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 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
• Leopold's Ice Cream
• Broadmoor 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.

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.