*THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED PRIOR TO THE OUTBREAK OF COVID-19* Bruce Simpson's current position is CEO of Time + Tide, a collection of luxury lodges in Zambia and Madagascar. Prior to this, over a nearly 30 year career he has held a multitude of positions within Wilderness Safaris, Singita, &Beyond and North Island in the The Seychelles, starting as a guide and ending up as a CEO. Bruce's knowledge of Southern African tourism is almost unparalleled, not only has he run lodges across the bottom of the continent, but he has also lived in Namibia, Botswana, The Seychelles and his native South Africa. Peter and Bruce discuss how the tourism industry in Africa has evolved over the last 30 years, the importance of environmental and cultural sustainability, where Bruce sees as the next up-and-coming destinations in Africa and what it's like to come face to face with a herd of elephants in the bush, among many other things. It's a bit of escapism from the travel industry of right now, and hopefully will provide some insights for the industry we will have in the future. 

Travel Tastemakers

Bruce Simpson - Time + Tide

COVID-19 TRAVEL SPECIAL- Suzanne Bayly-Coupe

Roxy Robinson, ROXSTAR Group

Peter talks to Greg Ward, who is Head of Global Sales and Distribution at AMAN about COVID-19 and it's impact. They discuss what is happening with the AMAN properties right now, and how that differs across the world. Greg offers some optimistic data that shows the domestic markets re-opening in China, Southeast Asia and the USA. He talks about how AMAN will adapt to regulations by being creative about how they use their properties and the land around them, and how they will adapt according to the guests needs. He says clients can expect in-room check-ins to be the new norm, along with private dining in secluded spots or picnics taken in the deserted grounds. Greg tells Peter that this time in lockdown will make people reflect on what is really important, which is getting to spend quality time with your family and friends. Get in touch with us at lucia@traveltastemakers.com 

Greg Ward, AMAN Reawakening

Almost all industries have been affected by COVID-19, but travel and hospitality are perhaps the worst hit. Peter sat down with Simon Jeffries, who is head of product at Carrier, to discuss this crisis. They are owned by DER Touristik, also owns Kuoni (among several others), so they are hugely influential not just in luxury travel, but across the whole sector. They talk about Carrier pre-COVID, what it looks like now, and what Simon sees it looking like in the future. Simon tells Peter that booking fell off a cliff in March, but green shoots are already starting to show. They discussed the destinations that are likely to be popular for their clients as restrictions are eased, how their clients will get there safely, and how hotels will put on a show of new health and safety regulations. Nobody knows exactly what will happen as we move forward, or how different governments will deal with this crisis. By sharing information and insights within the industry, we can try and ensure we are in a strong position when things start to re-open. Get in touch by emailing lucia@traveltastemakers.com or on social media, @Tfest_event on Instagram and TFest Event on facebook. 

*COVID-19 TRAVEL SPECIAL- Simon Jeffries from Carrier

*THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED PRIOR TO THE SPREAD OF COVID-19*Peter met Calvin Cottar, whose family have run a safari camp in Africa since 1919, at TFest in Dubai. Calvin has some fascinating stories from being on the frontlines of the development of Safari's in Africa, which his family have been for generations. Their current camp is the Cottar's Safaris 1920's camp in the Maasai Mara in Kenya. Having grown up there, Calvin's understanding of the land, the laws and the customs of the area are unparalleled. The conversation Peter planned to have with Calvin was one of family history, the trials and tribulations of running a remote luxury camp and tales of a boyhood spent on the most famous game reserve in Africa. However, once the conversation got started, it became something much more about land use in Africa, the real worth of animals to the local people and to the tourists who visit the area, and how tourism is transforming this part of the world. Calvin's passion and depth of knowledge shine through in this fascinating interview. 

"The oldest Safari camp in Africa" Cottar's Safaris- Calvin Cottar

Mirjam Peternek-McCartney lost half of her leadership team when she told them she wanted to shake up the way her business, Lemongrass Marketing, was run. Mirjam recognised that in order to utilise the new data tools available in the internet-age, she needed to have more dynamic teams. It's a shake up that has clearly worked. Mirjam's clients include &Beyond and Lanserhof Medical Spas. She sat down with us at TFest and told us about the difficulties of forging a new path, and the amazing marketing opportunities there are, hidden in big data. 

Mirjam Peternek-McCartney, Lemongrass Marketing

Dr Tara Ruttley has worked at NASA since 2001. She holds degrees in Biology, Mechanical Engineering, Neuroscience and Anthropology-Archeology. Over the years, Tara's research has taught her that our brains change when we have new experiences. It can become better able to adapt to change, overcome fear and adversity and improve our creative skills. Tara says that one of the best ways to have new experiences and forge these changes in our brains is to travel. But, in order for us to keep traveling the world (and space), we have to look after it. She talks to us about traveling through the world and in space sustainably, and the positive impacts this can have on our mindsets. 

Dr Tara Ruttley, NASA

A CEO, entrepreneur, mother of four and MasterChef finalist- is there anything Emma Barnett-Spitzer can't do? Peter talks to Emma about Tots Too, her travel design agency that allows parents to travel with young children without compromising on luxury and Essential Escapes, her spa and wellness brand which is about to undergo a transformation. 

Emma Barnett-Spitzer

We sat down with Laura Protat from Discover Montenegro at our Private Luxury event in Montenegro in October. She told us why there is so much more to the region than just beautiful beaches. This episode was recorded at Porto Montenegro, as we sat outside the Naval Heritage Museum, just a short stroll along the marina from our wonderful partner hotel The Regent Porto Montenegro.

Destination Special: Discover Montenegro

Billy Skelli-Cohen started at the Lore Group in a department of 1. He now has over 1,200 staff across several hotels, including the Pulitzer in Amsterdam and Sea Containers in London. He tells Peter how he got there, what people are looking for when they come to hotels, and how customers needs and desires are changing. 

How to build a hotel group from scratch with Billy Skelli-Cohen. Part 2

How to build a hotel group from scratch with Billy Skelli-Cohen. Part 1

How they got there and how they stayed there. For our first episode, we are joined by two of the best designers in the business. Kate Sellars, who is founder and owner of Mint Concierge and Danny Akhtar, founder and MD of Par Excellence Lifestyle. We discuss what it takes to make it in this highly competitive environment and some of the amazing experiences they have enjoyed as perks of the job.  http://www.thisismint.co.uk/ https://pel.travel/  

Two Top Travel Designers

Travel Tastemakers is a podcast brought to you by the people behind TFest. The first podcast of its kind, Travel Tastemakers delves into the ideas and stories of the leading people in the travel industry as we learn what makes them outliers in the field. Hosted by Peter Gould, each episode will cover views and trends in the ever-changing and expanding world of Luxury travel. Peter is an industry veteran and innovator, currently chairman of Worldwide Events, he has founded several other media and travel corporations over his extensive career. If you work in the industry or simply love travel this is the podcast for you.

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Travel Tastemakers

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