What if you could launch an iconic luxury resort and achieve a five-star rating within its first year? Discover the secrets behind this incredible feat as we sit down with Tom Roelens, the Managing Director of Atlantis Dubai, live from the FTG Summit in Las Vegas. Tom's journey is nothing short of remarkable, from Michelin-starred kitchens in Belgium and France to earning his stripes at Cornell University and leading renowned properties with Four Seasons. We uncover his strategies for exceptional guest service, the pivotal role of his team, and how Atlantis Dubai achieved top honors from Forbes Travel Guide right out of the gate.

How does a background in hospitality and fashion production lead to revolutionizing the luxury hotel industry? Join us as we chat with Jason Lurie, the mastermind behind Jalen Designs, who has turned the world of hospitality uniform design on its head. From his beginnings making costumes for Disney and Marvel to an unexpected pivot into outfitting elite private members clubs, Jason's journey is a testament to innovation and adaptability. Discover how a chance meeting with Forbes Travel Guide opened the doors to a global luxury market and learn about the meticulous approach Jason takes to understand each hotel's unique regionality and history.

Ever wondered what it takes to earn the prestigious triple five-star Forbes Travel Guide rating? In this episode, we sit down with Mark Langevin, General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton in Grand Cayman, who provides an insider’s perspective on elevating resort standards to this elite level. Mark discusses the essential role of teamwork and the relentless pursuit of excellence, emphasizing how 900 dedicated 'ladies and gentlemen' contributed to this remarkable achievement. He shares the joy of celebrating this milestone with his team and the continuous commitment to maintaining these high standards.

Imagine transforming every hotel stay into an unforgettable experience with just the right linens. That's exactly what Filippo Arnaboldi, CEO of Frette, shares with us on this episode. Filippo takes us on a journey through Frette's remarkable history since its inception in 1860, spotlighting its role in the global hospitality industry. Learn how Frette partners with elite hotels and cruise lines to craft bespoke, high-quality bedding and linens that cater to unique environments and climates. From luxurious, natural materials to meticulous tailoring, discover the art of creating a perfect sleep experience that leaves a lasting impression on guests.

Ever wondered how someone goes from washing dishes at a fried chicken restaurant to being a managing director of a luxury resort? Join us as we uncover Rick Fidel's remarkable journey from Auburn University psychology student to three-time Forbes Travel Guide five-star recipient.Rick shares his path to success, emphasizing the critical roles of hard work, vision, and team support. We also explore the camaraderie and recognition at the Forbes Summit, where Rick expresses heartfelt gratitude to his mentors and colleagues. This episode is not just about Rick’s inspiring story but also offers invaluable advice for aspiring leaders in the hospitality industry.

Ever wondered how a luxury hotel manages to maintain five-star service standards while hosting a prestigious global summit? Join us as Shannon McCallum, VP of Hotel Operations at Resorts World Las Vegas, shares her unique insights from hosting the Forbes Travel Guide Summit. Shannon recounts the ambitious journey of opening Resorts World amidst the pandemic in June 2021 and its pivotal role in revitalizing Las Vegas tourism. She takes us behind the scenes of this magnificent venue, revealing some extraordinary elements of the summit, including an unexpected pickleball court and a diverse array of international attendees.

oin us for an exclusive chat with Burak Ipekci, the Secretary General of Les Clefs d'Or, recorded live at the Forbes Travel Summit in Las Vegas. Burak walks us through the storied history and rigorous membership process of Les Clefs d'Or, an organization that has set the gold standard in hospitality since 1929. Discover what it takes to wear the iconic golden keys and the dedication required to elevate guest experiences to unparalleled heights.

In our latest podcast episode from 'The Summit' in Las Vegas, we explore an intriguing question, with Stuart Greif, my good friend and Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer: What if luxury hospitality could harness AI to deepen, rather than diminish, human connections?

Stuart shares his valuable insights on leveraging AI to streamline administrative tasks, allowing staff to focus on cultivating meaningful interactions with guests. Despite technological advancements, he emphasizes that the heart of luxury hospitality remains genuine human connection.

Ever wondered how personal connections can redefine luxury travel? We had a captivating chat with Eli Wagner, the mastermind behind Wagner Bespoke Travel, at the Forbes Travel Guide 'The Summit' in Las Vegas, who took us through her transition from entertainment law to luxury travel. Eli reveals why she believes travel advisors are irreplaceable in curating unforgettable experiences and shares her thoughts on the ever-evolving demographics of luxury travelers. Learn how her agency thrives solely on referrals and word-of-mouth, showcasing the unparalleled power of personal relationships in her line of work.

Curious about where luxury hospitality is headed in 2024? We had a fascinating conversation with Chris Gabaldon, Former SVP of Luxury Brands and Operations at Marriott International, live from the Forbes Travel Guide 'The Summit' in Las Vegas. Chris provides an insider’s perspective on how major trends like sustainability, wealth, and wellness are redefining the luxury travel experience. If you're eager to understand how the industry is shifting towards holistic well-being, including mental health, this episode is not to be missed.

