China vs West in AI: What Leaders Don’t See Coming. TSHS-158

Is the West really leading the global AI race—or are we missing the bigger picture? In this episode, AI strategist Jayanth N Kolla returns for his sixth appearance to unpack the rapidly shifting balance of power between China and the West in artificial intelligence, and what it means for the hospitality industry, business leaders, and global innovation. From computer vision and robotics to hyper-personalization and enterprise AI, this conversation dives deep into how Chinese ecosystems are scaling faster—and why Western leaders must rethink their AI strategies now to stay competitive.

The Social Hotelier April 28th,

Sober Travel Trends 2026: Why hotels must rethink Alcohol in guest experience. TSHS – 157

Sober Travel Trends 2026: Why hotels must rethink Alcohol in guest experience.

This episode features Teresa Bergen, a travel writer and expert on sober travel, discussing how hospitality can better include non-drinkers, the rise of alcohol-free experiences, and innovative strategies for hotels to cater to sober guests without sacrificing revenue. We explore the emerging concept of sober travel and its implications for the hospitality sector in 2026. This discussion highlights crucial hotel trends and the growing demand for alcohol-free guest experiences. Join us to understand how hotels can adapt to these shifts to promote mindful travel and enhance overall wellness tourism.

The Social Hotelier April 28th,

The Truth About Being a Travel Influencer in 2026.TSHS-156

The Truth About Being a Travel Influencer in 2026. TSHS-156

Join us as we explore the journey of Kia Finska, @kiafinska, a Finnish travel and social media creator, who transitioned from cybersecurity to building a global travel brand. Discover her insights on authentic travel experiences, influencing through social media, and creating meaningful cultural connections.

As Kia shared through her journeys:
“It’s always about the people. The conversations. The moments you don’t plan.”

She was chosen as the Travel Influencer of the Year 2025 (2025)

Kia Finska can be reached on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. @kiafinska,

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