Jose Blanco

Jose was born in Gijon, in the north of Spain, and has lived most of his life in Australia.

After a decade-long career as a lawyer, he moved into banking in 1990 and until 2011, was the Australia and New Zealand Country Manager for Banco Santander, Spain's largest bank and a major force in the Latin American banking scene. In late 2011, his role changed to that of Senior Advisor, as the bank moves to expand its presence in the market.

Since 1990, Jose has been a frequent visitor to Latin America, both for business and pleasure, leading business delegations and tour groups alike.

In one way or another, Jose's career has always been associated with Spain and Latin America. In addition to his ongoing role with Banco Santander, Jose currently serves as the Chairman of the Australia-Latin America Business Council. Between 1982 and May, 2008, Jose served as a director of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, the last six years as its President. In addition, between 1991 and 2000, Jose served as a member of the executive committee of the Australia-Chile Chamber of Commerce and from 1997 until 2001 as a member of the Advisory Council of the Institute for International Studies of the University of Technology, Sydney. At the same time, between 2001 and 2010, Jose served as Deputy Chairman of the Australian Government's Council on Australia Latin America Relations.

Jose has an equal commitment to life beyond work and has a strong passion for cooking and showcasing the food and wine of Spain and Latin America. Pursuits that are nurtured by his frequent visits to both destinations, as well as his extensive library of regional cookbooks and his willingness to tackle new recipes and wines in the company of friends and family.

Although a keen golfer, his ability reflects the limited time that he is able to spend on the golf course. Rugby, cricket and tennis also feature amongst his sporting interests, and there are many recorded instances of Jose having the good fortune to find himself in numerous far-flung locations just when major events are taking place.

Your Hosts - Jose & Leona Blanco 

Leona Blanco

Leona was born in Adelaide, but has lived most of her life in Sydney. She has successfully combined a career in law dating from 1981 with the equally demanding roles of motherhood, bon vivant and social secretary extraordinaire to many and varied causes.

Her passion for travel knows no bounds and her love of Spain and Latin America dates from the 1980s, when she started visiting both destinations on a regular basis, including a memorable honeymoon that featured the wonders of Argentina and shopping bargains that have never been forgotten.

Her varied interests range from horses (including ownership of several that alas have not been as fleet of foot as she had hoped), to singing and dancing, fine wine, good food and hunting down the best bargains wherever she finds herself. She is a voracious reader and starts each tour with a suitcase full of novels that she then proceeds to distribute amongst fellow travellers or to leave behind as calling cards.

Leona's energy and vibrant personality ensures that all tours are blessed with laughter, warmth and special touches.