Travel Talk featuring Edward Leos, publisher of The Hotel Guide

Discover how The Hotel Guide selects its Publishers’ Picks—now expanded to 15 categories—and what’s new in our 2025 Awards Edition (publishing November 25, 2025). Hosts Edward Leos and Roxann Leos take you behind the scenes of the hospitality industry: how winners stand out, which hotels, resorts, destinations, and experiences rise to the top, and what trends will shape 2026.

Why watch:

• The exact criteria that separate award-winning hotels from the pack

• New Awards categories + what they mean for properties and destinations

• Insider look at our Board of Advisors, media partnerships, and trade show plans

• How brands can partner, pitch, or get featured across print, digital, and the Travel Talk podcast

If you’re a traveler or hospitality pro, you’ll get actionable insights on hotel marketing, guest experience, and destination storytelling—plus how to be on our radar for future features.

Chapters
00:00 Intro & milestone
01:02 What’s new in the 2025 Awards
03:15 How we evaluate hotels & destinations
06:10 Publishers’ Picks: category expansion
09:25 Media partnerships & trade shows
12:40 How to get featured with The Hotel Guide
14:30 2026 trends to watch
17:00 Final takeaways

Work with us / Get featured:
• Pitch your property or destination: [email protected]
• Follow for more: @officialthehotelguide
• Listen to Travel Talk on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music

Keywords: The Hotel Guide, Travel Talk, hotel awards 2025, Publishers’ Picks, best hotels and resorts, hospitality trends 2026, destination marketing, hotel marketing, travel media, board of advisors, trade show hospitality, tourism awards, guest experience, boutique hotels, luxury resorts

What if travel could change the world — and you along with it?In this moving episode of Travel Talk, host Edward Leos sits down with Adam Asher, the visionary behind Rugged Compass and the Humanitarian News Feed, to explore how adventure, faith, and compassion intersect to create purpose-driven journeys. 🌍✨Adam shares powerful stories from the road — moments that reveal the heart of humanity and remind us that true travel isn’t just about where you go, but how you give back.Whether you’re a traveler, leader, or storyteller, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to see the world — and your impact — in a whole new way.💡 In This Episode:The story behind Rugged Compass and its humanitarian missionHow the Humanitarian News Feed connects people doing good around the globeThe role of faith and courage in meaningful travelTurning compassion into action through storytellingWhy giving back is the true destination#TravelTalkPodcast, #TheHotelGuide, #RuggedCompass, #HumanitarianNewsFeed, #Purpose-DrivenTravel, #FaithandAdventure, #HumanitarianStorytelling, #TravelwithMeaning, #GlobalGood, #AdventureThatMatters, #TravelandCompassion, #GivingBackThroughTravel, #LuxuryTravelwithPurpose, #EdwardLeos, #AdamAsher

🎯 What defines true boutique luxury—and how do independent hotels stay authentic in a world of big brands?

In this episode of The Travel Talk Podcast, host Edward Leos, CEO of The Hotel Guide, sits down with Frances Kiradjian, visionary Founder of the Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA), to explore the movement redefining hospitality around individuality, creativity, and soul.

From intimate design to heartfelt service, Frances shares the philosophy behind boutique hospitality—and how it continues to inspire travelers and hoteliers worldwide.

🎟️ Discover why boutique hotels aren’t just places to stay—they’re stories brought to life.

🎤 In This Episode:
✅ The evolution of boutique and luxury lodging
✅ How authenticity fuels traveler connection
✅ Why independent hotels are thriving post-pandemic
✅ The impact of BLLA on innovation and community
✅ Frances’s insight on leadership, legacy, and the art of storytelling

💡 Key Takeaways:

🏨 Authenticity is the New Luxury
• Boutique hospitality is built on originality and heart.
• Travelers crave experiences that reflect local culture and creativity.

💬 Connection Creates Loyalty
• Personal touches turn stays into stories.
• Purpose and personality are what set boutique properties apart.

