Three regions of Australia are now etched in the memory of travel advisors attending the Signature Travel Network Annual Conference to recommend to their clients. Perth, Palm Cove and the broader state of Queensland were all on Executive Vice President, Ignacio Maza’s exclusive ‘it lists’ for 2024.

At today’s Opening Session of the conference, the US travel industry doyen of the past 45+ years ran through his picks of where Signature Travel Network members should be sending their guests next year. Maza has been at Signature for nearly 20 years. He headed up the consortia’s stable of hotels and resorts and more recently has been in charge of the luxury portfolio. The executive also clocked up almost five years with Virtuoso.

His vast experience puts him in good stead to offer educated advice on what’s the next hot destination that will offer respectful and authentic experiences.

During today’s presentation, Maza said one of the lessons learned this year was that we have to “serve the world differently to our clients”. He encouraged members to “constantly challenge themselves to learn about new destinations and places” that they can send travellers to.

Before running through his favourites, Maza urged the assembled travel advisors to “never ever, ever be a tourist. Be a traveller. And never ever have a bucket list, have a wish list”.

Each destination was concisely reviewed by Maza as to where to go, what to see, why it should be visited, and in some cases, where to stay. Maza’s “Where to go in 2024” list featured specific cities, regions and states.

“We love Queensland because, to me, Queensland is Australia in one state,” he said.

“The outback, the mountains, the beaches, the reef – everything you want in one place. And now it’s even closer with new nonstop service from the US to the gateway, Brisbane, from LA and San Francisco, which is fantastic.”

“The beaches here are extraordinary. Not beautiful, extraordinary,” he emphasised while showing a slide of the stunning pearl white sand of Whitehaven Beach.Maza continued, saying: “I also want you to go inland and see the Daintree Rainforest, which is the oldest rainforest in the world dating back millions and millions of years.”

He recommended advisors book an indigenous guide through the Mossman Gorge for a tour and suggested they urge clients to stay at Silky Oaks Lodge.

The same style of selling tips were recommended for the likes of:

• Jutland, Denmark
• Istria, Croatia
• Fez, Morocco
• Eastern Cape, South Africa
• AlUla, Saudi Arabia
• Seoul, South Korea
• Chiang Rai, Thailand
• South Island, New Zealand,
• Northern Canada
• Los Cabos, Mexico
• Atacama Desert, Chile
• Antarctica
• and Hawaii.

Yesterday during a members seminar, the industry veteran also gave insight on his ‘Dream Destinations’ for the year ahead. According to Maza, these locations are “hidden gems” that are undiscovered and great value. His list starts in Asia which he believes offers “tremendous potential” compared to Europe which “had all the attention” this year.

Perth grabbed the limelight due to increased cruise and air capacity, and its access to the likes of Margaret River and the Kimberley.

“We encourage travellers to spend a few days in Perth, there is that much to see and do. The city itself is very modern, it’s sunny with over 300 days of sunlight throughout the year,” Maza said. He also spruiked Rottnest Island, the city’s beautiful beaches, and encouraged members to book their clients’ stays at Crown Towers.

On the opposite side of the country, Maza drew attention to Palm Cove.

“It’s very small, very cozy, very manageable. It’s beautiful and there’s lots to see and do. Not only the Reef, but attractions like Kuranda National Park as a wonderful day trip through tropical rainforests, and then you come back and you’re at the ocean.”

His suggested hotel was the award-winning, adult-only, boutique The Reef House in Palm Cove, “because the service and the experience is so special.”

Beyond Australia, Maza’s ‘Dream Destination’ list included:

• Osaka, Japan
• Luang Prabang, Laos
• Hue, Vietnam
• Marlborough District, New Zealand
• Tuamotus, French Polynesia
• Hana, Maui
• British Columbia, Canada
• Mérida, Mexico
• Tangiers, Morocco
• Makgadikgadi, Botswana
• Bodrum, Turkey
• Ljubljana, Slovenia
• San Sebastian, Spain
• Loire Valley, France

Meanwhile, Alex Sharpe, President and CEO, Signature Travel Network, confirmed Maza would be winding down from his current full-time role as Executive Vice President to a part-time capacity as Senior Advisor in the months ahead. Maza will still participate and lend his voice and key annual events for the group, but taking on less workload and travelling more.

Sharpe said Maza has an open contract and “we hope he will always be with us”.