Journeys Profile

About Journeys Profile

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.

Publisher

Journeys Global

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Apr 2024

Latest episode

2 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Sept 2026

   Episode 18: Barbara Khan of Journeys by the Book & Global Travel Collection

   In this episode we speak with Barbara Khan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarakhan/) of Journeys by the Book (https://www.journeysbythebook.com/), a Global Travel Collection affiliate (https://www.globaltravelcollection.com/travel-agent/195416/barbara-khan), about her journey from retail and hospitality into travel advising, why Europe became her specialty, and how she designs deeply personal trips for clients who want more than just a standard itinerary. Barbara shares how the pandemic prompted her move to a larger host agency with more support, training, and supplier access - a change that reignited her passion for the work. She also explains the kinds of travelers she serves best: experienced clients who value quality, time, culture, and memorable experiences. Chapters: 0:00 — Intro and guest welcome 2:53 — Barbara’s background in travel and move into Europe-focused leisure planning 10:31 — Who Barbara’s clients are 13:23 — A memorable Scandinavian foodie itinerary 19:32 — A Central Europe trip through Budapest, Vienna, Czechia, and Prague 22:48 — How traveler demand has changed 26:19 — How suppliers can get Barbara’s attention 29:10 — Italy, Florence, and her favorite hotel, La Gemma 31:28 — Portugal’s thermal wellness destinations 33:22 — Book-inspired and historical-fiction travel ideas 36:44 — Favorite cruise lines and smaller-ship cruising 38:36 — Favorite city: Rome 40:19 — Barbara’s perfect vacation 42:02 — How to connect with Barbara 43:11 — Closing remarks

2. 

   30 Aug 2026

   Episode 17: Katya Bauval of Vila Vita Parc, Portugal

   In this episode, Katya Bauval (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katya-bauval-748a131b/), the Corporate Commercial Executive Director of Vila Vita Parc (https://vilavitaparc.com/en) in Portugal, shares the story behind one of Europe’s most distinctive resort destinations. Katya explains how the property has grown from a 60-room hotel into a wider collection of luxury villas, vineyards, and estates. She also discusses shifting travel demand, the rise of the U.S. market, and why authenticity, provenance, and private-use experiences matter more than ever. Key Topics: Katya Bauval’s background across the UK, US, France, Portugal, and luxury hospitality brands including Starwood and Belmond How Villa Vita Parc began in 1992 as a clifftop resort in Porches, Algarve, and expanded over three decades Why the property describes itself as more of a “resort village” than a hotel The role of food, wine, and provenance in shaping the guest experience How Villa Vita Parc serves families, couples, golfers, foodies, weddings, and multi-generational groups Why guests increasingly want depth, personalization, and a true sense of place How travel advisors and buyers remain central to the business through fam trips, trade events, and direct relationship-building The hidden strength of the resort’s culinary program and the importance of its own estates in the Alentejo and Douro A standout private villa experience that surprises high-profile guests How American travelers differ from UK and German visitors in length of stay and style of travel What’s next: Lobby and wine cellar renovations, plus a new nine-bedroom vineyard estate joining the Villa Vita Collection Chapters: 00:00 - Katya Bauval introduces her role and international hospitality background 00:46 - How a love of tourism led her into hotel business 02:16 - Villa Vita Parc’s origin story and growth since 1992 03:39 - A “resort village” built around gardens, beach access, restaurants, and wine 05:20 - Why guests now want place, wellness, and personalization over generic luxury 06:27 - How Villa Vita Parc works with travel advisors and buyers 07:30 - The insider story: food, wine, and produce from the brand’s own land 08:41 - A secret private villa and the power of word-of-mouth 10:05 - Multi-generational travel, kids clubs, and the rise of experiential demand 11:12 - How the American market went from negligible to number one 12:24 - Core source markets across Europe and the US 13:04 - Why U.S. guests stay longer once they realize how much there is to do 14:25 - Journeys events, fam meets, and building stronger trade relationships 15:43 - The best way for buyers to connect with Villa Vita Parc 17:08 - Katya’s undiscovered gem: the Azores 17:59 - Favorite hotel: La Mamounia (https://mamounia.com/en/) in Marrakesh 18:50 - Favorite city: Istanbul 19:33 - Perfect vacation: time with the right people, plus Tarifa’s (https://www.spain.info/en/destination/tarifa/) relaxed coastal vibe 22:20 - What’s next: renovations and a new vineyard estate joining the Villa Vita Collection 23:19 - Launch timing and how the new estate will be brought to market

3. 