🌟 About Frances Kiradjian:
As Founder of BLLA, Frances has championed independent hospitality for over a decade—empowering boutique hoteliers and thought leaders to shape the industry’s most creative, inclusive, and forward-thinking community.

📲 CONNECT WITH THE HOTEL GUIDE
Instagram: @officialthehotelguide
LinkedIn: The Hotel Guide
YouTube: The Hotel Guide Podcast
Website: www.thehotelguide.com

🛎️ Subscribe to The Travel Talk Podcast for inspiring stories, travel insights, and conversations redefining the art of hospitality.

What if technology could make travel more personal, seamless, and inspiring?

In this episode of Travel Talk Podcast, host Edward Leos, CEO of The Hotel Guide, chats with Annie Pezza, Founder & CEO of Pinerary, the innovative platform transforming how travelers plan, connect, and share their journeys.

From intelligent itinerary design to curated storytelling, Annie shares how Pinerary bridges the gap between tech and human experience—empowering travelers to explore the world with confidence and creativity.

🎟️ Discover how personalization, connection, and smart innovation are redefining modern travel.

🎤 In This Episode:
✅ How AI and personalization are shaping the travel experience
✅ Why traveler connection matters more than ever
✅ The story behind Pinerary’s vision and innovation
✅ The intersection of tech, storytelling, and discovery
✅ Annie’s advice for entrepreneurs reimagining the travel space

💡 Key Takeaways:

🌍 Innovation with Intention
• Smart tech should enhance—not replace—the human touch
• Personalization creates lasting traveler engagement

✈️ Travel as Connection
• The best journeys start with authentic storytelling
• Purpose-driven travel inspires global community

🌟 About Annie Pezza:
As Founder & CEO of Pinerary, Annie Pezza is redefining how we plan, book, and experience travel. Her mission: to simplify exploration through technology that celebrates connection, culture, and creativity.

📲 CONNECT WITH THE HOTEL GUIDE
Instagram: @officialthehotelguide
LinkedIn: The Hotel Guide
Website: www.thehotelguide.com

🛎️ Subscribe to The Travel Talk Podcast and join us as we uncover the stories and innovators shaping the future of travel.

#TravelTalkPodcast #EdwardLeos #AnniePezza #Pinerary #TravelInnovation #SmartTravel #DigitalNomads #TravelTech #FutureOfTravel #SustainableTourism #HospitalityLeadership #TravelWithPurpose #LuxuryTravel #MeaningfulTravel #DigitalTransformation #TravelCommunity #InnovationInTravel #PurposeDrivenTravel #TravelDesign #TravelExperience

🔥 Hashtags:

In this episode of Travel Talk Podcast, host Edward Leos, CEO of The Hotel Guide, sits down with Viktor Meier, CEO of Glice, the pioneering company behind sustainable ice rinks that don’t require water or energy.

From transforming sports and leisure to reimagining eco-tourism experiences, Viktor shares how Glice is proving that sustainability and fun can go hand-in-hand—and what this means for destinations, hoteliers, and communities worldwide.

🎟️ Discover how innovation, impact, and imagination are powering the future of recreation and hospitality.

🎤 In This Episode:
✅ The story behind Glice’s revolutionary eco-ice technology
✅ How destinations can merge sustainability with guest experience
✅ Why eco-friendly solutions are becoming travel essentials
✅ The role of sports and leisure in destination storytelling
✅ Viktor’s vision for a more sustainable future in travel and hospitality

💡 Key Takeaways:

🌍 Sustainability Scales
• Eco-innovation is no longer optional—it’s the new standard.
• Guests value experiences that align with their values.

🎢 Experience Drives Connection
• Memorable moments create loyalty and advocacy.
• Leisure and lifestyle trends are shaping destination appeal.

🌟 About Viktor Meier:
As CEO of Glice, Viktor Meier leads the charge in sustainable innovation for sports and leisure. His mission: to create environmentally friendly, energy-free ice experiences that inspire joy while protecting the planet.

