MEET THE TEAM
MARINA PROSKURINA
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Marina joined Global Travel Concepts in July of 2021. She has previously worked in the finance & insurance industry. She has a B.S. in Economics. A few years ago, Marina relocated from Siberia, Russia to USA with her family, in order to pursue her professional goals and explore new cultures, lifestyles and meet new people.
Marina likes to travel and organize trips for her family. Specifically, she enjoys researching and finding local experiences (food, wines, artisan shops, nature excursions) that make every trip she plans, truly unique.
I am very excited to be a part of the travel team, a team that helps our clients explore their passions for travel and adventure. Traveling is a breath of fresh air. It is a surge of strength, that cultivates our inner enrichment and development.
Let your thoughts dissolve into the mountains, or admire the sunsets on the coast. What is your dream trip? Let me know and we will make it happen!
Hilary Murray
LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR
Born and raised in the Nation's Capital, I was raised a sports fan. I have great memories of sitting in the back seat of my grandfather’s car on Sunday’s, for a trip to RFK stadium, to watch the (The Commanders) hopefully beat the Cowboys. My fandom became a passion and led me to a career in sports. I was first involved in the sports marketing industry, where I actually helped sign Shaq to his first trading card deals. From sports marketing I went into television, where I helped in the production of live events mostly featuring the Cubs and the Bulls, oftentimes getting Michael Jordan’s M & M’s. My television career was interrupted (permanently) by the best job in the world, becoming a wife and a mom.
Traveling at the different stages of life required learning (sometimes the hard way), how to plan in detail, to satisfy everyone’s needs. I was self-obsessed with making sure our trips were as stress free as possible from the moment of departure, through the moment of return.
That personal passion turned into a vocational pursuit and in 2017 I started work at Valerie Wilson Travel, where I was trained in the world of luxury travel. As Valerie Wilson grew I realized I could no longer satisfy my clients with the level of attention they needed and deserved and wanted to work for a more intimate, boutique agency.
Now, at Global Travel Concepts, I can commit the necessary time, have the full resources necessary, and partners around the world, to make sure your travel experience is unmatched.
Please let me plan that next great experience for you.
David Haas
LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR
David Haas is a multi-talented professional with a notable 10-year career spanning the international entertainment, tech, & travel industries. His global perspective has been shaped not only by life experiences in diverse cultures – from teaching English in Chile, working at the Beijing Olympics, interning in Israel, and beyond – but also by his hands-on professional experiences abroad. Based primarily in NYC with summers spent in Spain, David continues to apply his broad cultural insights across his work.
Combining years of proficiency in managing global touring logistics for a Grammy-winning DJ, to working closely with top internationally-renowned talent – David made significant strides in the entertainment industry, further reaffirming his competence in managing high-profile tasks with ease. Recently, he's also leveraged his skills in the tech sector, serving as Head of Partner Success in a leading tech firm where he managed stakeholder operations and excelled in high-stakes partnerships – including a company partnership with McLaren Automotive.
With degrees in International Affairs and Mandarin Chinese; conversational aptitude in Spanish; a basic understanding of Hebrew; and a lifelong passion for travel, David’s strong intercultural and language skills complement his extensive industry experience. This unique blend of entertainment industry experience, tech savviness, multilingual skills, and wide cultural understanding equip him to craft bespoke luxury experiences for high-net-worth individuals and award-winning talent. Whether he's negotiating complex schedules or ensuring seamless travel logistics, David's unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and his in-depth expertise in crafting luxury experiences make him an invaluable asset in the realm of luxury travel.
Viktoria Kisel
LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR
MASHA BALENZANO
CEO
Travel is a part of our DNA. It’s the feeling that we have when we’re caught in life’s routine. When we have the opportunity to travel, we realize who we are and what is truly important to us. My life has always been centered around this idea, that the people we are surrounded by and the experiences we create, define us. No matter where you travel, the goal is to have unique experiences, find your people, and your place in the world.
After decades of experience in the travel industry, I created Global Travel Concepts with this goal in mind. That no matter where you are in the world, the world is your oyster. That your travels are authentic, welcoming and one-of-a-kind opportunities that change your life. Empowering you to see the world from a new perspective, with a renewed sense of yourself, that makes you want to return, time and time again.
For me, travel has always been about discovery. Experiencing a destination, a cultural practice, a way of life, and ultimately, finding yourself. This is the defining pillar that has helped me build the luxury agency that Global Travel Concepts is today. We have incomparable knowledge and passion for all the small details that make for unforgettable travel experiences.
We provide unparalleled expertise, with a level of style that's unmatched. Our service is truly unique and personal.
Travel with me my friends… Together we'll create memories to last a lifetime.
Joel Tankel
LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR
I was born in London to a family that always loved to travel. From an early age we went to many European destinations, Israel and South Africa. I have always had a great interest in learning new things and about new places. I love visiting exciting vibrant places, that you can totally immerse yourself into like the exciting city of Barcelona with its amazing architecture, and the outstanding natural beauty of the Galapagos. I have often visited the USA as a tourist, traveling all over, particular spending time in New York.
When I moved to New York over 20 years ago, after I was offered a great opportunity in the Travel Industry, the city immediately felt like home. Now I have another amazing opportunity at a flourishing and exciting agency, Global Travel Concepts.
With my great attention to detail, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills I know I can help our VIP clientele enjoy the unforgettable trip they want and deserve. I look forward to traveling the world to more exciting destinations with my wife and young son.
Stacy Raphael
LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR
Do you remember your first travel experience? I clearly recall mine, as a young child climbing into the family car, clutching a stuffed animal and bubbling with excitement for the adventures ahead. That same thrill drives my passion for luxury travel today. Over the years, I’ve transformed my life through journeys, from exploring Moscow’s snowy vistas to the vibrant souks of Cairo, and the tranquil rainforests of Hawaii. My bucket list continues to grow, with dreams of crossing the Drake Passage to Antarctica, witnessing the Northern Lights, and embarking on an African safari.
Currently based in the Philadelphia area, I’m a native New Yorker with a deep love for the city’s dynamic culture and arts scene. As an avid traveler, I’ve raised my children to appreciate the wonders of the world, and I continue to seek out new and exciting destinations. My personal experiences in various global locales have not only enriched my life but also enhanced my understanding of the nuanced desires and needs of luxury travel clients.
With a background dedicated to understanding and meeting people’s needs, I bring a unique perspective to the luxury travel industry. My attention to detail, ability to forge significant relationships, and innovative approach allow me to create bespoke travel experiences that are both unique and deeply personal. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, my goal is to craft journeys that exceed your expectations and leave lasting impressions.
I grew up in Belarus and studied Business before moving to the United States and getting a degree in Computer Science. Living in Europe has given me the opportunity to visit many history-rich countries such as Lithuania, Poland, and Greece. After a while, I moved to the United States with my family.
I love everything encompassing travel and discovering new destinations just overwhelms my senses. Experiencing cultures, studying architecture are inspiring and allow you to see how the world around us is multifaced. Just let yourself have this experience and life will sparkle with new colors.
Working with Global Travel Concepts gives me an amazing opportunity to be connected globally and help our clients to get the best experience from their luxury travel adventures.
