Know Zone Podcast

Tune in as Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations, and Grace McBride, CEO of Lucia—a contractor marketplace for hospitality —delve into travel industry trends, the challenges facing travel industry entrepreneurs, and discuss how the collaboration between Classic Vacations and Lucia can contribute to the support and growth of your travel business.

France’s iconic Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes overlooks the city’s renowned La Croisette and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Listen in as Camille Trenda, Director of Sales North America, shares why her spectacular property is the perfect choice when visiting the French Riviera and the surrounding area.

Winter is coming! Listen in as Tisa Lange, Classic Vacations’ Associate Product Development Manager, gives an overview of our newest product, SKI by Classic.

In this episode, Business Development Managers, Joseph Barney and Ray Benevides, meet with Pilar Arizmendi Stewart, VP of Sales & Marketing, The Americas, Palladium Hotel Group. Listen in as Pilar shares what makes Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts and TRS Hotels unique in the popular all-inclusive market.

In this episode, Strategic Account Managers, Ray Benevides and Joseph Barney, speak with Classic Vacations’ new CEO, Melissa Krueger. Listen in to their fun, personable conversation as Melissa shares everything from her journey in the travel industry and how she balances career and family, to skin care tips.

Aruba is a Caribbean paradise offering perfect weather, beautiful beaches, culinary delights, luxury accommodations, and friendly people. Listen in as Kim Riddle, Business Development Manager, Aruba Tourism Authority, shares some of the many reasons visitors feel the Aruba Effect on this One Happy Island.

In this episode Classic’s Strategic Account Managers, Ray Benevides and Joseph Barney, speak with the delightful Dinorah Tobon Hampshire, Director of Sales USA & Canada, Hoteles Xcaret. Listen as they share the unique experiences offered at the outstanding properties of Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Hotel Xcaret Artes, and the newest offer, La Casa de la Playa.

Listen in as Lisa Hollenberg, Director of Sales, Palmaïa, The House of AïA, joins Classic’s Strategic Account Managers, Ray Benevides and Joseph Barney and shares the Palmaïa experience. Discover this unique wellness-focused resort and all it offers.

Listen in as Ruselle Galante, Regional Sales Manager, Halekulani and Halepuna Waikiki, joins Classic’s Strategic Account Managers, Ray Benevides and Joseph Barney and shares the Halekulani and Halepuna Waikiki experience. Discover all that’s new and exciting at her beautiful properties

Listen in as Classic’s Strategic Account Managers, Joseph Barney and Ray Benevides speak with Silvio Bion, General Manager of The Brando, located on the island of Tetiaroa, French Polynesia. The Brando is unique in combining the mission of sustainability with a stunning luxury resort. Silvio describes this mission and gives us a sneak peek of The Brando's new Wellness Week program.

Listen in as Francisco Rello, Regional Sales & Marketing Manager, Western USA, Karisma Hotels & Resorts and Margaritaville Brand Ambassador, gives an overview of Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana, the recently opened family-friendly resort that features the first Landshark Brewery, JWB Prime Steakhouse, and a wide variety of activities for guests to enjoy during their vacation.

In this episode, we’ve taken highlights from a recent webinar featuring the newest luxury resort in Riviera Nayarit, Conrad Punta de Mita. Listen in as Liliana Reed, Director of Leisure Sales, Conrad Punta de Mita, shares don’t-miss sites and activities, and tells us why her property is perfect for family and multi-generational travel.

We’ve taken highlights from a recent webinar featuring The Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, Anguilla.

In this episode, Lorine Charles-St. Jules, Director of Sales for the Anguilla Tourist Board, gives an overview of this hidden gem including the addition of new luxury properties, what to see and do, and why it’s the perfect destination for your discerning clients.

In this Just Go Show episode, SAMs Colter Fleming and Joseph Barney speak with Andrea Saderi, General Manager for Baglioni Resort, Maldives. Listen in as Andrea shares his journey from the island of Sardinia to his current role as General Manager for this luxury resort described as “paradise with Italian grace”.

