When Tom Marchant co-founded the tour operator Black Tomato with two friends, the term “experiential travel” wasn’t even part of the travel zeitgeist.

Now, 20 years later, Marchant and the Black Tomato team remain committed to crafting bespoke, deeply personalized itineraries that feed their clients’ adventurous spirit and insatiable curiosity.

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Marchant shares what makes a Black Tomato trip so unique (including the origin story behind the company’s name), how the brand is staying ahead of the tech curve with innovations like its new AI-powered “Feelings Engine” — which suggests travel experiences based on how a user feels — and the impact his entrepreneur father had on his journey. He also reveals the hottest destinations on the horizon for intrepid travelers.

This episode is sponsored by The Travel Corporation.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Black Tomato

The Feelings Engine

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. She's also the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.

TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

When Tom Marchant co-founded the tour operator Black Tomato with two friends, the term &ldquo;experiential travel&rdquo; wasn&rsquo;t even part of the travel zeitgeist.
Now, 20 years later, Marchant and the Black Tomato team remain committed to crafting bespoke, deeply personalized itineraries that feed their clients&rsquo; adventurous spirit and insatiable curiosity.
In this episode of Humans of Travel, Marchant shares what makes a Black Tomato trip so unique (including the origin story behind the company&rsquo;s name), how the brand is staying ahead of the tech curve with innovations like its new AI-powered &ldquo;Feelings Engine&rdquo; &mdash; which suggests travel experiences based on how a user feels &mdash; and the impact his entrepreneur father had on his journey. He also reveals the hottest destinations on the horizon for intrepid travelers.
This episode is sponsored by&nbsp;<a href="https://ttc.com/">The Travel Corporation</a>.
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="https://www.blacktomato.com/us/">Black Tomato</a>
<a href="https://www.blacktomato.com/us/feelings-engine/">The Feelings Engine</a>
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST&nbsp;
Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. She's also the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME. TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.&nbsp;
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW&nbsp;
TravelAge West&rsquo;s award-winning podcast, &ldquo;Humans of Travel,&rdquo; features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry&rsquo;s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences — the highs and the lows — that make them human.

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences — the highs and the lows — that make them human.

Humans of Travel

TravelAge West&rsquo;s podcast, &ldquo;Humans of Travel,&rdquo; features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry&rsquo;s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences &mdash; the highs and the lows &mdash; that make them human.

Co-Founder Tom Marchant on Black Tomato's 20-Year Evolution

Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations, has dedicated 30+ years to the travel industry. Serendipitously, her very first job in travel was with a French hotel group, where she regularly worked with travel advisors. Krueger quickly recognized that personal connections were far more important than product, and she brought that line of thinking to future roles in wholesale travel before moving to Classic Vacations.
 
In this episode of Humans of Travel, Krueger reflects on the lessons that have shaped her as a leader, including building the right inner circle, being the kind of champion for others that you’d want for yourself and learning from the “scripts,” or examples, of others.
 
Krueger also outlines Classic’s cultural pillars and discusses making career advancement moves to fit life stages. She also explains Classic’s ownership evolution, up to its recent acquisition by TBO, and previews the company’s continued digital transformation. Even with forward motion on the tech side, Krueger says that “trust, time and humanity” are and will remain foundational to Classic and the travel advisors it serves.
 
This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Classic Vacations

From TravelAge West: Classic Vacations to Be Acquired by TBO, an Indian Tech Company

Contact Krueger: officeoftheceo@classicvacations.com

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.

TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Melissa Krueger, CEO of <a href="https://www.classicvacations.com/">Classic Vacations</a>, has dedicated 30+ years to the travel industry. Serendipitously, her very first job in travel was with a French hotel group, where she regularly worked with travel advisors. Krueger quickly recognized that personal connections were far more important than product, and she brought that line of thinking to future roles in wholesale travel before moving to Classic Vacations. &nbsp; In this episode of Humans of Travel, Krueger reflects on the lessons that have shaped her as a leader, including building the right inner circle, being the kind of champion for others that you&rsquo;d want for yourself and learning from the &ldquo;scripts,&rdquo; or examples, of others. &nbsp; Krueger also outlines Classic&rsquo;s cultural pillars and discusses making career advancement moves to fit life stages. She also explains Classic&rsquo;s ownership evolution, up to its recent acquisition by TBO, and previews the company&rsquo;s continued digital transformation. Even with forward motion on the tech side, Krueger says that &ldquo;trust, time and humanity&rdquo; are and will remain foundational to Classic and the travel advisors it serves. &nbsp; This episode is sponsored by <a href="http://www.amawaterways.com">AmaWaterways</a>.
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="https://www.classicvacations.com/">Classic Vacations</a>
From TravelAge West: <a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Tour-Operators/classic-vacations-tbo-acquisition">Classic Vacations to Be Acquired by TBO, an Indian Tech Company</a> <a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Cruise/ncl-removes-ncfs"></a>Contact Krueger: officeoftheceo@classicvacations.com
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST&nbsp;
Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME. TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.&nbsp;
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW&nbsp;
TravelAge West&rsquo;s award-winning podcast, &ldquo;Humans of Travel,&rdquo; features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry&rsquo;s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Melissa Krueger: The CEO of Classic Vacations on Career Growth, Company Culture and Classic’s Tech-Forward Next Chapter

Archy Arushanyan, senior director of national field sales for the Globus Family of Brands, left Ukraine at 18 years old with limited English skills and just $35 in his pocket. That risk surely paid off; after beginning his career in travel as an agent for Escape Travel, he steadily rose into leadership roles, including 20 years with Liberty Travel and GoGo Vacations before joining the Globus Family of Brands.

