- The Expert's Guild WEEKLY
- Posts
- This Issue is for Every Travel Pro Who Refuses to Stay Down
This Issue is for Every Travel Pro Who Refuses to Stay Down
PLUS: Philadelphia, The True City of Champions
Alex Mustaros
November 21, 2024
On this day in 1976, "Rocky" premiered in New York City and later won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Some of the film's immortal words still echo today:
"It ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."
I bring it to this writing as I believe every travel professional knows this truth intimately.
We've weathered the blows of online booking platforms, survived a global pandemic, adapted to AI disruption, and emerged stronger.
Like Rocky, we've taken every hit the industry has thrown at us – commission cuts, market shifts, technological upheavals – and kept moving forward.
Why?
Because that's who we are.
Champions don't stay down.
Scene from Rocky
Industry News
Historic Icon Returns: Fairmont Breakers Long Beach
The crown jewel of 1920s California luxury is making its grand comeback.
The legendary Breakers Hotel, once a sanctuary for Hollywood's elite, rises again under the Fairmont flag.
This ambitious restoration delivers 185 boutique rooms and suites, a rooftop pool with Pacific views, a two-story spa and wellness center, a live jazz club, and over 12,000 square feet of event space.
Like the travel industry itself, this icon proves that true luxury never fades—it evolves.
Breakers Long Beach
Four Seasons New York Makes Its Grand Return
After a four-year closure, Four Seasons Hotel New York reopens its doors on Billionaire's Row.
The November 15 revival introduces renovated rooms and suites, the Italian-inspired Garden restaurant, and the iconic Ty Bar.
Steps from Central Park between Madison and Park Avenues, this legendary property launches with select accommodations, while specialty suites and extended-stay options will debut throughout 2025.
Mandarin Oriental Leads Luxury Travel Intelligence Ranking
Setting the gold standard in luxury hospitality once again, Mandarin Oriental retains its crown as Luxury Travel Intelligence's top hotel brand with an impressive 81.6% rating.
The Hong Kong-based group's "consistently impressive" performance, particularly in new openings, proves what luxury travel professionals have long known—true excellence is no accident; it's a habit. Complete list in LATTE Luxury News
Waldorf Astoria in Mexico’s Caribbean
The Waldorf Astoria Cancun will open in December 2024. It will offer luxury accommodations and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. This property will also feature upscale dining options and a world-class spa, catering to high-end travelers seeking a premium experience in Mexico.
Luxury Travel Market Growth Forecast
A report indicated that the global luxury travel market is projected to grow by USD 578.72 billion from 2024 to 2028, driven by increasing disposable incomes and a trend towards personalized travel experiences. This growth highlights the demand for exclusive offerings among affluent travelers. — Yahoo! Finance
Feature Destination
Philadelphia
And perhaps no city understands this fighting spirit better than Philadelphia itself.
Like its famous fictional son and like the travel professionals who refuse to back down, this city has transformed itself through sheer determination and vision.
From industrial roots to economic challenges, Philadelphia took every hit the 20th century threw at it and emerged as a sophisticated haven where colonial history meets contemporary luxury.
Those famous "Rocky Steps" now lead to world-class art collections, historic cobblestone streets guide you to Michelin-starred restaurants, and former factories house ultra-luxury hotels.
Photo by Chris Henry
DMC Expert
Excursionist
With its direct network of over 800 local experts and unwavering commitment to luxury experiences, Excursionist stands as Philadelphia's premier luxury destination management company.
Its dedication to authentic, high-end experiences makes it the trusted choice for the world's finest luxury travel agencies and private travel designers.
For luxury travel advisors seeking to create extraordinary Philadelphia experiences for their discerning clients, Excursionist offers the depth of expertise and level of service that truly sets them apart in the luxury travel space.
Image: Excursionist - Independence Hall After Hours Tour
Top Experiences in Philadelphia
These carefully curated private experiences offer privileged access to Philadelphia's most significant historical sites, bringing America's founding story to life through the eyes of expert historians and local specialists.
Each experience is thoughtfully designed to provide your clients with intimate, meaningful connections to Philadelphia's rich heritage.
