forbes travel summit 2023

Forbes Travel Guide Appoints Amanda Frasier to President of Ratings

ATLANTA, JULY 12, 2022 — Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”)—the global authority on genuine Five-Star service—has appointed Amanda Frasier as President of Ratings. In this newly elevated leadership role, Frasier will oversee the next phase of supporting and expanding the company’s global community of luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, with the addition of luxury cruises next year.

FTG is the only independent, global Star Rating system for luxury hospitality. Its prestigious Five-Star, Four-Star and Recommended awards are announced annually, based on incognito inspections in more than 74 countries and counting, making the company a trusted resource for discerning travelers and travel advisors. The Star Rating system is highly regarded for its emphasis on exceptional service.

“Amanda’s personal integrity and thoughtful leadership personify the ethos of Forbes Travel Guide’s award system in which every Star Rating is earned through our exacting and objective inspection process,” said Hermann Elger, CEO of FTG. “Amanda’s promotion further underscores our commitment to operating our Ratings and Services divisions independently of each other—as well as our dedication to the Star-Rated community and the meaningful connections and networking opportunities it inspires.”

A 17-year veteran of FTG, Frasier is responsible for spearheading the continuous evolution of FTG’s standards—including ongoing growth in the areas of wellness, sustainability and responsible tourism. She founded and chairs FTG's Standards Advisory Committee, a highly esteemed group of global hospitality and luxury industry leaders, to share their unique perspectives on contemporary guest expectations and best practices, contributing to FTG’s well-earned reputation for forward-thinking, modern luxury.

Frasier also leads the planning of FTG’s annual Luxury Summit, the premier, invitation-only gathering of hospitality icons, executives, innovators and suppliers for two packed days of education, networking, entertainment and celebration of global Star Award winners. The 2023 Luxury Summit will be held at Resorts World Las Vegas March 1-2, 2023. In her new role, Frasier will also lead the development of a regional Salon Series to further extend FTG’s networking and industry-building events.

"Since joining the company in 2005, when we were still Mobil Travel Guide and limited to North America, I am proud of the work that my colleagues and I have done to globalize the Star Rating system and create trust and transparency in our standards and processes—as well as sharing best practices gleaned through our worldwide presence," said Frasier. "My greatest pleasure has been the many opportunities I have had to inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals through my experiences at Forbes Travel Guide and more than a dozen years previously spent in operational roles at hotels around the world. I am humbled to represent the possibilities for growth offered by this incredible industry."

Frasier is based in Atlanta, where FTG has its global headquarters, and reports to CEO Hermann Elger.

Connect with Forbes Travel Guide: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ForbesTravelGuide Twitter: www.twitter.com/ForbesInspector Facebook: www.facebook.com/ForbesTravelGuide LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/forbes-travel-guide/

About Forbes Travel Guide: Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the global authority on genuine Five-Star service, provides world-class professional services to the hospitality industry and other service-oriented businesses such as luxury retail, residential, healthcare and private clubs through bespoke training solutions, evaluation services and custom service standards. Started as Mobil Travel Guide in 1958, the company created the first Five-Star rating system in the United States. Today, in addition to providing professional services, FTG is the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. FTG’s prestigious annual Star Awards can only be earned through the company’s objective, in-person inspection process. For more information on FTG services, please visit partner.forbestravelguide.com .

MEDIA CONTACT: Michelle Kelly | Penelope Smith Evins Communications [email protected]

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Destinations By Design Creates the Look and Feel of the Forbes Travel Guide 2023 Summit – Verified in Las Vegas

March 5, 2023

The Forbes Travel Guide 2023 Summit took place February 28th-March 2 nd ,  2023 at the modern and contemporary Resorts World Casino in Las Vegas Nevada, and Destinations By Design was a big part of the anticipated event.

The very exclusive, invitation-only, multi-day, summit and awards event was attended by hundreds of top industry talent and thought leaders from around the world in travel & leisure, tech, investment, and hospitality markets. The FTG Summit provided trends and information on the current market and recognized individuals and globally significant brands making an impact worldwide.

