Journeys Profile Podcast

Journeys Global

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PLACES & TRAVEL

Journeys Profile is a podcast series featuring regular interviews and conversations with leading buyers and suppliers from the luxury travel marketplace. Brought to you by Journeys Global, a London-based company specialising in tailored events, the podcast reflects our commitment to reshaping the future of the B2B luxury travel sector through meaningful engagement and innovation.

FEB 22

Episode 16: Joseph Marinelli, President & CEO of Visit Savannah

Ahead of Journeys North America 2026 to Savannah, Georgia, we sat down with Visit Savannah's President & CEO, Joseph Marinelli. Joseph looks ahead to our visit and shares what makes Savannah so distinctive - from its 23 historic squares and walkable layout to its boutique hotels, culinary evolution and renowned Southern hospitality. We also hear about the city's distinctive approach to Haunted Hotel tourism! As always, we ask Joseph to tell us about his own personal travel favourites, including New York's The Plaza Hotel and the stunning Amalfi Coast. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and guest Joseph Marinelli02:58 - Background: Joseph’s role and Savannah’s anniversary celebration04:25 - What makes Savannah a must-visit destination for travelers06:24 - Savannah’s evolution: from traditional hotels to boutique experiences08:31 - Visitor profiles and marketing strategies targeting women and families10:06 - Savannah’s haunted legends and storytelling traditions12:20 - Engaging international travelers and fostering hospitality14:32 - Insider tips: walkability, weather, and local favorites16:24 - Unique experiences: port ships and city squares18:56 - Memorable activities for visitors and local surprises25:54 - Joseph’s personal undiscovered gem: New York City and local museums29:16 - Favorite hotels and city comparisons: Savannah versus New York32:51 - Heritage, favorite Italian destinations, and personal travel dreams33:32 - Closing thoughts and upcoming journeys to SavannahLinks: Visit SavannahLeopold's Ice CreamBroadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs

30 min
10/23/2025

Episode 15: Bardia Torabi, General Manager of 7Pines Ibiza

In this episode, we meet Bardia Torabi, General Manager of 7Pines Ibiza. Bardia shares his extensive journey in the hospitality industry, detailing his experiences and insights into luxury hotel management. He discusses the unique offerings of 7Pines and, in particular, 7Pines Ibiza - including the diverse customer profile, and the importance of creating memorable experiences for clients. He emphasises the importance of creating inclusive team cultures and we loved his "Hotel Mama" culture-building approach. As always, we finish the episode with Bardia's personal travel insights - including his favourite hotel, favourite city and his perfect vacation. Find out more about 7Pines at www.7pines.com and visit 7Pines Ibiza at 7pines-ibiza.com. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bardia Torabi and 7Pines Ibiza01:42 Bardia's Journey in Hospitality03:00 Overview of 7Pines Ibiza05:19 Customer Profile and Experience07:23 Differentiating Luxury Experiences08:20 Engaging with Travel Buyers10:19 Insider Tips for Guests11:58 Memorable Customer Experiences13:46 Creating a Team Culture15:55 Understanding Customer Needs17:36 Encouraging Employee Initiative20:33 Message to Travel Buyers22:05 Engagement with Travel Agents23:19 Undiscovered Travel Gems24:46 Favorite Hotels and Experiences26:54 Favorite Cities to Visit27:46 Perfect Vacation Plans

26 min
09/18/2025

Episode 14: Marcello Mangia, President & CEO of Mangia's Resorts

In this episode, we're talking with Marcello Mangia, CEO and President of Mangia Resorts. Marcello shares insights into the evolution of his family business, the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, and the changing definition of luxury in travel. He emphasises the importance of authenticity in guest experiences and the company's commitment to training staff to provide exceptional service. Marcello also discusses the unique offerings of Mangia Resorts, including culinary experiences and the company's mission to create memorable vacations for guests. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Marcello Mangia and Mangia Resorts01:32 Marcello's Journey in the Travel Industry04:30 Transformations Post-COVID and Company Growth10:05 Redefining Luxury in Hospitality15:28 Training for Authentic Hospitality Experiences19:57 Showcasing Mangia Resorts' Unique Offerings26:33 Engaging with Travel Buyers and Agents32:06 Demand Trends in the Travel Market34:08 Message to Travel Agents and Buyers36:26 Personal Travel Experiences and InsightsTakeaways Marcello Mangia is the CEO of Mangia Resorts, a family business founded in 1973.The company has transformed from a small travel agency to a major player in the hospitality industry.Post-COVID, the company has grown significantly, becoming five times larger than before.Luxury in hospitality is evolving, focusing more on authentic experiences rather than just hardware.Training staff to provide authentic and memorable experiences is a key focus for Mangia Resorts.The company is investing heavily in upgrading its hotels to five-star standards.Culinary experiences are a significant part of the guest experience at Mangia Resorts.The demand for travel is changing, with a longer season and evolving customer preferences.Marcello emphasizes the importance of creating memories for guests during their vacations.The company's motto is to deliver happiness and great value to customers.