📲 CONNECT WITH THE HOTEL GUIDE
Instagram: @officialthehotelguide
Facebook: The Hotel Guide
LinkedIn: The Hotel Guide

📖 Explore more travel insights at:
https://www.thehotelguide.com

🛎️ Subscribe to The Travel Talk Podcast for stories that transform the way we travel, play, and connect.

#TravelTalkPodcast #EdwardLeos #ViktorMeier #Glice #SustainableTravel #EcoInnovation #FutureOfTravel #HospitalityInnovation #TravelAndSustainability #PurposeDrivenTravel #LuxuryMeetsSustainability #HospitalityLeadership #EcoTourism #TravelWithPurpose #GlobalTravelTrends #SustainableHospitality

What happens when conservation, storytelling, and hospitality come together? In this episode of The Travel Talk Podcast, host Edward Leos, CEO of The Hotel Guide, sits down with Neil Jacobs of Wild Origins to explore how nature, culture, and purpose-driven tourism are reshaping the travel experience.

From eco-luxury to authentic conservation efforts, this episode uncovers how destinations can create deeper meaning, foster sustainability, and inspire travelers to connect with the world in powerful new ways.

🎟️ Tune in to hear how Wild Origins is reimagining the relationship between people, planet, and hospitality.

🎤 In This Episode:
✅ Why modern travelers are seeking purpose-driven journeys
✅ How sustainability can be luxury’s strongest asset
✅ The art of weaving local culture into guest experience
✅ The role of conservation in future-focused hospitality
✅ Strategies to balance growth, impact, and authenticity
✅ Neil’s perspective on redefining “wild” in travel

💡 Key Takeaways:

🌍 Sustainability is Strategy
• Conscious travel is no longer optional—it’s expected
• Guests value transparency, conservation, and authenticity
• Eco-efforts must go beyond “greenwashing” into real action

🛎️ Luxury with Purpose
• Experiences rooted in nature and culture elevate connection
• Personalized service meets planet-friendly design
• Travelers want to “give back” while they explore

📣 The Future is Wild
• The next wave of hospitality blends adventure with awareness
• Storytelling drives both bookings and loyalty
• Wild Origins shows how to align brand, mission, and traveler values

🌟 About Neil Jacobs & Wild Origins:
Neil Jacobs is driving a new movement in hospitality—one where conservation, community, and connection are at the heart of every experience. Through Wild Origins, he is pioneering meaningful, sustainable journeys that invite travelers to see the world differently.

📍Whether you’re a hotelier, sustainability advocate, or curious explorer, this episode will inspire you to rethink what it means to travel with purpose.

📲 CONNECT WITH THE HOTEL GUIDE
Instagram: @officialthehotelguide
Facebook: The Hotel Guide
LinkedIn: The Hotel Guide

📖 Explore more and subscribe for exclusive features, travel stories, and insider access:
👉 https://www.thehotelguide.com

🛎️ Subscribe to The Travel Talk Podcast for conversations with thought leaders redefining travel, hospitality, and global connection.

In this inspiring episode of Travel Talk, Edward Leos sits down with Carolyn Ray, CEO of JourneyWoman, the world’s original solo travel resource for women. Carolyn shares how she’s empowering women over 50 to explore the world with confidence, community, and curiosity.

From breaking barriers in solo travel to reshaping how women see themselves as adventurers, Carolyn opens up about:
✔️ The rise of solo female travel and why it’s booming
✔️ Building a trusted global community for women travelers
✔️ How travel fosters empowerment, courage, and lifelong connections

Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or dreaming of your first solo trip, this episode will leave you ready to pack your bags and embrace the journey.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music & YouTube!

👉 Tag a friend who needs this travel inspiration!

#TravelTalk #Podcast #JourneyWoman #WomenWhoTravel #SoloTravel #TheHotelGuide

How is technology reshaping the way we connect, travel, and share experiences?