   22 Feb 2026

   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 (http://visitsavannah.com/) President & CEO, Joseph Marinelli (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-marinelli-1a502b28/). Joseph looks ahead to our visit and shares what makes Savannah (chatgpt://generic-entity?number=1) 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 (https://visitsavannah.com/haunted-hotels) tourism! As always, we ask Joseph to tell us about his own personal travel favourites, including New York's The Plaza Hotel (https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/new-york-city/the-plaza.html) and the stunning Amalfi Coast (https://www.italia.it/en/campania/things-to-do/the-amalfi-coast). Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and guest Joseph Marinelli 02:58 - Background: Joseph’s role and Savannah’s anniversary celebration 04:25 - What makes Savannah a must-visit destination for travelers 06:24 - Savannah’s evolution: from traditional hotels to boutique experiences 08:31 - Visitor profiles and marketing strategies targeting women and families 10:06 - Savannah’s haunted legends and storytelling traditions 12:20 - Engaging international travelers and fostering hospitality 14:32 - Insider tips: walkability, weather, and local favorites 16:24 - Unique experiences: port ships and city squares 18:56 - Memorable activities for visitors and local surprises 25:54 - Joseph’s personal undiscovered gem: New York City and local museums 29:16 - Favorite hotels and city comparisons: Savannah versus New York 32:51 - Heritage, favorite Italian destinations, and personal travel dreams 33:32 - Closing thoughts and upcoming journeys to Savannah Links: Visit Savannah (https://www.visitsavannah.com/) Leopold's Ice Cream (https://www.leopoldsicecream.com/) Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs (https://www.broadmoor.com/)

4. 

   23 Oct 2025

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

   In this episode, we meet Bardia Torabi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bardia-torabi-63157a3b/), General Manager of 7Pines Ibiza (https://7pines-ibiza.com/en/home). 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 (https://7pines.com/) and visit 7Pines Ibiza at 7pines-ibiza.com (https://7pines-ibiza.com/). Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bardia Torabi and 7Pines Ibiza 01:42 Bardia's Journey in Hospitality 03:00 Overview of 7Pines Ibiza 05:19 Customer Profile and Experience 07:23 Differentiating Luxury Experiences 08:20 Engaging with Travel Buyers 10:19 Insider Tips for Guests 11:58 Memorable Customer Experiences 13:46 Creating a Team Culture 15:55 Understanding Customer Needs 17:36 Encouraging Employee Initiative 20:33 Message to Travel Buyers 22:05 Engagement with Travel Agents 23:19 Undiscovered Travel Gems 24:46 Favorite Hotels and Experiences 26:54 Favorite Cities to Visit 27:46 Perfect Vacation Plans

5. 

   18 Sept 2025

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

   In this episode, we're talking with Marcello Mangia (https://it.linkedin.com/in/marcello-mangia), CEO and President of Mangia Resorts (https://www.mangias.com/). 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 Resorts 01:32 Marcello's Journey in the Travel Industry 04:30 Transformations Post-COVID and Company Growth 10:05 Redefining Luxury in Hospitality 15:28 Training for Authentic Hospitality Experiences 19:57 Showcasing Mangia Resorts' Unique Offerings 26:33 Engaging with Travel Buyers and Agents 32:06 Demand Trends in the Travel Market 34:08 Message to Travel Agents and Buyers 36:26 Personal Travel Experiences and Insights Takeaways 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.

6. 

   9 Jun 2025

   Episode 12: Journeys Masterclass with Steve Endacott

   Travel expert Steve Endacott explores the transformative impact of AI on luxury travel, discussing adapting to technological advancements and enhancing customer experience for high-net-worth clients in this interview.

7. 

