Testimonials
Testimonials from Clients
Arnaud Girodon – General Manager – The Datai
I and The Datai Langkawi have worked with Lisa and her LJR team for more than 5 years now and the British market just went from strength to strength with a spectacular increase of nearly 50% in room nights in 2 years which is remarkable. Lisa has very dedicated and passionate individuals driven by her own passion and emotion and such is certainly reflected in her dealings with our clients and partners.
Tom Benzaquen – Director of Sales & Marketing – Paradis Plage, Morocco
Paradis Plage and I have had the pleasure of working with Lisa via LJR and her team for 7 years now, and we can say that we are delighted with this partnership.
The development of the market and contracting, the sales network animation, the training and the participation in fairs have been a great success. Thanks to LJR, Paradis Plage is now recognized in our segment in the UK market, namely the wellness of body and mind, in an ecological hotel in Morocco.
Our relationship with our partners has been greatly facilitated by LJR. We can therefore recommend them to you with our eyes closed.
Louk Lennarts – Visionary and COO of Fusion Resorts/Serenity Holding Vietnam Owner & Visionary of Bhutan Spirit, Bhutan
As I started to work with Lisa, I felt I had to fight for my budget as Sales Reps are relatively expensive. However, over the time working with Lisa I got to understand the value and of the need to have a local Sales Rep especially for UK with its complex and wide range of distribution network.
Having set up a new concept with a new brand (Fusion Maia Danang) for Vietnam, it was a challenge, however with right communication to the market we were able to successfully establish our unique product within 2 years in the UK. Our product needed a lot of explanation in the beginning to bring over the special feeling that hardly can be described in just information material. We have been lucky that Lisa and her team have worked with passion and commitment to bring the Fusion message to the UK market.
I am now launching an even more special product “Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary”. Again, I am looking for the cooperation with Lisa in even a new structure. Lisa & her team will become part of a new inspirational hospitality brand. Lisa and her team have the ability to identify themselves with new and special concepts which is their strength.
Mr. Nicolas Reschke – Group Director of Business Development – SALA Hospitality
We have been working with LJR Consultancy for over 7 years and they have been key in developing a very solid partnership with many UK Agents and Operators. In particular, stressing our unique boutique style Villas and Suites they have been very helpful in finding the right guests for our Resorts.
Nuria Galia – Principal – Luxury Boutique Hotels & Destinations (formerly Director – Relais & Chateaux)
I have been collaborating with Lisa for 7 years already. My company organises Sales & Marketing actions and events for international luxury hotels and services in the different international key markets and Lisa is my wonderful partner in the UK market.
Our clients are always very satisfied. Lisa knows everyone in the UK trade and all the events we have organized together have been a true success. LJR have organised events and sales schedules for many of our clients in Europe, India and St Barts, Caribbean.
The agendas she and her team organise for us are always of great quality and the trade that attend our networking events are always top VIP. We really look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years!
Rory Hunter – Owner /Chairman – Song Saa Private Island
Lisa Rawlings and her team at LJR Consultancy have been an integral part of the Song Saa family from the very beginning. She is extremely well respected by her peers in the luxury travel industry, which has allowed a young, hotel company like ours gain access to the UK’s top luxury tour operators. Lisa’s level head, guiding hand and passion for helping us achieve our vision have already delivered results, with a large portion of our trade bookings coming from the UK – and that’s 7 months out from opening!
If you’re looking for someone who takes a long-term view, wants to get under the skin of your property so she knows it better than anyone else, and most importantly, a true partner in the UK who is a specialist in luxury resorts, I couldn’t recommend Lisa highly enough.
Chris Stafford – CEO & Founder The Orient & Occident Company, COO – 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts (2015 -2020), Vice-President South East Asia – Silverneedle Hospitality (2011- 2015) Vice President of Anantara
I first met Lisa in 1992 in Malaysia. From the first moment I knew her I saw from the outset a tenacious and powerful energy in Lisa. Over several projects I have seen her work in the Maldives, in Thailand and in UK providing strong support to hotel clients in the luxury market. Most recently at 137 Pillars Hotels and Resorts she crafted and supported a strong tour for us of Switzerland, Germany, France and the UK – as a result of her efforts we achieved strong results from the UK & European market for our luxury properties in Chiang Mai and Bangkok for 2019.
Lisa as luxury travel consultant has gone the extra mile with us to ensure that we met with the best agents in every location. LJR Consultancy has been supportive throughout the process, and I highly recommend them to anyone planning to attract the UK & European luxury travel market to your respective destinations.
