Journeys Profile Podcast

In this episode, Richard Engle, Luxury Travel Advisor with Global Travel Collection, explains why he looks for the clients who value the experience above the budget, and why the best luxury travel starts with being thoughtful about what you actually want.Richard opened his first travel agency at 21, in the late 1970s, when advisors still hand-wrote airline tickets. He talks about almost 50 years in the business, from four walk-in offices to leading a nine-person remote team inside Global Travel Collection, and how a teenage summer in Cusco, Peru set it all in motion. He is an adventure traveller himself, and likes to cycle all day and sleep in a suite.He also gives his view on demand, with Italy, Japan and African safaris at the top, and a candid message to suppliers: stay in your lane, work with advisors, and don’t compete with the people who send you clients.As always, we finish with Richard’s own travel favourites – undiscovered gems, favourite hotels, a favourite city, and what a perfect vacation looks like.Key Topics:Opening a travel agency at 21, and nearly 50 years of change in the industryFrom four walk-in offices to Global Travel Collection and a team of nineA summer in Cusco, Peru, and a degree in Spanish language and literatureCombining adventure and luxury, from long road-bike rides to the Four SeasonsWhy he looks for the “discerning” and thoughtful client, not the points-and-deals travellerA Greece trip for a professor who wanted ruins, not beachesDemand: Italy, Japan and safari, and why he steers clients away from Japan unless they plan far aheadWhy he calls the United States the most exotic country in the worldA message to suppliers: stay in your lane, and work with advisors, not around themWhy small shows like Journeys work better than the big onesUndiscovered gems: Norway’s fjords, Argentina’s gaucho country and Fanjove IslandChapters:00:00 - Introduction to Richard Engle and Global Travel Collection00:20 - Almost 50 years in travel, from hand-written tickets to luxury04:49 - A teenage trip to Peru, and opening an agency at 2106:57 - Combining luxury with adventure09:41 - The discerning, thoughtful client11:20 - How the client conversation starts13:31 - A memorable trip: Greece for the history lover15:29 - What demand looks like: Italy, Japan and safari17:49 - Message to suppliers: stay in your lane19:53 - How suppliers get on Richard’s radar, and why small shows work24:11 - Undiscovered gems: Norway, Argentina and Fanjove Island29:33 - Favourite hotels: Canaves Oia Epitome and Villa Feltrinelli32:03 - Favourite city: Chicago34:50 - Richard’s perfect vacation37:27 - How to connect with Richard38:41 - Closing remarksLinks:Richard EngleGlobal Travel CollectionCanaves Oia Epitome, SantoriniGrand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli, Lake GardaFanjove Private Island, Tanzania (Laba Laba)

In this episode, Gareth van Wyk, Sales and Marketing Manager for the UK and Europe at Rovos Rail, explains why a luxury train with no television, radio or Wi-Fi keeps its guests coming back.Rovos Rail was Gareth’s first hospitality job, as an intern, and he now leads its sales and marketing for the UK and Europe. He tells the story of how the company began in 1989, when founder Rohan Vos set out to take his family around on a locomotive holiday and ended up selling tickets, and how it now runs six trains and roughly 200 departures a year, on 11 journeys from two to 16 nights.He also walks through the guest experience, from the red-carpet welcome at Rovos Rail’s private station in Pretoria to dinner at a single seating, and explains how travel advisors can book: mostly through tour operators and DMCs, with departures held for two weeks without a deposit.As always, we finish with Gareth’s own travel favourites – an undiscovered gem, a favourite hotel, a favourite city, and what a perfect vacation looks like.Key Topics:From hospitality intern to Sales and Marketing Manager at Rovos RailThe origin story: a family caravan-style holiday that became a business in 1989Six trains, 11 journeys, and the idea of disconnecting on boardThe private station in Pretoria, and a train that is “designed around a dinner table”, not a boardroomHow guest feedback shapes the product, including the new larger windowsBooking through tour operators and DMCs, and why more than 95% of bookings come that wayA day on board: suites, single-seating dining, excursions, safari and golfHolding departures for two weeks with no depositGareth’s first Journeys event, and the Meet Fam formatChapters:00:00 - Introduction to Gareth van Wyk and Rovos Rail00:18 - Gareth’s background: from intern to sales and marketing02:30 - The story of Rovos Rail05:24 - The guest experience at the Pretoria station08:13 - How travel buyers can work with Rovos Rail09:24 - Life on board: suites, dining and excursions14:16 - Message to agents and travel buyers15:30 - Best ways to engage with the team15:58 - Gareth’s experience of Journeys17:03 - Undiscovered gem: the Durban safari18:18 - Favourite hotel: andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge19:21 - Favourite city: Munich19:53 - Gareth’s perfect vacation20:51 - How to connect with Gareth21:05 - Closing remarksLinks:Rovos RailandBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge, KwaZulu-NatalLeopard Creek, Mpumalanga