Museum of the American Revolution Private Experience
Interactive museum exploration
Private lecture with expert historian
Deep dive into the Revolutionary period
Customized historical interpretation
Image: Excursionist
Private Guide-led History Tour - Eastern State Penitentiary
Exclusive access to America's most historic prison
Expert guide interpretation
Private exploration of Al Capone's former residence
Intimate historical experience
Independence Hall After Hours
Exclusive after-hours access to Independence Hall
Expert-guided historical interpretation
Private cobblestone street walking tour
Intimate exploration of America's birthplace
LODGING Experts
In a city where history whispers from every corner, Philadelphia's luxury accommodations prove that modern indulgence and heritage can coexist in spectacular fashion.
From a towering skyscraper offering celestial views of William Penn's grid-design city, to masterfully restored historic buildings where contemporary luxury honors architectural legacy, Philadelphia's finest hotels have perfected the art of elevated hospitality.
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center
60th floor infinity pool with skyline views
Michelin-starred Jean-Georges Philadelphia restaurant
Crystal-themed spa with panoramic views
Exclusive helicopter transfer service
Four Seasons Philadelphia
The Rittenhouse
Prime historic square location
Award-winning Lacroix restaurant with park views
Recently renovated luxury suites with fireplaces
Dedicated luxury shopping concierge
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia
Old City luxury boutique location
Stratus Rooftop Lounge with city views
Themed luxury suites with custom amenities
In-room spa services available
The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia
Historic neoclassical bank building architecture
Luxury spa treatments in converted bank vault
Club Level access with dedicated concierge
Custom historic tours of the property
AKA Rittenhouse Square
Luxury extended stay residences
Private cinema for resident screenings
Dedicated lifestyle concierge
In-suite chef experiences available
For EPI-Curious Only
Beyond Philadelphia's rich history lies another revolutionary story: its culinary renaissance.
In a city where cheese steaks once reigned supreme, a new guard of culinary artists has transformed the landscape into a sophisticated haven of gastronomic excellence.
From intimate tasting menus crafted with precision to world-class chefs pushing boundaries, Philadelphia's fine dining scene now stands proudly alongside its historical significance.
Vetri Cucina
Intimate Italian dining in a historic townhouse
Extensive Italian wine collection with rare vintages
Custom tasting menus with wine pairings
Private cooking classes with Chef Marc Vetri
Laurel
French-influenced tasting menus
Private dining experiences are available
Custom wine pairings from boutique producers
Chef's table experience with kitchen interaction
Morimoto
Master sushi chef experience with Omakase options
Private dining room with sake sommelier
Custom menu creation for special events
Interactive sushi-making experiences available
The Marketing Corner
In the ever-evolving world of luxury travel, staying connected with clients is an art form.
While social media demands constant attention and phone calls can feel intrusive, a well-crafted newsletter remains one of the most sophisticated and effective tools in a travel advisor's arsenal.
It's not just about sending updates or the latest travel offer; it's about creating a curated narrative that keeps you relevant, respected, and remembered.
5 Compelling Reasons to Launch Your Travel Advisor Newsletter
Stay Top of Mind Without Selling
Share your expertise naturally
Maintain client relationships between bookings
Remind clients of your value without being pushy
Position Yourself as a Destination Expert
Showcase your insider knowledge
Demonstrate your industry connections
Share exclusive experiences and access
Generate Passive Bookings
Inspire travel through storytelling
Plant seeds for future trips
Prompt clients to think, "I want to go there."
Leverage Your Existing Knowledge
Transform client FAQs into content
Share real experiences and recommendations
Turn your daily work into marketing gold
Build Trust Through Consistency
Establish regular touchpoints with clients
Demonstrate your ongoing dedication
Create anticipation for your expert insights
Remember: Your newsletter isn't just another email—it's a powerful tool that turns your expertise into opportunities.
Please let me know if you want me to help you craft your unique newsletter.
Did you enjoy this week's Newsletter? |
Send this newsletter to your colleagues and friends. Let them enjoy The Guild Weekly, too!
📫 SUBSCRIBE!
If you received this Newsletter from a friend and would like to subscribe, please do so here:
