Speaking with Concierges Around the World: Say Yes To Travel

 

Over the next few weeks on Say Yes To Travel, I will be interviewing a series of concierge from around the world. The goal is to shed some light on what travel recovery is looking like from an operations standpoint and from those individuals on the ground.

Don Mooney is the Head Concierge at the Fairmont Banff. More than that he is the President of Les CLefs d’Or Canada. For those who are unfamiliar, Les Clefs d’Or is the elite organization of hotel concierge. You know them when you stay at a hotel and they have golden keys on their lapels. I too am part of this organization.

Don’s hotel is truly a castle. I had the chance to go last year and it was incredible. They have been closed for the last few months and have only just reopened at the beginning of June. Imagine, normally a team of 30 concierge, Don is the ONLY concierge working now.

Of course, with doors opening they are starting to see leisure travelers come back. In this interview we talk about what the experience has been like during the off time and what it is like moving forward.

A true leader, Don mentioned that this “off” time was a great time to stay connected and stay supported. The concierge community is so passionate and proactive, that it has been so exciting to see a group of individuals stay so committed to their profession, especially when there is so much uncertainty around returning.

We touch on mental health as well, as these certainly are trying times. All too often in the hotel industry we gloss over mental health, but the issue is a big one–and one that Don has taken a point to always address. From guests to service workers, mental health is real and shouldn’t be overlooked. Especially now, many are struggling being home, some are devastated by not having work, and others are challenged with being alone. All are valid.

As for the experience in hotels now, Don shared what the new experience is like at the Fairmont Banff. From a near touchless check-in to no a valet, certain parts of the hotel are closed off and the restaurants are limited. Most guests seem to understand. A true spa destination, they are awaiting when they are able to offer those services again.

Of course, all of this is temporary, but it is interesting to hear from the ones on the ground. Hopefully once boarders between the US and Canada open again, you all can experience the incredible destination of the Fairmont Banff. And if you do, definitely say hi to Don Mooney.

Listen to Previous Episodes of Say Yes To Travel!

Say Yes to Travel with Sarah Dandashy

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

tech talent
The DisruptED World of Tech Talent with TEKsystems: Future-Proofing the Workforce Through Inclusive Hiring and Non-Traditional Education
June 27, 2025

In a workforce reshaped by automation, accelerated AI adoption, and persistent labor shortages, the demand for skilled tech talent has never been more urgent—or more difficult to meet. The traditional pipelines, namely college degrees and four-year institutions, are no longer producing enough candidates to meet the explosive growth in tech roles. With tech jobs…

Read More
school event
Smart Safety: How Technology is Transforming School Event Security
June 27, 2025

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies. In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso talks with TJ Markland, General Manager of Payments at Raptor Technologies, to discuss the often-overlooked safety challenges of school events—from daytime assemblies to Friday night football. As schools work to balance hospitality…

Read More
Stephanie Tsales of Instride
Disrupting Higher Ed Through Career Alignment with Stephanie Tsales at Instride
June 27, 2025

The labor market is evolving quickly and traditional higher education faces increasing pressure to demonstrate real-world value. According to Strada Education Network, just 63 percent of college graduates feel their education was worth the cost. With shifting learner expectations and growing employer demand for work-ready skills, universities and employers are confronting a critical question:…

Read More
disability inclusion
Passion, Pause, and Disability Inclusion: Building Equity Through Self-Aware Leadership
June 26, 2025

Beth Sirull, President and CEO of the National Organization on Disability, joins Jason Winningham on PQ: Conversations that Build Equity to share a powerful career journey shaped by a passion for social enterprise, economic equity, and disability inclusion. From her early work in community finance to leading a national nonprofit, Beth reveals how she’s built…

Read More