
Bicester Collection celebrates success at Virtuoso Symposium
The Bicester Collection, showcasing its growing influence within the global luxury travel sector, hosted the official welcome reception of the 2025 Virtuoso Symposium at La Roca Village last week, welcoming over 350 of Virtuoso's influential members and partners from across the world.
Held this year aboard the Crystal Serenity, sailing from Barcelona to Marseille from May 13 to 17, Virtuoso Symposium brought together top-tier agency owners, senior executives and preferred partners to shape the future of luxury travel. For The Bicester Collection, the evening marked a milestone moment - highlighting its strategic role in connecting fashion, travel, culture and lifestyle.
Set against the backdrop of Catalonia, the evening at La Roca Village offered a dynamic, immersive experience of The Bicester Collection's unique blend of retail, hospitality and cultural curation. Guests enjoyed shopping from the world's best brands, regional cuisine and exclusive services that reflect the Collection's unwavering commitment to five-star hospitality.
With 12 Villages across Europe, China and North America, housing 1,500 boutiques across nine countries and three continents, The Bicester Collection Villages welcomed 46 million guests in 2024, with each open-air destination located just outside the world's fashion capitals.
From Hands-free Shopping and multilingual concierge teams to curated membership and partner offers, the event with Virtuoso demonstrated how The Bicester Collection sets a new global standard in experiential luxury.
"Our guests expect seamless, elevated experiences that go far beyond retail," said Vlarcelo Vlolinari, Director of International markets, The Bicester Collection. "Through our partnership with Virtuoso and other industry leaders, we are meeting that demand-offering not just shopping, but destination experiences that are tailored, memorable and emotionally resonant."
"Upscale shopping experiences are a perfect complement to luxury travel and something that our clients are seeking out, which is why we are excited to showcase the relationship we have with The Bicester Collection," says Virtuoso Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships Cory Hagopian. "By holding our Symposium's welcome reception at La Roco Village, our travel agency members and partners will not only see the elevated shopping experience The Bicester Collection offers but also a different side to the Barcelona they may think they know."
The Bicester Collection continues to attract a highly discerning international audience, with a 7.2% growth in international guests across the Villages year to date. Growth has been especially notable from the United States, reflecting the strength of The Bicester Collection's global appeal and ability to meet the expectations of luxury travellers and high-net-worth audiences through curated experiences.
Each Village within the Collection offers the world's best brands at the world's best prices, celebrated restaurants, and peerless service-making them essential destinations for global travellers. Rooted in community spirit, The Bicester Collection also partners with local cultural institutions, regional tourism, champions young creative talent, and supports charitable and sustainable initiatives that positively impact the surrounding regions. - TradeArabia News Service
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Trade Arabia
4 days ago
- Trade Arabia
Ascott aims major expansion of its Crest Collection
The Ascott Limited, the wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), is accelerating the global expansion of its European-born luxury brand, The Crest Collection, in response to growing demand from luxury travellers for distinctive, heritage-rich stays. Over the past six months, the brand has gained strong momentum across East Asia and the Middle East, adding over 1,200 units from four new signings and one opening. The portfolio now comprises 16 properties with over 2,700 units, both operational and in the pipeline, across 11 countries and 13 cities. As a key brand within the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) programme, The Crest Collection enhances the diversity of the ASR portfolio, offering members a broader range of luxury options and more opportunities to experience heritage-inspired stays around the world. Among the newest additions in East Asia is SEN/KA TOKYO by The Crest Collection, set to open in the second half of 2029, marking the brand's debut in Japan. Also contributing to growth in the region are two developments in China: Hong Yuan Hotel by The Crest Collection, which opened in Haikou, Hainan Province, at the end of last year, and a property slated to open by mid-2026 in Wuhan's Donghu New Technology