Stephanie Malakie, founder of Empress Travel Club, discusses a business model that’s gaining serious traction in the luxury travel world: memberships! The same concept behind your favorite wine club or go-to subscription service is now helping travel advisors lock in dream clients and keep them for the long haul. Stephanie shares why today’s ultra-wealthy travelers are craving more than just beautiful vacations. They’re looking for trusted partners who get them, know their preferences before they say a word, and can pull off flawless, one-of-a-kind experiences all year long. You’ll hear the magic behind her high-touch approach, how she structures her membership model without overcommitting, and how to grow your client base through authentic relationships and high-value referrals. If you’re curious about adding more exclusivity, ease, and long-game strategy to your business, this episode is a must-listen!

Connect with Stephanie Malakie:

Growing up on the west coast of Canada with a family who loved to travel, Stephanie developed an appreciation for international destinations from a young age. Her early adventures to places like Egypt, Europe, Central America, and Asia ignited her passion for exploring the world. After completing her degree in Business Management from the University of British Columbia in Canada and the University of Melbourne in Australia, Stephanie moved to Hawaii. There, she joined a management program at Four Seasons Resorts, working across various operational hotel management roles. She eventually managed a VIP client program for years before transitioning to a luxury travel agency and concierge firm. After gaining further experience in the industry, Stephanie founded Empress - a company catering to discerning clients looking for seamless, unique and luxurious travel experiences across the globe. She is based in Kona, Hawaii leading a team that spans from Hawaii to Portugal, allowing Empress to provide 24 hour client coverage.

Today we will cover:

(02:55) Stephanie’s background; building Empress Travel Club
(08:10) The psychology behind membership models
(14:35) Why luxury clients are drawn to membership models
(22:30) Structuring a membership model; pricing and services
(32:40) Navigating the points game
(40:00) Project management systems and tools; building a strong team
(47:45) Handling high-stakes situations
(53:40) Tips for positioning yourself in front of ultra-high-net-worth clients

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131. Is A Membership Model Right For Your Travel Business? with Stephanie Malakie

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