I am writing from my cozy home in the Italian mountains looking out on the Monte Bianco on a crisp sunny day with Elmo our dog, Stella and Luna, our two black cats, lounging in front of a crackly open fire.
The last days of the year are always a chance to reflect as well as look forward, so I decided to share my thoughts on 2023 as well as my hopes and dreams for the new year.
What a 2023 has been for us here at Journeys!
Only our second year of operations, yet jam-packed with new initiatives launching FIVE new event series.
Our closing beach lunch in Cannes saw over 120 globetrotters from our TRIBE come together to network on a wintery warm sunny day on the French riviera.
I was proud to launch our Italian inaugural edition in the beautiful Umbria, a region less well-known, but with a massive authentic and genuine offering.
I have personally made new friends along the way: Borgobrufa Spa Resort, Sina Brufani, Posta Donini, Park Hotel ai
Cappuccini, Italy with Class as well as enjoyed working again with old ones such as Italy Luxury Travel, Italian Hospitality Collection, and many more. I look forward to being back in the Umbria region in the future.
In November next year the second edition of our Italian event will be in the authentic region of Le Marche with the great team of Lindbergh hotels.
In North America and with the help of Costa del Sol, our sponsor, the Niagara Tourism Board and Jason Swaye we could see one of the seven wonders of the world from up above and managed to have a closing evening in a trendy pub in Williamsbugh, New York, with an entertaining drag queen playing bingo! WATCH OUR VIDEO HERE
In early May next year, we will be discovering the city of Houston, Texas in partnership with the tourism board and the fantastic Post Oak Hotel. The experiences that we will be lining up are jaw-dropping, so watch out for this space and our site visit in January!
The London edition with the amazing Baglioni Hotel London, ITA Airways, L’Albereta and their Franciacorta wines in April was filled with all sorts of animal species and despite some not being everyone’s cup of tea, it certainly gave memories to help establish those important relationships.
Having exceeded all expectations with the launch of our London edition for Italians and UK luxury agents, the second of the series will double up in London and Manchester mid April 2024 with partners such as Tootbus, City Cruises, Hyatt Regency and Baglioni Hotel London for a memorable event. WATCH OUR VIDEO
The Digital inaugural edition was hugely successful in hosting 140 delegates for 700 meetings and 300 hours of networking which translated into an average of £33,000 worth of business for each participating supplier.
2024 will be kicked off in January with the second edition which will allow our TRIBE network to meet up at a time where everything is slower. Ahead of the hustle and bustle of travelling to all parts of the world, it will give everyone a chance to agree those much needed business deals early on in the year.
I am super excited about Journeys in Technology in Dubai in early May 2024 with the expert knowledge of my dear friend Ewan Macleod, chief expert of digital technology talking about the impact of AI in luxury travel together with stalwart John Bevan CEO of DNATA Travel Group at DNATA Dubai for a memorable and insightful breakfast network session.
I feel with Journeys we found our niche!
The hunger is palpable for intimate, small curated luxury events focussed on specific segments, filled with extraordinary experiences to make those business moments memorable.
My parting thought is one of thanks. I am personally extremely grateful to our wonderful TRIBE network for the support and trust in Journeys.
There are many to thank and I am sure you know who you are, so, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU; we simply couldn’t have done it without you!
I am overwhelmed with the positive feedback from our community and proposition to do more of this around the world.
It started all with just Alessia and myself, and I feel very proud and extremely humble to be working with such a great team and amazing people. I am in awe of their dedication, work ethics, passion and commitment. Alex, Alessia, Craig, Nicoletta and Gianmarco, I am forever thankful you are by my side and I look forward to continue to making the FAM-MEET ® way of doing business, ROCK.
All is left for me to say is, happy holidays and a happy new 2024, and, for those who celebrate Christmas, BUON NATALE!
A presto
Micaela and the Journeys team