We were lucky to catch up with Jose Antonio Cortes recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jose Antonio , appreciate you joining us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
Finding your passion is the most important ingredient to happiness. No matter how early or late in life you find it and use it effectively for oneself and the world. I want people to remember me as an enterprenur who found its passion during the most difficult times humanity faced. (Covid 19). Creating your own company and maintaining its not easy, but with dedication, perseverance, passion of course your dreams come true. I love helping people and especially take them to discover the most beautiful places in the world and learn about their unique and fascinating culture and history.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I have always been passionate about the travel industry since I was kind. I remember I told my parents to take me to the airport to celebrate my birthday. I have worked for several airlines through out my career, but the idea of creating my own business was so behind my scope for many reasons like moving to another country to create a new life, and then later on be able to resume my business degree. In 2018 after my degree, I got hired by a big travel agency in Miami, short enough I got promoted to a managerial position. However, the pandemic started in 2020 and I lost my job. The best is yet to come. besides the global situation and the industry I always been in love was falling apart or restricted without further notice. I started brainstorming and took the risk to open my Destino Travel Group in 2021, a full service travel and concierge company with a focus in luxury, wellness, and sustainability. Besides 2021 there were not a lot of traveling, I remained resilient and believe in my self and my new baby. With passion and perseverance, Destino is operating successfully providing the best luxury travel experiences that enlighten their hearts and souls. Memories cant never be taken away from you and Destino strives to create ahh moments while traveling and ready to create more memories on the next trip.
I am definitely very proud about taking a risk to the unknown by opening a travel company in the middle of the pandemic
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
In a very competitive market as the luxury travel business. We have to compete with giants like American Express, or travel and lifestyle influencers just to name a few. Although, our niche is very particular (UHNWI), we can’t always rely in one source. The best source is trying all sources. One strategy can work at times, while others either work all the time or never work, but you will know until you try. The key to success in this business, its knowledge. The more you know, your reputation and reliability increases. You can suggest your clients what exactly works for them. And by treating your current clients the best way possible, they will be your best source of new clients.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
On my calendar I have all my clients birthday, so I either sent a note, call, send a gift, etc. During the holiday seasons, my top 15 clients receive gifts. Last year, I partner with a candle company and send candles with their last name printed on the candle glass with my company logo in the back. Email marketing or social media are good ways to engage with your clients, and promote brand. I travel a lot so I keep them informed of my whereabouts. Clients need to feel important and valued by companies. In this business, the value of the money needs to be more appreciated beause they are not spending or investing in their needs.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
In a very competitive market as the luxury travel business. We have to compete with giants like American Express, or travel and lifestyle influencers just to name a few. Although, our niche is very particular (UHNWI), we can’t always rely in one source. The best source is trying all sources. One strategy can work at times, while others either work all the time or never work, but you will know until you try. The key to success in this business, its knowledge. The more you know, your reputation and reliability increases. You can suggest your clients what exactly works for them. And by treating your current clients the best way possible, they will be your best source of new clients.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
On my calendar I have all my clients birthday, so I either sent a note, call, send a gift, etc. During the holiday seasons, my top 15 clients receive gifts. Last year, I partner with a candle company and send candles with their last name printed on the candle glass with my company logo in the back. Email marketing or social media are good ways to engage with your clients, and promote brand. I travel a lot so I keep them informed of my whereabouts. Clients need to feel important and valued by companies. In this business, the value of the money needs to be more appreciated beause they are not spending or investing in their needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.destinotravelgroup.com
- Instagram: @destinotravelgroup
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joseantoniocortes27
Image Credits
All images taken by my on my trips