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Arushanyan shares more about his career trajectory, reflects on what sets Globus apart in the tour operator space and speaks to the evolution of touring. He also reflects on recent challenges (including during the COVID-19 pandemic), offers insight into the supplier-advisor relationship and shares why agents are central to the company’s success.

This episode is sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Globus Family of Brands

Globus Family Partners (Travel Agent Portal)

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.

TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Archy Arushanyan, senior director of national field sales for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globusjourneys.com/">Globus Family of Brands</a>, left Ukraine at 18 years old with limited English skills and just $35 in his pocket. That risk surely paid off; after beginning his career in travel as an agent for Escape Travel, he steadily rose into leadership roles, including 20 years with Liberty Travel and GoGo Vacations before joining the Globus Family of Brands.
In this episode of Humans of Travel, Arushanyan shares more about his career trajectory, reflects on what sets Globus apart in the tour operator space and speaks to the evolution of touring. He also reflects on recent challenges (including during the COVID-19 pandemic), offers insight into the supplier-advisor relationship and shares why agents are central to the company&rsquo;s success.
This episode is sponsored by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globusjourneys.com/">Globus Family of Brands</a>.
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="https://www.globusjourneys.com/">Globus Family of Brands</a>
<a href="https://agents.globusfamily.com/login/">Globus Family Partners (Travel Agent Portal)</a>
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST&nbsp;
Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME. TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.&nbsp;
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW&nbsp;
TravelAge West&rsquo;s award-winning podcast, &ldquo;Humans of Travel,&rdquo; features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry&rsquo;s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Archy Arushanyan: What Sets the Globus Family of Brands Apart From the Crowd (Sponsored)

Marc Kazlauskas, the new president of Norwegian Cruise Line, has long shown the instincts of a natural-born leader. He worked two jobs throughout high school — including a memorable stint caring for the seals and penguins at the New York Aquarium, which left a lasting impression on his guidance counselor — and has since built a wide-ranging career across the travel industry, spanning the hotel, cruise and retail travel sectors.

In this episode of Humans of Travel, listeners will hear about Kazlauskas’ introduction to travel through a French travel agency, as well as his career path, which includes roles at Jolly Hotels, Avoya Travel and Chase Travel Group, among others.

Now at the helm of Norwegian Cruise Line, Kazlauskas shares his vision for strengthening the brand’s luxury and family offerings, from private island enhancements to the debut of new ships such as Norwegian Luna and Norwegian Aura. He also discusses NCL’s decision to eliminate non-commissionable fares, and underscores the company’s continued commitment to travel advisors.

This episode is sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Norwegian Cruise Line

From TravelAge West: Norwegian Cruise Line Permanently Removes NCFs

Contact Kazlauskas: mkazlauskas@ncl.com

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.

TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Marc Kazlauskas, the new president of <a href="https://www.ncl.com/newsroom/marc-kazlauskas-biography">Norwegian Cruise Line</a>, has long shown the instincts of a natural-born leader. He worked two jobs throughout high school &mdash; including a memorable stint caring for the seals and penguins at the New York Aquarium, which left a lasting impression on his guidance counselor &mdash; and has since built a wide-ranging career across the travel industry, spanning the hotel, cruise and retail travel sectors.
In this episode of Humans of Travel, listeners will hear about Kazlauskas&rsquo; introduction to travel through a French travel agency, as well as his career path, which includes roles at Jolly Hotels, Avoya Travel and Chase Travel Group, among others.
Now at the helm of Norwegian Cruise Line, Kazlauskas shares his vision for strengthening the brand&rsquo;s luxury and family offerings, from private island enhancements to the debut of new ships such as Norwegian Luna and Norwegian Aura. He also discusses NCL&rsquo;s decision to eliminate non-commissionable fares, and underscores the company&rsquo;s continued commitment to travel advisors.
This episode is sponsored by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globusjourneys.com/">Globus Family of Brands</a>.
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="http://www.ncl.com">Norwegian Cruise Line</a>
From TravelAge West: <a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Cruise/ncl-removes-ncfs">Norwegian Cruise Line Permanently Removes NCFs</a>
Contact Kazlauskas: mkazlauskas@ncl.com
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST&nbsp;
Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME. TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.&nbsp;
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW&nbsp;
TravelAge West&rsquo;s award-winning podcast, &ldquo;Humans of Travel,&rdquo; features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry&rsquo;s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Co-Founder Tom Marchant on Black Tomato's 20-Year Evolution

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