Collette’s 102nd Season: Diana Ditto, Director of Product Design

As we officially kick off our 102nd season, we’re sitting down with some of the people who truly know Collette and all the dedication, creativity, and innovation it takes to craft a lineup like the one slated for the 2020-2021 year. This week we spoke to Diana Ditto, Director of Product Design.

What's the most exciting part of your job – the thing that keeps you coming back day after day?

I want to change the world, and I truly believe travel has the power to do that.

Why does travel matter to you?

I realized as a young girl that I had an insatiable appetite for adventure. That curiosity and fire within me to explore is something I never wanted to lose, and I know that by continuing to travel, I never will.

What is your favorite travel memory?

Trying authentic street food in Old Delhi in India. I’m an adventurous eater and a foodie, but I remember initially being really frightened of getting sick. However, by working with our local guides and doing some research on notable vendors, I had an incredible experience and ate the most amazing traditional Indian food.

What tour or new destination are you most excited for in this new travel season and why?

Russia! No expense was spared in the lives of the Russian Tsars, their friends, family, clothes, houses….and our guests will get to see it all on our new Imperial Russia tour. We visit the Hermitage/Winter Palace, Catherine’s Palace (aka Tsarskoe Selo), the Kremlin and the Armory. You will see precious treasures that will leave you speechless. We’re also zooming from A to B in one of the most efficient transit systems in the world: the Moscow Metro. In addition to being super easy and fast, the metro is absolutely STUNNING inside. Trust me, just google it.

What does the 102nd season mean to you as a member of the Collette team?

I keep coming back to three words: Innovation. Growth. Excitement. Innovation because we’re willing to push boundaries and take more risks than before. Growth since we continue to expand our product line to some amazing destinations – Patagonia, The Baltics, or Jordan anyone? And excitement since it’s such an inspiring and creative time to be part of Collette!

What do you want our guests to know about Collette and this new travel season?

Our goal isn’t to be like every other tour operator. We want to disrupt the status quo in the guided travel world. We thrive on creating experiences for travelers that are more immersive, more authentic, more bespoke, and more unique. That’s what elevates our travel experience, and that’s what our guests will remember.