Ahead of Journeys North America 2026 to Savannah, Georgia, we sat down with Visit Savannah's President & CEO, Joseph Marinelli.

Joseph looks ahead to our visit and shares what makes Savannah so distinctive - from its 23 historic squares and walkable layout to its boutique hotels, culinary evolution and renowned Southern hospitality. We also hear about the city's distinctive approach to Haunted Hotel tourism!

As always, we ask Joseph to tell us about his own personal travel favourites, including New York's The Plaza Hotel and the stunning Amalfi Coast.

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and guest Joseph Marinelli
• 02:58 - Background: Joseph’s role and Savannah’s anniversary celebration
• 04:25 - What makes Savannah a must-visit destination for travelers
• 06:24 - Savannah’s evolution: from traditional hotels to boutique experiences
• 08:31 - Visitor profiles and marketing strategies targeting women and families
• 10:06 - Savannah’s haunted legends and storytelling traditions
• 12:20 - Engaging international travelers and fostering hospitality
• 14:32 - Insider tips: walkability, weather, and local favorites
• 16:24 - Unique experiences: port ships and city squares
• 18:56 - Memorable activities for visitors and local surprises
• 25:54 - Joseph’s personal undiscovered gem: New York City and local museums
• 29:16 - Favorite hotels and city comparisons: Savannah versus New York
• 32:51 - Heritage, favorite Italian destinations, and personal travel dreams
• 33:32 - Closing thoughts and upcoming journeys to Savannah

Links:

• Visit Savannah
• Leopold's Ice Cream
• Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs
  

In this episode, we meet Bardia Torabi, General Manager of 7Pines Ibiza.

Bardia shares his extensive journey in the hospitality industry, detailing his experiences and insights into luxury hotel management. He discusses the unique offerings of 7Pines and, in particular, 7Pines Ibiza - including the diverse customer profile, and the importance of creating memorable experiences for clients. He emphasises the importance of creating inclusive team cultures and we loved his "Hotel Mama" culture-building approach.

As always, we finish the episode with Bardia's personal travel insights - including his favourite hotel, favourite city and his perfect vacation.

Find out more about 7Pines at www.7pines.com and visit 7Pines Ibiza at 7pines-ibiza.com.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Bardia Torabi and 7Pines Ibiza
• 01:42 Bardia's Journey in Hospitality
• 03:00 Overview of 7Pines Ibiza
• 05:19 Customer Profile and Experience
• 07:23 Differentiating Luxury Experiences
• 08:20 Engaging with Travel Buyers
• 10:19 Insider Tips for Guests
• 11:58 Memorable Customer Experiences
• 13:46 Creating a Team Culture
• 15:55 Understanding Customer Needs
• 17:36 Encouraging Employee Initiative
• 20:33 Message to Travel Buyers
• 22:05 Engagement with Travel Agents
• 23:19 Undiscovered Travel Gems
• 24:46 Favorite Hotels and Experiences
• 26:54 Favorite Cities to Visit
• 27:46 Perfect Vacation Plans

In this episode, we meet Keith Waldon, Founder & Director of Luxury Travel Advisors, Departure Lounge. Keith shares his journey in the luxury travel industry, discussing the founding of his company, the importance of kindness and professionalism in business, and the role of technology in enhancing customer experiences. He reflects on post-COVID travel trends, the evolution of customer discovery through social media, and the significance of strong supplier relationships. Keith also shares personal insights about his favourite travel destinations and his vision for the future of travel.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, Taormina
• Palazzo Portinari Salviati, Florence

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Keith Walden and Departure Lounge

02:52 The Birth of Departure Lounge

06:08 Culture of Kindness and Professionalism

09:02 Technology and Innovation in Travel

12:00 Post-COVID Travel Trends

14:50 Customer Discovery in the Digital Age

18:05 Supplier Relationships and Partnerships

21:03 Personal Insights and Travel Preferences

In this episode, we meet Tristan Dowell, Global Vice President of Luxury, Lifestyle & Leisure for Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

Tristan highlights the company's expansion through acquisitions and the development of new brands and properties.

