The Skift Podcast

Today Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko are joined by Tom Marchant from Black Tomato to delve into the evolving landscape of luxury travel. They discuss the definition of luxury, the importance of emotional connections in travel experiences, and how travel advisors play a crucial role in understanding customer needs. The conversation also touches on innovative travel experiences, partnerships, and the balance between curated and spontaneous travel. In this conversation Marchant discusses the profound impact of cultural assets and media on travel destinations, particularly how shows like 'White Lotus' influence tourism. He shares insights on scaling a luxury travel business while maintaining a personal touch, the integration of AI to enhance customer experiences, and the current economic landscape affecting luxury travel. Marchant also highlights emerging trends in the industry, such as the desire for 'earned experiences' and the search for tranquility in travel. Takeaways Luxury is about being thoughtful and pers