In March of 2019, Jeff Potter, former CEO of Denver-based companies Frontier Airlines and Exclusive Resorts as well as Los Angeles-based Surf Air, launched a new travel company - Manifest, a chapter-based lifestyle and travel club that provides custom-crafted ‘close to home’ experiences paired with private air transportation.
“I’ve been fortunate in my aviation, hospitality and travel careers in that each opportunity presented me with some successes, and equally as important, some lessons learned, all of which came to bear when I envisioned the concept of Manifest,” said Mr. Potter, CEO and President of Manifest Escapes.
“I believe there is much to be discovered within a matter of hours of where we live. The idea of ‘close to home’ experiences combined with the increasing trend of experiential travel and the opportunity to utilize the private aviation industry is how Manifest was born.”
Chapter Based
Manifest has club chapters that are located in the top 50 to 60 U.S. markets based on household income selection criteria and filtered against data that shows each markets’ propensity to buy business and first-class fares. Manifest designs, curates and manages all of the logistical components of each experience that includes adventure, wine/culinary, cultural, and romantic getaways as well as access to major events.
Last year, in 2021, Manifest, announced two strategic partnerships that has enhanced their growth: one with Troon, the world’s largest golf management company providing services at 585-plus locations around the globe. And the second with Fly Louie, a nationwide alliance of roughly 200 private air charter operators, to offer private charter service options via the Manifest website. Quotes for charter flights will be available to both Manifest members and non-members and will offer the most competitive pricing in the industry.
Manifest also announced, in January, 2022, that it will be expanding nationally, and with the expansion, Manifest will also offer its entire collection of curated trips to members in all states, as well as expand trips to include international destinations - the Caribbean and Mexico, with Central America and further abroad to be added soon.
It is also adding more flexibility to its membership, with the option of booking pre-curated trips directly through the website.
In addition, while flying privately remains a Manifest differentiator, Manifest will be adding a commercial air option for first-class and business class service in the coming months also.
“We want to make both booking and experiencing travel as easy as possible for Manifest members and in some cases, private air travel is not the best option, so we plan to offer alternatives to ensure the ultimate flexibility when booking with us.” said Jeff Potter.
Mr. Potter continues, “Manifest’s continued focus is to provide our members with custom and curated experiences. We remain committed to our differentiation of providing inclusive 3-4 day trips including private air, but also recognize the opportunity to accelerate and expand our offering.”
“Due to these developments and current trends, we have expanded our offerings and marketing focus, while remaining committed to retaining the integrity of the club concept. We offer prospective members the only travel solution that encompasses all these elements of their travel experience.”
Because of these commitments, the Manifest member experience moves well from private car transportation to/from the airport both at home and in-destination, to private air travel; and from high-touch service on the ground to pre-planned activities that reflect not only the soul of the destination, but also time to explore the members’ own interests.
Examples of recently added trips include:
Explore Historic New England in Newport, Rhode Island – 5 days/4 nights with accommodations at The Cliffside Inn with activities including a private helicopter tour and a two-hour cruise aboard an America’s Cup yacht.
Bourbon-friendly Weekend in Louisville, Kentucky – 3 days/2 nights with accommodations at The Brown Hotel with activities including themed progressive dinner with cocktail pairings and a full-day bourbon distillery tour.
Find Your Way to Paradise on the Beautiful Caribbean Island of Anguilla (pictured above) – 8 days/7 nights with accommodations at Belmond’s Cap Juluca Resort with plenty of beach time as well as a day on the water exploring Prickly Pear Cays.
Finally, in celebration of their national expansion and for a limited time, Manifest is allowing anyone to join its community of travelers without paying annual dues. In addition, members can save 10% on their first trip with Manifest when they book by March 31, 2022 for travel by December 31, 2022.
