetings and informal catch-ups, reinforcing the importance of face-to-face interaction in a digital age.

To get in touch with Danny to learn more, email him at danny@travelnomads.co.uk.

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In this episode of Kusa Cast, host Graeme Watson welcomes Gabrielle Claiborne, founder and CEO of Transformation Journeys Worldwide, to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the global travel industry. Gabrielle shares her powerful personal journey of authenticity and how it inspired her mission to foster inclusive cultures across various sectors, including tourism.

Throughout the conversation, Gabrielle emphasises the importance of acceptance, understanding, and creating equitable environments before diversity can truly thrive. She addresses common misconceptions around DEI.

Gabrielle also confronts challenging topics such as restroom accessibility, transgender athletes in sports, and the political rhetoric surrounding DEI. She encourages listeners to lean into discomfort, engage in open dialogue, and recognise the strength in our differences. Ultimately, this episode underscores the significance of empathy, respect, and acceptance in building a more inclusive and welcoming travel industry for everyone.

Are you interested in getting in touch with Gabrielle to see how she can help you? Contact her at gabrielle@transformationjourneysww.com.

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In this episode of Kusa Cast, host Graeme Watson sits down with Steve Byrne, CEO of Travel Counsellors, to discuss the company's remarkable achievement of reaching £1 billion in revenue and their vision for the future. With over 20 years at the company, Steve shares the journey of how Travel Counsellors has grown into a community of 2,000+ travel entrepreneurs while maintaining its core values of personalised service and human connection.

Key highlights include:

• The evolution of Travel Counsellors over its 30-year history
• Insights from their recent record-breaking conference
• Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the travel industry
• The power of community and resilience in challenging times
• The balance between high-tech solutions and human touch in modern travel consulting
• Their ambitious plans to double the company's size in the next 5-10 years

Whether you're a travel industry professional or simply interested in entrepreneurship and business leadership, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building a successful, values-driven organisation in the travel sector.

Join us for an engaging discussion about the past, present, and future of one of travel's most respected brands.

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