In this episode of The Travel Talk Podcast, host Edward Leos, CEO of The Hotel Guide, sits down with Elías Barbosa, CEO of TROBBU, to explore how innovation and community-driven tech are transforming hospitality and tourism.

From creating digital tools that strengthen traveler connections to helping brands scale with purpose, Elías shares insights on what it takes to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

🎤 In This Episode:
✅ How TROBBU is redefining connection in the travel industry
✅ Why digital tools must prioritize people, not just platforms
✅ The future of tech-enabled travel experiences
✅ What hospitality leaders can learn from startups
✅ Elías’s journey as a founder & CEO shaping global travel tech

💡 Key Takeaway:
Technology isn’t replacing hospitality—it’s amplifying it. The future belongs to those who blend human connection with digital innovation.

📲 CONNECT WITH TROBBU
Instagram: @trobbu
Website: https://www.trobbu.com

📲 CONNECT WITH THE HOTEL GUIDE
Instagram: @officialthehotelguide
Facebook: The Hotel Guide
LinkedIn: The Hotel Guide

🛎️ Subscribe to The Travel Talk Podcast for more conversations with innovators shaping the future of travel.

#TravelTalkPodcast #EdwardLeos #EliasBarbosa #TROBBU #TravelTech #HospitalityInnovation #FutureOfTravel #TourismTech #DigitalHospitality #TravelWithPurpose

What happens when wellness, community, and travel converge? In this episode of The Travel Talk Podcast, host Edward Leos, CEO of The Hotel Guide, sits down with Melissa Perlman, founder of Amansala Resorts in Tulum, to explore the rise of eco-chic wellness retreats and how authentic connection transforms the guest experience.

From beachfront yoga to mindful dining, Melissa shares the story behind Amansala’s unique philosophy and why today’s travelers are craving more than just a getaway—they want renewal, purpose, and belonging.

🎟️ Discover how wellness-driven hospitality is redefining modern travel.

🎤 In This Episode:
✅ How Amansala pioneered Tulum’s wellness travel movement
✅ Why travelers are seeking meaning and mindfulness in their journeys
✅ The importance of sustainability and eco-conscious practices
✅ Building community through retreats, connection, and shared experience
✅ How food, fitness, and self-care create transformative stays
✅ The evolving role of women leaders in hospitality
✅ What’s next for wellness travel and experiential tourism

💡 Key Takeaways:

🌴 Wellness as a Way of Life
• Travel isn’t just about escaping—it’s about returning renewed
• Movement, mindfulness, and nutrition are core to the Amansala experience

🌍 Sustainability Is Non-Negotiable
• Eco-conscious practices attract conscious travelers
• Respecting nature enhances both guest experience and destination preservation

🤝 Community Creates Connection
• Retreats thrive when guests feel part of something bigger
• Shared experiences deepen impact far beyond the stay

🌟 About Melissa Perlman:
As founder of Amansala Resorts, Melissa Perlman is a pioneer in wellness hospitality. Her vision for “eco-chic” travel has made Amansala a global destination for yoga, fitness, and holistic retreats—blending luxury, sustainability, and authentic human connection.

📍 Whether you’re a wellness seeker, a hospitality leader, or a traveler craving meaning in your journeys, this episode offers inspiration and insight into the future of mindful escapes.

📲 CONNECT WITH AMANSALA
Instagram: @amansala
Website: https://www.amansala.com

📲 CONNECT WITH THE HOTEL GUIDE
Instagram: @officialthehotelguide
Facebook: The Hotel Guide
LinkedIn: The Hotel Guide

📖 Explore more and subscribe for exclusive features, travel stories, and insider access:
https://www.thehotelguide.com

🛎️ Subscribe to The Travel Talk Podcast as we spotlight luxury escapes, cultural gems, wellness travel, and stories that change how we experience the world.

