We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leyla Osorio. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leyla below.

Leyla, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

There are quite a few interesting trends in the industry, one of which includes the rise of food tours! As the demand for immersive and sensory experiences grows, culinary tours are gaining popularity. The origin of Global Cruises’ culinary category comes with a nice story. We approach these tours not only with a focus on tantalizing taste buds but more as a complete sensory experience. Let me walk you through it. Once, a cruise line partner requested a food hopping tour for a team-building activity in Miami. We mobilized our team, designed a tour in Wynwood and curated a unique menu. However, as we were finalizing the details, a realization hit – we couldn’t overlook one of the country’s most significant open-air art galleries right next door! Wynwood is full of street art, so we decided to add some spice into the food tour!

Inspiration struck, and we decided to blend a food hopping tour with an art exploration. ‘A Taste of Wynwood’ was born. Today, that same immersive quality defines all our gastronomic tours.

At Global Cruises, we understand that the essence of food hopping tours lies in creating a complete sensory experience, tasting with our five senses, as we like to say. This commitment ensures each culinary exploration goes beyond the palate, weaving unforgettable memories through the tapestry of flavors and culture.

Leyla, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My entry into the tourism industry began in 2008 during my first-ever Hop-on Hop-off tour in Barcelona. At that time, while working in a completely different industry , the allure of this travel concept sparked an idea – to introduce a similar experience in Miami and Cartagena where such services were not present, despite being highly touristy areas. This unexpected inspiration marked the beginning of our journey.

Taking a leap of faith, my husband and I ventured into the tourism business, starting with the Hop-on Hop-off model in these two cities. This adventure quickly led us to realize a significant demand from cruise companies for our services. This pivotal realization prompted us to transition into a shore excursion company, giving birth to Global Cruises.

From our origins with a single product in two destinations, Global Cruises’ portfolio has evolved to showcase 19 collections of products spanning over 108+ destinations. Our primary focus remains on shore excursions and cruise related services, providing cruise passengers with a seamless and worry-free experience upon arrival.

What sets Global Cruises apart is our commitment to innovation and adaptability. We take pride in creating cutting-edge products that we seamlessly scale across multiple destinations simultaneously while preserving the unique essence of each location. This adaptability without compromising authenticity is something I am particularly proud of.

What makes our approach special is our dedication to catering to both first-time and repeat travelers. For those exploring a destination for the first time, we ensure a captivating and immersive worry-free experience. Simultaneously, for repeat visitors, we go the extra mile to unveil new perspectives, ensuring each visit remains exciting and novel.

I like to say that our mission is to create unforgettable moments, weaving the heart and soul of each destination into our portfolio. I want potential clients and followers to know that our brand is synonymous with innovation and a genuine passion for delivering exceptional travel experiences for all types of travelers.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I believe that resilience is an important quality in life in general, but for entrepreneurs it is crucial. I always stress to my team: “When they kick you out the door, come through the window.” It’s about standing firm in the belief that you will make it, regardless of how rocky the journey may seem. A story that comes to mind is from the early days when we were establishing our City Information Centers in Miami. We needed a special permission from a local authority and my partners had been tirelessly trying for over a year to obtain the permission. Constantly hearing “no” had left them exhausted.

One day, after a meeting at 7 a.m. with Guillermo, our Managing Director, during our drive to the office, I asked him to deviate from the regular route and take me to the office where we were supposed to get this permission. He warned me they wouldn’t see me without an appointment, but I thought it was worth trying either way. We went to the building and I spoke to the front desk person, requesting an interview with the director in charge of the process. Initially rejected, I left my phone number and business card. Undeterred, I returned each week, about four or five times in total, trying to secure an appointment. I remember telling his secretary: “Just give me 10 minutes please, it’ll be worth it.”

Persistence paid off when the secretary informed me that she had managed to speak to him and was arranging a date for the meeting. I didn’t mind waiting; I would sit there for hours if needed. Finally, some weeks later, I received an email with a confirmed appointment. I was thrilled! I prepared my presentation, practiced my pitch with countless Q&A sessions. The meeting with the director and another partner proved instrumental, leading to a significant project that became a game-changer for our company at that initial stage. Resilience requires humility. By remaining humble, you can maintain a sense of perspective, overcome obstacles and thrive in the face of adversity.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Perhaps, one of the most significant pivots in my professional journey occurred just before founding Global Cruises. At the time, I was working for an investment fund in the United Arab Emirates. The pivotal moment struck during a board meeting in Abu Dhabi, while I was pregnant with my third child, Abril, and away from my family.

That first morning in Abu Dhabi, it felt like the weight of the world descended upon me. Despite being in a bustling city, I felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness. Walking through the streets, hoping for familiarity, it seemed like I was looking at an incomplete sketch. I realized then I didn’t want to do this anymore. This world was a difficult one, the corporate sphere. It was one I had enjoyed for so many years, I thought this was my dream job. But I couldn’t do it anymore. I just wanted to take a flight back home. I knew in my heart that I had to do something different. There was a calling for me out there beyond what I was currently doing. So, after I gave birth to Abril, I put in my resignation letter. It took me a while to convince myself fully, to take that plunge into the unknown. But there was no turning back after Abu Dhabi.

I understood that it was time to pursue my dreams, to create something uniquely my own where I could channel all my creativity. That decision marked the beginning of Global Cruises as it is today. I guess this story has a lesson: while significant changes may initially appear daunting, especially when they involve forging your own path, the rewards are undeniably worth it. So, if you’re looking for a sign, this is it. Take the plunge!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://globalcruisesllc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalcruisesllc_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leyla-rojas-osorio