First in Service Travel

The Covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted minority and women-owned small businesses in all industriesincluding travel. And we want to talk about solutions. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and Women's Small Business Month, First in Service holds its next F1RST Talk series: Leadership in Crisis. Panelists Matthew Upchurch, CEO at Virtuoso Travel, Fernando Gonzalez, CEO at First in Service Travel, and Stephanie Horton, Global Consumer Marketing Director, Commerce (Shopping & Travel) at Google, are joined by moderator Lena Hansen, Senior Writer at People en Español, to discuss how nowmore than everbusiness leaders are finding innovative and creative ways to meet these critical challenges head-on.

Spread the word because we've got several of our favorite industry partners coming together to put an innovative and engaging lineup of places and experiences we know and love! Featuring keynote speaker, @ndaba_mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, this is definitely not just another online travel conference! And best of all, all profits will be donated to @everymomcounts. Check out @repfest.live to join us in this great cause. #strongertogether

Typically at this time of year, all talk turns to fall and winter travel. But "typical" doesn't exist in 2020, so as travel slowly makes its way back into our lives, we want to show you how to do so safely:

Our very own travel superstar Stacy Weigant will be joining our friends at Muse Collection and a panel of fellow experts tomorrow, August 28th to discuss Predictions for Travel for the First Quarter of 2021. At a moment where the travel landscape is shifting daily, you can never be too informed. Make sure to join the link below tomorrow at 12PM EST! https://us02web.zoom.us//tZYqcOqtqDojH9Gr-tskbDdkBZ70hJsEY

Like so many things in 2020, travel is different this year. But so is the travel industry itself. Case in point: #VirtuosoTravelWeek, our annual gathering of travel partners from around the globe. F1S is a member of Virtuoso, the world’s leading, invitation-only travel network, and this year, instead of the in-person gathering of the past, the F1S team and advisors took to their couches (um, we mean home offices!) and computer screens for the first-ever Virtual Virtuoso Travel Week. And we’re here to tell you: It was a huge success. Click the link below to read about our experts' takeaways from the biggest week in travel! https://firstinservice.com//how-travel-is-changing-and-wh/

We can't wait to watch tomorrow's TL Talks with @TLPortfolio as our fearless leader Fernando Gonzalez joins the panel to discuss the growing need for human connection through travel. After all, travel is, and always will be, a people business. Make sure to join via Youtube live tomorrow at 2PM EST! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gba9org2vmM&feature=youtu.be

We recently sat down for a #F1RSTTALK with world-renowned journalist, writer, and motivational speaker @Ismaelcala to discuss the importance of keeping positive during a crisis. Ismael reminds us that in this current world of uncertainty, we need to be flexible and willing to adapt, and most importantly be intentional with our thoughts and actions. His words were much-needed during this time and we hope you find them just as inspirational!

There’s nothing better than getting out there and exploring the world. But the world, at least for the moment, has changedand your travel plans might have changed along with it. Our newest "Weekend Away" series inspires safe summer travel plans within driving distance of major cities recommended by our team of F1S insiders. Head to the link below for a full recap of our favorites near New York City, and stay tuned in the coming weeks for more inspirational getaways around the country! https://firstinservice.com//f1s-approved-summer-getaways-/

We are delighted to have George Alexandrou and Ioannis Zogkas join the ranks of our talented travel advisors. On behalf of the F1S Family, we would like to extend our warmest welcome and good wishes. The Toronto-based duo, @atraveldesign, has over 18 years of experience in international and complex travel for private clients. Welcome aboard! "Together we will create your own stories with experiences that will become reality throughout every corner of the world. Never stop dreaming. Let’s start planning." - George & Ioannis

At First in Service, creativity and innovation flourish, especially in times of crisis. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of F1RST Talks a series of thoughtful conversations with influential leaders across various industries about the future of travel. In our inaugural talk, we had the honor of chatting with legendary tour manager Alan Floyd, who is a longtime client that has risen to celebrity status working with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Frank Ocean, among others. Despite his fame, Alan is as grounded and as humble as they come. Naturally, Alan captivated the First in Service team with his outlook on entertainment travel and life overall in a post COVID-19 world. Check out the video here. We’re sure you’ll be equally inspired.

Congratulations are in order to our very own travel superstars, Stacy Weigant and Liora Manilof! Our powerhouse team in Miami S & L Journeys, Inc was just awarded Best Luxury & Exotic Travel Consultant in the state of Florida by Acquisition International, whose annual Business Excellence Awards highlight handpicked businesses by financial experts because of their commitment to client service and excellence. We love seeing our team get the recognition we know they deserve. Keep Shining, Stacy and Liora!

Today we celebrate our beloved team of travel advisors, whose passion and expertise is the heartbeat of the experiences we provide. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have rescued many important life moments, such as honeymoons, family gatherings, milestone celebrations, high stakes business meetings, epic music tours, and so much more. We could not be prouder to have our team of travel superstars leading the way for our clients! #HappyNationalTravelAdvisorDay #YouAreOurTravelHero