Angela Hughes is a globally recognized thought leader in the travel industry with over 40 years of experience. As the CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel, she has transformed her agency into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, leading a team of 130 advisors specializing in premium to Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) bespoke travel experiences. Angela is also the founder of Luxury Travel University, a private consulting and training platform designed to help travel professionals, suppliers, and hospitality groups scale their businesses in the competitive luxury market. She has built an impressive book of Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) clients, delivering meticulously crafted travel experiences that cater to their unique lifestyles and preferences.

Angela’s career is deeply rooted in education. She earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Travel and Tourism/ Geography, equipping her with the academic foundation to excel in the field. Her passion for sharing knowledge extended into her role as an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University, where she taught Geography & Travel and Tourism courses, mentoring future leaders in the industry. This dual expertise in academia and entrepreneurship has made her a sought-after speaker and trainer at major conferences, including ASTA, CruiseWorld, and IADWP Conference.

Under Angela’s leadership, Trips & Ships Luxury Travel has partnered with elite brands as an influencer such as Windstar, Soneva, Four Seasons, Bulgari, and Riverside Cruises to name a few. Her influence in the luxury travel sector is evident in her strong relationships with global DMCs and her ability to design curated experiences, from custom safaris to multi-generational vacations. Through her private consulting programs, she empowers companies, private equity firms and advisors to embrace innovation, adopt advanced marketing strategies, and achieve sustainable growth.

Angela’s contributions extend beyond travel. She has dedicated much of her career to humanitarian work, founding sustainable programs in underserved communities. Her nonprofit initiatives have improved living conditions globally, and she has even used her travel expertise to assist Ukrainian refugees during the war.

Recognized as the 2024 Luxury Travel Influencer of the Year and a two-time winner of Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, Angela is also a frequent feature in top publications like the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post. Her ability to seamlessly blend luxury travel expertise with a commitment to giving back underscores her unique position as a leader in the industry.