Dowell also introduces Hyatt Privé, an invitation-only program for luxury travel advisors, and discusses the company's commitment to sustainability through its World of Care initiative.

During the conversation, Tristan discusses the resilience of the travel industry and the creativity that emerged during the pandemic. He emphasizes the importance of keeping the conversation and engagement with the industry alive, sharing ideas and experiences. He also highlights trends he's seeing across the industry, including the focus on well-being, the demand for villas and suites, the connection to nature and communities, and the importance of culinary experiences.

He mentions the Miraval brand and its transformational well-being experiences. Dowell concludes by sharing his favourite travel experiences and destinations.

Useful Links:

• Tristan's favourite Hyatt hotels are Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Buenos Aires and Park Hyatt Tokyo.

• His favourite non-Hyatt hotel is The Datai in Langkawi

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 03:03 The Growth of Hyatt
• 08:56 Tristan's Passion for Travel
• 12:38 Hyatt's Expansion and New Openings
• 26:26 Sustainability and the World of Care Initiative
• 33:52 The Post-COVID Bounce Back in the Travel Industry
• 40:18 Trends in the Travel Industry: Well-being, Villas, and Culinary Experiences
• 43:08 The Miraval Brand and Transformational Well-being
• 50:23 Tristan's favourite Travel Experiences and Destinations including Buenos Aires, Rome, Chicago, and Manchester

Keywords

Tristan Dowell, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, luxury travel, acquisitions, brands, properties, Hyatt Privé, sustainability, World of Care, post-COVID, bounce back, resilience, creativity, engagement, trends, well-being, villas, suites, nature, communities, culinary experiences, Miraval brand, travel experiences, destinations

In this episode, we meet Patrick Monney of Travelquest.

Patrick and his business partner Hector focus on designing trips to unique and lesser-known destinations, such as Morocco, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Algeria. They explore these places themselves to add a personal touch to their recommendations.

Patrick's background as a journalist and dentist gives him a unique perspective on travel. Post-COVID, Patrick explains that people are eager to travel but often prefer familiar destinations. He encourages clients to explore off-the-beaten-path locations and offers personalized trip designs to help.

You can find Patrick on LinkedIn or Instagram and visit his company website at https://travelquest.com.mx/.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background of TravelQuest
• 01:10 Focus on Unique and Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
• 03:20 Differentiating TravelQuest's Offerings
• 06:33 Working with Travel Agents and Designing Customized Trips
• 09:11 Post-COVID Travel Demand and Popular Destinations
• 11:26 Memorable Trips and Undiscovered Gems
• 13:31 Market Recovery and Travel Trends
• 20:28 Attracting Attention from Hotels and Suppliers
• 24:38 Patrick's Perfect Vacation and Relaxation
• 27:34 Contacting Patrick and TravelQuest

In this episode, we meet Jorge Franz, SVP of Tourism and Industry Relations at Houston First.

Jorge gives us an overview of Houston First and its role as the destination marketing organization for Houston. He also shares his own background and how he got into the tourism industry.

We then asked Jorge to highlight the diverse offerings of Houston, including Space Center Houston, the Museum District, and the culinary scene.

He emphasizes Houston's commitment to providing unique and memorable experiences for VIP travellers and offers insider tips, such as visiting the Cistern and enjoying authentic cowboy meals.

George also discusses Houston's medical tourism and the city's efforts to highlight African-American history and culture. He finishes by inviting travel buyers to consider Houston as a new destination and emphasizes the importance of the travel industry to the city.

Takeaways

• Houston First is the destination marketing organization for Houston, promoting the city as a great place to visit.
• Houston offers diverse attractions, including Space Center Houston, the Museum District with its 19 institutions, and a vibrant culinary scene.
• Houston provides unique and memorable experiences for VIP travellers, such as behind-the-scenes tours at Space Center Houston and authentic cowboy meals.
• The city is a hub for medical tourism, with world-class institutions offering executive medical checkups and specialized departments for international patients.
• Houston is committed to highlighting African-American history and culture, offering signature experiences that explore the city's African-American heritage.
• Travel buyers can reach out to Houston First for support in creating itineraries, accessing unique experiences, and connecting with decision-makers in the industry.