   2 Apr 2025

   Episode 12: Carmela Piazza of Grand Hotel et Des Palmes

   In this episode, we are meeting Carmela Piazza (https://it.linkedin.com/in/carmelapiazza) from the Grand Hotel et Des Palmes (https://despalmes.mangias.com/) in Palermo (https://www.visitsicily.info/en/localita/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 (https://www.visitsicily.info/en/localita/palermo/). Finally, she offers valuable advice for travel advisors and highlights some undiscovered gems in the city. Connect with Carmela via her LinkedIn profile (https://it.linkedin.com/in/carmelapiazza) and find out more about the hotel at despalmes.mangias.com (https://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 (https://despalmes.mangias.com/en/rooms-and-suites). 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 Hotel 01:21 Carmela's Journey in Hospitality 04:06 The Grand Hotel et Des Palmes: A Historical Overview 06:55 Unique Guest Experiences at the Hotel 09:40 Post-Pandemic Recovery and Demand Trends 12:07 Authentic Experiences in Palermo 14:35 Carmela's Travel Insights and Recommendations

8. 

   17 Mar 2025

   Episode 11: Delia of D-Luxury Hospitality

   In this episode, we're meeting Delia Monfrecola (https://www.linkedin.com/in/delia-monfrecola-4841386/), founder of D Luxury Hospitality (https://www.d-luxuryhospitality.com/), 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 Hospitality 01:35 Understanding the Luxury Hospitality Market 04:12 Trends in Luxury Travel Post-COVID 05:48 Targeting High Net Worth Individuals 07:47 The Role of Travel Advisors in Luxury Hospitality 09:58 Emotional Selling in Hospitality 11:48 The Importance of Social Media and Influencer Marketing 14:01 Personal Travel Insights from Delia 19:57 Conclusion You can connect with Delia on her LinkedIn Profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/delia-monfrecola-4841386/) and find out more about her company at www.d-luxuryhospitality.com. (https://www.d-luxuryhospitality.com/)

9. 

   3 Mar 2025

   Episode 10: Kelly Forbes of A'ARU Collective

   In this episode, Kelly Forbes (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/travel-kelly-forbes), founder of the A'ARU Collective (https://www.aarucollective.com/), 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 Collective 02:44 Transitioning to Hotel Sales and Representation 07:38 Understanding the Concept of Sustainable Luxury 13:17 A'ARU Collective's Unique Offerings 18:45 Inspiring Stories of Sustainability in Hospitality 23:05 The Evolving Landscape of Travel Consumption 27:21 Understanding the Educated Indulger 30:37 The Rise of Multi-Generational Travel Find out more and connect with Kelly via her LinkedIn profile (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/travel-kelly-forbes).

10. 

    3 Feb 2025

    Episode 9: Stella Photo of Wellbeing Escapes

    In this conversation, Stella Photi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stella-photi-a8b54a3/), founder of Wellbeing Escapes (https://www.wellbeingescapes.com/), 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, Spain (https://shawellness.com/en/) Ananda in the Himalyas (https://www.anandaspa.com) Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 03:04 Starting a Wellness Travel Company 07:08 Catering to the Growing Market of Wellness Travel 11:47 Authenticity and Quality in Wellness Offerings 18:33 Digital Marketing Strategies for Wellness Travel 21:34 Exploring Undiscovered Gems in Travel 34:59 Favorite Hotels in the Wellness Travel Industry 42:39 Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary: A Personal Favorite for Wellness 44:58 Athens: A Vibrant City of Culture and History 46:22 The Perfect Vacation: Beaches, Nature, and Ancient Cultures 48:33 Contacting Stella and Wellbeing Escapes for More Information You can connect with Stella on ⁠her LinkedIn Profile⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stella-photi-a8b54a3/) and find her company online at ⁠www.wellbeingescapes.com⁠ (https://www.wellbeingescapes.com/).

11. 

    11 Nov 2024

    Episode 8: Andrea Filippi of Egnazia

    Andrea Filippi, Chief Commercial Officer of Egnazia, shares insights on evolving hospitality trends, the importance of personal wellbeing, and immersive experiences that enhance local culture and promote deeper connections with destinations.

12. 

