Luxury Travel Innovators

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...

Stephen Beaumont , President of Kohler Hospitality, joins Adam Deflorian during HITEC for a conversation about the history of Kohler and a look into the future with AI-integrated technology for a seamless guest experience. Key topics include: The uniqueness of Kohler, a privately-owned, family-owned and operated brand and the synergy between their properties in Wisconsin and St. Andrews. How art,...

Joining Adam Deflorian at HITEC, Shrikant Shenoy , Chief Information & Strategy Officer for Adeera Hospitality, discusses the new hotel management brand wholly owned by PIF and how it hopes to lead the way in innovation, while honoring its rich hosting heritage. Key topics include: Origins of Adeera, and how the nomadic beginnings of Saudi Arabian society influence modern-day hospitality.  How...

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...

With views of the Pacific from Hotel Casa del Mar’s penthouse suite, Adam Deflorian sits down with Charlie Lopez-Quintana , Vice President and Managing Director of ETC Hotels, to explore how to embody hospitality from the heart.  Key topics include: How this third-generation family business has created a beloved, long-term luxury brand through employee loyalty and timeless hospitality. The inspiri...

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 m...

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 hospitalit...

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 a...

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...

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 bes...

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...

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 t...