Luxury Travel Innovators

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...