What is the idea behind the Luxury Bloc?
The idea behind the show is to connect top luxury suppliers with the best travel advisors in the region. We want to inspire our top travel advisors with new, refreshing ideas and tips for destinations, foster new partnerships and connections, and strengthen direct business.

How to become part of the Luxury Bloc?
It is very easy for suppliers to send an application through our website. Due to high interest in participating and the limited capacity of the show, we had to set a cap for certain regions. As for Hosted Buyers, we send personal invitations to selected consultants. We know the market very well (due our trade representation company GM Selection) and we invite travel advisors, rather than sending invitations to agencies and leaving it up to them to select an attendee. We adhere to strict criteria, including spending potential, means of travel, and overall match.

The Luxury Bloc is Gabriela Markova's largest project © unpublished

What do you think the travel trends of the future are?
The CEE region is not as homogeneous as other markets. While one part of the region is more dedicated to the adventurous and experiential way of traveling, others still focus on the classic beach vacation (albeit at the highest level). We see the wellness trend gaining popularity, from local and regional resorts investing in spa and wellness areas to internationally renowned retreats and clinics, and from the well-known SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain to the epic JOALI BEING, which opened in the Maldives a year ago. We are also seeing interest in luxury cruises in the region increase.

Reading Tip: Why luxury cruises are back in 2023

Why luxury travel?
Well... define Luxury. Luxury travel can be a luxurious suite or villa, impeccable service, breathtaking experiences or activities, real adventures, but also time with loved ones, dinner for two with a special view or a relaxing wellness retreat for solo travelers....because it is the best in every way. And there are many of them. And we want to address them all.

Do you have any particular goals for the future?
To be happy and continue doing what we love. I want to grow our team, and as everyone knows, it's hard to find good people these days. Where has everyone gone?

Gabriela Markova and her team © optional

What are your next projects?
I have a million ideas in my head and not enough time. My main focus now is on GM Selection, we represent a very niche portfolio in the European market, especially in the DACH, CEE and Southern European region. We have just set up a PR and communications company covering the whole CEE region, and in between we organize and support various group roadshows in the three markets. Luxury Bloc will take place for the 4th time this year and we already have some great participants.

And where do you prefer to travel to?
Barcelona. I love this city and we would love to move there in the future. As for vacations, I love everything that has to do with history and can't wait until my daughter is old enough to go exploring with me.

Barcelona has a big place in Gabriela Markova's heart © Shutterstock

My last life-changing experience was a polar expedition to Spitsbergen. I don't like the cold and Winter in general, and didn't expect to love this place as much as it did, and it was absolutely stunning. Another mind-blowing experience was a stay in Zambia. I'm a classic city girl, allergic to mosquitoes, and more comfortable in the "concrete jungle" than the African bush. However, if you've never spent a night under the African sky, you've been missing out, because it's an ultimate bucket list experience that you should plan sooner rather than later.

If you had to determine the most important must-have luxury piece in your life, what would it be?
My Time. Balancing running 3 businesses/projects and having a 5 year old requires skillful time management, so taking some time for a good book every now and then is my ultimate luxury.