In this issue we’re pleased to present a recap of our annual awards festivities, this time held at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles at L.A. Live, honoring the best in business and luxury travel. The Ritz-Carlton proved an exciting change of venue, and it was wonderful to welcome so many industry leaders and subscribers to join the GT team for an evening filled with entertainment.
© Francis X. Gallagher
After the event in Los Angeles, I flew to Tampa to check on the FXExpress offices in Sarasota. During the COVID pandemic, we expanded our footprint, adding an office in Florida to better serve our audience in the Southern Hemisphere. Hurricane Ian had caused some damage and I needed to attend to some minor repairs, but it was especially good to connect with the team in Sarasota.
The busy new year has brought exciting changes. During January I met with top clients at Marriott Bonvoy, Celebrity Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Costa, Tahiti Tourism and Singapore Airlines. I crisscrossed the country like the old-fashioned road warrior, spending the fewest overnights needed to get the job done. While in Los Angeles for some of these meetings, I utilized MOTEV, a luxury eco-friendly car service employing all Teslaand EV limousines; it was great to have our driver, Harry, take us from meeting to meeting throughout the day. I recommend this service for any trip.
In the meantime, I see our subscriber board has been crisscrossing the world with trips to Africa, Europe and South America.
As I write this, I am on my way to meetings in Miami and Fort Lauderdale and off to New York to visit new and long-time accounts including Cathay Pacific, Tourism Ireland and Greek Tourism. Challenging to dress for weather changes from 80 degrees to 39 degrees inNewYork!
The2023GTTestedReaderSurveyawardsvoting takes place now through Aug. 31, so make sure you vote for your favorite travel providers and peruse the recap article on page 34 with all the 2022 winners.
It looks like travel is back in full swing. Perhaps you would like to join me on the Global Traveler-hosted trip on AmaWaterways departing Oct. 8.
Francis X. Gallagher
Publisher and CEO
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