Welcome to View From Afar, a podcast by the travel industry, for the travel industry.

In our inaugural episode, we hear from Barbara Muckermann, the first female CEO of Kempinski Hotels, a 128-year old global brand. 

On this episode, Barbara chats with Afar senior deputy editor, Jennifer Flowers, about her plans to restore Kempinski’s luxury legacy, why places like Munich’s Nymphenburg Palace are key to the brand’s future, and what it takes to succeed as a woman—and elevate others— in the male-dominated hospitality industry. 

Inside the Hotels Where History Happens

On this episode you’ll learn: 

How Kempinski hotels serve as cultural hubs in major cities like Bangkok, Istanbul, and Munich. 

How a 128-year old, global brand plans to pivot in 2025. 

Candid advice for women in hospitality and how Kempinski’s new CEO elevates future leaders. 

How Kempinski Hotels Plans to Reclaim Luxury

Don’t miss these moments: 

[01:24] Liza Minelli and Einstein: Harnessing the past to build the future. 

[04:46] What is the future of Kempinski Hotels? Think: the luxury of porcelain parrots. 

[16:42] Kempinski palaces are cultural staples for travelers and locals alike. 

[21:17] Advice on how women can continue to break the glass ceiling in hospitality. 

Resources: 

Read the transcript of the episode.

Read Jenn’s ⁠feature ⁠about six women who are changing the future of hotels. 

Explore Kempinski hotels on their ⁠website⁠ or ⁠Instagram⁠. 

Connect with Barbara Muckermann on ⁠LinkedIn ⁠or ⁠Instagram⁠.

Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, ⁠⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices