If you’ve ever traveled with Frank Maduro, v.p. of marketing at All Inclusive Collection (AIC), you know first-hand that he’s a ball of happy energy. I traveled with Frank during the grand opening of Unico 20° 87°. During that trip, I learned that Frank isn’t only completely passionate about his job and the projects he leads for AIC, but he also does a great job of connecting to the journalists and agents attending these events. (He’s also a pretty good dancer.) One other thing I learned was Frank’s passion to be present in the moment as he pushed us to be disconnected at times—something he seemed passionate about. More than once he called a few of us out to put down our phones and enjoy the moment without worrying what we should be posting and sharing; something, he repeatedly told us, he tries to do when he’s away.
During his time at AIC, Frank has led all the marketing and advertising efforts for the company’s portfolio, including the recent opening of Camp Woodward at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. But that’s just a glimpse of what Frank has worked on during his time in the industry. He also led the marketing and advertising efforts for the Hard Rock Hotels in the Caribbean and Mexico, as well as the Nobu Eden Roc Miami Beach, and Nobu Hotels Los Cabos. Frank’s over 20 years of hospitality marketing experience also include 13 years as the director of sales for Sandals, as well as having worked in marketing for Cunard Line.
Now, let us get to know the man behind the suit (and the captivating smile), in this installment of Coffee Time with Industry Vets Q&A series.
Where did you go on your first trip and how old were you?
My first trip was to the island of Margarita off the coast of Venezuela, I was around 3 years old.
What is your most vivid travel memory?
My most vivid travel memory was the first time I visited the U.S.; I saw color television for the first time and visited Disney World when they still had ride tickets.
What was the “Aha” moment that led you into the travel industry?
That moment came when I was in college and running a pilot program for a resort company and I was able to see first hand the joy that vacation planning and execution brought people. We make people’s dreams come true and there are few industries out there that can do that.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Jamaica
What was your favorite trip that you took last year and why?
Fishing on our boat with my kids throughout the Bahamas. I was able to enjoy a technology-free vacation and bond with my kids, while enjoying the warm blue waters of the Bahamas.
Where would you like to go that you have yet to visit?
Would love to visit Australia. I’ve heard that the country has so much to offer and that the people are hospitable and welcoming.
Do you always buy a souvenir the first time you visit a destination?
Not really, I’m not a big tourist destination guy. I love seeing the unexplored, lesser traveled parts of a destination.
You can tell us – do you collect magnets from the destinations you’ve visited?
No, I don’t.
What do you do to pass the time on the plane ride to your destination?
I read or sleep while on plane rides.
Who is your favorite travel companion?
My kids by far; they provide a young perspective on what we do, look for things that I normally would not, and they bond with me at a different level.
If there were one hotel room in the world you could call home the rest of your life, which would it be?
This is a tough question—that would be a toss up between a lakeview suite at the Fairmont in Banff, Canada or an oceanfront villa in Little Torch Key Hotel in the Florida Keys.
What is the best food you’ve had on a trip? The strangest?
Best food has been in London—the best Indian food anywhere in the world. Strangest food was in Poland.
What can’t you travel without?
My smartphone.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met while traveling?
I actually had a chance to meet a man who grew up in a small town up in the mountains of Jamaica who claims he had never been or seen the ocean. He had lots of folk stories, and was the warmest, kindest human being I have ever met.
Tropical beach or Snowy Mountain?
Tropical beach
City or countryside?
Countryside
