About Us

As a leading North American travel representation company, Passages of Distinction engages exclusively in representing, supporting and promoting distinctive, privately owned luxury boutique hotels, resorts, Villas and Destination Management Companies around the world.

Who We Are

Passages of Distinction is one of the most respected and trusted travel representation companies in North America. Led by Sari Freeman, our team works closely with our partners and we are dedicated to delivering custom sales, marketing and business solutions to each travel product we represent. With over thirty years of combined experience in the upper echelon hotel and travel industry market, we know what makes a hotel a truly remarkable destination, and understand that having a destination specialist is an indispensable ally in creating a truly outstanding, tailor-made experience.

What We Do

Passages of Distinction’s marketing team is dedicated to generating business for your property or destination service and building brand awareness in key markets in the United States and Canada.

We conduct relevant sales actions and develop strategies that target the top luxury travel agencies, bespoke concierge and lifestyle consultants, as well as boutique operators. We nurture our relationships by consistently engaging with them whether it be by face to face meetings, events, sales calls, webinars, email or social media marketing.

To learn more about our services, download our *Become a Partner Guide* or reach out to our team directly by emailing: info@passagesofdistinction.com

Our Team

SARI FREEMAN
CEO

Owner & Chief Sales & Marketing Strategist, Sari Freeman is the creative force behind Passages of Distinction. Trusted by some of the world’s most prestigious brands, Sari has built a reputation over three decades working on sales and marketing strategies for travel and hospitality businesses in the four corners of the world. Prior to owning Sari Freeman Associates, she served as Director of Sales USA for Rafael Hotel Group and sister company Aman Resorts. In addition, Sari has a strong background in destination marketing, having worked at the New York CVB in International Sales.

A true hospitality and tourism expert, Sari brings a wealth of market knowledge and industry contacts to her role as she focuses to convert inspiration into bookings for luxury hotels, resorts, and destinations from key markets in the United States and Canada.

Read more about Sari Freeman on Tale A Guest!

LISA AZOULAY
Director of Events & Industry Relations

As Director of Events & Industry Relations, Lisa is responsible for ensuring client satisfaction and retention for Passages of Distinction’s Collection, while working with senior leaders with the goal of exceeding client expectations. Additionally, Lisa is responsible for management of sales and market planning, directing hotelier and DMC sales visits, in-house sales, and assisting the team in developing tailor-made sales and marketing programs for each client to ensure revenue optimization.

DAWN NOWACKI
Executive Assistant & Office Manager

Dawn comes to Passages of Distinction as a seasoned business professional with a wide range of experience in corporate level administrative support, client care, as well as medical practice management. Dawn has extensive education and certifications in Business Administration, Education and Finance. Having spent years in a customer centric environment, she possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills. Dawn is truly a team player and strives to provide the ultimate level of support, service and satisfaction to clients and business associates.

GENEVIEVE GRAY
Sales & Marketing Manager, Western Region

Genevieve grew up in Vancouver, Canada, and has worked in digital marketing for over a decade. Her first overseas trip to Egypt in 2011 sparked her passion for international travel. After graduating from university with a Communications degree, she began travel writing part-time as she worked in digital marketing for a variety of clients in the wellness, new technology, travel, and hospitality industries. Based in Los Angeles, Genevieve handles the West Coast region, conducting sales calls to meet, educate, liaise and introduce advisors to the POD Collection both in-person and virtually.

JILL BAUMAN
National Director of Sales

Jill began her career in luxury hospitality in the health and wellness division of ClubCorp (now Invited) managing properties in New York City. Her passion for yoga and wellness led her to a regional position with Yogaworks then Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health ultimately landing at Canyon Ranch as the Global Director of Sales driving revenue for both the leisure and corporate business. Most recently she was the Vice President of Sales for the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

Her extensive experience and passion for improving people’s overall well-being has been at the core of her career. Jill looks forward to focusing this next chapter in luxury travel, fostering relationships, and building impactful partnerships that drive success for all stakeholders.

When not traveling Jill divides her time between NYC and the Berkshires of western Massachusetts.

" Passages of Distinction is a prestigious company representing some of the most unique hotels in the world. Our agents know that Sari and her team will help in any way they can to make sure our clients have a memorable visit at any of their properties. "


-Martin Rapp, Senior Vice-President of Leisure Sales, USA, Altour
" Through the years, I have worked with US Sales and Marketing Representation Companies of all calibers, I can unequivocally say that Passages of Distinction sets the bar for excellence. Fischer Travel’s trust is absolute when it comes to them providing incomparable vetting and guidance for our clients. "


-Stacy, Fischer-Rosenthal, President, Fischer Travel
" Sari is one of the most dedicated and passionate influencers in the luxury travel industry with deep connections and committed followers who look to her for guidance in placing their clients at the world’s greatest privately managed hotels and resorts. "


-Jack Ezon, Founder & Managing Partner, EMBARK Beyond
" Passages of Distinction has represented our Parisian boutique hotels for many years. Sari Freeman and her team are the best ambassadors to promote the Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal and the Grand Powers on the North American market. Their determination, contacts and knowledge of the travel industry contribute to the success of our hotels and help us to achieve goals such as being member of the major consortia Virtuoso and Signature. "


-Séverine Greault, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing, Hotel Grand Powers & Grand Hotel du Palais Royal
" I have worked with Sari Freeman for 20 years, and Passages of Distinction is by far one of the best representation companies in the business. Sari has curated the best luxury independent hotels around the world as well as destination management companies that go above and beyond to make me look like a star to my clients. "


-Eric Hrubant, CIRE Travel