    8 Oct 2024

    Episode 7: Flavio Bucciarelli⁠ of Erqole

    In this episode, we meet Flavio Bucciarelli (https://www.linkedin.com/in/flaviobucciarelli) from Erqole (https://www.erqole.it/), discussing his background in hospitality, the unique offerings of the Erqole Group, and the company's philosophy of personalised service through storytelling. Flavio shares insights into the target audience for their luxury properties in Porto Ercole, the importance of local employment, and the authentic, exciting and relaxing activities available for guests. Finally, we discover how Flavio has hospitality in his blood and we also hear about his own travel preferences with his family. Flavio mentioned a recent article by Conde Naste about Porto Ercole. Here it is (https://www.cntraveler.com/story/a-guide-to-porto-ercole-tuscanys-dreamiest-coastal-spot). Chapters 00:00 Flavio Bucciarelli's Background in Hospitality 03:14 Overview of Erqole Group and Its Vision 06:55 Target Audience and Unique Selling Points 12:44 The Philosophy of Storytelling in Service 17:04 Activities and Experiences Offered 20:20 Flavio's message to Travel Buyers and Planners 26:29 Flavio's Personal Travel Insights Keywords hospitality, Erqole Group, travel, luxury, Porto Ercole, Italy, storytelling, customer experience, travel planning, agritourism

13. 

    23 Sept 2024

    Episode 6: Keith Waldon of Departure Lounge

    In this episode, we meet Keith Waldon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-waldon-9985894), Founder & Director of Luxury Travel Advisors, Departure Lounge (https://departurelounge.com/). Keith shares his journey in the luxury travel industry, discussing the founding of his company, the importance of kindness and professionalism in business, and the role of technology in enhancing customer experiences. He reflects on post-COVID travel trends, the evolution of customer discovery through social media, and the significance of strong supplier relationships. Keith also shares personal insights about his favourite travel destinations and his vision for the future of travel. Mentioned in this episode: Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, Taormina (https://www.fourseasons.com/taormina/) Palazzo Portinari Salviati, Florence (https://www.ldchotelsitaly.com/en/palazzoportinarisalviati-florence/) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Keith Walden and Departure Lounge 02:52 The Birth of Departure Lounge 06:08 Culture of Kindness and Professionalism 09:02 Technology and Innovation in Travel 12:00 Post-COVID Travel Trends 14:50 Customer Discovery in the Digital Age 18:05 Supplier Relationships and Partnerships 21:03 Personal Insights and Travel Preferences

14. 

    25 Jul 2024

    Episode 5: Tristan Dowell of Hyatt Hotels Corporation

    In this episode, we meet Tristan Dowell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristandowell/), Global Vice President of Luxury, Lifestyle & Leisure for Hyatt Hotels Corporation (https://www.hyatt.com/). Tristan highlights the company's expansion through acquisitions and the development of new brands and properties. Dowell also introduces Hyatt Privé (https://www.hyatt.com/info/hyatt-prive), an invitation-only program for luxury travel advisors, and discusses the company's commitment to sustainability through its World of Care initiative (https://www.hyatt.com/world-of-care/en-US/caring-for-the-planet). During the conversation, Tristan discusses the resilience of the travel industry and the creativity that emerged during the pandemic. He emphasizes the importance of keeping the conversation and engagement with the industry alive, sharing ideas and experiences. He also highlights trends he's seeing across the industry, including the focus on well-being, the demand for villas and suites, the connection to nature and communities, and the importance of culinary experiences. He mentions the Miraval (https://www.hyatt.com/brands/miraval) brand and its transformational well-being experiences. Dowell concludes by sharing his favourite travel experiences and destinations. Useful Links: Tristan's favourite Hyatt hotels are Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Buenos Aires (https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/argentina/palacio-duhau-park-hyatt-buenos-aires/bueph) and Park Hyatt Tokyo (https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/japan/park-hyatt-tokyo/tyoph). His favourite non-Hyatt hotel is The Datai in Langkawi (https://www.thedatai.com/) Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:03 The Growth of Hyatt 08:56 Tristan's Passion for Travel 12:38 Hyatt's Expansion and New Openings 26:26 Sustainability and the World of Care Initiative 33:52 The Post-COVID Bounce Back in the Travel Industry 40:18 Trends in the Travel Industry: Well-being, Villas, and Culinary Experiences 43:08 The Miraval Brand and Transformational Well-being 50:23 Tristan's favourite Travel Experiences and Destinations including Buenos Aires, Rome, Chicago, and Manchester Keywords Tristan Dowell, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, luxury travel, acquisitions, brands, properties, Hyatt Privé, sustainability, World of Care, post-COVID, bounce back, resilience, creativity, engagement, trends, well-being, villas, suites, nature, communities, culinary experiences, Miraval brand, travel experiences, destinations

15. 

