Below is a group photo taken with fellow advisors who are hosted by Gifted Travel Network, along with their senior management.
This was my 5th visit to the conference and I write about it every year because it is just that important. Our engagement with our peers, fellow advisors, leading hoteliers, cruise line management, our favorite Destination Management Companies and more, is all essential for us to continue to improve our service and offerings to clients. Increased product knowledge helps of course, but real connection with those who are going to take care of you while traveling is the key to elevating our client experiences.
Here's the Top 5 from Virtuoso Travel Week.
1. The Killers
So yes, it is also possible to have fun while the magic of connection happens. One of my favorite bands, The Killers opened a short residency at Caesar's Palace right in the middle of Virtuoso Travel Week. Kendall and I decided to host our top Italian supplier, the impeccable Urbano Brini of Arno Travel and we think he enjoyed it!
If you've ever experienced seamless service on a luxury Italy trip with J5Travel, then Urbano is likely the co curator. Arno Travel's attention to detail and access to special and exclusive experiences is second to none.
2. Corinthia Hotels
One of our favorite hotel groups is Corinthia Hotels, who have some strong growth plans in the coming years with new properties expected in Brussels, Bucharest, Rome, New York later in 2024, followed by Doha and the Maldives. We attended a great soiree hosted by Corinthia and reconnected with one of our favorite hoteliers at Corinthia London, Charlotte Weatherall, their amazing director of Sales and Marketing.
3. Hotel Martinez, Cannes
Well, she recently upgraded a client stay for us, despite the fact that the client booked the stay exclusively with award points. That is an example of an exceptional partnership.
Side note: Hyatt has the best hotel rewards program...by a mile!
4. Four Seasons Resort at Lana'i
We only featured Four Seasons Wailea a couple of weeks ago, but this week Lana'i gets its chance. Shanna and Kendall, our Hawaii super expert, caught up with Joseph Bell, our Sales contact at the resort. As a reminder, through our host agency, we are now in virtually every travel advisor Hotel Preferred Program with all the top names in luxury, including Four Seasons. This means added complimentary amenities on every stay, and a level of service that cannot be achieved by booking directly.
5. Gifted Travel Network
While I am extremely proud of J5Travel's growth in the last few years after we emerged from Covid, it would absolutely not have been possible without our affiliation with Gifted Travel Network, our host agency. They provide infrastructure support so our business can operate smoothly, but do so much more, with continuous education and encouragement, all while fostering collaboration.
We only managed to pop in to their own hosted cocktail party for a few minutes as this was The Killers night, but I have to acknowledge how grateful I am to the whole team there.
So if you're ready to take advantage of not only our network connections but also our expertise so you can enjoy an unforgettable vacation planned just for YOU click the button below to get started.
A Note From John
Hi, I'm John, and I'm told I have a cool accent. I absolutely love travel and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
