In March of 2009, I went to do a few more spins in the centrifuge at the NASTAR Center. CNN decided to follow me as I pulled over 6Gs! Check out the video below.
I was recently asked to write the “Just Back” article for Luxury Travel Advisor. This opportunity was a great chance for me to reflect on my most recent trip to St. Petersburg Russia and my attendance at the Virtuoso Overseas Symposium. Below is a copy of my article. To learn more about Luxury Travel Advisor check out their website www.luxuryta.com
Having grown up in the family business, I have been privileged to experience some of the best the world of travel has to offer. A large part of that has been because of Park Avenue Travel’s membership in Virtuoso. The last nine years has taught us to expect nothing but the best from Virtuoso meetings and events and this year’s Overseas Symposium in St. Petersburg, Russia was no exception.
One of two major annual meetings for Virtuoso, the Overseas Symposium has been designed to allow a “think tank” atmosphere where owners of member agencies can have an open dialog with top supplier contacts. In addition to networking, this meeting strikes a balance of leisure and business that affords a high level industry perspective while gaining an understanding of the destination. But the bottom line is this; whenever Virtuoso puts together a “destination event” you know that it’s not to be missed! I had great expectations going in but I had no idea that I was in store for one of the best trips of my life: one in which I would be given privileged access and exclusive opportunities that few would ever experience.
Park Avenue Travel is a family business, owned by my parents Craig and Debbie and we all attended the Symposium. Our exclusive experience began with Exeter International processing all of our Visas for us with ease. Upon arriving in St. Petersburg we were directed to our private customs line arranged just for Symposium participants. After being ushered through, we were then whisked to the Hotel Grand Europe. Our motor coach was staffed with guides from Esperance. These knowledgeable escorts would be with us throughout the trip and conducted the private tours at the museums to come. After the short drive from the airport to the center of St. Petersburg we arrived at the historic Grand Hotel Europe. This fabulous Orient Express Hotel sits right in the heart of the city. As we exited our motor coach, we were greeted by Thomas Noll, the hotel’s General Manager. After getting situated in the hotel’s beautifully renovated rooms, we headed down for our welcome cocktail party.
The party spanned the entire public space of the hotel taking over each of the four restaurants. With varying themes and cuisines, each featured a lavish buffet specific to each restaurant’s gastronomy. Musicians played in each venue and the vodka has handsomely dispensed by staff dressed in 19th century costumes. It was de rigueur to try the Imperia Vodka!
The hotel was impressively decorated with ice sculptures and marvelous flower arrangements. With nearly 600 participants the Hotel Grand Europe was just the right size and handled the group perfectly. This must have been a daunting task considering the Symposium felt a lot like a reunion of those who have been featured on the cover of Luxury Travel Advisor!
The next morning was focused on business where we heard from five presenters who spoke about the future trends in Luxury Travel and how both suppliers and agents will benefit. From there we traveled to Yusopov Palace for lunch and a private tour. Again greeted by a string quartet at every turn we explored the first of what would be many palaces. Later in the afternoon, we traveled to St. Isaac’s cathedral; a beautiful gold domed Russian Orthodox Church. Both the interior and exterior views were breathtaking and with our private guide from Esperance provided an excellent history of the church.
After a full day we prepared to go to what now has become a legendary dinner party. We boarded our motor coach and traveled to Sir Rocco Forte’s, Hotel Astoria. As we rounded the corner of St. Isaac’s Square we could see the hotel’s entrance and the red carpet that draped the front stairs. Bright lights lit up the night as we neared the hotels entrance. As I exited the coach, it seemed almost surreal – a snippet of Hollywood – as nearly fifty photographers were lined up to take photographs of those entering the party. I remember thinking that the paparazzi weren’t half bad during this moment of self grandeur. As we entered the hotel, the ever present theme of music and vodka flowed freely not to mention dozens of circus performers. Acrobats, fire eaters, women with snakes, and magicians greeted guests and performed amazing feats. What was to be more amazing was the dinner to come. Escorted into the fabulously decorated ballroom, we sat at a table adorned with bottles of vodka and large tins of the finest caviar. Served traditionally with pancakes and sour cream, heaping spoonfuls of caviar were offered with plenty of opportunity to go back for seconds (or thirds). Then we danced the night away to a band that had been flown in from London by Sir Rocco. For the rest of the trip, this party is what we talked about! Many believed it was the best they had ever been to.
In addition to these fabulous activities, there was always the Virtuoso professionalism – remembering that we were there for business. I enjoyed the opportunity to talk in depth with (among others) Jeff Senior, Executive Vice President for Fairmont Hotels, Robin Tauck, President/CEO of Tauck Tours and David Morgan Hewitt, General Manager of the Goring Hotel. This access, in an open and stimulating atmosphere, helps to forge the relationships that are so critical in our business.
The next day after a presentation from our Keynote speaker, we headed to the Russian Ethnographic Museum for lunch. Another beautiful setting of granite columns and large bronze reliefs surrounded our group. While our meal was served we were serenaded by a local choir who moved many to tears. The afternoon took us to the iconic Church of our Savior on Spilled Blood, the onion domed church that is frequently depicted in photos of St. Petersburg. The church was another highlight from a trip of highlights. The entire interior done in mosaic was truly breathtaking.
After a short recovery period we headed to the Theatre of Musical Comedy where we enjoyed a private ballet performance featuring excerpts from the great Russian ballets. We were thrilled to meet the dancers at a private reception after the performance.
Our last day was a Monday, a day typically that finds the Hermitage Museum closed but for us and Virtuoso, it was another opportunity for an exclusive, private experience. As we arrived in the morning there was more Champagne and of course, more string quartets. Again, our guides took us through this huge palace and museum where we got up close and personal with numerous DaVinci’s, Monet’s, Van Gogh’s and an impressive collection of Rembrandts.
To top off the entire event, we prepared for our black tie Gala Dinner to be held at Catherine’s Palace. The palace, located outside the city, was the summer residence 
of Catherine the Great. In order to get everyone there during rush hour, a police escort was arranged for us. Our coaches made the drive without stopping for one traffic light! As we entered the palace gates, we were greeted by torch bearers and drumming soldiers. A light snow began to fall creating a hushed and picturesque moment. After passing the guards we were greeted by none other than Peter and Catherine the Great! We had a brief tour including the famous amber room and then ultimately dined in the Grand Ball Room. Folkloric performances added to the gaiety of the evening. This event, executed by the staff of the Grand Hotel, was a fairy tale evening that was crowned with a fantastic fireworks display – another unforgettable moment in a trip filled of such moments.
I must say that words cannot truly describe all that happened on this trip. This was an exclusive, privileged experience that was a perfect blend of business and pleasure. Virtuoso and all the suppliers involved did a fantastic job of creating a sense of place while balancing the business need. It left me with indelible memories and great friendships both new and old. Those relationships have enabled our business to flourish. This meeting was a true testament to the Virtuoso network. Park Avenue Travel is so grateful to be a part of its membership!
