Why Blue Zone Retreats Work TSHS-082

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Why Blue Zone Retreats Work – discussion with Celine Vadam, Head of Retreats. In this episode, Sam-Erik Rutmann discusses Blue Zone retreats with Celine Vadam, the founder and CEO of a wellbeing concept consultancy WE(i)Think. We explore the uniqueness of Blue Zone retreats, the proliferation of wellness retreats in the market, and the importance of regulation and quality control in the retreat industry. Blue Zone retreats offer a holistic approach to wellness, allowing individuals to integrate the principles into their own lives. The retreats focus on moving naturally, eating wisely, downshifting, and having a sense of purpose. The Blue Zones company has conducted research on areas where people live the longest and has identified nine principles for a long and healthy life. The Blue Zone retreats provide practical life coaching exercises and create a safe space for emotional exploration. Consumers seeking reputable retreats should do their research, seek recommendations, and ensure the retreat aligns with their goals and values.

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Hotel Marketing Mastery: Insider Tips to Skyrocket Your Room Bookings! TSHS – 081

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Hotel Marketing Mastery: Insider Tips to Skyrocket Your Room Bookings!

In this episode, Brandon Leibowitz, the founder of SEO Optimizer, shares insights on digital marketing for the hotel industry. The conversation covers search engine optimization, content marketing, social media marketing, pay-per-click advertising, email marketing, analytics, conversion rate optimization, customer relationship management, and the future of automation in hotels. Brandon also shares a cutting-edge tip that not only enhances user engagement but also significantly boosts booking conversion rates by providing a realistic preview of what guests can expect..

🎁 Brandon also offers a gift and website analysis for listeners. Go to https://seooptimizers.com/gift/

☕️ Hey 👋🏻I have created a page here. Now you can buy me a coffee. 😊https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SamErik

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Enhancing Guest Experience in Hospitality with Amazon’s Principles. TSHS-080

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In this episode, Steve Anderson, an expert and author of The Bezos Letters, discusses examples of the principles of growing a business like Amazon. He shares insights on customer obsession, day-one mentality, high-velocity decision-making, and more. The conversation also delves into applying these principles in the hospitality industry and the impact of automation and regenerative leadership.

🔥 Join us as we delve into:

  • Embrace the Unplanned Path: Just as Anderson stumbled into authorship from an attempt to distill lessons into an executive summary, be open to the unexpected directions your hospitality career may lead you. What starts as a small initiative or a simple project could blossom into a defining piece of your legacy.
  • Look for Threads of Consistency: Through the lens of Amazon’s intricate weave of principles, recognize the importance of consistent threads in your operation. Whether it’s a commitment to customer satisfaction, impeccable design, or operational excellence, identify and nurture these threads, for they will hold the fabric of your brand together, just as they have done for the world’s most successful companies.
  • Value Every Voice for Innovation: As Anderson observed at Amazon, innovation isn’t relegated to a single department; it’s the collective responsibility of all. Foster a culture where ideas are welcomed and explored—from the concierge to the housekeeping staff, anyone could hold the key to the next big advancement in guest experience.
  • Encourage Successful Failure: Instill a philosophy where failure is not a setback but a stepping stone to greatness. Let your team know that taking calculated risks can yield tremendous rewards, and even when things don’t go as planned, the lessons learned are invaluable. Embrace this approach to drive a culture of continuous learning and resilience.
  • Commit to Big Ideas: Lastly, take inspiration from Anderson’s reflection on Amazon’s practice to bet on big ideas. As you steward your hotel’s vision, don’t just play it safe. Assess which bold moves could significantly advance your mission, and dare to invest in them. The hotel industry is shaped by those who dream big and act boldly—be one of those visionaries.

Visit the website for more information: https://thebezosletters.com/

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Bridging Finance, Hospitality, and Podcasting. TSHS-079

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Bridging Finance, Hospitality, and Podcasting, discussion with Jelani Millard, founder of The Wapechi Collection.