45 min
09/04/2025

Episode 13: Journeys Sustainability Masterclass with Kelly Forbes of A'ARU Collective

In this episode, Kelly Forbes, founder of the A'ARU Collective, shares her extensive background in luxury travel, her transition into hotel sales, and the inspiration behind her company. A'ARU focuses on curating sustainable luxury travel experiences that prioritise meaningful connections and authentic local interactions. Kelly discusses the evolving expectations of luxury travellers, the importance of sustainability in the industry, and how A'ARU aims to bridge the gap between luxury and responsible travel. She emphasises the need for hotels to align their values with those of their customers and the growing demand for experiences that foster connection and well-being. Takeaways Kelly Forbes has 25 years of experience in luxury travel.A'ARU Collective was inspired by the need for sustainable luxury experiences.The importance of building relationships with customers post-booking.Luxury travel is evolving to focus on meaningful experiences.Sustainability in travel is about more than just certifications.Travelers are increasingly seeking authentic local interactions.The demand for multi-generational travel experiences is growing.Customers want to align their values with the hotels they choose.A'ARU aims to provide a concierge experience that enhances travel.Mental health and well-being are becoming key factors in travel choices. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kelly and the A'ARU Collective02:44 Transitioning to Hotel Sales and Representation07:38 Understanding the Concept of Sustainable Luxury13:17 A'ARU Collective's Unique Offerings18:45 Inspiring Stories of Sustainability in Hospitality23:05 The Evolving Landscape of Travel Consumption27:21 Understanding the Educated Indulger30:37 The Rise of Multi-Generational Travel Find out more and connect with Kelly via her LinkedIn profile.

45 min
06/09/2025

Episode 12: Journeys Masterclass with Steve Endacott

In this Journeys Masterclass, Steve Endacott discusses the intersection of disruption, innovation, and luxury travel, emphasising the transformative impact of AI on the industry. He shares his personal journey in travel, the importance of adapting to technological advancements, and practical steps for luxury operators to enhance customer experience. Steve also explores the future expectations of ultra-high net worth clients and the evolving landscape of SEO in the age of AI, concluding with insights on the necessity of building the right teams for success in the travel sector. Links: Neural RiverAI SteveLife's Echo Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Disruption in Luxury Travel00:23 Steve Endacott's Journey in the Travel Industry03:53 The Impact of AI on Luxury Travel10:29 AI as a Co-Pilot in Travel Services16:19 Consultancy Insights for Luxury Operators22:17 The Future of High-End Travel and SEO Challenges28:27 The Role of AI in Personal Legacy31:16 Consultancy and Innovation in Business33:35 Embracing New Technologies36:35 Advice for Entrepreneurs in Luxury Travel39:01 Navigating Disruption and Change Takeaways: AI is set to revolutionise the travel industry, impacting customer service and operational efficiency.Luxury travel operators must evolve with technology or risk becoming obsolete.Consultancy can provide valuable insights for luxury operators looking to integrate AI.The future of customer experience will involve AI as a co-pilot, enhancing service availability and personalisation.SEO is changing, and businesses must adapt to new AI-driven search technologies.Ultra high net worth clients will expect seamless, personalised service powered by AI.Building a strong team is crucial for entrepreneurs in the luxury travel sector.Disruption in the travel industry is both exciting and a potential threat to traditional business models.The balance between human interaction and AI assistance is key in luxury travel.

