Luxury Travel Innovators – Details, episodes & analysis

Senior Editorial Director of Travel + Leisure, Nina Ruggiero, discusses how to inspire readers to explore the world with Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators.

Key topics include:

• The print-digital relationship at Travel + Leisure and why human-created content is vital to remain connected to readers.

• Changes in the way people consume media and differentiating between social media platforms.

• Top destinations from a true travel expert, as well as insights into the rise of pet-friendly hospitality.

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

Adam Deflorian welcomes Greg Kennealey, CEO of Peregrine Hospitality, to the new AZDS Podcast Studio for the inaugural video recorded episode of Luxury Travel Innovators. 

Key topics include:

• Why the travel industry is particularly resilient, which feels especially relevant during the current economic climate.

• How Peregrine values an "ownership" mentality in all levels of the hospitality business.

• Greg’s “crawl, walk, run” approach when it comes to AI Innovation. 

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

In episode five of Luxury Travel Innovators, Adam Deflorian travels to Pendry Park City to talk with longtime AZDS client and friend, Chris Hamaway, about what truly differentiates an ultra-luxury hotel and resort experience. 

Key topics include:

• Why storytelling is an essential part of establishing an authentic hospitality experience.

• The way Montage and Pendry properties compliment each other and how “quiet luxury” shows up for both brands to help cultivate the Montage International brand.

• Chris’ penchant for fly-fishing expeditions provide the perfect example of how the blend of camaraderie and hospitality create worthwhile experiential travel.

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

In the fourth episode of Luxury Travel Innovators, Adam Deflorian talks with James Henderson about why community is one of the best parts of traveling and how experiential travel is increasingly popular with Exclusive Resorts members.

Key topics include:

• A deep dive into the portfolio growth over the years of Exclusive Resorts and what being a part of the world’s foremost members-only club is like.

• How AI positively affected the rollout of the Exclusive Resorts app to provide a more connected experience for members.

• Why disconnecting from the digital landscape and living in the moment while traveling is the current trend in the industry.

Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ 

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

Episode three of Luxury Travel Innovators includes a discussion with Adam Deflorian, JD O’Hara, and Albert Herrera about top travel destinations (current + emerging) and why AI can’t replace travel advisors.

Key topics include:

• AI Innovation in the Travel Agent Community 

• The “White Lotus” effect on the emerging top travel destinations.

• How the definition of luxury travel is evolving towards bespoke experiential-style travel, with a rise of popularity in the wellness travel space as well. 

Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ 

Follow us @azdsgroup on Instagram

Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

In episode two of Luxury Travel Innovators, Adam Deflorian discusses the rise in popularity of expedition-style travel with the CEO, Americas of Ponant Expedition Group, Sam Chamberlain. 

Key topics include:

• The intersection of luxury travel and adventure, especially in the context of expeditions to places like the Arctic and the geographic North Pole.

• Insights into sustainability efforts in the cruise industry, and how Ponant is leading the charge.

• How virtual reality is enhancing the travel experience by helping clients visualize and make informed decisions before booking.

Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ 

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

In the premier episode of Luxury Travel Innovators, host Adam Deflorian sits down with Nathan Lump, the editor in chief of National Geographic magazine, to discuss travel holistically - past, present and future. 

Key topics include:

• How National Geographic goes beyond the traditional goals of a travel brand to find the “why” of it all - why a traveler wants to go to a destination and what would they get out of that experience. 

• The way AI could come in handy with automatic language translations that are accurate and reliable across the National Geographic brand.

• Nathan’s goal of highlighting remote and random corners of the globe, whether that’s through National Geographic Expeditions, television programming, and more.

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

Nicolas Peluffo, CEO of Awasi, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators for a deep dive into the ongoing technological investments transforming the brand, freeing up human interaction with travelers. 

Key topics include:

• The extensive preparation process for private guides to create customized excursions itineraries for guests.

• How investing in cloud-based systems is ushering in a new era for Awasi.

• What an Awasi adventure looks like in some of the most remote destinations in South America.

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

Francesco Galli Zugaro, Owner of Aqua Expeditions, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss how Aqua Expeditions develops their river and coastal destinations to appeal to the luxury traveler looking for authentic adventure.

Key topics include:

• Their recent acquisition by Ponant Expedition Group

• Who Aqua Expeditions competes with (hint: typically not other cruises) 

• How the brand operates from a local-first lens, including hiring 100% local crews per destination

• The level of care and curation on each small ship, down to the hand-painted ceramic plates designed by Francisco’s wife. 

Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ 

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

Jan Arnold, Vice President of Sales for Rocco Forte Hotels, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss the exquisite portfolio of Rocco Forte destinations and how this fourth-generation family owned and operated business sets the tone for luxury travel.

Key topics include:

• The deeply rooted family-focus company culture encouraged by Sir Rocco Forte. 

• Their recent investment by PIF (Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund).

• Once-in-a-lifetime experiences offered by their properties, including one in Rome that literally unlocks the Vatican.

Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ 

Follow us @azdsgroup on Instagram

Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

Post-Edit Audio Engineer: Jack Wegert, 2025