SELECT Insights

Checking in from New York, Mike and Karen reflect on past discussions with Dorchester and AMA Waterways and the amazing influence culture is having in the development of industry-leading organizations. Plus, they weigh in on the recent Coronavirus situation*, offering tips for how advisors can manage customer risk profiles and introduce different options for all travelers. *Coronavirus discussion begins 5:30 into the podcast.

Since it's launch, AMA Waterways has been setting the industry's standard for luxury river boating. Its focus on quality, culture, employee happiness and passion has helped grow the company from 1 small river boat in Europe to a successful company with over 20 vessels sailing rivers through Europe, Vietnam, Cambodia and Africa. Tune-in for the inside scoop from co-founders Kristin Karst and Rudi Schreiner to learn the story behind AMA, its success and how the company was built on love.

Mike and Karen take a break from their travels to catch up on recent news, travel and trends.

Finally back in New York headquarters, Mike and Karen sit down with The Dorchester Collection team for a stimulating conversation on how the iconic brand has built its culture of trust, creativity and individuality and its incredible service standards.

This week, we pull out one of the all-time fan favorite episodes from the season one archives. Listen to the rebroadcast of Mike and Karen's conversation with Nicolas Graf, Associate Dean of the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality at NYU, for a great discussion on changing consumer demands and valuable career paths and skill sets for today's world.

In the last episode of the ILTM Cannes series, Mike and Karen spend some time with Andrea Filippi, Vice President of Global Sales for Belmond, who gives us the inside scoop on the brand's acquisition by the luxury retail conglomerate, LVMH. Experience goes a long way in the luxury hospitality travel, and Andrea's extensive background and understanding of the industry gives us incredible insights on changing trends and shifting client expectations.

Jennifer Virgilio from Queen of Clubs joins Mike and Karen for the third episode in the ILTM Cannes series to discuss how the experience industry has evolved and how the ability to have clients prioritized and VIP in more ways than one is the key differentiator when using a travel advisor. For all things hard to access in the United Kingdom - Queen of Clubs is your go-to partner!

The second installment in the ILTM Cannes series, Mike and Karen find time with Siobhan Butler of Adams & Butler to talk about the company's growth in Ireland, the ever-changing destination. Hear how Adams & Butler started by renting private properties, or "hidden gems" to working with travel advisors to customize itineraries and accommodations for clients.

While attending the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) event in Cannes, Mike and Karen sit down with Andy Swann, founder of Andy Swann Voyage and a founding partner of the SELECT In-Country Partners program. Specializing in arranging France itineraries that go above and beyond the regular experience, Andy gives us the insider's scoop on how his company has been successful in the region and how Swann Voyages is capitalizing on niche markets. From working with wedding planners to collaborating with museum tour guides, Andy pushes his team to go beyond the cookie cutter tours and constantly create fresh, unique itineraries for each customer.

Being a travel advisor is more than just booking hotels, flights and cruises - an advisor is also tasked with creating significant relationships between clients and the destinations they visit. Gregg Kaminsky, a Tzell Travel Group advisor and founder of R Family Vacations, shares how he helps create meaningful connections in the LGBT community through travel by hosting LGBT Group cruises and using his expertise in all things inclusive travel.

AccorHotels is the well-known name behind 39 different hotel brands across 110 countries. Listen in to hear Meenaz Diamond, SVP of Global Sales, walk us through her background as a daughter of a hotelier, discuss the memorable 21C brand and it's unique art spaces, and explain how AccorHotels is constantly innovating to create new experiences for its customers. From Sofitel to Fairmont, there's no doubt that this European brand has made its mark on travel!

Recording in the New York studio for the first time in Season Two, Mike and Karen take time to reflect back on some of their favorite episodes they're recorded, places they've traveled to so far this year and recent happenings in the industry based on feedback from listeners.

Tune-in to this special episode with Geoffrey Kent, co-chairman and founder of the luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent, for a walk down memory lane. In this live interview for advisors and clients, Geoffrey speaks with Travel Leaders Group CEO, Ninan Chacko and shares his favorite destinations, his wildest travel experiences, and a look into what's next for Abercrombie & Kent. When it comes to creating travel experiences that leave an impression, Abercrombie & Kent is sure to deliver.

Marketing a high-quality product to your consumer is no easy feat, but when your "product" is delivering outstanding travel experiences, the challenge is heightened. Jeremy Clement and Rob Keen, cofounders of Project Expedition, discuss how they've learned to tap into customer feedback and build relationships with the advisor community to grow their business and deliver unique travel experiences that go above and beyond.

