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Emma Weissmann
Emma WeissmannContributing Writer

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  3. Humans of Travel

Joshua Harrell: From QVC to Travel Marketeering, and the Importance of Failure in Business

Dec 21, 2025
Consortia/Host Agencies  Humans of Travel  Podcasts  Training and Education  Travel Agents  
Joshua Harrell: From QVC to Travel Marketeering, and the Importance of Failure in Business
Credit: 2025 TravelAge West

As chief revenue officer for WorldVia Travel Network, Joshua Harrell guides travel advisors through the twists and turns of running a business. But his own entrepreneurial journey — including stints in the cosmetics, retail and entertainment industries — wasn’t always easy.

In this episode, Harrell reflects on his early career, sharing the achievements, missteps and lessons learned along the way (ex: “Don’t become a branding expert before making a sale!” and “Don’t abandon an idea the moment it gets tough!”).

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Listeners will hear Harrell speak candidly about the excitement and challenges of building and supporting multiple businesses, why mentorship and continuous learning have shaped his leadership style and what it takes to succeed as a travel advisor. He also breaks down the concept of “travel marketeering,” along with WorldVia’s robust suite of support tools designed to help advisors thrive.

This episode is sponsored by Air France - KLM.

Joshua Harrell, chief revenue officer for WorldVia Travel Network
Joshua Harrell, chief revenue officer for WorldVia Travel Network
Credit: 2025 TravelAge West

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Travel Marketeering: A Complete Guide for Starting (or Refreshing) Your Travel Agency

Travel Marketeering Live on YouTube

WorldVia Travel Network

Harrell on Instagram

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.

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