Luxury Travel Innovators

Daniel Hostettler , President & CEO of The Boca Raton, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to share a compelling reminder that while innovation, design and technology all play important roles in luxury hospitality, the most memorable experiences will always be built around people Key topics include: How The Boca Raton transformed a historic 1,000-room resort into f...

Leonia Qi , President of VistaJet US, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to share the changes in private aviation, long associated with personalized luxury lifestyle, and how the future of the industry has less to do with aircraft and more to do with the experience in the sky and on the ground.  Key topics include: Why VistaJet views itself as a hospitality company fi...

May Lilley , Executive in Residence of Global Commercial for KSL Capital Partners, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to share why meaningful experiences and human connection continue to define the future of luxury hospitality. Key topics include: May Lilley’s unconventional path from ski instructor to Executive in Residence at KSL Capital Partners, and the career dec...

Pradeep Raman , Regional Vice President and Managing Director of The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to explore the evolution of modern luxury hospitality through storytelling, personalization, and a deep sense of place in New York’s Upper East Side. Key topics include: Why true luxury hospitality is rooted in personalization, empathy, an...

Paul Brady , News Director at Travel + Leisure, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss how the next era of luxury travel is all about helping travelers feel more connected (and less overwhelmed), along every step of the journey. Key topics include: Why luxury cruise and slow travel experiences continue to surge in popularity, especially with younger travelers....

Belinda Hindmarsh , Deputy CEO of Ponant Explorations Group, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss how Ponant is redefining luxury travel by shifting focus from the ship itself to the experiences of true exploration, offering access to the world’s most remote destinations without sacrificing comfort or depth of connection. Key topics include: How Ponant is shi...

Caleb Silver , Chief Business Editor for People, Inc and Editor in Chief of Investopedia, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss the hidden economy behind how we travel.  Key topics include: Why luxury travelers aren’t spending less, but instead demanding more value. How the loyalty and rewards economy is redefining how travel is funded - and growing more and m...

David Zipkin , Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Tradewind Aviation, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss how Tradewind strives to match the quality of the journey to the quality of the destination, with hospitality and customer experience top of mind.  Key topics include: How Tradewind has found its edge by focusing on short-haul regional routes. Wh...

Joseph Diaz , Co-founder of AFAR, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to reflect on the unlikely origin story behind one of travel media’s most influential brands—and the philosophy that still drives it nearly two decades later.. Key topics include: How two spontaneous trips across South America and India inspired the launch of AFAR. Why human connection matters more t...

Julie Coker , President and CEO of New York City Tourism and Conventions, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss leadership, luxury, and the evolving definition of value in one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. Key topics include: How NYC Tourism is expanding the definition of high-end travel across all five boroughs, blending culture, cuisine, and comm...

Nikheel Advani , Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer and Principal at Grace Bay Resorts, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to share his journey from dishwashing in Singapore to the white sand beaches of Turks and Caicos and how growing people ultimately grows a brand. Key topics include: How mentorship, culture and global experience shaped a people-first luxury philo...

Conor O’Leary , Group Managing Director for Gleneagles & Estelle Manor, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss how a hotel with a century of history is leading the way in digital innovation with a human-first service mentality. Key topics include: Why Gleneagles is affectionately known as the “Glorious Playground” and has attracted travelers time and again...

Host Adam Deflorian is joined by Erin Florio , Global Features Director at Condé Nast Traveler, for the latest episode of Luxury Travel Innovators. Key topics include: How travelers are seeking deeper and more immersive experiences in their destinations. The changing media landscape, and its influence on the way audiences discover new destinations. Emerging trends like off-season exploration and s...

To open Season Two of Luxury Travel Innovators, host Adam Deflorian traveled to the Sirius XM Studio at Wynn Las Vegas for a conversation with Brian Gullbrants , COO - North America. Key topics include: Wynn’s investment in its employees and how discretionary care is embedded in the company culture. How their mutually beneficial partnership with Formula 1 has helped to change the fabric of Las Veg...

Adam Deflorian looks back on the incredible inaugural year of Luxury Travel Innovators with a special “Best Of” episode, featuring some of his favorite moments from Season One.  Key themes throughout Season One include: How experiential travel is a top trend across the hospitality industry. The importance of human connection as AI innovation initiatives take center stage.  Why inspiring guests to...

Adam Deflorian is joined by Gregory Day , President of Hospitality at Mani Brothers and Managing Director of Malibu Beach Inn to unpack the shifting expectations of modern travelers and the creative innovations redefining luxury hospitality. Key topics include: The evolution of Malibu Beach Inn and the resilience of the Malibu community. Shifts in guest demographics and rising expectations for per...

Adam Deflorian is joined by Jennifer Halboth , CEO of Riverside Collection, Americas on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss how setting up an environment of authenticity creates a personalized experience for both travelers and travel advisors involved in the brand.  Key topics include: Why river cruising is a flexible and relaxing travel experience for those looking for adventure w...

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 usher...

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 cruis...

Joining Adam Deflorian is Ian Di Tullio , Global Chief Commercial Officer at Minor Hotels, for a conversation about the rapid growth of the brand following the success of having three properties host season three of HBO’s The White Lotus .  Key topics include: The rapid growth of the brand, with expansion upwards of 600 properties worldwide. Once-in-a-lifetime experiences at remote destinations, i...

Today in the LTI Studio, Adam Deflorian is joined by Michael Crawford , the new CEO of Baillie Lodges and Tierra Hotels, for a conversation about combining authentic adventures with team members fueled by passion and expertise for getaways to some of the most remote destinations in the world.  Key topics include: Goals for the brand moving forward, including work on a refreshed singular brand name...

Joining Adam Deflorian at Virtuoso Travel Week is Chris Allison , Vice President of Americas & New Zealand for Tourism Australia. Our conversation showcases the vast offerings of Australia as a destination, and highlights the importance of the travel advisor community in bringing visitors to the country for bucket-list vacations. Key topics include: The success of Come and Say G’day and how th...

Joining Adam Deflorian at Virtuoso Travel Week is Leo Ghitis , CEO and Co-Founder of Nayara Resorts. Our conversation offers an inspiring outlook on human-focused hospitality and provides a fascinating insight into how Nayara is paving the way for ecotourism. Key topics include: How Nayara focuses on developing people (rather than “training”) to create opportunities in rural areas. Why sustainabil...

Joining Adam Deflorian at Virtuoso Travel Week is Barbara Muckermann , CEO of Kempinski Hotels. Considered the oldest hospitality company in the world, Kempinski heralds a new golden era into the luxury travel industry with the brand’s first female CEO at the helm.  Key topics include: The historical significance of the company, which began in 1897. Kempinski’s approach to optimizing digital exper...

Joining Adam Deflorian at Virtuoso Travel Week is Misty Belles , Vice President of Global Public Relations for Virtuoso. With travel advisors spanning the globe, Virtuoso leads the charge in maintaining human connection while still utilizing innovative technology.  Key topics include: The role of the travel advisor in the changing industry landscape. Why personalization is key to success for the h...