Destinations By Design (DBD) is proud to have been a sponsoring partner of the event and provided the stunning décor and event design for multiple segments of the 3-day event.  From overall event production and design of the opening ceremonies and general session, décor and design of the trade show booths and brand partner activations, to the luxurious touches ( Chameleon Chairs , specialty linens, and gorgeous florals ) that set the mood at the closing awards gala, DBD provided its notorious 5-star service to the 5-star review brand’s luxury summit.

The event culminated with an awards-show style gala, complete with actor Neil Patrick Harris as the host of the evening, a luxury 5-star seated dinner, preceded by a cocktail reception, and followed by an after party.  All of which were designed and activated by DBD and our trend setting event production and décor pieces.

As a creative event design and production company in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada , Destinations By Design is proud to work with such partners as the esteemed Forbes Magazine and Travel Guide , Lisa Foust and the team at Creative Experience Group (CEG) , and everyone who made this event possible.   When only the best will do, the best come to DBD to handle their event production needs.

For more information on creative event design, DMC, and corporate event production services contact us today.

More of What Destinations By Design Provided at the 2023 Forbes Travel Guide Summit – Verified:

Krasnodar Krai Travel Guide: All You Need To Know

Krasnodar Krai, often referred to as Krasnodar, is a federal subject (krai) of Russia located in the Southern Federal District. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Black Sea coastline, fertile farmland, and the Caucasus Mountains. The administrative center of Krasnodar Krai is the city of Krasnodar. Here’s some information about Krasnodar Krai:

Places to Visit in Krasnodar Krai: Sochi: This coastal city on the Black Sea is famous for its subtropical climate, beautiful beaches, and the host of the 2014 Winter Olympics. Visit the Sochi Arboretum, Rosa Khutor Alpine Ski Resort, and the Black Sea coast.

Krasnodar: Explore the largest city in the region, known for its parks, cultural attractions, and the Krasnodar Stadium. The Krasnodar Park and Safari Park are popular.

Anapa: A popular seaside resort town with sandy beaches, historical sites, and a mild climate.

Caucasus Mountains: Hike and explore the stunning landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains, including the Sochi National Park and Krasnaya Polyana.

Adler: A city near Sochi, known for its beautiful beachfront and proximity to the Adler Arena Skating Center.

Abrau-Dyurso: Visit the famous Abrau-Dyurso wine estate, known for its sparkling wines, and enjoy wine tasting.

Best Time to Visit Krasnodar Krai: Summer (June to August): The summer months are ideal for visiting Krasnodar Krai, especially the coastal areas, as the weather is warm and beach activities are in full swing.

Spring and Early Autumn: Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) are also pleasant, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds.

Things to Do in Krasnodar Krai: Beach Activities: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and beachfront promenades along the Black Sea coast.

Outdoor Adventures: Explore the natural beauty of the region, including hiking, mountain biking, and winter sports in the Caucasus Mountains.

Cultural Exploration: Discover local traditions, museums, and historical sites to learn about the region’s rich heritage.

Wine Tasting: Visit vineyards and wineries in the region to sample local wines.

How to Get Around Krasnodar Krai: Public Transportation: Public buses, trams, and trolleybuses serve the major cities in Krasnodar Krai. Sochi, Krasnodar, and Anapa have well-developed public transportation networks.

Taxis: Taxis are readily available and can be used for short trips within the cities and for transportation to more remote areas.

Car Rental: Renting a car can be a convenient option for exploring the region, especially if you plan to visit various locations.

Domestic Flights: Major cities like Sochi and Krasnodar have airports with domestic flights connecting them to other Russian cities.

Where to Eat in Krasnodar Krai: Local Cuisine: Savor traditional Russian and Caucasian dishes, including shashlik (kebabs), borscht (beet soup), and local seafood in coastal areas.

Cafes and Restaurants: Explore cafes and restaurants offering international cuisine, including European, Asian, and Middle Eastern dishes.

