Ask Us Anything

Cristina Carl of Ediphi

Cristina Carl, Founder and CEO of Ediphi [https://www.goediphi.com/], is our guest this episode. Ediphi develops tech-led training solutions for the hospitality industry. Their training and talent development modules use virtual reality and AI to close the gap between aspiration and achievement for learners… and improve quality and satisfaction for educators and employers.   In this conversation, Cristina explains Ediphi’s unique position at the intersection of education and travel - as well as technology and service. We also discuss how the company’s virtual mentor “Yumi” is distinctly different from the conversational AI tools that are becoming more commonly used. Cristina also shares valuable advice for start-up founders based on her own experience raising funds. You’ll also hear what Ediphi is working on for 2026, including product developments and expansion to new destinations and verticals. Have a listen…  Learn more about WYSE Travel Confederation [https://www.wysetc.org], the international travel trade association for organisations specialised in youth, student and educational travel.

Simon Douthett of Lub d Hostels

Our guest this episode is Simon Douthett, Group Director of Operations for Lub d [https://lubd.com/] hostels. Lub d is part of the Narai Hospitality Group and operates seven lifestyle hostels in Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines. Lub d’s “all together” concept is attractive to independent travellers looking for immersive, community-rooted cultural experiences and a social atmosphere for trying and learning new things and meeting new people.   Simon describes the strengths of the Lub d concept and how their authentic local activities put the power of good memories into service for guest satisfaction, repeat visitation, recommendations… and the 2025 Global Youth Travel Award for Best Hostel. We also discuss AI in hospitality and the biggest challenges and opportunities for hostels in the Asia region… and eating insects! You’ll also hear what’s coming up for Lub d in 2026… have a listen.  Learn more about WYSE Travel Confederation [https://www.wysetc.org], the international travel trade association for organisations specialised in youth, student and educational travel.

What is WYSTC?

This episode of Ask Us Anything is dedicated to WYSTC, the annual event of WYSE Travel Confederation bringing together leading brands specialised in international travel and tourism for young people. Our guest is David Chapman, Director General of WYSE Travel Confederation and 19-year veteran of WYSTC. We put David to the test with a series of rapid-fire questions about WYSTC in this episode. The result is a start-to-finish guide of tips and tricks useful for WYSTC newbies and veterans alike. Plus, David reveals the special sauce for making the most of WYSTC 2025. Have a listen… Learn more about WYSE Travel Confederation [https://www.wysetc.org], the international travel trade association for organisations specialised in youth, student and educational travel.

Tim Alpe of LyLo

We hear from Tim Alpe, Managing Director of Lylo, in this episode of Ask Us Anything. LyLo is a new brand of experience-led hostels operating in cities throughout New Zealand and Australia - and soon to be in London. Tim talks about LyLo’s expansion plans and new product development for 2025 and into 2026. He also discusses the LyLo brand DNA and the most useful tools and tactics for a new brand to reach an audience for growth. We also touch on the wellness trend in travel, solo travellers, pod accommodations and how LyLo won the Global Youth Travel Award for Best Hostel in 2024. Have a listen…  Learn more about WYSE Travel Confederation [https://www.wysetc.org], the international travel trade association for organisations specialised in youth, student and educational travel.

Derek Mitchell of Let's Double Dutch

Our guest this episode is comedian and content creator, Derek Mitchell. Derek is known for his live comedy shows and short-form character sketches. He regularly performs on comedy and theatre stages in the Netherlands, the US and the UK, including Edinburgh Fringe Festival. You might be familiar with his stage shows titled Double Dutch and Goblin, or his ‘Lets double Dutch’ Instagram and TikTok videos which illustrate cultural differences in a humorous and entertaining way.  Born and raised in Chicago, educated in Canada and England, Derek is a global citizen who is both achieved and aspirational. Having lived in Amsterdam for many years while currently working as a touring entertainer, you might call him a sort of entertainment migrant whose work is enjoyed by locals and expats alike. In this conversation we talk about comedy as a tool for stepping outside of one’s cultural framework and its power as a connector across cultural differences. We also discuss influencers, the future of consumer brand ethics and storytelling, what most people don’t understand about content creation and what to avoid in influencer marketing. Have a listen...  Learn more about WYSE Travel Confederation [https://www.wysetc.org], the international travel trade association for organisations specialised in youth, student and educational travel.