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 than ever in an increasingly digital world.

• The way emerging technologies can help travelers turn inspiration into action. 

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026
Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

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 community into deeply personal experiences.

• Why international visitors represent just 20% of arrivals but nearly 50% of visitor spend, and how New York continues to always deliver.

• The balance between innovation and authenticity with the incorporation of AI-informed insights and the enduring power of travel advisors.

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026

Production Assistance by Emily LeDoux, 2026

Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

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 philosophy.

• A look inside the evolution of modern Caribbean hospitality, from culinary and wine programs to multi-property growth and year-round destination strategy.

• Why today’s luxury is defined by emotional connection, sustainability in practice and balancing high-touch service with thoughtful innovation.

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026
Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

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 throughout its 100-year history.

• How defining luxury as “time given back” is a pillar of the brand’s philosophy.

• How the brand stays cutting edge by using technology to enhance, not replace, human connection.

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026

Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

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 sports tourism.

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026

Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

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 Vegas into the entertainment and sports capital of the world.

• Why human interaction will be a primary luxury component amidst the integration of AI

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026

Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

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 explore the world is a major focus for many brands. 

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

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 personalization in travel.

• Adhering to the philosophy that each individual property informs its own business model. 

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

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 without the hassle. 

• How ship crews and private butlers go above and beyond to create memorable moments for guests onboard.

• The story behind Jen’s NHL Championship ring from the Colorado Avalanche and her bucket list concert venues (hint: she lives 15 minutes from one of them!) 

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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