Street Food: Try local snacks and street food from vendors in markets and along popular tourist areas.

Where to Stay in Krasnodar Krai: Krasnodar Krai offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and resorts. The coastal cities, such as Sochi and Adler, have a variety of lodging choices to suit different budgets and preferences.

Travel Tips for Krasnodar Krai: Language: Russian is the primary language spoken in Krasnodar Krai, so having some knowledge of the language can be helpful, especially in more remote areas.

Currency: The currency used in Krasnodar Krai is the Russian Ruble (RUB). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, but it’s a good idea to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets.

Safety: Krasnodar Krai is generally safe for tourists, but, like in any travel, be cautious with your belongings and personal safety.

Climate: The climate in the coastal areas is milder compared to the mountainous regions. Be prepared for seasonal temperature variations.

Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting cultural or religious sites.

Transportation: Familiarize yourself with the local transportation system, and consider using taxis or ridesharing apps for convenience.

Krasnodar Krai offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. By following these travel tips, you can have a memorable and enjoyable visit to this diverse and scenic region in southern Russia.

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Forbes Travel Guide Stories

A Sea of Shining Stars: Forbes Travel Guide’s 2023 Cruise Awards By Forbes Travel Guide Editor Jennifer Kester

June 26, 2023

Forbes Travel Guide is expanding its 2023 Star Awards for ocean cruises with the addition of three ships to its winners list. Evaluated through incognito, in-person inspections, the new winners — Seabourn Ovation, Silversea’s Silver Shadow and Oceania’s Insignia — join the roster of nearly 2,000 hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises on FTG’s 2023 Star Awards list.  

The only independent global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, the 65-year-old company launched its first fleet of ocean cruise Star Award winners in February 2023 and unveils its second wave of additions to the prestigious list today.

See the full list of 2023 Star-Rated properties here , and learn more about our roster of star-studded cruises below.

Silversea’s Silver Shadow

With only 388 guests and 300 staff members aboard this Four-Star Silversea ship, you will feel well taken care of — especially since everyone receives attentive butler service and champagne on arrival. Every accommodation is a suite with windows overlooking the ocean and a bathroom with a full-sized tub.

Come out of your luxurious suite to dine at standouts like La Dame, a classic French restaurant featuring white-glove service and custom-made crystal Lalique panels, and La Terrazza, an Italian restaurant that sources its premium ingredients from Naples, Umbria and other spots.

Seabourn Ovation

The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star ship puts a lavish touch on all its offerings. On board the all-suite cruise, you’ll stay in spacious, elegant accommodations and savor mouthwatering steaks and lobster thermidor from The Grill by Thomas Keller, the revered chef behind Five-Star The French Laundry in Napa.

Back on shore, Seabourn Ovation will treat you to its signature Caviar on the Surf event, where you will wade waist-deep into the sea to a surfboard bar where staff members pour champagne into flutes and dole out bites of caviar as an appetizer to a beach barbecue.

Oceania’s Insignia

This Forbes Travel Guide Recommended ship enlists iconic chef, TV host and author Jacques Pépin to oversee its restaurants and San Francisco-based Humphry Slocombe to supply its gourmet ice cream (Regatta Royale with bittersweet chocolate, orange zest and smoked sea salt is made exclusively for Oceania).

During the voyage, learn about your destination from expert speakers, like historians and naturalists. Peruse the spa’s Wellness Discovery Tours, shore excursions like hiking to an Argentine glacier or soaking in Rome’s thermal baths. And then retreat to the contemporary sea-and-sand-hued staterooms with teak verandas and bathrooms with Bvlgari toiletries.

The following cruises earned Star Awards in February:

Celebrity Flora

There’s no better way to explore the Galapagos Islands’ wondrous wildlife than this Four-Star ship — it was specially designed to sail to the archipelago. Accommodating only 100 guests in 50 suites, Flora employs a team of Galapagos National Park-certified naturalists to lead onboard activities and twice-daily excursions.

