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 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

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 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.

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 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.