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

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 cruises) 

• How the brand operates from a local-first lens, including hiring 100% local crews per destination

• The level of care and curation on each small ship, down to the hand-painted ceramic plates designed by Francisco’s wife. 

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

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, including river cruises on Mekong River, elephant sanctuaries in Northern Thailand & sunset barbeques post-camel ride in Abu Dhabi.

• How technology is continuing to evolve for the better in the travel industry.

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

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 for the portfolio by the end of the year.

• What a journey through the Australian countryside looks like within the diverse range of Baillie properties.

• Strategies on developing property teams to surprise and delight guests, creating generational brand loyalty. 

• Stories from Mike’s background as the former President of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and a Senior Executive for The Walt Disney Company.

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

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 the next iteration of the global campaign  features partnerships with icons like Robert Irwin. 

• Why every itinerary to Australia should include an element of the indigenous experience for true authenticity. 

• How each region of the country offers something unique, from wine country to coral reefs.

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

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 sustainability is a passion and priority for all Nayara destinations, some of which are 100% carbon neutral.

• The process of bringing a forest back to an overcultivated mountain in Costa Rica, including planting over 40,000 trees and plants.

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

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 experiences for the consumer and the AI bot.

• How creating desire is really the essence (and challenge!) of luxury travel.

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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025