Reach out to Jorge and his team at Houston First. You can find Jorge on LinkedIn here.

Keywords

Jorge Franz, Houston, Houston First, destination marketing organization, tourism, Space Center Houston, Museum District, culinary scene, VIP experiences, insider tips, medical tourism, African-American history, travel industry

Chapters

• 00:12 Overview of Houston First
• 06:39 Houston's Attractions: Space Center Houston and the Museum District
• 09:51 Houston's Culinary Scene
• 13:02 Personalized Services for Travel Buyers
• 17:11 Memorable Experiences: George Ranch Historical Park and Houston Signature Experiences
• 19:48 Insider Tips: The Cistern, Hilton Americas View, and Houston's Shopping District
• 21:34 Undiscovered Gem: Taipei, Taiwan
• 24:25 Favourite Hotel: Four Seasons in Doha
• 30:49 Favorite City: Barcelona
• 31:14 Perfect Vacation: Adventuring with Family in Singapore and Taiwan
• 32:52 Houston as a New Destination

In this episode, we meet Alejandro Roca Rivera, the Events Director at Journeys Global. We discuss Alejandro's background in journalism and events management, his role at Journeys Global, and the company's focus on organizing targeted events for hoteliers and DMCs in the luxury travel industry.

Alejandro also shares highlights from recent events, such as helicopter rides overlooking Niagara Falls and a bowling outing in Manchester. He mentions upcoming events in Houston and talks about the FAM-meet formula, which aims to foster relationships and trust among participants. Alejandro also shares his favourite holiday experience in Japan and his love for his hometown of Ferrol in Galicia, Spain.

I said to Alex, we'd place a link to the Visit Galicia tourism website - so here it is.

Key Takeaways

• Alejandro Roca Rivera has a background in journalism and events management and is currently the events director at Journey's Global.
• Journey's Global organizes targeted events for hoteliers and DMCs in the luxury travel industry, focusing on building relationships and increasing sales.
• Recent event highlights include helicopter rides overlooking Niagara Falls and a bowling outing in Manchester.
• Upcoming events in Houston will feature visits to the Space Center, lunch with an astronaut, and a baseball game at Minute Maid Stadium.
• Alejandro's favourite holiday experience was a volunteering trip to Japan, and his favourite city is his hometown of Ferrol in Galicia, Spain.

Keywords

events, travel industry, luxury travel, hoteliers, DMCs, targeted events, FAM-meet, helicopter rides, bowling, Houston, Galicia, Spain

In this episode, we meet the founder of Journeys Global, Micaela Giacobbe and we learn more about the objectives of the Journeys Profile series.

As Micaela explains, Journeys Profile is a podcast series featuring interviews with executives from the luxury travel industry.

We'll also learn more about the company behind the podcast, Journeys Global. Micaela and her team specialise in creating tailored, niche events around the world using cutting-edge tools and techniques to encourage meaningful interactions between attendees. The 2024 calendar includes events in London, Manchester, North America, and Dubai.

Micaela also outlines "the fam meet way" concept -- a blend of B2B meetings and familiarization trips, it's an approach that helps establish long-lasting relationships between travel buyers and suppliers.

Finally, we discover Micaela's own travel preferences, including her favourite city, her best place to work remotely, and we ask if she has a favourite airport...

Takeaways

• Journey's Profile is a podcast series that interviews executives in the travel industry to gain insights and trends.
• Journeys Global specializes in creating tailored, niche events around the world using cutting-edge tools and techniques.
• The spring calendar includes events in London, Manchester, North America, and Dubai.
• The fam meet concept, a blend of B2B meetings and familiarization trips, helps establish long-lasting relationships.
• The podcast and videos can be found on journeys.global, where testimonials from past events are also available.
• Micaela's favourite holiday experience is Costa del Sol in Spain, and her favourite city is Turin, Italy.