In this episode, Sam-Erik Ruttmann interviews Jelani Millard, a professional risk analyst, podcaster, and hospitality enthusiast. We discuss Jelani Millard’s background, travel experiences, involvement in hospitality, and the Wepachi Collection. We also touch on Jelani’s vision for the hospitality industry and the unique experiences offered by the Wepachi Collection. The conversation delves into the world of travel, hospitality, and personal growth, exploring the business side of travel, the true hustle and craft of travelers, the impact of travel on individuals, and the importance of patience. It also covers the formation of a charitable foundation, the goals and aspirations of the guests, and trends in the hospitality industry.

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From Self-Doubt to Self-Trust: A Blueprint for Entrepreneurial Triumph! TSHS-0078

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From Self-Doubt to Self-Trust: A Blueprint for Entrepreneurial Triumph!

In this episode, I discuss with Dawn Ledet, a certified life coach and self-trust expert. Dawn shares her professional journey from working in the hospitality industry to becoming a life coach. She explains the role and responsibility of a life coach and self-trust expert, highlighting the importance of self-trust in achieving goals. Dawn discusses common challenges faced by entrepreneurs and leaders, such as doubt, fear, and worry, and offers strategies to overcome self-sabotage. She emphasizes the need to shift from a mindset of self-sabotage to one of caution and self-trust. Dawn also shares success stories of clients who have transformed their mindset and achieved significant personal and professional growth.

☕️ Thank you for buying me a coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/SamErik

 

The Link to The Self Trust Coach Free Online Training:https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/selftalk

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Why we cannot ignore Blue Economy, discussion with Ms. Josianne Cutajar. TSHS-0077

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Why we cannot ignore Blue Economy, discussion with Ms. Josianne Cutajar. TSHS-0077

Ms. Josianne Cutajar is a Maltese (Gozitan) politician elected as a Member of the European Parliament in 2019, the youngest person to represent Malta in the European Parliament. She discusses her professional journey, the unique attractions of Gozo, and the importance of climate resilience and inclusive tourism.

 

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Why every gravel bike ride in Finland is a tiny holiday! TSHS-0076

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Why Every Gravel  Bike Ride in Finland is a Tiny Holiday!

In this episode, Sam-Erik Ruttmann interviews Sari Puumala, the founder of PK & Company, about the growing trend of travel by biking, specifically gravel biking.

Sari shares her passion for outdoor activities and how she got into endurance sports like triathlon. We discuss the popularity of gravel road biking and the reasons behind it, including the desire for new experiences, quiet roads, and the social aspect of cycling.

We also explore the difference between bikepacking and traditional cycling tours, as well as the opportunities for small hotels and inns to cater to bike packers. Sari emphasizes the extensive infrastructure and endless possibilities for cycling in Finland, and the need for accommodations to be bike-friendly. We continue by discussing the digital tools available for planning routes and exploring unknown trails.

Sari Puumala discusses the fascination of biking and how she plans her routes, especially when exploring unknown trails or destinations. She shares her passion for planning routes and the tools she uses. Sari also talks about the extensive network of gravel cycling routes in Finland and the challenges of creating interesting routes due to the many roads that end in someone’s house.

She shares memorable experiences from her bikepacking adventures and highlights the social aspect of biking. Sari also discusses the efforts made by the city of Lahti to attract international bikers to Finland, including hosting events like the FNLD Gravel https://www.fnldgrvl.com/ and Nordic Gravel Series https://nordicgravel.com/pages/2024-events. She emphasizes the importance of digital tools and platforms for finding routes and planning bikepacking tours.

Sari Puumala can be reached on Instagram @sora.katriin and @sarikatriin,

I hope you enjoy my content, so subscribe to this channel for interesting discussions about travel and tourism.

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Exploring Africa’s Diverse Charms: Insights on Travel, Sustainability, and Future Trends! TSHS-0075

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Exploring Africa’s Diverse Charms: Insights on Travel, Sustainability, and Future Trends!

In a comprehensive dialogue,  Pirkka Tapiola, Ambassador of Finland to Kenya, Somalia, Eritrea, Seychelles, and Uganda,  delves into the interplay between Africa and Europe, framing it as a pivotal element in the travel experiences of European tourists. Throughout the discussion, he underscores Africa’s multifaceted nature, debunking the notion of it being a homogeneous entity. Notably, he explores the vibrant tapestry of African culture, emphasizing its richness and diversity. From the culinary delights of East Africa to the burgeoning fashion and arts scene in Nairobi, Ambassador Tapiola paints a vivid picture of the continent’s allure.