Development Zone, commonly known as Optics Valley. In the Middle East, Al Mahra Resort by The Crest Collection – the brand's first resort and its debut in the United Arab Emirates – will open in early 2027, to be followed by the brand's first property in Saudi Arabia, opening in Riyadh in 2028. Opening in the second half of 2029, SEN/KA TOKYO by The Crest Collection will mark the luxury brand's debut in Japan. The property's lounge offers sweeping views of the Nihonbashi River, giving guests a unique chance to savour special moments in the heart of Tokyo. The luxury hotel-in-residence with 92 units incorporates elements of kimono culture, tradition and craftsmanship into its design and stay experience. This expansion into East Asia and the Middle East builds on the brand's growing traction in Southeast Asia. La Clef Bangkok by The Crest Collection, set to open in mid-2025, will become the brand's fourth property in the region, following the 2023 debut of The Grand Mansion Menteng by The Crest Collection in Indonesia, The George Penang by The Crest Collection in Malaysia and The Robertson House by The Crest Collection in Singapore. Meanwhile, the brand's seven other operational and pipeline properties are located across Europe, where The Crest Collection was first established in 2016. Opening mid-2025, La Clef Bangkok by The Crest Collection is located near the Thong Lo BTS station on the historically significant Sukhumvit Soi 38. Combining French Art de Vivre with cherished Thai heritage, the property offers a selection of studios and one- to two-bedroom apartments. Each unit boasts spacious layouts, modern amenities and refined décor, offering a serene retreat amid the vibrant energy of Bangkok. Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, Ascott, said: 'Interest in luxury stays continues to rise in Asia and the Middle East, driven by travellers seeking meaningful connections to the region's rich culture and heritage. The Crest Collection meets this aspiration with its 'A Story Behind Every Door' brand promise, delivering culturally immersive experiences enriched by each property's distinctive identity, while enabling owners to tap into the strength of Ascott's global commercial ecosystem. Supported by our flex-hybrid model and multi-typology brand strategy, The Crest Collection is highly conversion-friendly, adapting seamlessly across serviced residences, hotels, resorts and other accommodation types. While recent signings highlight new builds such as the brand's first resort, its adaptability also makes it ideal for property conversions that enable swift time-to-market. By tailoring solutions to the unique demands of each location, our market-driven approach empowers us to respond to evolving traveller expectations with agility and deliver sustained value for owners.' The luxury travel sector is projected to grow from $1.4 trillion in 2024 to $2.2 trillion by 2030, driven not just by affluence among the wealthy but also by younger travellers who are willing to pay top dollar for meaningful experiences . With luxury travellers drawn to destinations that excite, along with surprising environments and experiences that speak to their individuality , it is clear that the true essence of luxury lies in celebrating unique stories rather than uniformity. Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott, said: 'Curating experiences that resonate with the expectations of the most discerning travellers has become the currency of modern luxury. Our most affluent guests are seeking emotional connection, personal transformation and cultural resonance. By integrating heritage narratives with thoughtfully curated hospitality, The Crest Collection offers our guests a luxurious and storied experience rooted in the unique identity of each property and its locale. Defined not only by what is provided, but by what is remembered, every stay at a Crest Collection property reflects Ascott's boutique lens on luxury – one that nurtures individuality and crafts hyper-localised, distinctive experiences that engage all the senses. This approach allows us to offer timeless sophistication, elevated by bespoke touches that reflect the spirit of each destination. As The Crest Collection expands from Europe to Asia and the Middle East, we remain dedicated to redefining modern luxury through evocative, story-driven experiences that deliver meaningful moments with purpose and creativity.' Distinctive Heritage Stories Shape The Crest Collection's Luxury Expansion With every addition, The Crest Collection reinforces its vision of heritage-inspired hospitality. Each property brings local culture to life through design, storytelling and immersive guest experiences. • La Clef Bangkok by The Crest Collection, opening in mid-2025, is situated near Thong Lo BTS