Listen in as Erin Wigger, Business Development Manager, Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, gives an update and shares some great insider tips about her stunning property that offers sunrise and sunset views, a private lagoon, and the only over-water restaurant on Moorea.

In our 5th “Just Go Show” episode, Classic Vacations Strategic Account Managers Colter Fleming and Joseph Barney speak with Angela Vento, General Manager for Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui. Listen in as Angela shares her incredible story of working through the ranks and taking a risk to move from Atlanta to Hawaii.

Paradisus by Meliá is a stunning collection of beachfront luxury resorts reflecting the natural beauty of their surroundings. Listen in as Tamara Gilbert, Director of Leisure Sales, South West USA gives an update and shares some great insider tips about these amazing properties.

With sage advice and an infectious laugh, Gary C. Sadler, OD tells us about his journey from the beaches of Jamaica as a Sandals Playmaker to his current position as Executive V. P. of Sales & Industry Relations  for Unique Vacations, Inc., affiliate of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, a chain of luxury all-inclusive resorts located throughout the Caribbean.

Listen in on highlights from a recent webinar with Jennifer Guevera, Global Director of Sales, West Coast USA & Canada, Kerzner International. Jennifer gives an overview and shares some fun insider tips about her three properties in Dubai; Atlantis, The Palm, One&Only The Palm, and One&Only Royal Mirage. Next, we move on to the Maldives to explore the One&Only Reethi Rah.

In our third episode of the Just Go Show series, Strategic Account Managers Colter Fleming and Joseph Barney catch up with Cari Abonador-Alexander, Director of Leisure & Wholesale for Park Hyatt St. Kitts and Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya.

Listen in on highlights from a recent Know Zone webinar as Zachary Samuel, Sr. Sales Manager, Pure Grenada, takes us on a tour of one of the Caribbean’s hidden gems.

From beautiful beaches and a plethora of waterfalls, to excellent sailing, diving, and luxury resorts, Grenada offers so much to discover! Zachary will share some great insider tips and the must-see sites on the Spice of the Caribbean.

On this episode of the Just Go Show series, Strategic Account Managers Colter Fleming and Joseph Barney have a fun conversation with Christina Richardson, Associate Director of Sales, Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa, Maui about updates to her property, and life on the Islands.

Listen in on highlights from a recent Know Zone webinar as Classic’s Joanie Maro takes us on a tour of one of the world’s most beautiful islands.  We explore all that Santorini has to offer, from hiking and wine tasting, to archaeology and sailing, with a sprinkle of valuable insider tips along the way.

Listen in on our first episode of the Just Go Show series where Strategic Account Managers, Colter Fleming and Joseph Barney talk with Jonnie Torres, Director of Sales & Marketing, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa about updates to her property, and some of her favorite off-the-beaten path places on her home island of Maui. 

Listen in on highlights from a Know Zone webinar and take a journey to Saint Lucia, the world’s leading honeymoon destination, with Richard Moss, Senior Sales Manager, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority.

Listen in on highlights from a recent Know Zone webinar with Pamela Ewing, Director of Tourism, Turks & Caicos Tourist Board where we explored the beautiful islands of Turks and Caicos home to World Travel Awards’ World’s Leading Beach Destination, Grace Bay Beach.

Shari Seraphin, Travel Industry Sales Manager for the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas gives an overview of the beautiful island of St. Thomas and treats us to a tour of her newly refreshed luxury resort which is set on 30 acres in the US Virgin Islands.

Listen in as Kristin Carlson, Managing Director, Tahiti Tourisme USA, and Gretchen Macknight of Getaways Perfected, tell us about their recent travels to the beautiful Islands of Tahiti amid Covid-19. They share their experiences, give expert advice, and answer questions. 

Listen in as Dave Ferran, Classic Vacations' Head of Sales, talks about his recent November 2020 trip to Maui. Dave shares his departure and arrival experience, and what he’s seeing and experiencing as the State of Hawaii reopens for tourism.