CEO Spotlight: Mike Putman of Custom Travel Solutions

Mike Putman has earned his stripes as a veteran of the travel industry. He has founded four companies, seen a lot in that time and just keeps coming back for more.

The CEO of Custom Travel Solutions (CTS), which he founded in 2015, said the resilience of the travel industry as it faces crises remains a surprise to him, and he is optimistic about its future.

In an interview in the PhocusWire studio at Phocuswright Europe 2025, Putman shared thoughts on current global conflict, economic instability, political volatility and climate change and whether it feels any different to previous times of upheaval.

“There's a lot of compounding effects that are that are coming now, there's a lot of global insecurity, strife and uncertainty. I think that is one thing that gives people a pause to travel. We’re in a unique situation, and I don't think people are going to stop traveling, but we've seen, certainly with inbound markets to the U.S., there's been quite a bit of a slowdown.”

He also discussed how he built up CTS, having previously created an international travel club with 800,000 members and recognizing an opportunity to replicate its success for other travel brands seeking a similar concept.

And, Putman said there is still plenty of opportunity in the market for more membership or subscription-type travel offerings, citing the success of eDreams Prime and Ryanair’s launch of a scheme, as well as the value programs can provide to newer generations.

Putman further touched on how artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting his business, particularly with the launch of its Reconfirm AI tool, which calls hotels pre-arrival to verify bookings. And he discussed the importance of company culture, what he might do differently if he went back in time and what one gift he would give to the industry if he could.