In this episode, Melinda Fortunato, Travel Advisor and Owner of Best Travel, explains why she specialises in her clients rather than in destinations, and why the best supplier relationships are partnerships, not transactions.Melinda grew up in a military family, lived in Korea, Antigua and Germany, and started Best Travel in 2014 after learning the trade at a brick-and-mortar agency. She talks about working with premium and luxury clients, from empty nesters to a two-week, fully immersive trip up the Croatian coast, and why she asks every client for a budget with airfare taken out.She also gives her read on demand: travellers who book within 60 days or plan far too far ahead, more intentional spending, and clients who now arrive with an AI-built itinerary, or even find their advisor through ChatGPT.As always, we finish with Melinda’s own travel favourites – an undiscovered gem, a favourite hotel, a favourite city, and what a perfect vacation looks like.Key Topics:A military childhood, living overseas, and the decision to become a travel advisorStarting Best Travel in 2014, and what a brick-and-mortar agency taught her about fees and saying noWhy “virtual” is a better word than “home-based”, and the value of an industry villageThe ideal client: the curious, well-funded empty nesterA two-week Croatia trip from Dubrovnik to Venice, with four days on a boatDemand: last-minute bookings, very early planning, and more intentional spendingAsking for a budget with airfare removedClients arriving with AI itineraries, and why they still need an advisor they trustA message to suppliers about respect and partnershipWhy smaller events and advisor referrals work bestChapters:00:00 - Introduction to Melinda Fortunato and Best Travel00:16 - A military childhood and the route into travel01:15 - How Best Travel began in 201401:50 - Going independent, and what a brick-and-mortar start teaches04:09 - A typical client: the empty nester05:04 - A memorable trip: two weeks in Croatia06:18 - Demand and predictions: last-minute travel and intentional spending08:29 - Clients arriving with AI itineraries10:31 - Message to suppliers11:52 - Best ways for suppliers to engage, and Journeys events12:36 - Undiscovered gem: Tavira, Portugal13:15 - Favourite hotel: Singer Palace Hotel Roma13:58 - Favourite city: Seoul, and a return to Osan15:26 - Melinda’s perfect vacation16:21 - How to connect with Melinda16:51 - Closing remarksLinks:Best TravelSinger Palace Hotel Roma, RomeTavira, Portugal

In this episode, April Chan, Travel Advisor at Celebrated Travel, explains why travellers who arrive with an AI-built itinerary still want a human expert to check it.April came to travel by way of food writing and culinary history, after a trip to the south of France showed her what a travel advisor actually does. She talks about her clients, who turn up well researched and short of time, the family trips that matter most to her, and what suppliers can do to make themselves easy to book, from amenity-rich rates to a better welcome than any online travel agency can offer.She also gives her read on demand: shorter booking windows, a strong appetite for Europe and Asia, and luxury travel that shows no sign of slowing down.As always, we finish with April’s own travel favourites – an undiscovered gem, a favourite hotel, a favourite city, and what a perfect vacation looks like.Key Topics:From food writer to travel advisor, and the trip that started itCelebrated Travel, a team of six, and its host agency Coastline Travel GroupClients who plan with AI first and come to an advisor to verify and executeA Rhone river cruise built around a childhood art project, and a multi-generational Princess cruise for a grandmother’s 80thDemand: Europe, Asia, South Korea and Taiwan after Japan, and ever shorter booking windowsWhy luxury travel is still going full steam aheadLuxury hoteliers moving onto the water, including Explora JourneysWhat suppliers should do: simplify touch points, offer amenity-rich rates and a more bespoke welcome, and show up in personChapters:00:00 - Introduction to April Chan and Celebrated Travel00:17 - From food writer to travel advisor02:57 - Celebrated Travel and Coastline Travel Group04:15 - A typical client, and planning with AI first06:18 - Memorable trips with personal significance08:14 - What demand looks like right now, and predictions for luxury travel11:03 - Push versus pull, and hotels moving onto the water12:40 - Message to suppliers14:08 - How suppliers can give advisors a leg up over online agencies15:15 - Best ways for suppliers to engage, and Journeys events16:25 - Undiscovered gem: Appellation Healdsburg, California18:56 - Favourite hotel and city: Amsterdam21:18 - A favourite Italian city: Rome22:23 - April’s perfect vacation23:39 - How to connect with April24:04 - Closing remarksLinks:Celebrated TravelAppellation Healdsburg, Sonoma County, CaliforniaRosewood Amsterdam