42 min
05/29/2025

Episode 11: Carmela Piazza of Grand Hotel et Des Palmes

In this episode, we are meeting Carmela Piazza from the Grand Hotel et Des Palmes in Palermo. Carmela shares her career journey from Sicily to the Grand Hotel, detailing her passion for hospitality and the rich history of the hotel. She discusses the unique experiences available to guests, the impact of the pandemic on the travel industry, and the growing demand for authentic local experiences in Palermo. Finally, she offers valuable advice for travel advisors and highlights some undiscovered gems in the city. Connect with Carmela via her LinkedIn profile and find out more about the hotel at despalmes.mangias.com Takeaways The Grand Hotel et Des Palmes has a rich history dating back to the 1870s.Guests can experience the Belle Epoque atmosphere at the hotel.The hotel features a roof garden restaurant and a historic ballroom.Couples and families are the primary clientele at the hotel.Memorable experiences include personalised wedding proposals in the Presidential Suite Wagner.Post-pandemic, the travel industry has seen a shift towards last-minute bookings.Travellers seek genuine local experiences in Palermo, including street food.Sicily is a large island with many attractions, encouraging repeat visits.Travel advisors should seek local insights to create customised itineraries, and the team at the Grand Hotel can help Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Carmela and the Hotel01:21 Carmela's Journey in Hospitality04:06 The Grand Hotel et Des Palmes: A Historical Overview06:55 Unique Guest Experiences at the Hotel09:40 Post-Pandemic Recovery and Demand Trends12:07 Authentic Experiences in Palermo14:35 Carmela's Travel Insights and Recommendations

20 min
05/29/2025

Episode 10: Delia of D-Luxury Hospitality

In this episode, we're meeting Delia Monfrecola, founder of D Luxury Hospitality, a boutique firm that represents some of Italy’s most prestigious hotels. With nearly 20 years in luxury hospitality, Delia shares her philosophy on what true luxury means, why emotions drive sales, and how hoteliers can connect more deeply with high-net-worth travellers. Takeaways: How Delia’s personal signature inspired the name D Luxury Hospitality The evolution from “revenge travel” to emotionally resonant experiences Why luxury sales must go beyond rooms and focus on feelings and trust The importance of not only targeting ultra-high-net-worth individuals Why luxury travel advisors still matter—even in the age of OTAs How social media and influencer marketing should be used in hospitality The sales/marketing disconnect that hotels must urgently fix Delia’s best travel memories, including a hidden island with no roads or internet Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Delia and D Luxury Hospitality01:35 Understanding the Luxury Hospitality Market04:12 Trends in Luxury Travel Post-COVID05:48 Targeting High Net Worth Individuals07:47 The Role of Travel Advisors in Luxury Hospitality09:58 Emotional Selling in Hospitality11:48 The Importance of Social Media and Influencer Marketing14:01 Personal Travel Insights from Delia19:57 Conclusion You can connect with Delia on her LinkedIn Profile and find out more about her company at www.d-luxuryhospitality.com.

20 min
02/03/2025

Episode 9: Stella Photi of Wellbeing Escapes

In this conversation, Stella Photi, founder of Wellbeing Escapes, shares her personal journey of overcoming stress and burnout, leading to the creation of her wellness travel company. She discusses the evolution of the wellness industry, the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, and the importance of tailored experiences for clients. Stella emphasises the need for authenticity in wellness offerings and the challenges of marketing in a digital age. The conversation concludes with insights into the future of wellness travel and the significance of exploring undiscovered travel gems. Takeaways Stella experienced burnout despite founding a wellbeing company.Wellbeing Escapes focuses on holistic wellness experiences.The company tailors packages to meet individual client needs.COVID-19 significantly impacted mental health and travel behavior.Digital marketing strategies have evolved due to changing consumer attention spans.Authenticity is crucial for suppliers in the wellness industry.The market for wellness travel has grown post-COVID.Clients seek both physical and emotional wellness solutions.Stella emphasizes the importance of healthy food options in wellness travel.Exploring undiscovered destinations can enhance travel experiences. Links: Some of the destinations that Stella mentioned: SHA wellness clinic, SpainAnanda in the Himalyas Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview03:04 Starting a Wellness Travel Company07:08 Catering to the Growing Market of Wellness Travel11:47 Authenticity and Quality in Wellness Offerings18:33 Digital Marketing Strategies for Wellness Travel21:34 Exploring Undiscovered Gems in Travel34:59 Favorite Hotels in the Wellness Travel Industry42:39 Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary: A Personal Favorite for Wellness44:58 Athens: A Vibrant City of Culture and History46:22 The Perfect Vacation: Beaches, Nature, and Ancient Cultures48:33 Contacting Stella and Wellbeing Escapes for More Information You can connect with Stella on ⁠her LinkedIn Profile⁠ and find her company online at ⁠www.wellbeingescapes.com⁠.

33 min

Journeys Profile is a podcast series featuring regular interviews and conversations with leading buyers and suppliers from the luxury travel marketplace. Brought to you by Journeys Global, a London-based company specialising in tailored events, the podcast reflects our commitment to reshaping the future of the B2B luxury travel sector through meaningful engagement and innovation.

Creator

Journeys Global
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

16
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Journeys Global
Show Website

Journeys Profile Podcast