The vessel also is eco-friendly — for example, every suite comes with a water filtration station so you can refill water bottles before heading out on an adventure; the ship stays in position without dropping an anchor and damaging the ocean floor; and solar panels help reduce emissions.

Celebrity Edge

The Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Edge pioneered cruise ship design with the Magic Carpet, the world’s first cantilevered venue at sea, and “infinite verandas,” floor-to-ceiling windows that transform staterooms into indoor-outdoor spaces. Edge offers the Celebrity fleet’s widest range of staterooms, and each gray-drenched accommodation exudes modern luxury.

Edge also launched The Retreat, a sort of hotel-within-a-hotel experience featuring perks like a sundeck with a pool and hot tub, a lounge with concierge service and Luminae restaurant showcasing dishes from respected chef Daniel Boulud, who helms Five-Star NYC restaurant Daniel and also serves as Celebrity’s global culinary ambassador.

Celebrity Apex

You’ll find the same marquee signatures from Edge on its younger ship sibling, which made its maiden voyage in 2020. The Four-Star Apex features the floating orange Magic Carpet, sleek staterooms with infinite verandas and The Retreat’s elevated offerings.

Apex changed up some of its culinary experiences, introducing Craft Social, a bar specializing in craft cocktails, wines on tap and hard-to-find beers; adding a new 3D animation Le Petit Chef show that happens on your table; and updating the lush Eden restaurant to accommodate theatergoers. Visit the ship’s sculpture-dotted Rooftop Garden to catch alfresco films and live music.

Celebrity Millennium

Set sail on this Four-Star ship, which underwent a makeover in 2019 inspired by Celebrity Edge’s design. The renovation ushered in The Retreat with its sun deck; a refreshed casino; warm, stylish staterooms; and new spa-like AquaClass suites with on-demand wellness television programming and in-suite fitness amenities.

While away your days playing pickleball on the open-air courts, dancing the night away at a silent disco with dueling DJs or taking aim at a bullseye with some archery.

Celebrity Summit

Board this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended vessel to experience the hallmarks of the Celebrity brand, like The Retreat. Be sure to escape to the spa to choose from a whopping 120 treatments and relax in the Persian Garden (aquatherapy facilities)

Get complimentary, unlimited access to the latter by upgrading to AquaClass, wellness-focused staterooms that also include a spa concierge, a fitness pass, healthy room service options, a yoga mat and free dining at Blu, a clean-cuisine restaurant solely reserved for AquaClass guests.

How We Rate

To compile these ratings, FTG’s incognito inspectors boarded luxury cruises, posed as ordinary guests and tested hundreds of exacting standards. Since service is at the heart of FTG’s ethos, ocean cruises undergo the same formula as hotels: 70 percent of a cruise’s rating relies on its service, and 3 percent of that figure is made up of a new guest experience score that looks at how the overall experience feels, including the level of personalized service, sense of place and value. The quality and condition of the facilities determine the remaining 30 percent of the rating.

With three Recommended ships earning a place in the new guide, FTG’s entry-level award assures passengers of an exceptionally comfortable cruise experience with an array of high-quality amenities and services in upscale surroundings. Five ships earned Four-Star awards, which denote vessels that offer not only a high-quality facility but a particularly excellent level of personalized service.  

See our collection of Star-Rated cruises here and stay tuned for more — FTG inspectors are sailing on inspections that will result in more cruise ratings for our annual Star Awards in February 2024.

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Forbes Daily: Jordan Chiles Speaks Out About Olympic Medal Controversy

Plus: Meet The VCs Who Just Raised $250 Million To Back Women-Led Startups

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This is a published version of the Forbes Daily newsletter , you can sign-up to get Forbes Daily in your inbox here .

Good morning,

Lauren Sánchez is well aware that most people know her as the fiancé of the second wealthiest person in the world , Jeff Bezos, despite a long list of accomplishments that include a journalism career, a pilot’s license and as of this week, a children’s book author.

“I get it, but I can choose to do something, or I can choose to do nothing,” she said at the Forbes Power Women’s Summit 2024 in New York. “I’m choosing to do something.”