Michael S. Howard – Chief Operating Officer – Rasananda, Koh Phangan
Launching Rasananda in the UK with the driving support of LJR Consultancy was one of the resorts keys to success in achieving 70% occupancy within the first year. LJR’s ability to open doors, influence decision makers, generate press and ultimately produce sales, far exceed our company’s expectations. I personally would not think of opening another resort that will focus sales in the UK without LJR and team by my side. I would happily recommend them to anyone who desires to be among the best.
Mauro Zanotti – former GM Londra Palace Venice, Italy & Director Regina Baglioni Rome.
Lisa successfully represented The Londra Palace, Venice for nearly 6 years. She was very professional and built a great relationship with tour operators and agents on behalf of the hotel which the hotel is still benefitting from several years later. I can no doubt recommend Lisa Rawlings and her team as being very professional and a great choice for any hotel looking for representation.
Uraporn Suntornpojn – Executive Director – Rasananda Phangan Island
“Having an excellent relationship with our business partners, Lisa represents a distinguished style of doing business. Once she agreed to take the project, all her heart and soul was devoted into with passion and high commitment. Rasananda grows beautifully with her constant support. It is not overstated to say that she is the one behind overwhelming success of Rasananda in UK.”
Stephane Junca – Director Relais & Chateaux – Asia Pacific
Lisa and LJR Consultancy Team have been representing Relais & Chateaux South East Asian hotels for the past 3 years and introduced our small independent luxury properties to the UK market and trade with enthusiasm, flexibility and concrete actions. It was not an easy task to represent such a diversity in so many destinations… but thanks to them, our properties are now on the map and listed in many TO/Agent’s brochures. LJR Consultancy is a great team – to be recommended!
Franck de Lestapis – General Manager Pimalai Resort and Spa
Throughout the last 5 years, I have always found the team at LJR a very efficient team of professional people keen to make things happen for our resort. In view of the way that things have been handled on our behalf and steady growth we have recorded over the last 5 years, we are confident that we made the right choice.
Murlidhar Rao – Chief Operating Officer – Araiya Hotels & Resorts
I have known Lisa for many years across numerous brands and locations that I have been associated with and have had the opportunity to experience firsthand her highly professional and effective representational support for the UK market for properties in Southeast Asia. Lisa has always been genuinely invested in offering the best possible solutions for the properties and brands she represents, consistently displaying the highest levels of integrity.
Additionally, both Lisa and her team have always gone beyond their mandate, readily offering support in markets beyond the UK when we sought market insights and leads. Our interactions with her were never transactional; they were consistently competent, genuine, and always warm.
Frank Grassmann – General Manager – The Nai Harn, Phuket
We’ve been working with Lisa and the LJR team for several years now, and they’ve always been our reliable and professional partners in the UK. Their knowledge of the market and dedication to supporting our goals have really helped strengthen our presence in the region. The team is approachable, organized and easy to work with, which makes them a trusted partner for us. We’re very happy with the results of our collaboration and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services to others.
Atte Savisalo – Owner & Managing Director – Aava Resort & Spa
Lisa and the LJR ladies are fantastic. We’ve been working together with LJR for over 10 years now and we are grateful for all the dedication and passion that they have given over these years. It is always a challenge to put a new destination such as Khanom on the map. However, with Lisa’s happy, enthusiastic personality and passion for travel, she has done just that for the UK market. Before we started working with Lisa, nobody in the UK travel industry had heard about our little paradise called Khanom. Over the years, LJR has brought hundreds of tour operators and travel agents to Khanom and Aava Resort is now listed as a preferred resort partner in several major tour operators for those travelers who are looking for an alternative to more commercial and overcrowded tourist destinations in Thailand.
I would like to thank Lisa for the friendship and all the years that we have worked together. Hopefully there will be many more to come!
Jason Kruse – General Manager – Amilla Fushi, Madives
I have had the privilege of collaborating with Lisa and her LJR team in the UK during my time at Amilla Fushi, and the results have been exceptional. Under their leadership, we launched the world’s leading Inclu-care Programme, seamlessly integrating wellness initiatives into the UK market – a pioneering move for inclusive, mindful luxury.
Lisa and her team expertly managed every aspect: market development, contracting, building the sales network, ongoing training, and supporting us at trade events. Their holistic and professional approach was instrumental in positioning Amilla Fushi as a recognised and respected destination in the UK, known for its wellness-driven, inclusive luxury in an eco-conscious setting.
Thanks to their strategic vision and dedication, our relationships with UK partners grew stronger than ever. I wholeheartedly recommend Lisa and the LJR team – you’ll be in competent hands.
Testimonials from the Travel Trade
Sarah Gibbons – Product Manager – Lusso
I have had the pleasure of working with Lisa and her team of professionals for a number of years now. Lisa’s knowledge of South East Asia is exceptional, and as such she always seems to know exactly which of her properties will suit Lusso’s clientele. The standard of training provided by Lisa is also excellent and her passion for the properties and destinations is infectious!
