Meet Condé Nast Traveler's First-Ever Global Advisory Board

Since the seven regional markets of Condé Nast Traveler united into a single brand two years ago, each has been careful to balance their local voice with a more global outlook. That means focusing on stories that speak directly to their audience but told through a lens shaped by a shared perspective, set of values, and expertise.

As such, we are thrilled to announce the creation of Condé Nast Traveler’s first-ever Global Advisory Board. We formed this committee of experts from diverse sectors of the industry—and all corners of the world—to help steer our brand on the issues most pertinent to travel and our audience. Get used to seeing their names across our brand for the year ahead: Members will engage in editor-hosted panel discussions on topics including innovation in travel and global travel forecasts; participate in public-facing events; and guide on our editorial positions where appropriate. Ultimately, Condé Nast Traveler’s Global Advisory Board is one more way our audiences across all markets will get the most thoughtful, authoritative, and ground-breaking takes on travel and more. Learn about the members, who range from sustainability pundits to lifestyle experts, below.

Asma Al Fahim, Media personality and lifestyle expert, Villa 88

Currently the CEO of Arabian publishing, Asma has spent the last two decades helping shape the media, hospitality, and retail sectors of the Middle East. She is also serves as Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Businesswoman Council where she continues to advocate for female entrepreneurs and professionals across the GCC.

Sherwin Banda, President, African Travel

The Cape Town native spent over 25 years in international hospitality before becoming president of African Travel, a leading agency connecting international travelers with Africa, in 2015. As president, Sherwin has prioritized creating the right itinerary for each traveler by ensuring his staff across all levels of the industry have the tools and knowledge to do so. He is currently based in Los Angeles but travels home to South Africa often with his husband and their son. 

Tina Edmundson, President, Luxury, Marriott International

There may be no individual better positioned to provide perspective on the global hotel industry than Tina, a long-time Marriott executive who recently transitioned from Global Brand and Marketing Officer into this newly created role.  As President, Luxury, Tina oversees some of the most innovative and aspirational hotel brands on the planet, including Bulgari, The Luxury Collection, and more. Tina was previously a member of the US Condé Nast Traveler Advisory Board from 2021 through 2022.

Frances Geoghegan, Founder, Healing Holidays

An undisputed expert in wellness, Frances founded her Healing Holidays brand 15 years ago, when she recognized a desire in the market for intricate expertise while dealing with her own needs. Healing Holidays is now one of the most sought after and recognizable wellness holiday planners in the world, with connections to the top clinics and practitioners as well as a finger-on-the-pulse approach to wellness trends and news. 

Aditya Ghosh, Co-Founder, Akasa Air (former CEO and director, Indigo Airlines)

India is the world’s third-largest civil aviation market, and Aditya has been at its forefront for decades, having co-founded Akasa Air and served on the board at IndiGo. Beyond airlines, he is an industry thought-leader, currently serving as a Member of the Board of Directors at FabIndia Group, OYO Hotels & Homes, GreenCell Mobility, and Ras Al Khaimah Airport. 

Kalani Ka'anā'anā, Hawai'i Tourism Authority Chief Brand Officer

In his role, Kalani has been instrumental in Hawai'i’s position as an innovator in regenerative tourism, with pillars in community involvement, sustainable economic growth, the natural environment and local cultures. A native of O'ahu, he is fluent in ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i and an active member of the Hawaiian civic club movement. 

Joss Kent, CEO, &Beyond

Few names are as associated with conservation and sustainable travel into Africa as Joss’s. The Kenyan native started as a safari guide and worked his way up to CEO for leading expedition company, Abercrombie and Kent. For over a decade, he has been at the helm of &Beyond, helping shape conservation-based travel into Africa and beyond, with outposts in South America and, soon, Asia.

Barbara Muckermann, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises

The cruise industry visionary first joined luxury line Silversea over 20 years ago, and was vital in introducing its game-changing programming including its S.A.L.T and Otium. Previously, she served as the Chair of CLIA, the cruise industry’s trade body and she is currently a member of the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Sharan Pasricha, Founder, Ennismore 

Under Sharan’s leadership, hip hospitality group Ennismore has grown to include the global hotel brand, Hoxton and reinvented the iconic Gleneagles. In 2020 and 2021, Ennismore was named one of the world’s most innovative companies by Fast Company. Sharan has also engineered a strategic partnership with Accor, adding established brands like 21c Museum Hotels, Mama Shelter, and 25 Hours to his portfolio.

Penny Rafferty, Executive Chair, Luxury Lodges of Australia and Head of Sustainability, Tourism Australia

With a background in luxury hospitality, Penny Rafferty has led the Luxury Lodges of Australia, comprised of the top independent lodges across Australia, since it was established in January 2010, and transitioned into her current role of Executive Chair in February 2022. In her role as with Tourism Australia, she advocates for, educates on and elevates sustainability stories of travel in her homeland to help inform international travelers on the destination. 

Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO, Preferred Travel Group

Lindsey joined the Preferred Travel Group in 2004, helping to establish it as the leading global portfolio of independent hotels. In her role, she leads the growth of both Preferred Hotels and Resorts, as well as Beyond Green, a leading sustainability-minded group of resorts from around the world. Lindsey currently serves on the board of the Historic Hotels of America and the American Hotels and Lodging Association amongst other industry institutions.

Mei Zhang, Founder, WildChina travel company

Prior to founding WildChina, Mei was a management consultant at McKinsey & Company before her passion for sustainable travel led her to make a career change. Now, her WildChina brand is largely viewed as the leader in thoughtful, innovative travel through China. She uses her sizable following on social media to promote sustainable lifestyles and is currently a China Fellow at the Aspen Institute.