Podcast
Podcast
Episode 22: Best of Season One
From launching the podcast’s first episode with a trip to National Geographic’s headquarters to the inspiring moments of connection we fostered through each conversation, Season One of Luxury Travel Innovators was nothing short of extraordinary.
To celebrate the inaugural season of the Luxury Travel Innovators podcast, we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite moments and most-listened-to segments from the year—highlights that captured bold ideas, meaningful industry shifts and the people shaping the future of luxury travel and hospitality. Each guest brought a unique perspective to the table, and reflecting on these standout moments only fuels our excitement for what’s ahead as we dive into Season Two, already in production.
When Nina Ruggiero, Senior Editorial Director of Travel + Leisure, discussed how the rise of AI has influenced behavioral changes in travelers in Episode 7, listeners leaned in. The conversation struck a chord for her candid perspective on why humans are seeking out travel experts for deeper moments of connection (versus solely relying on AI).
James Henderson, CEO of Exclusive Resorts, shared in Episode 3 about the trend of experience-based travel, which is then something we heard about in nearly all subsequent conversations. Rather than planning a “fly and flop”, travelers are consistently seeking out authentic, local experiences that are unique to the destination.
Sustainability was another huge trend, and in Episode 14, the CEO and Co-Founder of Nayara Resorts, Leo Ghitis, talked about his experience buying a decimated mountain in Costa Rica and bringing it back to life over the course of 10 years through environmental regeneration. Nearly all Nayara properties are carbon-neutral, and sustainability continues to be a focus as they expand.
At the end of each episode, I posed a set of three signature rapid fire questions to guests. Jan Arnold, Vice President of Sales for Rocco Forte, gave the most memorable answer for future innovation in the travel industry in Episode 9. Put simply, he makes the case for larger luggage racks to accommodate modern luggage.
In Episode 13 with Barbara Muckermann, CEO of Kempinski Hotels, she shed new light onto what it means to surprise and delight luxury travelers. One of the properties in the Kempinski portfolio features a chandelier made entirely of pink ostrich feathers that require nightly changing and cleaning.
Chris Hamaway, Chief of Sales and Marketing at Montage International, shared a personal story about fly fishing in Alaska and Scotland in Episode 5, and how impactful it was to his family, an insight that continues to support the popularity of the experiential travel trend.
Being a part of the travel industry means that any pop culture moments involving travel and hospitality really resonate. Such was the case with the latest season of HBO’s The White Lotus, which we got to discuss in Episode 17 with Ian Di Tullio, Global Chief Commercial Officer at Minor Hotels.
Cruising has had a massive rise in popularity over the last year, and in Episode 18 featuring Aqua Expeditions, owner Francesco Galli Zugaro discussed the typical clientele they have aboard. Overwhelmingly, small ship luxury cruisers are seeking authentic adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Sam Chamberlain, CEO Americas for Ponant Expedition Group, offered a story about another remarkable experience aboard Le Commandant Charcot in Episode 2. The first of its kind, Le Charcot, affectionately named “The Icebreaker”, navigates through the icy waters of the Arctic for an extreme-style trip.
Shifting from ice to sand, Shrikant Shenoy, Chief Information & Strategy Officer for Adeera Hospitality, talked about the discoveries of the nomadic roots of Saudi society in Episode 10. The welcoming nature of ancient desert dwellers directly correlates to the modern-day hospitality found in Saudi culture.
Ultimately, the desire to help others must be innate in order to be successful in this industry, as Gregory Day, President of Hospitality at Mani Brothers and Managing Director of Malibu Beach Inn, reflected in Episode 21. One of his favorite pieces of advice to give aspiring hoteliers is to lead with the utmost care towards others.
Episode 1 with Nathan Lump, Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic Magazine, rounds out our ‘Best Of’ episode with a reflection on what it means to explore the world, reminding listeners that there is still so much more out there worth discovering.
Thank you to our listeners for making season one such a success. All episodes are available to listen to and watch on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Youtube.