Keywords

Journey's Profile, Journeys Global, travel industry, events, niche events, meaningful interactions, spring calendar, fam meet concept, B2B meetings, familiarization trips, podcast, videos, testimonials, Costa del Sol, Turin

In this episode, we're talking with Marcello Mangia, CEO and President of Mangia Resorts. Marcello shares insights into the evolution of his family business, the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, and the changing definition of luxury in travel. He emphasises the importance of authenticity in guest experiences and the company's commitment to training staff to provide exceptional service. Marcello also discusses the unique offerings of Mangia Resorts, including culinary experiences and the company's mission to create memorable vacations for guests.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Marcello Mangia and Mangia Resorts
• 01:32 Marcello's Journey in the Travel Industry
• 04:30 Transformations Post-COVID and Company Growth
• 10:05 Redefining Luxury in Hospitality
• 15:28 Training for Authentic Hospitality Experiences
• 19:57 Showcasing Mangia Resorts' Unique Offerings
• 26:33 Engaging with Travel Buyers and Agents
• 32:06 Demand Trends in the Travel Market
• 34:08 Message to Travel Agents and Buyers
• 36:26 Personal Travel Experiences and Insights

Takeaways

• Marcello Mangia is the CEO of Mangia Resorts, a family business founded in 1973.
• The company has transformed from a small travel agency to a major player in the hospitality industry.
• Post-COVID, the company has grown significantly, becoming five times larger than before.
• Luxury in hospitality is evolving, focusing more on authentic experiences rather than just hardware.
• Training staff to provide authentic and memorable experiences is a key focus for Mangia Resorts.
• The company is investing heavily in upgrading its hotels to five-star standards.
• Culinary experiences are a significant part of the guest experience at Mangia Resorts.
• The demand for travel is changing, with a longer season and evolving customer preferences.
• Marcello emphasizes the importance of creating memories for guests during their vacations.
• The company's motto is to deliver happiness and great value to customers.

In this episode, Kelly Forbes, founder of the A'ARU Collective, shares her extensive background in luxury travel, her transition into hotel sales, and the inspiration behind her company.

A'ARU focuses on curating sustainable luxury travel experiences that prioritise meaningful connections and authentic local interactions.

Kelly discusses the evolving expectations of luxury travellers, the importance of sustainability in the industry, and how A'ARU aims to bridge the gap between luxury and responsible travel.

She emphasises the need for hotels to align their values with those of their customers and the growing demand for experiences that foster connection and well-being.

Takeaways

• Kelly Forbes has 25 years of experience in luxury travel.
• A'ARU Collective was inspired by the need for sustainable luxury experiences.
• The importance of building relationships with customers post-booking.
• Luxury travel is evolving to focus on meaningful experiences.
• Sustainability in travel is about more than just certifications.
• Travelers are increasingly seeking authentic local interactions.
• The demand for multi-generational travel experiences is growing.
• Customers want to align their values with the hotels they choose.
• A'ARU aims to provide a concierge experience that enhances travel.
• Mental health and well-being are becoming key factors in travel choices.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Kelly and the A'ARU Collective
• 02:44 Transitioning to Hotel Sales and Representation
• 07:38 Understanding the Concept of Sustainable Luxury
• 13:17 A'ARU Collective's Unique Offerings
• 18:45 Inspiring Stories of Sustainability in Hospitality
• 23:05 The Evolving Landscape of Travel Consumption
• 27:21 Understanding the Educated Indulger
• 30:37 The Rise of Multi-Generational Travel

Find out more and connect with Kelly via her LinkedIn profile.

In this Journeys Masterclass, Steve Endacott discusses the intersection of disruption, innovation, and luxury travel, emphasising the transformative impact of AI on the industry.

He shares his personal journey in travel, the importance of adapting to technological advancements, and practical steps for luxury operators to enhance customer experience. Steve also explores the future expectations of ultra-high net worth clients and the evolving landscape of SEO in the age of AI, concluding with insights on the necessity of building the right teams for success in the travel sector.

