Kellie Samuda is back in the game after a brief hiatus from the industry, and this time, she says she’s doing things differently.
The UK-based travel expert has started Kellie Samuda Travel Consultancy, an independent agency offering a number of services, including business development for travel companies and luxury travel experiences for private and corporate clients.
Having worked in the industry for more than 20 years, Samuda is more than qualified for this new chapter. Her impressive career dates back to 1999, when she helped set up Exsus, the tour operator specialising in bespoke travel itineraries. The Essex native went on to co-found 360 Private Travel in 2009, where she offered VIP travel experiences for clients across the world. Samuda was instrumental in building the business from the ground up, initiating the launch of a Hong Kong office, a contemporary villa company, and a corporate travel division during her tenure as managing director.
By the time she’d left in July 2023, the referral-only business had grown from zero to 150 staff and was turning over £40 million in sales.
Samuda’s departure from her last role wasn’t an easy process, but it’s made her all the more determined to thrive in her next endeavour.
“It was a huge relief to be out of that environment,” she tells TTG Luxury. “I sat back for a while, and thought, ‘How can I use my skills, expertise and relationships to move forward’?” After reflecting on her goals, Samuda decided to pursue a project that would allow her to use her current skill set whilst also trying something new.
New Beginnings
Samuda is keen to continue creating luxury itineraries for new and old clients with her consultancy firm, having built up an extensive address book of high-network individuals (HNWI) and ultra-high-network individuals (UHNWI) over the past two decades. “I also have connections in the TV and film industry, so I’m hoping to do some crew and location travel,” she adds.
Another key part of Kellie Samuda Travel Consultancy will be uplifting other travel companies, such as agencies who want to incorporate tour operators into their business models.
Samuda has also joined forces with Anonymous, a boutique retailer specialising in the design of bespoke luxury gifts and in-room amenities for hotels. The service, which is already working with five-star establishments in London as well as a number of resorts overseas, hopes to ‘upscale’ guests’ experience with more inventive and sustainable gestures.
“Some luxury hotels are still knocking on your suite’s door with a basket of fruit and champagne; it’s just not particularly imaginative,” Samuda says. “I’m working with a UK fashion designer to help hotels design products with their brand, to ensure it’s memorable for the guest, and to promote the brand once the client leaves the hotel.”
Elevating the hotel’s sustainability with more eco-friendly amenities (such as leather bound coat hangers instead of wire ones) is another priority for Anonymous, as well as offering smarter storage, like compartmentalised safe trays for valuables.
Giving Back
Samuda is also eager to connect with others, in the hope of fostering a supportive community within the industry.
“When you start telling your story, you realise that there’s a lot of people out there who’ve been burnt,” she explains. “I’d like to create something for those who are in that situation - a collaboration with others to make a safe space.”
Samuda adds that, while it was nerve-wracking to go back to work, she was overwhelmed by the warm welcome she received upon her return. “I’d had six hugs from people before one meeting at Unite, which was my first trade show since leaving,” she recalls. “It’s so nice to know I have friends here.”
As for her current goals, Samuda doesn’t mince her words: “I want to work with people who care about every person who’s involved in the process. It’s not just about making money, it’s about valuing people and relationships.”
