Owner and CEO Lori Speers has over 35 years of leadership experience as a travel professional. She has worked for Fortune 500 corporate travel departments, boutique Virtuoso agencies and large host agencies.
In her most recent position, Lori oversaw an operation that supports more than 3,500 independent leisure travel professionals. She started with Xstream Travel in 2005 and was instrumental in growing the membership base by over 400% and increasing annual gross sales by more than 1200%.
An expert in all aspects of the travel industry, Lori was instrumental in developing the company’s Travel division, which has become a top producer for all established cruise lines and tour operators. Every year since 2007, the agency has been counted among TravelSavers “Top 40 Travel Agencies”.
Lori is regularly sought after to participate on industry panels and is an executive board member for Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), Carnival Travel Advisory Board, Royal Caribbean Executive Forum and Norwegian’s Presidents Symposium.
She is now putting her experience and depth of industry knowledge behind her new host agency, Levarte Travel. It provides independent Travel Advisors the training, support and culture of success that will set new industry standards.
Years in the Industry: 38
Favorite Quote: “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” – Oprah Winfrey
Favorite Vacation: Positano, Italy, along the Amalfi Coast
Years in the travel industry: 6.5
Favorite destination: Cuba. I love the immense amount of history, the culture, and the people.
Favorite quotes: “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing.” – Steven Tyler
Years in the travel industry: 14 years
Favorite Quote: “Let your smile change the world but don’t let the world change your smile.” – Anonymous
Favorite Vacation: Italy!
Years in the travel industry: 18 years
Favorite Quote: “Live with no regrets.” – Anonymous
Favorite Vacation: I love the beach, and my favorite, most memorable vacation so far has been Southern Africa.
Years in Customer Support: 3
Favorite Quotes:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
-Maya Angelou
Favorite Vacation:
Any place with the ones I love or Spain
Favorite Quote: “Be prepared.” – Scouts Motto
Favorite Vacation: Belize for relaxation, Paris for people watching and Positano for the views.
Favorite Quote: “You never know unless you try, and very few try unless they have to.” – C.S. Lewis
Favorite Vacation: The beach. Any beach.
Have fun in all you do. Be enthusiastic and gracious about the opportunity to help someone realize their dreams.
Think quickly on your feet and adapt to new situations. Stay calm during unforeseen circumstances and navigate issues with professionalism.
Stay up-to-date on all travel-related subjects and news, as well as your clients and your peers. Utilize the resources available to you and be a helpful guide to others.
Share your clients’ joy in their adventures and help them celebrate these special moments. Be an infectious source of excitement and relish your own travel opportunities.