In this episode, Parrul Sinha, Director and Founder of Sacred Dot Tours, makes the case that most of India is still being left off the itinerary. Parrul explains how Sacred Dot was built around a deliberate inversion: when the company started some fifteen years ago, India was being sold on the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, so Sacred Dot chose to sell the rest of the country and offer the Golden Triangle as the add-on. Every presentation still opens with a map showing clients how small a pinpoint those three cities really are.She also talks about the fear that puts travellers off the destination, why she tells people India takes three days, and how fifteen years of new highways, trains and regional airports have quietly changed what is possible in a two-week trip.As always, we finish with Parrul’s own travel favourites – an undiscovered gem, a favourite hotel, a favourite city, and what a perfect vacation looks like.Key Topics:Growing up as an Air Force child across India, and how a multilingual, multicultural childhood led to a career as a “cultural translator”Parrul’s route into inbound travel through hotel management, airlines and cruisesThe first sales meeting in Texas, and the buyer who had written India off twenty years earlier and is still a client todayThe story behind the name Sacred Dot, and the welcome it is meant to signifyWhy Sacred Dot sells east, south and central India and wildlife first, with the Golden Triangle as an add-onEnvironmental and cultural sustainability, from routing that avoids backtracking to a privately run museum holding more than 1,500 samples of Indian languages and music, including dead languagesWhy Sacred Dot sees itself as an extension of the travel advisor rather than a supplierA returning client of Indian origin on her seventeenth visit, and the day of Delhi through art that was built for herThe three fears that hold clients back – food, water and traffic – and why India takes three daysFifteen years of infrastructure change, including tiger safari transfers falling from eight hours to under fiveWhy demand is moving out of the cities, and Parrul’s argument that Delhi and Mumbai are micro-destinations in their own rightSelling India to advisors who have sold Africa, and why the region works for birders and wildlife clientsThe launch of Vietnam as a new destination in the Sacred Dot portfolioChapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Parrul Sinha and Sacred Dot Tours00:13 - An Air Force childhood across India, and becoming a cultural translator04:17 - The story behind the name, and selling India beyond the Golden Triangle09:00 - A typical Sacred Dot client, and a day of Delhi through art11:09 - Insider tips: what the industry gets wrong about India15:24 - How demand is shifting out of the cities, and why the cities still matter18:07 - Message to advisors and buyers selling India for the first time19:41 - Launching Vietnam as a new destination20:43 - Journeys North America, and what makes the fam meets work22:20 - Undiscovered gem: Oman23:38 - Favourite hotel: Brunton Boatyard in Fort Kochi, Kerala24:53 - Favourite city: Amritsar, and a case for Doha26:50 - Parrul’s perfect vacation27:45 - How to connect with Parrul and Sacred Dot28:33 - Closing remarksLinks:Sacred Dot ToursBrunton Boatyard, Fort Kochi – part of the CGH Earth groupPartition Museum, AmritsarNational Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi

In this episode we speak with Barbara Khan of Journeys by the Book, a Global Travel Collection affiliate, about her route 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 a standard itinerary.Barbara started in corporate travel in the late 1980s, moved to leisure when her business clients began bringing their spouses, and has been an independent contractor since 1992. She explains how the pandemic pushed her to a larger host agency with more support, training and supplier access, a move that brought her passion back, and describes the travellers she serves best: experienced clients with the time and means to go often, who value culture, history and memorable experiences.She also shares two recent trips, a foodie itinerary through Scandinavia and a history-led journey through Central Europe, and explains why the travel season no longer has a quiet spell.As always, we finish with Barbara’s own travel favourites – an undiscovered gem, a favourite hotel, a favourite city, and what a perfect vacation looks like.Key Topics:From retail and hotels to corporate travel in the late 1980s, and independence in 1992The mentors who made Europe her specialtyWhy she moved to Pro Travel in 2021, now part of Global Travel CollectionHer clients: mostly 50 and over, with the time and means to travelA Scandinavian itinerary built around a list of Michelin-starred restaurantsA Central Europe trip with a car and driver, from Budapest and Vienna to PragueWhy demand for Europe is year-round, and the end of the quiet seasonWhy a short catch-up call beats another supplier emailJourneys in Italy, Florence’s Hotel La Gemma, and Portugal’s thermal wellness townsTrips inspired by books and historical fiction, such as Lisa Scottoline’s Eternal, set in wartime RomeSmall-ship cruising with Oceania, Silversea and PonantChapters:00:00 - Introduction to Barbara Khan and Journeys by the Book00:34 - Barbara’s background: from retail and corporate travel to leisure04:30 - Moving to Pro Travel, now Global Travel Collection07:38 - Who Barbara’s clients are10:21 - A memorable trip: a foodie itinerary through Scandinavia16:20 - A history and culture trip through Central Europe18:50 - How traveller demand has changed22:23 - How suppliers can get on Barbara’s radar25:09 - Italy and Journeys in Italy, and a favourite hotel in Florence27:50 - Portugal’s thermal wellness towns29:12 - Book-inspired and historical-fiction travel32:10 - Favourite cruise lines34:01 - Favourite city: Rome35:33 - Barbara’s perfect vacation37:16 - How to connect with Barbara38:23 - Closing remarksLinks:Journeys by the BookBarbara Khan at Global Travel CollectionHotel La Gemma, Florence

In this episode, Katya Bauval, the Corporate Commercial Executive Director of Vila Vita Parc 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 US 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 BelmondHow Vila Vita Parc began in 1992 as a clifftop resort in Porches, Algarve, and expanded over three decadesWhy the property describes itself as more of a “resort village” than a hotelThe role of food, wine, and provenance in shaping the guest experienceHow Vila Vita Parc serves families, couples, golfers, foodies, weddings, and multi-generational groupsWhy guests increasingly want depth, personalisation, and a true sense of placeHow travel advisors and buyers remain central to the business through fam trips, trade events, and direct relationship-buildingThe hidden strength of the resort’s culinary programme and the importance of its own estates in the Alentejo and DouroA standout private villa experience that surprises high-profile guestsHow American travellers differ from UK and German visitors in length of stay and style of travelWhat’s next: Lobby and wine cellar renovations, plus a new nine-bedroom vineyard estate joining the Vila Vita CollectionChapters:00:00 - Introduction to Katya Bauval and Vila Vita Parc01:18 - How a love of tourism led her into hospitality02:09 - Vila Vita Parc’s origin story and growth since 199203:16 - A resort village rather than a hotel04:51 - Why guests now want place, wellness and personalisation06:00 - Working with travel advisors and buyers06:56 - Insider tips: food, wine and produce from the resort’s own land07:59 - A secret private villa and the power of word of mouth09:22 - Multi-generational travel and experiential demand10:32 - How the American market went from negligible to number one13:39 - Journeys events, fam meets and the best way to connect15:46 - Undiscovered gem: the Azores17:21 - Favourite hotel: La Mamounia, Marrakesh18:10 - Favourite city: Istanbul18:48 - Perfect vacation: time with the right people, and Tarifa20:44 - What’s next: renovations and a new vineyard estateLinks:Vila Vita Parc, AlgarveLa Mamounia, MarrakeshTarifa, Spain

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

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.Chapters00:00 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

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.Chapters00:00 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 InsightsTakeawaysMarcello 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.