    8 Jul 2024

    Episode 4: Patrick Monney of Travelquest

    In this episode, we meet Patrick Monney (https://mx.linkedin.com/in/patrick-monney-7b05241a9) of Travelquest (https://travelquest.com.mx/). Patrick and his business partner Hector (https://www.linkedin.com/in/h%C3%A9ctor-fuentes-magallanes-84929b41/) focus on designing trips to unique and lesser-known destinations, such as Morocco, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Algeria. They explore these places themselves to add a personal touch to their recommendations. Patrick's background as a journalist and dentist gives him a unique perspective on travel. Post-COVID, Patrick explains that people are eager to travel but often prefer familiar destinations. He encourages clients to explore off-the-beaten-path locations and offers personalized trip designs to help. You can find Patrick on LinkedIn (https://mx.linkedin.com/in/patrick-monney-7b05241a9) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/patrickmonney/) and visit his company website at https://travelquest.com.mx/ (https://travelquest.com.mx/). Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of TravelQuest 01:10 Focus on Unique and Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations 03:20 Differentiating TravelQuest's Offerings 06:33 Working with Travel Agents and Designing Customized Trips 09:11 Post-COVID Travel Demand and Popular Destinations 11:26 Memorable Trips and Undiscovered Gems 13:31 Market Recovery and Travel Trends 20:28 Attracting Attention from Hotels and Suppliers 24:38 Patrick's Perfect Vacation and Relaxation 27:34 Contacting Patrick and TravelQuest

16. 

    4 Jul 2024

    Episode 3: Jorge Franz, Houston First

    In this episode, we meet Jorge Franz (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorge-franz-3b8b2b70/), SVP of Tourism and Industry Relations at Houston First (https://www.houstonfirst.com/). Jorge gives us an overview of Houston First and its role as the destination marketing organization for Houston. He also shares his own background and how he got into the tourism industry. We then asked Jorge to highlight the diverse offerings of Houston, including Space Center Houston, the Museum District, and the culinary scene. He emphasizes Houston's commitment to providing unique and memorable experiences for VIP travellers and offers insider tips, such as visiting the Cistern (https://buffalobayou.org/location/the-cistern/) and enjoying authentic cowboy meals. George also discusses Houston's medical tourism and the city's efforts to highlight African-American history and culture. He finishes by inviting travel buyers to consider Houston as a new destination and emphasizes the importance of the travel industry to the city. Takeaways Houston First is the destination marketing organization for Houston, promoting the city as a great place to visit. Houston offers diverse attractions, including Space Center Houston (https://spacecenter.org/), the Museum District (https://houmuse.org/) with its 19 institutions, and a vibrant culinary scene (https://www.visithoustontexas.com/taste-houston/). Houston provides unique and memorable experiences for VIP travellers, such as behind-the-scenes tours at Space Center Houston and authentic cowboy meals. The city is a hub for medical tourism, with world-class institutions offering executive medical checkups and specialized departments for international patients. Houston is committed to highlighting African-American history and culture, offering signature experiences (https://www.visithoustontexas.com/blog/post/houston-signature-experiences-for-the-soul/) that explore the city's African-American heritage. Travel buyers can reach out to Houston First for support in creating itineraries, accessing unique experiences, and connecting with decision-makers in the industry. Reach out to Jorge and his team at Houston First (https://www.houstonfirst.com/). You can find Jorge on LinkedIn here (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorge-franz-3b8b2b70/). Keywords Jorge Franz, Houston, Houston First, destination marketing organization, tourism, Space Center Houston, Museum District, culinary scene, VIP experiences, insider tips, medical tourism, African-American history, travel industry Chapters 00:12 Overview of Houston First 06:39 Houston's Attractions: Space Center Houston and the Museum District 09:51 Houston's Culinary Scene 13:02 Personalized Services for Travel Buyers 17:11 Memorable Experiences: George Ranch Historical Park and Houston Signature Experiences 19:48 Insider Tips: The Cistern, Hilton Americas View, and Houston's Shopping District 21:34 Undiscovered Gem: Taipei, Taiwan 24:25 Favourite Hotel: Four Seasons in Doha 30:49 Favorite City: Barcelona 31:14 Perfect Vacation: Adventuring with Family in Singapore and Taiwan 32:52 Houston as a New Destination

