We know all of your clients are VIPS, but what do you do when you have an actual celebrity who needs super special care when traveling? I touched base with industry experts who know the ins and outs of handling seamless A-lister vacations.
The first tip is to be sure everyone, from the hotel to DMCs and everyone in between, knows the importance of who is traveling, without using their name. You might recall the scene from Notting Hill when Hugh Grant stands at the desk of The Ritz, trying to remember Julia Roberts’ traveling pseudonym. She’s playing Anna Scott, a famous American actress, who typically used a cartoon character’s name as her “check-in” moniker to ward off the paparazzi, who were hungrily watching her every move.
“I never use the celebrity client’s name when booking any experience, excursion or even a restaurant reservation to protect their privacy,” says Tim Roney, director of loyalty sales for Lacure Villas, where he also trains the sales and concierge teams and assists with reservations. Roney has worked with famous rock stars, models, actors and television talk show hosts whose presence on properties can cause a stir of excitement with the general public and the press.
A private villa is an ideal venue for a celebrity because they do not have to deal with the public if they don’t want to, says Roney. They have a private pool, garden and grounds, a butler and a chef and their own concierge and, of course, any excursions outside the villa are arranged for optimum privacy.
Of course, some celebrities like a bit more attention and some like to be regular people when they’re away. “It’s important to know what level of recognition each celebrity likes, and it’s the little touches that await them in the room that can make the difference too,” says Sharon Pomerantz Strelzer of Travel Made Special LLC.
Briefing everyone who has touch points with the client on what to say, and more importantly, what not to say, is vital to handling celebrity travel because offhand remarks about sensitive topics could cause angst for everyone, including the celebrity. So asking a Phillies pitcher how they are enjoying the World Series might not be an appropriate question.
“Prior to my clients traveling, I reach out to the entire team to ensure that every department is briefed and the clients are met by name at the private jet,” says Pomerantz Strelzer, who designs travel for several sportscasters. Her biggest tip is to be very detailed and diligent. “I reach out to the general manager to ensure they know who it will be in house and what their tastes are,” she says.
“We discuss what would make their stay effortless and also things that should be avoided in conversation as well as food and activities that they like and don’t like,” she adds.
Aside from the obvious hurdles to achieve in specific situations, such as getting celebrities to their suites or villas via private elevators or stairways, travel advisors need to remember that these are real people, too, who might be seeking what we’re all looking for in a vacation. Growing trends such as “sleep-focused” tourism and mindfulness and mental wellness are as intriguing to them as they are to us, as is the concept of giving back.
“When celebrity clients are traveling to Mexico or the Caribbean or Costa Rica, I always offer them the option of visiting and donating to a local charity to help the poor and needy,” says Roney of Lacure.
That said, he also stresses that they, like everyone, shouldn’t over-plan. “Don’t schedule an excursion or experience for every single day—leave a few days free. It is a true luxury to have time to relax with your family and loved ones,” he says.