Highly selective event draws praise from luxury travel advisors, partners
NEW YORK (January 29, 2025) – The third annual Internova PLUS event drew rave reviews from top luxury travel advisors and industry partners, showcasing the future of luxury travel through an innovative and collaborative affair. Hosted by Internova Travel Group, one of the world’s leading travel services companies, the invitation-only gathering took place from January 27-30 at the historic Vinoy Resort & Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Internova PLUS has become a cornerstone event for the luxury travel sector, where 125 elite luxury travel advisors were carefully selected from Internova’s prestigious brands – including ALTOUR, Global Travel Collection, Nexion Travel Group and Travel Leaders Network – based on their accomplishments, production and growth potential. These advisors together represent more than $500 million in luxury travel bookings, underscoring the caliber of this gathering. Joining them were 125 global luxury travel supplier partners, ranging from ultra-luxury hotel properties to exclusive tour operators, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas and opportunities.
A Vision for the Future: “Tomorrow, Together”
The event’s theme, “Tomorrow, Together,” encapsulated the spirit of collaboration that permeated every aspect of Internova PLUS. “At Internova, we view partnership as an equation that perfectly balances advisors, partners and, of course, clients,” said Albert M. Herrera, Internova’s Executive Vice President of Partner Relations. “Our mission is to add value for everyone.”
A poolside party, complete with synchronized swimmers, kicked off the event, while Saint Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch welcomed attendees at the business session, where Herrera and Internova Chief Executive Officer J.D. O’Hara had a candid discussion about what the future holds. “What we’re building here is really special,” said O’Hara of Internova’s evolution as a powerhouse, particularly in the luxury travel space. “We’re moving forward and looking for growth.”
Giving It Back & Paying It Forward
This year’s Internova PLUS also introduced a charitable initiative, Giving It Back & Paying It Forward. Rather than traditional event giveaways, attendees were able to select one of five charitable organizations to receive donations, giving the gathering a powerful sense of purpose and community involvement. The Los Angeles Fire Department garnered nearly half the nominations, followed by American Red Cross, Internova’s own Family Bonds Foundation charity as well as two local foundations.
Innovative Collaborative Experiences
Internova PLUS’ forward-thinking approach to networking and engagement sets it apart from other industry events. The event featured collaborative experiences where luxury travel advisors met one-on-one with key partner representatives and participated in cultural and outdoor activities around the destination. These interactions created new opportunities for advisors and partners to exchange valuable insights, strengthen bonds and create long-lasting relationships.
Intimate Think Tank break-out sessions were a surprise highlight for partners and advisors alike as they delved into critical industry topics together. The event also featured meaningful opportunities to connect at informal family-style dinners and culminated with a celebratory gala.
Internova PLUS Today and Tomorrow
Expressing her appreciation for Internova PLUS, Vinoy General Manager Vanessa Williams said, “As the Vinoy Resort & Golf Club celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, my team and I were truly honored to host such an esteemed group of luxury professionals.”
Looking ahead, Herrera revealed that next year’s event will move further abroad: Internova PLUS will take place January 27-30, 2026, at Gleneagles, a legendary country estate in the hills of Perthshire, Scotland.
“We’re a global company with advisors and partners all over the world,” Herrera said. “We want our events to reflect that scope.”
Said Conor O’Leary, Managing Director of Gleneagles, “Having just commemorated Gleneagles’ 100th anniversary, I can’t think of a better way to usher in a new century of hospitality than by celebrating with our industry friends at Internova PLUS 2026.”
About Internova Travel Group
Internova Travel Group is one of the largest travel services companies in the world with a collection of leading brands delivering high-touch, personal travel expertise to leisure and corporate clients. Internova manages leisure, business and franchise firms through a portfolio of distinctive divisions. Internova represents more than 100,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and affiliated locations predominantly in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with a presence in more than 80 countries.