Global Travel Collection (GTC) aims to put the spotlight back on the Hawaiian island of Maui after last year’s devastating wildfires with new episodes of reality series “1st Look Presents: Extra Mile Club,” starring top GTC luxury travel advisors.
The wildfires in Maui destroyed homes, businesses and cultural sites, claiming 100 lives. The historic town of Lahaina in West Maui suffered the most damage. Besides the tragic loss of life, many residents now face severe economic challenges, unable to support their families. According to the Maui Economic Development Board, about 70 percent of Maui County's revenue comes from the tourism industry.
While some areas affected by the wildfires remain closed, much of the island, as well as other destinations in Hawaii, are open to tourism. This is why Global Travel Collection chose to highlight the destination in the travel-themed reality series.
Developed in partnership with NBC Universal’s LXTV Productions, “1st Look: Extra Mile Club” is a reality competition show that features top travel advisors who are tasked with creating luxury travel experiences for celebrity clients. GTC travel advisors Leslie Tillem and Curtis Parris, who competed to curate a day of exclusive activities in New York City for “Bachelor in Paradise” alums Ashley and Jared Haibon in last year’s pilot, are returning to “1st Look.” The “Extra Mile Club” series is presented on NBC stations nationwide.
Tillem and Parris have already filmed two new episodes on Maui, competing to create one-of-a-kind experiences for Emma Hernan and Chelsea Lazkani of the Netflix show “Selling Sunset.”
“Extra Mile Club” destination filming partners include Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Maverick Helicopters, Ohana Nui Charters, Maui Reef Adventures, Hawaiian Paddle Sports, Kiawe Outdoor, Ulupalakua Ranch, Hua Momona Farms, Chef Zach Laidlaw, Puka Swimwear, Maui Roadsters, Circle M. Ranch, photographer Tad Craig, Manutea Nui Entertainment and Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate. Ehman Productions provided some production crew personnel and equipment.
Following the fires in Maui, Global Travel Collection’s foundation donated $10,000 to Maui United Way to aid the wildfire-affected communities.
The second season of “1st Look Presents: Extra Mile Club” will air on NBC beginning September 28.
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