17. 

    24 Apr 2024

    Episode 2: Alejandro Roca Rivera from Journeys Global

    In this episode, we meet Alejandro Roca Rivera, the Events Director at Journeys Global (https://www.journeys.global/). We discuss Alejandro's background in journalism and events management, his role at Journeys Global, and the company's focus on organizing targeted events for hoteliers and DMCs in the luxury travel industry. Alejandro also shares highlights from recent events, such as helicopter rides overlooking Niagara Falls and a bowling outing in Manchester. He mentions upcoming events in Houston and talks about the FAM-meet formula, which aims to foster relationships and trust among participants. Alejandro also shares his favourite holiday experience in Japan and his love for his hometown of Ferrol (https://www.turismo.gal/que-visitar/cidades/ferrol?langId=en_US) in Galicia, Spain. I said to Alex, we'd place a link to the Visit Galicia tourism website - so here it is (https://www.turismo.gal/inicio?langId=en_US). Key Takeaways Alejandro Roca Rivera has a background in journalism and events management and is currently the events director at Journey's Global. Journey's Global organizes targeted events for hoteliers and DMCs in the luxury travel industry, focusing on building relationships and increasing sales. Recent event highlights include helicopter rides overlooking Niagara Falls and a bowling outing in Manchester. Upcoming events in Houston will feature visits to the Space Center, lunch with an astronaut, and a baseball game at Minute Maid Stadium. Alejandro's favourite holiday experience was a volunteering trip to Japan, and his favourite city is his hometown of Ferrol in Galicia, Spain. Keywords events, travel industry, luxury travel, hoteliers, DMCs, targeted events, FAM-meet, helicopter rides, bowling, Houston, Galicia, Spain

18. 

    23 Apr 2024

    Episode 1: Micaela Giacobbe from Journeys Global

    In this episode, we meet the founder of Journeys Global (http://www.journeys.global), Micaela Giacobbe (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/micaelagiacobbe) and we learn more about the objectives of the Journeys Profile series. As Micaela explains, Journeys Profile is a podcast series featuring interviews with executives from the luxury travel industry. We'll also learn more about the company behind the podcast, Journeys Global. Micaela and her team specialise in creating tailored, niche events around the world using cutting-edge tools and techniques to encourage meaningful interactions between attendees. The 2024 calendar includes events in London, Manchester, North America, and Dubai. Micaela also outlines "the fam meet way" concept -- a blend of B2B meetings and familiarization trips, it's an approach that helps establish long-lasting relationships between travel buyers and suppliers. Finally, we discover Micaela's own travel preferences, including her favourite city, her best place to work remotely, and we ask if she has a favourite airport... Takeaways Journey's Profile is a podcast series that interviews executives in the travel industry to gain insights and trends. Journeys Global specializes in creating tailored, niche events around the world using cutting-edge tools and techniques. The spring calendar includes events in London, Manchester, North America, and Dubai. The fam meet concept, a blend of B2B meetings and familiarization trips, helps establish long-lasting relationships. The podcast and videos can be found on journeys.global (http://www.journey.global), where testimonials from past events are also available. Micaela's favourite holiday experience is Costa del Sol in Spain, and her favourite city is Turin, Italy. Keywords Journey's Profile, Journeys Global, travel industry, events, niche events, meaningful interactions, spring calendar, fam meet concept, B2B meetings, familiarization trips, podcast, videos, testimonials, Costa del Sol, Turin

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

3,977

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Podcast Authority Score: 44 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

50

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

27

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.