Name: Phil Otterson
Title: President
Company, city: Abercrombie & Kent USA, Chicago
Number of employees: 2,200
First job: Working on the family farm
Little-known fact about you: I grew up on a rice farm in central California’s San Joaquin Valley.
Phil Otterson’s Business
Essential business philosophy: Deep roots and long-established relationships give us access to people and places not available to any other travel company.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Rely on experienced destination experts; create a company small enough to offer personalized attention yet large enough to secure the finest escorts, accommodations, reliable transportation and special access.
Yardstick of success: Our many awards over 50 years including Best Luxury Tour Operator in the World in Global Traveler’s Leisure Travel Awards, as well as World’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator (World Travel Awards), Best Luxury Tour Operator International (Travel Weekly), Best Luxury Tour Operator (Luxury Travel Advisor), Best Worldwide Tour Operator (Porthole Cruise Magazine) and Best Tour Operator Africa/Middle East (TravelAge West, Recommend and Agent@Home)
Phil Otterson As A Traveler
What is the most important item you take when traveling? I never leave home without my iPhone.
How do you spend your time on board? If I’m flying east from Chicago, I’m normally sleeping. Flying west to Chicago, I’m working.
What is your favorite restaurant in the world? The newly opened Little Goat Diner from Chef Stephanie Izard in Chicago. The cuisine is unexpected.
What is your favorite destination in the world? My favorite destination is Myanmar, especially Inle Lake, with its fishermen plying the waters, the mountains surrounding the lake and the small villages on stilts.
About Abercrombie & Kent
What gives Abercrombie & Kent an edge over the competition? Travel with Abercrombie & Kent combines the convenience, service and security of a U.S.-based company with a network of 50 on-site offices around the world with full-time staff available 24/7. We secure the best guides, accommodations and transportation at significant savings over what you could arrange on your own.
Our itineraries include “must-see” sights along with privileged access to people and authentic experiences that capture the essence of a destination, places you are unlikely to discover on your own. Those who have never traveled with experienced guides are surprised at what a difference they make to their understanding and enjoyment of a destination. Our guides are an essential part of the “A&K cocoon” when something unexpected happens.
What destinations are the most popular? For luxury travel, Africa. There are so many ways to have a luxury experience — gorilla trekking in Uganda, luxury tented camps in Botswana, bush dinners in Tanzania, wine tasting in South Africa. What is more luxurious than coming home from an evening game drive to find a private bath set up on your deck, surrounded by candles?
Two up-and-coming destinations are the Arctic and Myanmar. The increasing evidence of climate change affecting the polar regions is driving interest in the High Arctic, including Greenland and the islands of the Svalbard Archipelago in Norway, about 600 miles from the North Pole. Our expedition this summer sold out, and we’ve announced two new itineraries for 2014. Interest in Myanmar increased dramatically since the National League for Democracy announced it welcomes responsible tourism. We’ve seen an 80 percent increase in bookings this year over last year.
How does Abercrombie & Kent promote fair trade/sustainable tourism? As travel increasingly becomes about the things money cannot buy — shared experiences and treasured memories — guests want to make a personal connection and positive contribution to the places they visit. A&K pioneered community development assistance by introducing civic-minded travelers to grassroots organizations making a difference. Local A&K staff identify conservation, health, education and cultural challenges in their communities, then work with organizations to find solutions with project funding from Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, which supports more than 40 projects on all seven continents.
Read This Next
2013 Airline Of The Year And Hotel Of The Year
2013 / December 2013
Dec 5, 2013All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jun 10, 2025Cleveland Museum of Natural History Honored as One of World’s Most Beautiful
Named to the 2025 World’s Most Beautiful Museums List by influential Prix Versailles, Cleveland Museum of Natural History joins a short, prestigious list of global institutions to be recognized for excellence in new museum architecture.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
June 2025
Jun 10, 2025Art and Food Come Together in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a quintessential beach town. Sitting on the Bay of Banderas on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, this former fishing village affords access to some of the country’s most beautiful stretches of sand; the Sierra Madres for adventurous jungle outings; and a mix of neighborhood eateries, world-renowned restaurants and robust nightlife.
Daily
Jun 10, 2025Find the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type This Summer
When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun (especially in summer), it’s easy to think any sunscreen will do so long as it is the right SPF. But protecting our skin should go beyond just finding the right SPF; different skin types require different ingredients to keep our skin healthy and happy. Find your right sunscreen this summer:
Sponsored Content
Smarter Business Travel: 12 Tips from IHG Business Edge
For small- and mid-sized businesses, travel is often a necessary part of growth — helping to strengthen client relationships, explore new markets and attend key industry events. But with rising costs and limited resources, keeping business travel efficient and budget-friendly is more important than ever.
Daily
Jun 10, 202510 International Yoga Day Experiences Around the World
In celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21, book a trip to one of these destinations hosting special yoga experiences.
Emerald Cruises Unveils 2027 Expansion
June 2025
Jun 8, 2025Daily
Jun 6, 2025Have a “The Devil Wears Prada”-Inspired Afternoon Tea at This London Hotel
Heading to London with plans to catch a performance of The Devil Wears Prada on stage at Dominion Theatre? Be sure to make reservations for an afternoon tea at The Bloomsbury, perfectly positioned in the theater district. The hotel partnered with Dominion in the conception of a themed afternoon tea and cocktail menu, using the show as inspiration.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination
Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.
Daily
Jun 6, 2025Key West’s Most Exclusive New Retreat Opens for Summer Season
Lunara Bay now accepts bookings for its July 1 opening. The property is the island's largest oceanfront accommodation with 26 luxury waterfront estates, redefining the Key West experience thanks to coastal residence comforts with the elevated service of a 5-star resort.
ShareThis