How She Gave Independent Hotels a Voice and a Community: Thoughts on the Future of Boutique Travel with Fran Kiradjian

2025-01-10

Meet Frances Kiradjian, founder and CEO of the Boutique Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA) and a leading voice and force in the independent boutique hotel space. Fran’s journey began in the corporate travel world, managing massive accounts like Disney and Toyota. But it was her bold decision to champion the boutique hotel sector—long before it was trendy—that cemented her legacy. Since founding BLLA in 2009, Fran has built a thriving community for independent hoteliers and other hospitality entrepreneurs. In this episode, we uncover:

Meet Frances Kiradjian, founder and CEO of the Boutique Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA) and a leading voice and force in the independent boutique hotel space.

Fran’s journey began in the corporate travel world, managing massive accounts like Disney and Toyota. But it was her bold decision to champion the boutique hotel sector—long before it was trendy—that cemented her legacy. Since founding BLLA in 2009, Fran has built a thriving community for independent hoteliers and other hospitality entrepreneurs.

In this episode, we uncover:

How Fran’s career has been built on bold ideas: From her groundbreaking work in travel technology to the inception of BLLA.
The rise of boutique hotels: Why travelers crave unique, high-touch experiences and how boutique properties deliver where big chains fall short.
Her passion for innovation. We discuss Fran’s favorite stories from interviewing industry legends, including Sir Richard Branson, and how these encounters shaped her vision for the future of hospitality.
Hot takes on the next decade of boutique travel experiences: From Gen Z hoteliers to truly immersive guest experiences, Fran breaks down the trends shaping the industry’s future.

Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Fran.

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