station on the historically significant Sukhumvit Soi 38. The 115-unit luxury serviced residence artfully blends French Art de Vivre with cherished Thai heritage, offering a range of premium amenities including a luxurious swimming pool, rejuvenating onsen, inviting residents' lounge and state-of-the-art fitness centre. Beyond easy access to upscale shopping destinations, vibrant entertainment venues and top-tier medical facilities, guests can look forward to a refined selection of studios and one- to two-bedroom apartments, each thoughtfully designed to embody the timeless elegance and rich legacy of its distinguished location. • The upcoming SEN/KA TOKYO by The Crest Collection is part of the landmark Yaesu 1-Chome North District Type 1 Urban Redevelopment Project, located near Tokyo Station in the Yaesu district. The property's name pays tribute to its location, historically known as Gofuku-cho (Kimono Fabric Town) during the Edo period, once home to prestigious kimono fabric shops patronised by the shogunate and the Imperial Household. The district's rich heritage of delicate artistry and craftsmanship will be brought to life through the design and storytelling of this luxury hotel-in-residence, which features 92 guestrooms designed for both short and extended stays. • Hong Yuan Hotel by The Crest Collection, which opened late last year in Haikou, China, draws inspiration from the city's historic role as a key gateway on the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Located in the Jiangdong New District of the Hainan Free Trade Port, the 261-key hotel blends Song Dynasty aesthetics with modern luxury. Guests are immersed in a richly storied environment – from copper screen partitions in the lobby and architecture echoing Song-era design, to Chinese paintings depicting maritime trade scenes in the restaurant, all reflecting Haikou's historic role as a hub of global cultural and commercial exchange. The upcoming property in Wuhan's Optics Valley will further grow The Crest Collection's presence in China, offering a narrative rooted in the city's academic and innovation heritage at the heart of a national high-tech development zone. • Al Mahra Resort by The Crest Collection located on Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, takes its name from the Arabic word 'mahra', referring to a young female horse – a symbol of youthful grace, strength and noble spirit in Bedouin heritage. Reflecting these qualities, the 539-key beachfront resort will blend Arabian heritage with contemporary design, offering guests an experience rooted in the UAE's rich equestrian and cultural legacy. • The Crest Collection will also make its debut in Saudi Arabia when it opens in Riyadh, offering bespoke hospitality in the Kingdom's capital with a stay experience inspired by local culture. Strategically located on King Fahd Road and surrounded by key commercial and lifestyle hubs, the property will house a selection of accommodation options spanning elegant hotel rooms, serviced apartments, and suites, catering to both leisure and business travellers. Guests can expect access to an array of premium amenities, including specialty dining restaurants, a signature 'Reading Room' lounge and café, and comprehensive wellness facilities featuring a pool, gym, and treatment rooms. The property will also offer state-of-the-art meeting and multi-functional spaces. The Crest Chronicles: Showcasing Heritage and Hospitality at The Crest Collection Through a carefully curated series of activations spanning gastronomy, literature, architecture, art and performance, The Crest Chronicles brand programme brings heritage stories to life at each property within The Crest Collection. From culinary events that evoke the flavours of the past to literary legacies that immerse guests in historic narratives, this programme reveals the stories behind every door. In Paris, France, La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris by The Crest Collection, the flagship property that launched the brand, has hosted Cognac Heritage Tastings featuring three exceptional eaux-de-vie – Hennessy, A.E. Dor and Koya – offering guests a unique journey through fine cognacs and brandies inspired by the heritage of the former Hennessy family mansion, now home to the hotel. Meanwhile, history enthusiasts can explore the 1889 Exposition Universelle through a Literary Display opening mid-June in the lobby of La Clef Tour Eiffel Paris by The Crest Collection. At Hong Yuan Hotel by The Crest Collection in Haikou, China, guests can immerse themselves in the cultural richness of the Song Dynasty, the hotel's key design inspiration. Titled 'The Four Refinements of the Song Dynasty', year-round activities include tea tastings, floral arrangement workshops, incense crafting, art appreciation and guqin performances. Complementing these experiences, a thoughtfully curated culinary menu inspired by the 24 solar terms of Chinese culture promotes health, relaxation and seasonal nourishment. - TradeArabia News Service


