USA and Caribbean Seminar @Sea with Royal Caribbean/Executive Cruises in cooperation with Condor

Since 1986, Australia's Scenic Group has been synonymous with luxury travel in a class of its own – on rivers and the high seas. With Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours, it has made its mark on the market with visionary concepts, award-winning all-inclusive comfort and luxurious travel experiences. One example of this innovative strength is the Scenic Eclipse – an expedition yacht that has been exploring the most remote corners of the world since 2019. In order to communicate this unique positioning even more strongly in the B2B sector and expand it sustainably, we have developed an effective marketing strategy together with the Swiss Scenic team that goes far beyond traditional approaches. It forms the basis for close, coordinated cooperation between sales and marketing, increases sales efficiency and specifically strengthens the brand presence in the DACH region and continental Europe.

Timeframe: Since November 2023

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Industry: Tourism

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Objective: To further strengthen the Scenic Group's brand presence and effectively support the sales team through targeted B2B marketing measures. At the same time, brand awareness and visibility in the DACH region and continental Europe should be sustainably increased and the market position clearly strengthened.

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Services:

• Project management
• Webinar organisation & presentation design
• Social media management
• Community building
• Sales materials
• Print design

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The Challenge: The sales team required targeted marketing support to significantly increase efficiency and chances of success. At the same time, close, coordinated cooperation between sales and marketing was needed to effectively relieve and strengthen sales processes through tailored marketing measures.

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Approach: From the outset, we have focused on close, transparent collaboration with the Scenic team – with monthly update meetings and comprehensive reporting on all marketing activities. We provide direct and flexible support to the sales team in their day-to-day business, for example in coordinating marketing activities with partners. We regularly create and update sales support materials to ensure the teams are optimally equipped. We increase reach and interaction through targeted posts in B2B Facebook groups. We also assist Scenic in planning and conducting webinars that train travel agencies and qualify them to sell exclusive Scenic products. In this way, we ensure perfect integration of marketing and sales.

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Result: Thanks to our partnership-based collaboration, Scenic has developed significantly and sustainably consolidated its position as a premium provider of luxury river and ocean cruises in the DACH market and continental Europe. Over 25 accompanied webinars have already inspired more than 1,000 interested parties and strengthened ties with over 690 travel agencies and partners. Targeted marketing support has noticeably reduced the workload on the sales team and ensured even closer integration between sales and marketing. At the same time, we have successfully increased brand awareness and visibility in the DACH region and continental Europe. Through regular reporting, we are continuously optimising all measures – keeping the Scenic Group on track for sustainable growth.

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Would you also like to increase your brand awareness with targeted B2B marketing? We would be happy to advise you in a free and non-binding initial consultation.

At an elegant gala held at the five-star hotel The Fontenay, the Inspire Me Awards 2025 were presented on Friday evening. The Bonn-based agency KITICON Global Networks, together with the travel trade magazine LuxusInsider, honored leading figures and brands in international luxury tourism.

Now in its fifth year, the event once again brought together the industry’s most innovative destinations, products, and personalities. Around 120 distinguished guests from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, London, Paris, Monaco, and Luxembourg gathered to celebrate the winners in a dazzling atmosphere.

“Over the past years, the Inspire Me Award has evolved into a key meeting point for the luxury travel industry,” said Tina Kirfel, Managing Director of KITICON Global Networks and co-initiator of the award. “This year’s event was again filled with energy, appreciation, and genuine encounters – exactly what we aim to create with this format.” Together with Iris M. Köpke and Melanie Haaß, KITICON launched the award and continues to refine its concept each year.

The 2025 Winners

Outstanding achievements were recognized in six categories – with seven awards presented:

• Goosebumps Destination: Sri Lanka (accepted by Honorary Consul Thomas Kriwat)
• Newcomer Product – On Land: andBeyond Suyian Lodge, Kenya
• Newcomer Product – On Water: Luminara, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
• Top B2B Event & Luxury Ambassador: Ulli Fink with Vibes – winning two awards
• Luxury Experience of the Year: Polar Bear Walking Safari (represented by Nele Remstedt, Denkzauber)
• Top Luxury Agent: Silvio Rebmann, Cube Travel – chosen by luxury travel suppliers and celebrated by the audience with standing ovations

“Each nomination and every award stand for passion and quality in an industry that creates experiences at the highest level,” added Iris M. Köpke, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of LuxusInsider.

Jury, Selection and Partners

The jury comprised seven industry experts from various fields. Both nominations and final voting were carried out by LuxusInsider readers.

The Inspire Me Award 2025 was supported by esteemed partners including Grecotel, Swan Hellenic, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Belmond, Brandcraft, HanseMerkur, LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW, La mer Cosmetics, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, TEFRA Travel Logistics, and Visit Monaco.

“We’re truly grateful to our partners – their support makes the Inspire Me Award possible and helps us create an evening full of appreciation, inspiration, and meaningful connections each year,” emphasized Melanie Haaß, Director Business Development at LuxusInsider.

Insight and Outlooks

All results and jury details are available on the official Inspire Me Award website. Information about next year’s ceremony can also be found online.
A photo gallery featuring the evening’s highlights at The Fontenay Hamburg is likewise available for viewing.

On 10 and 11 September 2025, Berlin was transformed into a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship: the German Innovation Institute, in collaboration with the German Entrepreneurs Platform (DUP), organised the Big Bang AI Festival, which attracted over 8,500 participants and more than 200 speakers, providing numerous insights into AI, business and leadership. On the evening before, selected companies were honoured with the ‘Company of the Future’ award – we are delighted to be among the winners.

An inspiring start: the awards ceremony on the previous evening

After a welcome drink in the elegant rooms of the Alte Münze Berlin, presenter Ines Woermann welcomed all the award winners. This was followed by the award ceremony and group photos. The event concluded with a flying buffet, which provided an opportunity for conversation and networking.

‘The event gave us a great chance to connect with innovative entrepreneurs from all over Germany,’ said Ilka Wymar. ‘We especially liked getting to know the people behind the ideas: young entrepreneurs who believe in their vision, stand their ground and succeed despite challenges.’

The ‘Company of the Future’ Award

The award recognises companies that impress with their proactive approach, commitment and sustainable leadership. Organised by DUP Media and the German Innovation Institute, it aims to highlight innovative ideas and promote exchange among pioneers in the business world.

Tina Kirfel, Managing Director and ‘Heart of Company’ at KITICON, is delighted with the award: ‘We are very honoured that our future-oriented work, our spirit of innovation and our sustainable corporate strategy have been recognised. Especially today, it is crucial to look ahead and consistently continue on our path of innovation.’

Impulses and inspiration

The following day, the festival kicked off with over 8,000 participants, more than 300 speakers, AI masterclasses and panel discussions on topics such as economics, medicine, politics and trade. Personalities such as Frank Thelen, Verona Pooth, Toni Kroos and David Precht ensured a varied programme and new perspectives on entrepreneurial activity and technological developments.

The focus: People and ethics in AI

A key topic was the responsible use of AI and automation. For us at KITICON, it is also clear that this is no longer just about tools and technology, but about ethical issues relating to leadership, innovation and dealing with change. Responsible action and forward-looking decisions are crucial for us to make the digital transformation successful and sustainable.