The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.
— Baha'i teachings
This quote from the Baha’i Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh inspire and inform the journey of Julian and Kim MacQueen, philanthropists and founders of Innisfree Hotels.
From August to October 2017, the MacQueens will travel around the world in their HondaJet to raise cultural awareness and ‘bring the world back home.’ After all, what is work if not done in service to mankind? There are many ways of serving mankind through hospitality, dating back to our very beginnings.
The adventure will put a global lens on hospitality, as the duo visits important destinations in six out of seven world continents. They plan to experience the wide world of hotels – and investigate the role hotels play in community building.
They will also seek world records, both in point-to-point speed, as well as meeting criteria for the Circumnavigation Diploma issued by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the world governing body for air sports.
“The world is a community, and you are welcome no matter where you are from,” Julian says. “We are all global citizens, and this trip will help connect Innisfree teammates and guests with the world.”
Being a global citizen is an important component of Innisfree’s corporate culture and the way its teammates bring ‘fun, memorable experiences’ to every guest. The name of the company itself was inspired by a line from the William Butler Yeats poem, “The Lake Isle of Innisfree,’ about the peace and tranquility of a place that can stay with you your whole life long.
With ‘Around the World in 80 Stays,’ you can discover the world right here. We invite you armchair pilots, jet setters, anyone with wanderlust, to follow along our journey to learn about cultures around the world … and how they can change your world at home.
BLOG
Follow along the globetrotting journey of Julian and Kim MacQueen as they make their way around the world to learn about different cultures, how hotels connect with communities … and what we can all take home from the experience.
Gallery
Travel the world through another’s eyes. Here’s a look at the images captured along our worldwide journey. These photos touch on what hotels could be, if we brought more culture, design and even faith from around the world.
Sponsors
Thank you to our generous sponsors, who have made this adventure possible.
ABOUT HONDAJET
The HondaJet is the fastest, highest-flying, quietest and most fuel-efficient jet in its class. The HondaJet incorporates many technological innovations in aviation design, including the unique Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration that dramatically improves performance and fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag. The OTWEM design also reduces cabin sound, minimizes ground-detected noise, and allows for the roomiest cabin in its class, the largest baggage capacity, and a fully serviceable private aft lavatory. The HondaJet is equipped with the most sophisticated glass flight deck available in any light business jet, a Honda-customized Garmin® G3000. The HondaJet is Honda’s first commercial aircraft and lives up to the company’s reputation for superior performance, efficiency, quality and value.
ABOUT SHEPHERD AERO
Shepherd Aero is a globally acclaimed provider of international trip support for private jet operators and aviation adventurers. Shepherd Aero provides comprehensive vertically integrated dispatch services and turn-key one-stop contact for every element of an aircraft's international journey.
Shepherd is unique among trip support providers with simple flat rate daily charges free of cost from changes in plans or additional support needs, zero percent administrative charge for third party expenses, a trip support team of pilots with intimate personal knowledge of the international destinations visited by their clients, and ownership of www.eurofpl.eu, the world’s number one non-government originator of international general aviation flight plans into the global ATC system.
To learn more about how Shepherd Aero’s services can support your next international adventure, visit www.shepherd.aero.
Videos
An Around the World Trip Aboard a HondaJet
The Heat Of Morocco
Feeding Monkeys In Bali
A Challenging Descent Into Bhutan
Icebergs On Approach Into Greenland
Innisfree Hotels
Innisfree Hotels is a hotel company based on the Gulf Coast of Florida committed to creating fun, memorable experiences - both for its guests and teammates.
For more than three decades, Innisfree Hotels has expertly managed and developed dozens of hotels in partnership with many of the world’s most recognized hotel brands. Today, the company owns or manages 2,935 hotel rooms, with approximately 2,000 employees.
A strong corporate culture keeps teammates inspired and eager to provide exceptional service to guests. ‘Around the World in 80 Stays’ will further connect Innisfree Hotels with the world by bringing home the best in design, culture and the true meaning of hospitality.