Links:

• Neural River
• AI Steve
• Life's Echo

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Disruption in Luxury Travel
• 00:23 Steve Endacott's Journey in the Travel Industry
• 03:53 The Impact of AI on Luxury Travel
• 10:29 AI as a Co-Pilot in Travel Services
• 16:19 Consultancy Insights for Luxury Operators
• 22:17 The Future of High-End Travel and SEO Challenges
• 28:27 The Role of AI in Personal Legacy
• 31:16 Consultancy and Innovation in Business
• 33:35 Embracing New Technologies
• 36:35 Advice for Entrepreneurs in Luxury Travel
• 39:01 Navigating Disruption and Change

Takeaways:

• AI is set to revolutionise the travel industry, impacting customer service and operational efficiency.
• Luxury travel operators must evolve with technology or risk becoming obsolete.
• Consultancy can provide valuable insights for luxury operators looking to integrate AI.
• The future of customer experience will involve AI as a co-pilot, enhancing service availability and personalisation.
• SEO is changing, and businesses must adapt to new AI-driven search technologies.
• Ultra high net worth clients will expect seamless, personalised service powered by AI.
• Building a strong team is crucial for entrepreneurs in the luxury travel sector.
• Disruption in the travel industry is both exciting and a potential threat to traditional business models.
• The balance between human interaction and AI assistance is key in luxury travel.

In this episode, we are meeting Carmela Piazza from the Grand Hotel et Des Palmes in Palermo.

Carmela shares her career journey from Sicily to the Grand Hotel, detailing her passion for hospitality and the rich history of the hotel.

She discusses the unique experiences available to guests, the impact of the pandemic on the travel industry, and the growing demand for authentic local experiences in Palermo.

Finally, she offers valuable advice for travel advisors and highlights some undiscovered gems in the city.

Connect with Carmela via her LinkedIn profile and find out more about the hotel at despalmes.mangias.com

Takeaways

• The Grand Hotel et Des Palmes has a rich history dating back to the 1870s.
• Guests can experience the Belle Epoque atmosphere at the hotel.
• The hotel features a roof garden restaurant and a historic ballroom.
• Couples and families are the primary clientele at the hotel.
• Memorable experiences include personalised wedding proposals in the Presidential Suite Wagner.
• Post-pandemic, the travel industry has seen a shift towards last-minute bookings.
• Travellers seek genuine local experiences in Palermo, including street food.
• Sicily is a large island with many attractions, encouraging repeat visits.
• Travel advisors should seek local insights to create customised itineraries, and the team at the Grand Hotel can help

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Carmela and the Hotel
• 01:21 Carmela's Journey in Hospitality
• 04:06 The Grand Hotel et Des Palmes: A Historical Overview
• 06:55 Unique Guest Experiences at the Hotel
• 09:40 Post-Pandemic Recovery and Demand Trends
• 12:07 Authentic Experiences in Palermo
• 14:35 Carmela's Travel Insights and Recommendations

In this episode, we're meeting Delia Monfrecola, founder of D Luxury Hospitality, a boutique firm that represents some of Italy’s most prestigious hotels. With nearly 20 years in luxury hospitality, Delia shares her philosophy on what true luxury means, why emotions drive sales, and how hoteliers can connect more deeply with high-net-worth travellers.

Takeaways:

• How Delia’s personal signature inspired the name D Luxury Hospitality

• The evolution from “revenge travel” to emotionally resonant experiences

• Why luxury sales must go beyond rooms and focus on feelings and trust

• The importance of not only targeting ultra-high-net-worth individuals

• Why luxury travel advisors still matter—even in the age of OTAs

• How social media and influencer marketing should be used in hospitality

• The sales/marketing disconnect that hotels must urgently fix

• Delia’s best travel memories, including a hidden island with no roads or internet

Chapters:

You can connect with Delia on her LinkedIn Profile and find out more about her company at www.d-luxuryhospitality.com.

In this conversation, Stella Photi, founder of Wellbeing Escapes, shares her personal journey of overcoming stress and burnout, leading to the creation of her wellness travel company.

She discusses the evolution of the wellness industry, the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, and the importance of tailored experiences for clients.

Stella emphasises the need for authenticity in wellness offerings and the challenges of marketing in a digital age.

The conversation concludes with insights into the future of wellness travel and the significance of exploring undiscovered travel gems.