Sánchez, whose work ethic is inspired by her grandmother, was one of the youngest Hispanic female anchors in Los Angeles, and is now vice chair of the Bezos Earth Fund that doles out grants to fight climate change. Soon, she’ll lead an all-female space flight on Blue Origin.

“People like to put you in a box,” she said. “And I don’t fit in that box, I never have.”

Let’s get into the headlines,

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang

After mostly trading down Wednesday morning, Nvidia shares steadily shot upward , booking a 7% gain by late afternoon and almost single handedly turning broad market losses into solid gains . The AI giant saw a jump of more than $190 million in market value after CEO Jensen Huang said at a conference that demand for its products is “so great” that its customers are “tense.”

MORE: The blue chip Dow Jones Industrial Average finished Wednesday up 0.3%, rebounding from a morning that saw the index fall as much as 740 points as investors digested a mixed August consumer price index inflation report.

Flowcarbon, the climate tech startup cofounded by WeWork’s Adam Neumann, has been quietly refunding investors after failing to realize its goal of bringing carbon credits to the blockchain. In 2022, the startup announced it had raised $70 million in funding to create a “Goddess Nature Token” backed by 1:1 carbon credits —certificates that companies typically buy en masse to offset their greenhouse gas emissions. As part of the refund process, purchasers of the token were asked to sign a release including a broad waiver of claims against Flowcarbon and its affiliates.

BUSINESS + FINANCE

Following a report of declining sales, shares of GameStop—often the focus of meme stock trading— fell nearly 12% Wednesday , adding to a 3.3% loss from the previous day. Still, despite a 31% drop in sales from the year prior, the video game retailer reported adjusted earnings of 1 cent per share , beating out estimates of a loss of 9 cents per share.

WEALTH + ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Zhang Yiming, founder of Bytedance

Zhang Yiming, cofounder of TikTok owner ByteDance, has overtaken beverage giant Nongfu Spring chairman Zhong Shanshan as the richest man in China , according to the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List. Zhang, 40, clinched the crown for the first time with a fortune of $45.6 billion, above Zhong’s $42.9 billion, according to Forbes estimates.

MONEY + POLITICS

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) canceled plans for a vote on a new government spending bill , 19 days before the existing bill expires, which would trigger a shutdown . The stopgap bill that Johnson was backing tacked on a measure that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote, but multiple Republicans expressed plans to vote against the legislation for various reasons.

Following Tuesday night’s debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, it remains unclear whether the two candidates will have a rematch . On Wednesday, Trump questioned why he should participate in another debate , claiming that Harris “was beaten badly” and that he’s “not inclined” to do another debate. Fox has already offered to host a second debate in October, while NBC has proposed a matchup for later this month.

MORE: About 58 million people watched Harris and Trump debate on television Tuesday night, multiple outlets reported, citing early figures from Nielsen. That’s about a 12% increase in viewership from the June debate between Trump and his then-opponent President Joe Biden.

SPORTS + ENTERTAINMENT

American gymnast Jordan Chiles

After the International Olympic Committee stripped her of an individual bronze medal, gymnast Jordan Chiles experienced internet criticism and racist comments. In her first interview since then, Chiles said at the Forbes Power Women’s Summit that she felt betrayed by the sport : “At this rate, it’s not really about the medal, it's about my peace and my justice,” the 23-year-old said. “It’s about my skin color.”

Singer Justin Timberlake will appear in court in New York on Friday to enter a plea and resolve his drunk driving charge from June. He is expected to plead guilty to a lesser offense than driving while intoxicated, the Associated Press reported, and will likely pay a fine between $300 and $500, according to Deadline.

One day after he was ordered to pay a $100 million default payment in a separate sexual assault case, producer and business mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was hit with a new lawsuit . Dawn Richard, a former member of girl group Danity Kane, is the latest in a long line of women to accuse Combs of abuse , claiming in a lawsuit filed in New York that she was subjected to violent acts, death threats, financial abuse, sexual assault and more.

