Luxury Travel Innovators

Episode 32: Why Slower, Smarter Travel is Defining Luxury’s Next Era

Paul Brady [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-brady-51104499/], News Director at Travel + Leisure, joins Adam Deflorian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeflorian/] on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss how the next era of luxury travel is all about helping travelers feel more connected (and less overwhelmed), along every step of the journey. Key topics include: * Why luxury cruise and slow travel experiences continue to surge in popularity, especially with younger travelers. * How Travel + Leisure is adapting to a rapidly evolving media landscape shaped by video authenticity, and AI-powered workflows. * The future of travel innovations, from community-driven hospitality experiences to the advancement of supersonic aviation. Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ [https://www.azds.com/]  Follow us @azdsgroup [https://www.instagram.com/azdsgroup/] on Instagram Produced by Brenna Darling [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennadarling/] and Chase Gohl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasegohl/], 2026 Opening by Melissa Kennedy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-kennedy-55a32b40/] and Ellery Ross-Reid [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellery-r-b897622a/], 2026

Episode 31: Inside Ponant’s Expanding World of Exploration

Belinda Hindmarsh [https://www.linkedin.com/in/belinda-hindmarsh-7193272/], Deputy CEO of Ponant Explorations Group, joins Adam Deflorian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeflorian/] on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss how Ponant is redefining luxury travel by shifting focus from the ship itself to the experiences of true exploration, offering access to the world’s most remote destinations without sacrificing comfort or depth of connection. Key topics include: * How Ponant is shifting perception from traditional cruising to purpose-driven, small-ship exploration that prioritized access, immersion, and meaning. * Why “where you go” matters more than ever, featuring global itineraries designed around rare, hard-to-reach places. * The unique space Ponant occupies between rugged expedition and refined luxury. Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ [https://www.azds.com/]  Follow us @azdsgroup [https://www.instagram.com/azdsgroup/] on Instagram Produced by Brenna Darling [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennadarling/] and Chase Gohl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasegohl/], 2026 Opening by Melissa Kennedy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-kennedy-55a32b40/] and Ellery Ross-Reid [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellery-r-b897622a/], 2026

Episode 30: The New Economics of Luxury Travel with Investopedia

Caleb Silver [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-silver-9639585/], Chief Business Editor for People, Inc and Editor in Chief of Investopedia, joins Adam Deflorian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeflorian/] on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss the hidden economy behind how we travel.  Key topics include: * Why luxury travelers aren’t spending less, but instead demanding more value. * How the loyalty and rewards economy is redefining how travel is funded - and growing more and more popular each year. * The way data, AI, and intent are shaping the future of travel planning, prioritizing anticipation to curate experiences.  Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ [https://www.azds.com/]  Follow us @azdsgroup [https://www.instagram.com/azdsgroup/] on Instagram Produced by Brenna Darling [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennadarling/] and Chase Gohl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasegohl/], 2026 Production Assistance by Emily LeDoux [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-ledoux-00778413a/], 2026 Opening by Melissa Kennedy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-kennedy-55a32b40/] and Ellery Ross-Reid [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellery-r-b897622a/], 2026

Episode 29: The Power of Precision and Giving Time Back in Modern Aviation with Tradewind

David Zipkin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dzipkin/], Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Tradewind Aviation, joins Adam Deflorian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeflorian/] on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss how Tradewind strives to match the quality of the journey to the quality of the destination, with hospitality and customer experience top of mind.  Key topics include: * How Tradewind has found its edge by focusing on short-haul regional routes. * Why the brand’s success comes from measured expansion, operational efficiency and a clean understanding of where it can deliver the most value.  * The brand’s approach centering on removing friction for the most impactful luxury experience. Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ [https://www.azds.com/]  Follow us @azdsgroup [https://www.instagram.com/azdsgroup/] on Instagram Produced by Brenna Darling [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennadarling/] and Chase Gohl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasegohl/], 2026 Production Assistance by Emily LeDoux [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-ledoux-00778413a/], 2026 Opening by Melissa Kennedy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-kennedy-55a32b40/] and Ellery Ross-Reid [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellery-r-b897622a/], 2026

Episode 28: The Future of Travel Storytelling with AFAR

Joseph Diaz [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephdiaz/], Co-founder of AFAR, joins Adam Deflorian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeflorian/] on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to reflect on the unlikely origin story behind one of travel media’s most influential brands—and the philosophy that still drives it nearly two decades later.. Key topics include: * How two spontaneous trips across South America and India inspired the launch of AFAR. * Why human connection matters more than ever in an increasingly digital world. * The way emerging technologies can help travelers turn inspiration into action.  Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ [https://www.azds.com/]  Follow us @azdsgroup [https://www.instagram.com/azdsgroup/] on Instagram Produced by Brenna Darling [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennadarling/] and Chase Gohl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasegohl/], 2026 Opening by Melissa Kennedy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-kennedy-55a32b40/] and Ellery Ross-Reid [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellery-r-b897622a/], 2026