You may not think of Tzell Travel Group and its sister businesses across Travel Leaders Group as your typical "incubator," but as we've discovered throughout our advisor series, an incredible collection of enterprenuers call these businesses home. These entrepreneurs have built exceptional businesses through a combination of their own expertise, passion and the unrivaled reach and resources of the agencies they call home. Eric Hrubant, leader of CIRE Travel, a Tzell Travel Group business, is one of these exceptional stories. You want audacious goals and unrelenting commitment to excellence? Then Eric is the guy for you.

To say there's a lot of ways to book a hotel would be a massive understatement. To say there's a lot of ways to book a hotel that actually help add value to the process would be a massive overstatement. This week on SELECT Insights we sit down with Ryan Plemmons, Head of Transient Sales at IHG, to talk about the complexities of distribution and the value of real partnerships in positively impacting the travel experience. After listening to Ryan I think you'll agree that IHG is leaning hard into the #HappyTravels movement!

On this episode of SELECT Insights, we spend time with Frank DiBartolo, one of Tzell UK's longest tenured advisors and a truly unique character who embodies the diversity of talent that has come to redefine the travel industry. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York but now calling London home, he's built a powerhouse corporate travel business and evolved alongside an ever changing marketplace to ensure there's no customer demand he can't meet. His unique background is a perfect illustration of what makes travel such a special place!

What TLUK has become is a reflection of the incredible talent that calls London home. On this episode of SELECT Insights, we're exploring what it takes to become one of the most recognized and respected names in the business of entertainment travel. Quick answers?  It takes incredible passion, an intimate attention to detail, and above all else, great people. It also takes a vision - and vision is what "happy travels" are all about.

As the U.K. continues to fight to define their economic future, Jason Oshiokpekhai, Managing Director of TLUK and one of TLG's most impassioned and dedicated leaders, is illustrating the power of unification. Jason's small task? Bring the best of the best together under one roof while revolutionizing the way he empowers his IC's to take their business to the next level. Join Karen, Mike and Jason for the first installment in a three-part series highlighting the key players making TLUK what it is today and what it will be tomorrow!

Adam Olalde, CEO of Xtreme Xperience, has lived at the center of the experience economy. Building the world's leading supercar experience doesn't come easy, and it doesn't come without great people, great foresight, and great fortune. Tune-in and buckle up as Karen, Mike and Adam explore the process of delivering life-changing experiences one drive at a time.

SELECT Insights is back - and we're taking the show on the road. Join Karen and Mike for a peek into the future of SELECT Insights as they reflect on summer travels and opine on what to expect from Season 2. Hint: the world is now our oyster, and we plan to bring as much of it to you as possible!

Listen in for a special episode dedicated to exploring sustainability goals in the travel industry to help cut waste and impact change. Claire Cutting, Director of Sustainability at Marriott International, discusses ways that key players in the industry can positively affect sustainability efforts, including global waste reduction initiatives and improved food sourcing techniques within local communities.

Jackie Roby and Sallie Fraenkel, curators of the SELECT Wellness hotel program and training, join Karen and Mike on this episode to talk over all things wellness. the health and wellness industry has exploded in the past decade, and in response travel brands are adapting to consumers who are looking to stay balanced on the road. These wellness gurus discuss trending wellness experiences and why advisors need to be able to diagnose exactly what their clients truly need and match them with the best-fitting wellness experience.

Listen in to this week's extra-special episode for a sneak peak on a project extremely near and dear to Travel Leaders Group's heart. Partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Travel Leaders Group has helped fulfill travel wishes for three of their recipients to Iceland, Italy and Africa. Hear about the journey to plan these trips and the joy and enrichment that travel brings our clients from Elise Cohen, long-time volunteer for Make-A-Wish and also TLG's own Product Marketing guru.

Tune-in to catch up with Mike and Karen as they recap their most recent travels to London and Italy and reflect on past episodes of SELECT Insights.

On this special ladies episode, Karen is joined by three of her role models in travel: Stephanie Novatto of Grace Bay Resorts, Katie Wibling of Montage Hotels & Resorts and Jennifer Friere of Mandarin Oriental Hotels & Resorts. Tune-in to learn some tips on how they balance their hectic work schedules with their personal lives - and how to stay healthy on top of it all!