#TravelTalkPodcast #EdwardLeos #MelissaPerlman #Amansala #WellnessTravel #EcoChic #MindfulTravel #TulumRetreats #WellnessHospitality #SustainableTravel #HospitalityLeadership #WellnessRetreats #WomenInHospitality #MeaningfulTravel #ExperientialTravel #MindBodySoulTravel #LuxuryMeetsWellness

Would you like me to also create a shorter “social post” version (Instagram/LinkedIn caption length) alongside this full overview? That way you’ll have both ready-to-go formats.

Welcome to the 100th episode of the Travel Talk Podcast — a milestone moment for The Hotel Guide and host Edward Leos. To mark the occasion, we’re flipping the script: Edward’s wife and associate publisher, Roxann Leos, takes over the mic to interview him about his personal journey through travel, hospitality, and storytelling.For more than 32 years, Edward has been at the center of travel publishing, hospitality marketing, and destination storytelling. In this celebratory episode, he reflects on the lessons learned from curating The Hotel Guide, building a trusted platform for hotels and travelers, and creating 100 episodes of meaningful conversations with hospitality leaders around the globe.Roxann’s questions bring out a more personal side of Edward as he shares:The destination that defied his expectations (and why New York City never gets old)Why Destin, Florida holds a special place in his heart despite mixed reader responseThe secret to curating travel spreads that inspire readers to book trips and make memoriesWhy people and hospitality matter more than buildings or amenities in any destinationHow small touches — like a handwritten note or knowing a guest’s name — create unforgettable experiencesThe travel trend he wishes would disappear foreverHis belief that travel should inspire, inform, and transform every reader of The Hotel GuideA foodie’s take on the best meals around the world (including a few surprising ones)His vision for the future of Travel Talk, including upcoming luxury brand interviews and global resort spotlights*KEY TAKEAWAYS:*Hospitality is about people, not transactions. Relationships build lifelong brand ambassadors.Experiential travel is the future. Post-COVID, travelers crave meaning, not just itineraries.Small touches leave the biggest impact. From bookmarks to champagne greetings, details matter.Food is a love language. Dining creates connection, memory, and storytelling across cultures.Consistency creates growth. 100 episodes of Travel Talk proves the power of showing up weekly.Join us as we toast to the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the next 100 episodes of Travel Talk.👉 Subscribe to the channel for more insider conversations on travel, hotels, and hospitality trends.👉 Visit https://TheHotelGuide.com to explore destinations, hotel features, and exclusive travel content.Video Podcast filmed and produced in the Peachtree Rose Marketing Studios: https://peachtreerosemarketing.com | https://instagram.com/podcaststudiosatx#TravelTalkPodcast, #TheHotelGuide, #HospitalityIndustry, #TravelPodcast, #TravelTalk, #HotelMarketing, #HospitalityTrends, #TravelIndustry, #HotelGuide, #EdwardLeos, #RoxannLeos, #TravelStories, #TravelConversations, #HospitalityLeadership, #HotelInsights, #TravelPodcastEpisodes, #100thEpisode, #TravelTalk100, #HospitalityMatters, #TravelAndTourism, #HotelierLife, #HotelierCommunity, #LuxuryTravel, #DestinationMarketing, #TravelBusiness, #TravelInsights, #TravelPodcastCommunity, #HospitalityMedia, #TravelGuide, #HotelsAndResorts, #LuxuryHotels, #TravelConnoisseur, #HospitalityProfessionals, #HospitalityMarketing, #TravelPublishing, #HospitalityExperience, #CustomerExperience, #TravelFoodies, #GlobalTravel, #WorldTravelers, #TravelCulture, #HospitalityExcellence, #TravelConnections, #TourismBusiness, #HotelBrands, #HotelPodcast, #TravelTips, #HospitalityEvents, #HospitalitySuccess, #TravelAndFood, #TravelLifestyle, #PodcastMilestone, #ContentMarketingForHotels, #HospitalityGuestExperience, #TravelInspiration, #PodcastCommunity, #HospitalityNetwork, #PodcastForHoteliers, #TourismIndustry, #TravelEnthusiasts, #TravelWithMeaning, #HospitalityFuture, #PodcastCelebration