TRAVEL + LIFESTYLE

In an olive branch to activist investor Elliott Investment Management, Southwest Airlines announced that it will revamp its board of directors and longtime chairman Gary Kelly will retire in 2025. Elliott, which is owned by billionaire hedge fund magnate Paul Singer, has in recent months amassed 10% of Southwest’s common stock and waged a public campaign for the airline to make significant changes , even putting forward a preferred slate of candidates for the board.

TRENDS + EXPLAINERS

Earlier this week, the European Union’s top court ruled that Apple must pay billions in back taxes after engaging in sweetheart deals with Ireland to lower its tax bills. The case stretches back more than a decade , but the European Commission eventually found that tax rulings issued by Ireland to Apple “substantially and artificially” lowered the tax paid by Apple to Ireland since 1991. Apple paid an effective corporate tax rate of 1% in 2003 and just 0.005% in 2014.

DAILY COVER STORY

Meet the vcs who just raised $250 million to back women-led startups.

Rethink Impact founder Jenny Abramson (right) and her fellow managing partner, Heidi Patel.

TOPLINE Jenny Abramson was a Stanford sophomore in 1997 when her mother, Patty, launched the Women’s Growth Capital Fund. Back then, the daughter recalls, she was surrounded by “a million amazing women” at school and didn’t really understand why female founders might need their own dedicated venture capital firm.

Twenty-seven years later, Jenny Abramson not only gets it, but has just raised another $250 million for Rethink Impact, cementing its status as the largest VC firm dedicated to funding female CEOs . It’s the third and largest fund that Abramson and her fellow managing partner, Heidi Patel, have raised since 2017, and nearly doubles their assets under management.

It’s not just the size and participants in this round—which closed today and is being reported first by Forbes —that stand out. The successful round comes at a time when venture fundraising is on track for its worst year in a decade, according to Pitchbook, and when efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion are under attack in both the courts and corporate America.

While the median time for venture firms to close new funds has, in recent quarters, stretched to 15 months, Abramson and Patel raised their Fund III in just one summer. Among the limited partners: Melinda French Gates’ investing firm, Pivotal Ventures, and a slew of institutional investors. “Getting to this size meant that we really had to cross the chasm into institutional LPs, and that’s what we did,’’ says Patel. “We’ve got more than 10 university endowments, and foundations; we have limited partners from large financial institutions like UBS and Cambridge Associates.”

WHY IT MATTERS Along with making money for their investors, Abramson and Patel are aiming to turn the tide on funding for female founders and CEOs . “I definitely think we will see parity in our lifetime,” Abramson says optimistically. “I think that we finally have a moment where the data exists that shows that female companies grow faster, have higher valuation increases and exit faster—after all, time is money.”

MORE Why Aileen Lee Predicts More Women Will Found Unicorns Over The Next 10 Years

FACTS + COMMENTS

The NFL’s return last week reinforced the league’s dominance , as the first week of broadcasts —featuring a re-match of the AFC championship game, an appearance by Taylor Swift and Tom Brady’s debut as an analyst— broke viewership records :

21 million: The average audience per game for the week

123 million: How many people saw at least part of one game, the league’s highest total for an opening week since 2019

93: Of the 100 most-watched TV broadcasts last year, 93 were NFL football games

STRATEGY + SUCCESS

In a job interview, the trickiest questions you’ll likely get as a candidate start like this: “Tell me about a time when you…” These situational questions are effective at proving you’ve solved a problem before, but people often miss details or lack a concise, easily-understandable answer . Take the time to craft a response in advance, and remember the interviewer is looking for specifics: specific details, and more importantly, specific outcomes.

A city’s local police department spent more than $150,000 to purchase a Tesla Cybertruck, including $20,000 on additional customizations, for community outreach around its anti-drug program. Which state is the police department located in?

A. New York

C. California

Check your answer.

Thanks for reading! This edition of Forbes Daily was edited by Sarah Whitmire and Chris Dobstaff.

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