About
View From Afar is a podcast that spotlights the people and the ideas shaping the future of travel.
Follow View From Afar
On this episode of View From Afar, hospitality leader Anna Nash reveals how Explora Journeys blends luxury hotel sensibilities with slow travel, sustainability, and thoughtful design to reimagine life at sea.
On this episode of View From Afar: Live From ILTM, Nayara CEO and cofounder Leo Ghitis reveals how his resorts blend sustainability, social impact, and extraordinary natural beauty to create meaningful luxury for the next generation of travelers.
On this episode of View From Afar: Live From ILTM, Langham Hospitality Group CEO Bob van den Oord reveals how a 160-year-old brand is redefining luxury with space, time, and service that feels personal.
On this episode of View From Afar: Live From ILTM, Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch reveals why “automate the predictable, humanize the exceptional” is the mantra shaping the future of luxury travel.
Live From ILTM: How Matter of Form Helps Luxury Travel Brands—From Aman to Belmond—Find Their Voices
On this episode of View From Afar: Live From ILTM, Afar cofounder Joe Diaz talks with Anant Sharma about the creative origins of Matter of Form, the Aman pitch that changed everything, and why luxury brands must choose a single promise—and the confidence to live it.
On this episode of View From Afar: Live From ILTM, AmaWaterways CEO Catherine Powell speaks to the brand’s relaunch, fleet expansion, family and wellness offerings, and the role of technology in delivering personalized river cruise experiences.
In this episode of View From Afar: Live From ILTM, Henley Vazquez of Fora Travel describes how the company modernizes travel advising—combining real‑time booking tools, price monitoring, and in‑person community to empower advisors and make professional trip planning accessible to more travelers.
On this episode of View From Afar: Live From ILTM, Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide, explains how rigorous standards, anonymous inspections, and new awards are redefining luxury travel for today’s discerning guest.
In this episode of “View From Afar,” Intrepid Travel CEO James Thornton explains how small‑group adventure travel, Indigenous co‑design, and B-corp commitments are shaping a more responsible tourism future.
On this episode of “View From AFAR,” safari industry veterans Nicky Fitzgerald and Joss Kent discuss how social media, overcrowding, and poor regulation are threatening East Africa’s iconic wildlife migration.
On this episode of “View From Afar,” Martha Sheridan, president and CEO of Meet Boston, talks about how this most American of cities is celebrating in 2026.
On this episode of “View From Afar,” Julie Coker, president and CEO of New York City Tourism and Conventions talks about NYC’s plans for its 400th birthday.
On this episode of “View From Afar,” Tamara Pigott, executive director of Visit Fort Myers, shares how she’s transformed southwest Florida into a world-class destination that offers much more than gorgeous beaches.
On this episode of “View From AFAR,” Carolann Ouellette, President of the Maine Office of Tourism, on how the outdoors is essential to the state’s economy and its communities.
On this episode of “View From Afar,” Anne Sayers, the Wisconsin Secretary of Tourism, talks about the state as a four-season destination—and the warm hospitality of Wisconsinites.
On this episode of “View From AFAR,” Brad Dean, President and CEO of Explore St. Louis, discusses why he chose the Gateway City over offers from New York and Chicago and how America’s heartland is ready for a renaissance.
On this episode of “View From AFAR,” Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC, discusses separating politics from place and D.C.'s record breaking tourism year.
On this episode of “View From AFAR,” Patrick Kaler, president and CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara, talks about Buffalo’s rich architectural and Black history.
On this episode of “View From AFAR,” Walt Leger, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company talks about the city’s vibe and where to go beyond the French Quarter.
On this episode of “View From AFAR,” Caroline Beteta, President and CEO of Visit California, talks about how sustainable tourism is in California’s DNA.
On this episode of “View From AFAR,” President and CEO of Choose Chicago, Kristen Reynolds talks about how Chicago celebrates diversity and inclusion (and the Pope, of course).
On this episode of “View From AFAR,” Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale talks about Greater Fort Lauderdale’s impressive diversity and welcoming mindset.
On this episode of “View From AFAR,” Josh Earnest, executive vice president of Communications and Advertising for United Airlines, wants to give customers the best possible experience.
On this episode of “View From AFAR,” Adam Burke, President and CEO of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, talks about his dream of having 1 million people employed in the city’s tourism industry.
On this episode of “View From AFAR,” Bill Hornbuckle, Chair of the U.S. Travel Association’s Board of Directors and President and CEO at MGM Resorts International, emphasizes the importance of government support for the travel industry
On this episode of “View From AFAR,” Executive Director of Visit Philadelphia Angela Val on the birthplace of democracy and Philly as a city for everyone.
On this episode of “View From AFAR,” executive director of Explore Charleston, Helen Hill, talks about the importance of showing a city’s true history.
On this episode of “View From Afar,” Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, talks about a decade of exciting events and how the country can make inbound travel easier for international visitors.
On this episode of “View From AFAR,” recorded live at IPW in Chicago, president and CEO of Explore Asheville Vic Isley talks about the resilience of people and western North Carolina.
On this episode of “View From AFAR,” hospitality CEO Maud Bailly redefines what it means to lead with empathy, style, and sustainability.