Central to his discourse is the imperative of sustainability in tourism, advocating for the preservation of Africa’s awe-inspiring natural landscapes and invaluable cultural heritage. Moreover, he provides invaluable insights into ensuring the safety of travelers amidst their explorations. Looking ahead, Ambassador Tapiola offers astute observations on the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry in Africa, identifying key future trends that are poised to shape the traveler experience in the region.

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The Intangible Luxury: Evolving Landscapes of the Hotel Industry. TSHS- 0074

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Summary

In this episode, Sam Erik Ruttmann interviews Piers Schmidt, the founder of luxury branding consultancy firm Luxury Branding. They discuss the challenges faced by luxury hotel brands in gaining global recognition and value compared to luxury goods brands. They explore the pricing premium discrepancy between luxury hotels and luxury goods, as well as the visibility and marketing challenges faced by hotel brands. They also discuss the distinction between ultra luxury and luxury hotel brands and the limitations on the growth of ultra luxury brands. Finally, they delve into the mindset of revenue generation and the rise of experiential luxury in the hospitality industry. The conversation covers topics such as loyalty programs and ultra luxury brands, building true affinity with guests, the Red Sea Global development in Saudi Arabia, and the future of niche brands.

Takeaways

  • Luxury hotel brands face challenges in gaining global recognition and value compared to luxury goods brands.
  • There is a pricing premium discrepancy between luxury hotels and luxury goods, with hotels commanding a lower premium.
  • Visibility and marketing are key challenges for luxury hotel brands, with a need for more innovative and impactful strategies.
  • Ultra luxury hotel brands are limited in their growth due to the high costs of development and the scarcity of suitable real estate.
  • Revenue generation in the hospitality industry should focus on creating unique and exceptional experiences for guests.
  • The rise of experiential luxury has led to increased demand for one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences in the hospitality sector. Loyalty programs are often used as addiction programs rather than creating true loyalty.
  • Ultra luxury brands should focus on building true affinity with guests rather than relying on loyalty programs.
  • The Red Sea Global development in Saudi Arabia is a unique and sustainable project that aims to attract talent and change the tourism map.
  • Niche brands that focus on a specific theme or passion have the potential to succeed by connecting with their target audience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Luxury Branding and Hospitality

02:04 The Lack of Recognition for Luxury Hotel Brands

04:31 Pricing Premium Discrepancy

07:47 Visibility and Marketing Challenges

14:47 Differentiating Ultra Luxury and Luxury Hotel Brands

24:11 Revenue Generation and Differentiation

27:06 The Rise of Experiential Luxury

31:55 Loyalty Programs and Ultra Luxury Brands

36:04 Building True Affinity with Guests

40:27 Red Sea Global Development in Saudi Arabia

51:24 The Future of Niche Brands

Selection of brands mentioned in the Podcast

Zannier https://www.zannierhotels.com

Habitas https://www.ourhabitas.com

My Guest

Piers Schmidt, Founder

Luxury Branding

Email contact: piers.s@luxury-branding.com

Luxury Branding: https://www.luxury-branding.com/

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The Portrayal of Greenland: A visual Analysis of its Digital Storytelling. TSHS-0073

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Summary

This is Ep.02 of my discussion with Dr. Francesc Fuste-Forne, University of Girona, Catalonia.

The Ep. 01 ¨How Instagram & TikTok are rewriting the rules of Gastronomy and Travel Marketing. TSHS-0072 is available for your listening pleasure.

The conversation explores Greenland’s digital storytelling emphasizes its environmental factors and the unique culture within nature.

Dr. Francesc Fuste-Forne recommended that Hospitality professionals should strive to balance high-tech and high-touch experiences and create narratives that evoke identity and engage with customers. The conversation concludes with recommendations for enhancing storytelling techniques and contact information for further engagement.

 

 

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