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 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 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

Chapters

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.

Chapters

Keywords

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

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:

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:

Chapters

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