Takeaways

• Stella experienced burnout despite founding a wellbeing company.
• Wellbeing Escapes focuses on holistic wellness experiences.
• The company tailors packages to meet individual client needs.
• COVID-19 significantly impacted mental health and travel behavior.
• Digital marketing strategies have evolved due to changing consumer attention spans.
• Authenticity is crucial for suppliers in the wellness industry.
• The market for wellness travel has grown post-COVID.
• Clients seek both physical and emotional wellness solutions.
• Stella emphasizes the importance of healthy food options in wellness travel.
• Exploring undiscovered destinations can enhance travel experiences.

Links:

Some of the destinations that Stella mentioned:

• SHA wellness clinic, Spain
• Ananda in the Himalyas

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Overview

• 03:04 Starting a Wellness Travel Company

• 07:08 Catering to the Growing Market of Wellness Travel

• 11:47 Authenticity and Quality in Wellness Offerings

• 18:33 Digital Marketing Strategies for Wellness Travel

• 21:34 Exploring Undiscovered Gems in Travel

• 34:59 Favorite Hotels in the Wellness Travel Industry

• 42:39 Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary: A Personal Favorite for Wellness

• 44:58 Athens: A Vibrant City of Culture and History

• 46:22 The Perfect Vacation: Beaches, Nature, and Ancient Cultures

• 48:33 Contacting Stella and Wellbeing Escapes for More Information

You can connect with Stella on ⁠her LinkedIn Profile⁠ and find her company online at ⁠www.wellbeingescapes.com⁠.

In today's episode, we are meeting Andrea Filippi, Chief Commercial Officer of the Italian hotel management group, Egnazia.

Andrea gives us an overview of his extensive background in luxury hospitality and the unique offerings of Egnazia.

He shares insights into the evolving trends in the hospitality industry, the importance of personal wellbeing, and the significance of immersive experiences for guests.

Andrea also discusses the diverse clientele of Egnazia and highlights some of his favourite destinations and hotels, including the hidden gem of Maratea on the Amalfi Coast and the iconic Borgo Egnazia.

Takeaways

• Andrea's journey in hospitality began with a fascination for meeting people.
• Egnazia focuses on enhancing local culture and providing unique experiences.
• Personal well-being is becoming central to guests' choices in travel.
• Guests are increasingly seeking immersive experiences beyond traditional offerings.
• Traveling during shoulder seasons is a growing trend among clients.
• The average length of stay is increasing as guests seek deeper connections with destinations.
• Experiences that promote local heritage are highly valued by guests.
• Andrea emphasizes the importance of personal relationships in the hospitality industry.
• Maratea is a hidden gem in Italy, offering authentic experiences.
• Borgo Egnazia has hosted high-profile events, making it a sought-after destination.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Andrea and Egnazia
• 03:06 Andrea's Journey in Luxury Hospitality
• 05:59 Overview of Egnazia's Unique Offerings
• 08:51 Understanding the Clientele and Trends
• 11:57 Demand Trends and Guest Experiences
• 15:00 The Importance of Unique Experiences
• 18:01 Andrea's Recommendations and Personal Favourites

In this episode, we meet Flavio Bucciarelli from Erqole, discussing his background in hospitality, the unique offerings of the Erqole Group, and the company's philosophy of personalised service through storytelling.

Flavio shares insights into the target audience for their luxury properties in Porto Ercole, the importance of local employment, and the authentic, exciting and relaxing activities available for guests. Finally, we discover how Flavio has hospitality in his blood and we also hear about his own travel preferences with his family.

• Flavio mentioned a recent article by Conde Naste about Porto Ercole. Here it is.

Chapters

• 00:00 Flavio Bucciarelli's Background in Hospitality
• 03:14 Overview of Erqole Group and Its Vision
• 06:55 Target Audience and Unique Selling Points
• 12:44 The Philosophy of Storytelling in Service
• 17:04 Activities and Experiences Offered
• 20:20 Flavio's message to Travel Buyers and Planners
• 26:29 Flavio's Personal Travel Insights

Keywords

hospitality, Erqole Group, travel, luxury, Porto Ercole, Italy, storytelling, customer experience, travel planning, agritourism