Kerry Ann Govier – Senior Product Manager – Trailfinders
We have been working with Lisa and her team for many years and they have always been friendly, professional and enthusiastic. They are always there to help with whatever we need, big or small, and have a great relationship with the fabulous hotels they represent. Their knowledge is excellent, and they are always happy to offer (interesting and informative) training which has been a real benefit to our staff.
Jennie Moore – Senior Purchasing Manager – Kuoni
LJR Consultancy are a pleasure to work with. Reliable, efficient and they really know their products as well as understand the UK market – LJR are able to provide balanced viewpoints and meet both the needs of their clients and the tour operator. They are always happy to help us and very prompt to reply – no chasing required!
David Kevan – Former Group Head of Product – W&O Travel/Tropical Locations (now Chic Locations)
Totally professional – with a smile. Innovative and creative, enthusiastic, yet with sound pragmatic ideas that work!. An easy ” can do ” approach that wins the support of the trade time and time again.
Alison Haining – Product Manager for Asia & Africa – Elegant Resorts
I have worked with Lisa and her team at LJR for many years now. Their professionalism, personalised approach and deep understanding of the UK Travel Trade and the hotel industry throughout Asia is paramount in every interaction. They show real passion for their clients and make sure they are forefront of mind with Product Managers and Sales Consultants, through efficient updates and informative training.
Gemma Wilson – Product Manager – Selective Asia
The team at LJR Consultancy are helpful, friendly and approachable. Nothing is too much trouble: whether it’s training the sales team on a new property; liaising with hotels for marketing; negotiating sales incentives or assisting with problematic bookings.
Giles Hoff – Director – Feel Good Holidays
LJR Consultancy give us the confidence and knowledge to bring new products to the market. We know if LJR are representing the hotel in question that it’s a quality product and in fact many of our shortlists of properties to check out come from LJR. They are always available and form a vital link between us and the hotel top brass, whilst also giving us the flexibility to deal directly once introductions have been made. Without LJR our product would be a lot poorer.
Clare Goss – Former Asia Product Manager – Best At Travel & Tropical Locations
The team at LJR Consultancy have been key to the success of the Far East programme for W&O Travel and Tropical Locations throughout the years. Hotel partners/Clients are selected to complement one another rather than to compete, whilst the finely tuned selection of hotels within the portfolio are an outstanding example of the services supplied. As a high-end Tour Operator, Lisa and the team have been supportive and understanding of the pressures of today’s travel industry and I would not hesitate to both personally and professionally recommend the services of LJR Consultancy.
Rachel Gleave – Product Manager – The Turquoise Holiday Company
Lisa Rawlings and her team at LJR are an absolute pleasure to work with. They are always pro-active in looking for opportunities to work together in promoting their partners and offer support and training when needed. Having someone in the UK to ask questions about hotels in Asia is so useful, especially with the time difference. They understand the market, usually know the answer and if they don’t, they know who to ask. Thank you for your support of Turquoise over the years, long may it continue!
Ricky Coates – Asia Sales and Product Manager – Exsus Travel
Having worked with Lisa and her team for many years, I can highly and personally recommend using the services of LJR Consultancy. Lisa and all of her team have a wealth of knowledge and contacts, they are on hand to assist and deliver excellent training on their boutique property portfolio. The training provided to Tour Operators brings the properties to life with their professionalism and warm attitude. I have been lucky enough to stay at several of their portfolio on a couple of familiarisation trips which were very well executed and enjoyable. Please do not miss an opportunity of working with Lisa and her wonderful team, you will not regret it!
Amanda Springer – Head of Product – Exsus Travel
I’ve enjoyed working with Lisa and the team for many years and have always been impressed by their professional and collaborative approach, not to mention their impressive portfolio. It’s a pleasure to work with such an experienced, supportive and well-respected team.
Steve Johnson – Product Manager – Destinology
I’ve always enjoyed working with Lisa and the team at LJR. Always pro-active and friendly and willing to assist in any way to help increase sales for their hotels and suppliers.
Tomas Cochrane – Sales Director – Hummingbird Travel
Hummingbird Travel has had the pleasure of working with LJR for many years now and we have worked together on marketing campaigns, Fam trips, sales visits and events. They are great to work with because of their experience and deep knowledge of the destinations and resorts they are representing. It’s always so much easier to promote a resort with our clients when we know Lisa, Sophie and the LJR team are representing them.
Robbie O’Brien – Indochina Destination Manager – Trailfinders
Trailfinders have been working with Lisa and her team at LJR for a number of years now, and I have always found them very professional and approachable with a great understanding of the product they represent and how that can best fit in the UK market and with our mutual clients. I hope our partnership will continue for years to come as they are a pleasure to work with and a great help to manage our South East Asia portfolio.