Peter Vlitas, Senior Vice President of Airlines Relations for Travel Leaders Group, rejoins Mike and Karen along with one of his air experts, Paul Grazide, to continue conversations around all things air and to discuss the recent tragedies affecting airlines and their travelers. The group examines the impact of ground stoppages and how TLG has helped its clients navigate as well as how new product features and personalization are changing the airline world.

Cindy Schlansky, Co-President of Tzell Travel, is Karen and Mike's special guest on this week's episode. Having been with Tzell Travel for twenty years and recently promoted to Co-President last year, Cindy share a few words of wisdom on the unique challenges that face travel advisors and why she's excited for the future of the business.

Join Karen, Mike and guest Peter Vlitas, Senior Vice President of Airline Relations for Travel Leaders Group, for an in-depth conversation about the airline industry. Peter covers everything from how he got into the industry, Brexit's impact on travelers and airline partners, how weather affects travel operations and what NDC means for advisors and consumers overall. Get ready for takeoff!

This week, Karen is joined by special guest Marni Becker, the resident cruise guru at Tzell Travel and Protravel International. Having been on over 100 cruises with over 30 years of knowledge about the industry, Marni gives her insight on new types of cruises coming to the market, how to know what kind of ship or cruise experience fits you and the benefits of using a travel advisor to get the most out of your cruise vacation.

Calling all hoteliers - this episode is especially for you! Ashish Verma, SVP of the Luxury Division of Dream Hotel Group and arguably one of the travel industry's most renowned hotelier, shares with Mike and Karen his experiences as a leader and expert in the execution of true luxury. Currently overseeing the Chatwal Hotel and growth of the Chatwal brand, Ashish gives insight on how to lead a team, build a luxury hotel and survive as a GM during natural disaster.

On this episode, Mike and Karen tackle some of the great questions listeners have submitted to the SELECT Insights inbox: selectinsights@travelleaders.com. Listen-in for answers on topics like how artificial intelligence and VR could change the travel buying experience, the difference between an online travel agency and retail travel agency, the benefits of hotel consolidation and tips and tricks for navigating a career in the travel industry.

This week, Michael and Karen are joined by special guest Nicolas Graf, Associate Dean at NYU's Tisch Center of Hospitality, for a different perspective on hospitality and travel trends in the "Business of Travel" series. Listen in for an outside view of the travel agency world as Nicolas discusses his thoughts on how the industry has evolved, what drives consumer behaviors and what's shaping the next trends in travel.     

Listen in as Rebecca Gruyer from the Burgenstock Selection joins Michael and Karen for a "Destination Immersion" about Switzerland, a discussion inspired by Karen and Michael's own personal experiences visiting the country for the first time earlier this year. As a resident New Yorker raised in Switzerland, Rebecca gives an insider's perspective about this beautiful destination that isn't always front of mind for Europe-bound tourists.

Tune-in for the first installment in the new series "The Business of Travel" with the world-renowned Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. Michael and Karen host Tristan Dowell, Vice President of Global Sales, and Christina Gambini, Vice President of Luxury Sales, to discuss Hyatt's continued growth as a brand, a corporate culture deeply rooted in well-being, their wonderful relationship with the travel agency community and more.

Listen in as Martin Rapp from ALTOUR joins Mike and Karen for the 3rd installment of the SELECT Insights "What Travel Means to Me" series. Dubbed "The Professor" for his legendary travel industry experiences, Martin covers everything from his trip to Iceland, his ever-growing bucket list, tips for newcomer travel advisors and how he's created lasting memories for his clients.

Join Michael, Karen and special guest Becky Powell, President of Protravel International, as she divulges her favorite undiscovered spots on the West Coast. Listen in as Becky describes the hidden appeals that make taking a break from urban cities and finding adventure in the outdoors a growing trend among travelers.

Tune-in for an insider’s perspective on international travel as Michael and Karen detail their recent travels around the world. From London to Paris to Tennessee, hear about 5-star properties Le Bristol and The Lanesborough and how staying at the right property ensures the ultimate luxury travel experience.

Join Michael and Karen as they interview Ninan Chacko, CEO of Travel Leaders Group, for the first episode in the “What Travel Means to Me" series. From attending pilot school to his time in North Africa, listen in as Ninan shares how travel shaped his personal development and career.

Join Michael Heflin, Senior Vice President of Industry Relations for Travel Leaders Group and Karen Magee, Vice President of Leisure Operations for Tzell Travel Group as they discuss what inspired them to build a career in travel and what they love most about being part of this ever-changing industry.