EXECUTIVE Q&A

THE POWER OF THREE

LUXURY BRANDS

John Boulding (CEO, Insight Vacations), Jonathan Raggett (Managing Director, Red Carnation Hotel Collection), and Guy Young (President, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection) oversee three of the most high-end luxury brands in The Travel Corporation family of companies. Step inside their world and learn about the power behind these luxury brands with a brief Q&A session.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION/ ITINERARY YOUR COMPANY OFFERS?

John Boulding: Spain and Portugal are my all-time European favorites! The full diversity of such an amazing destination as Iberia is reflected in its character and its people. The proud independence and color of Barcelona, the majesty of the Sierras and great Moorish fortresses, the passion and culture of Andalucía, the charm and history of the Alentejo and the monumental legacy of Lisbon work together to make it a truly special region.

Jonathan Raggett: South Africa, where we have three exceptional properties—the 12 Apostles in Cape Town; the iconic Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks, Durban; and Bushmans Kloof in the Cederberg Mountains, a stunning wilderness reserve and wellness retreat. Guy Young: I love France and have had the good fortune of cruising all three of Uniworld’s France itineraries. Recently, my wife and I cruised the “Bordeaux, Vineyards & Châteaux” itinerary. One of the highlights was a bicycle ride through the Médoc wine region, stopping off at various châteaux for wine tasting. Combining exercise with amazing vineyards, châteaux and great wines is a formula that is truly hard to beat!

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION?

John Boulding: The preparation, planning and launch for 2016 of our new Luxury Gold by Insight Vacations. I was proud and pleased to work closely with our Chairman, Stanley Tollman, and Group CEO, Brett Tollman, to deliver their family’s vision of creating the finest

escorted journeys available. We learned from their heritage of 100 years in hospitality. We also shared the knowledge, expertise and planning resources of both Uniworld and Red Carnation Hotels. They too are world-leading luxury brands and were able to contribute greatly.

Jonathan Raggett: There have been many memorable experiences in my fifteen years as Managing Director, but in recent times, the most memorable has to be the acquisition of Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland. We undertook a three year program of restoration and it’s been a delight to witness the transformation. The 68 guest rooms and 14 staterooms now

include the finest and latest modern amenities while retaining the original features of the castle. I am delighted that the Tollman family’s vision and commitment to this project has been recognized and we are very proud the hotel won Best Hotel in Virtuoso’s Best of the Best Awards, together with Opening of the Year at the recent European Hospitality Awards.

Guy Young: Uniworld has seen so much growth over the last five years. It's been very exciting and a great privilege for me. What stands out most was the launch of our first 135 meter ship—the S.S. Antoinette—in 2011. The ship is stunning and includes many innovations, such as an infinity swimming pool, conservatory balconies and al fresco dining area. The S.S. Antoinette set the standard for all of our new builds, and she remains the most beautiful and luxurious ship on the Rhine River. HOW DOES BEING PART OF THE TRAVEL CORPORATION BENEFIT YOUR COMPANY?

John Boulding: I believe our common goal of delivering the very best luxury experiences along with truly outstanding value is the common thread that binds us together, and it is wonderful to be able to offer Insight Past Guests benefits to Uniworld and Red Carnation Hotel guests, and vice-versa. We also share some products. Uniworld and Insight have cooperated on several itineraries —“La Serenissima,” for example, is a luxury cruise and tour program in Italy. Red Carnation’s award-winning Milestone Hotel is a fabulous four night stay on our “Luxurious London & Paris” vacation.

Jonathan Raggett: We recognize that if we want our staff to provide our guests with exceptional service, they have to be empowered and cherished. Looking after our staff is one of our cornerstones and we believe in giving all members of the team the opportunity to achieve their career ambitions. We are currently ranked at Number 2 on The Sunday Times Top 100 Companies to Work For. Through the feedback I receive from our guests, it is clear they recognize and appreciate that it is our staff who make the difference to their experience.

Guy Young: The Tollman family has a rich legacy in the hospitality business and a passion for delivering exceptional service. Uniworld has been very fortunate to draw upon the incredible knowledge that the family has in owning and operating world-class hotels under the Red Carnation brand. Mrs. Beatrice Tollman has brought her knowledge and passion for design, food and service to Uniworld, which gives us a huge advantage in river cruising.

HOW IS YOUR COMPANY UNIQUE COMPARED TO YOUR COMPETITORS?

John Boulding: Luxury Gold is the ultimate in guided vacations. This exceptional collection will define guided vacations, both for today and for tomorrow, bringing our guests exclusive VIP experiences, epicurean dining, an outstanding collection of luxury hotels and a special concierge service unlike anything else available in escorted journeys. Jonathan Raggett: We recognize that if we want our staff to provide our guests with exceptional service, they have to be empowered and cherished. Looking after our staff is one of our cornerstones and we believe in giving all members of the team the opportunity to achieve their career ambitions. We are currently ranked at Number 2 on The Sunday Times Top 100 Companies to Work For. Our guests recognize and appreciate that it is our staff who make the difference to their experience, with much of the feedback that I receive on a daily basis including comments such as “the number one appeal of this property is your people” and “how refreshing it was to see so many

young energetic and positively gracious staff … they know their stuff, and have hospitality skills that far exceed those of the traditionalists at the Dorchester, the Capital and especially the Savoy.”

Guy Young: To be successful in a highly competitive market, we have focused on having a differentiated product and delivering great service. Every ship is unique and designed to be as inspiring as the destinations visited.. As a company, we spend very little on consumer advertising. Rather, we invest heavily in our ships and, even more importantly, on our guest experience. While we have been honored with many accolades—notably, a recent award for “Best River Cruise Line” by Cruise Critic—what is most rewarding to me is the consistently great reviews we get from our guests. Nothing stands out more than the praise we receive for our onboard and onshore staff. Service is at the heart of our