In this episode of our Special Hospitality Series, we had the privilege of sitting down with one of the most esteemed travel journalists in the industry, Peter Greenberg of CBS News. Recorded at Forbes Travel Guide's 'The Summit' in Las Vegas, this episode showcases Peter's remarkable journey and his unique approach to travel journalism.

Key Highlights Include:

• Peter's Journey in Journalism

• The Role of Technology in Travel

• Industry Challenges and Trends

• Refocused Travel Priorities Post-Pandemic

• Financial Insights

Join us from the vibrant Forbes Travel Guide 'Summit' in Las Vegas as Mia Kyricos , the world's first Chief Love Officer, reveals how love and positivity can be game-changers in the corporate world. With a rich background from Starwood Hotels, Spa Finder, and Hyatt Hotels, Mia shares groundbreaking insights on integrating wellness into both personal and professional spheres.

Tune in to this episode to be inspired and ready to embrace wellness and positivity in every facet of your life.

Introducing Our Special Hospitality Series in Partnership with Forbes Travel Guide.

We're thrilled to kick off our new special podcast series in collaboration with Forbes Travel Guides, focusing on the incredible world of luxury hospitality that was showcased at their 'Summit' event in Las Vegas.

Our First Guest Spotlight: Chip Conley

To launch this series, we had the pleasure of sitting down with industry legend Chip Conley. From his illustrious career as a creator of the boutique hotel movement, to taking Airbnb public to founding the revolutionary Modern Elder Academy, Chip brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.

Welcome to the season three finale of Travel Trends! In this special episode, the entire team comes together for a warm and reflective look back at the podcast's journey this season. We share our favorite memories, from insightful discussions on sustainability and the powerful voices of women in travel to format changes that truly connected with our listeners. Zach, Jen, and Katherine each share their personal highlights, celebrating the triumphs and acknowledging the challenges overcome during our most successful season yet.

What's shaping how Americans travel in 2024? Today on the Travel Trends Podcast, we zero in on the key trends impacting US travelers, with a particular focus on the worlds of tour operators, travel insurance, and the influential 50+ demographic. We're joined by three leading voices in the travel industry: Christina Tunnah, GM at nib Travel; Ryan Busse, VP at Grand European Travel; and Matthew Philips from AARP, who offer their expert perspectives on shifting consumer behaviours, summer travel aspirations, and the undercurrents of an election year.

In this episode of the Travel Trends Podcast, we've gathered three all-stars from the Tours and Activities world to share the key trends that are shaping our industry as we prepare for the summer travel season of 2024 and beyond.

Our discussion begins with Stephen Joyce, Vice President of Content at Arival, who deepens our understanding with his extensive knowledge of social media strategies, content creation, and his insightful perspective on the tours sector. Stephen, a true expert in the field, also co-hosts the Arival podcast with Janelle Visser, offering a wealth of beneficial insights and analysis.

In this engaging conversation on the Travel Trends Podcast, we connect with Charles Shima, the inspiring Rwandan-Canadian entrepreneur who founded Tourifique. We trace his incredible journey from enduring the unimaginable during the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda to becoming a force for change in Afro-centric travel.

We explore the deep experiences that not only built Charles' strength but also motivated him to build a platform that truly honors the vibrant cultures of Africa. He's creating ways for travelers to discover real, often unseen, local experiences. Throughout our talk, we discuss how African destinations are often missing from the bigger picture of global tourism and how Tourifique is actively working to bring these stories forward.

Today's episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to drive their brand forward through strategic affiliate marketing. We're joined by Jamie Birch, the founder of JebCommerce and a leading expert in the world of affiliate marketing.

Are you a travel business owner or marketer aiming to increase bookings and revenue? Then get ready, because Jamie's extensive knowledge is about to become your guiding light in the expansive affiliate marketing landscape.

Are you a travel business owner or marketer on a quest to in increase bookings & revenue? Get ready then, as Jamie's deep well of knowledge is about to become your guiding force in the vast affiliate marketing universe.

Join us for this special hospitality edition of the Travel Trends Podcast, broadcasting live from Forbes Travel Guide's 'The Summit' in Las Vegas, for a captivating conversation with the visionary CEO & Founder of Virtuoso, Matthew Upchurch. With a deep-rooted history in travel, Matthew provides a remarkable look into his family's legacy and the collective ingenuity of 1950s boutique travel agencies that played a significant role in shaping the personalized travel advisor experiences we value today.

In this episode of the Travel Trends Podcast, we turn our focus north and explore the diverse wonders of Canadian travel. I'm joined by three remarkable trailblazers in Canadian tourism. First, we welcome Gloria Luree, the CMO of Destination Canada, who expertly guides the national tourism narrative for our cherished country. Next, we have John Gunter, CEO of Frontiers North, who creates unforgettable journeys to Churchill, Manitoba, offering travelers incredible experiences with polar bears and the mesmerizing northern lights. Finally, we're joined by Jason Sarracini, Founder of the travel agency Landsby, which specializes in authentic Canadian and Indigenous travel, and the creator of 'Northern Soul' magazine, dedicated to showcasing these unique stories.

Join us as we discuss, debate, and unfold Canada's travel trends and destinations for 2024. This discussion is much more than a podcast for me—it's about the future of travel to and around this beautiful country that we are all proud to call home.