Trade Arabia
21-05-2025
- Trade Arabia
Mauritius Tourism Authority targets Gulf travellers for growth
The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) President, Claire Le Lay, highlighted the growing importance of Gulf and Emirati visitors to the island nation's tourism strategy in an exclusive interview with TTN Magazine. Importance of Gulf Travellers Le Lay highlighted the value of Gulf travellers, stating, "We greatly value the growing importance of Emirati and Gulf travellers to Mauritius." She expressed the MTPA's commitment to enhancing partnerships by offering enriching experiences that align with the aspirations of these tourists. Strategies to Attract Emirati Travellers To attract Emirati travellers, Le Lay outlined a product-driven approach. "Mauritius offers a tourism product of world-class quality," she noted, mentioning luxury accommodations and exceptional service as key factors. The MTPA aims to deliver the high standards of privacy and personalised service that Gulf tourists expect. In addition to bolstering ties with the travel trade, Le Lay stressed the importance of strong consumer campaigns targeting locals, expatriates, and niche markets such as MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Influencer marketing will play a pivotal role, with collaborations on platforms like Instagram and TikTok to rejuvenate Mauritius's image. Le Lay's vision is clear: to reposition Mauritius as a destination that offers diverse and memorable experiences beyond its beautiful beaches. The MTPA is also preparing a targeted campaign for the Middle Eastern summer, positioning Mauritius as a safe, temperate escape during the region's extreme heat. Growth in Tourist Numbers Tourist arrivals from the Middle East have seen significant growth, with numbers rising from 19,471 in 2017 to 37,063 in 2024. However, Le Lay believes there is still untapped potential in this market. "The MTPA is setting an ambitious goal to grow this segment to 60,000 tourists by 2028," she stated, reflecting on the approximately 420,000 available seats to the destination from Emirates and Saudi Airlines. Participation in Arabian Travel Market Le Lay also discussed the MTPA's participation in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), one of the world's leading travel exhibitions. She emphasised that ATM 2025 will elevate Mauritius's global tourism profile, showcasing its luxury offerings and unique experiences. The event is expected to facilitate high-value business deals and unlock new opportunities in the dynamic Gulf travel market. With a growing number of Mauritian participants at ATM—from 17 in 2019 to 25 in 2025—the MTPA is clearly prioritising its engagement with the Middle East, aiming to attract more affluent travellers to its shores.


Trade Arabia
20-05-2025
- Trade Arabia
Bicester Collection celebrates success at Virtuoso Symposium
The Bicester Collection, showcasing its growing influence within the global luxury travel sector, hosted the official welcome reception of the 2025 Virtuoso Symposium at La Roca Village last week, welcoming over 350 of Virtuoso's influential members and partners from across the world. Held this year aboard the Crystal Serenity, sailing from Barcelona to Marseille from May 13 to 17, Virtuoso Symposium brought together top-tier agency owners, senior executives and preferred partners to shape the future of luxury travel. For The Bicester Collection, the evening marked a milestone moment - highlighting its strategic role in connecting fashion, travel, culture and lifestyle. Set against the backdrop of Catalonia, the evening at La Roca Village offered a dynamic, immersive experience of The Bicester Collection's unique blend of retail, hospitality and cultural curation. Guests enjoyed shopping from the world's best brands, regional cuisine and exclusive services that reflect the Collection's unwavering commitment to five-star hospitality. With 12 Villages across Europe, China and North America, housing 1,500 boutiques across nine countries and three continents, The Bicester Collection Villages welcomed 46 million guests in 2024, with each open-air destination located just outside the world's fashion capitals. From Hands-free Shopping and multilingual concierge teams to curated membership and partner offers, the event with Virtuoso demonstrated how The Bicester Collection sets a new global standard in experiential luxury. "Our guests expect seamless, elevated experiences that go far beyond retail," said Vlarcelo Vlolinari, Director of International markets, The Bicester Collection. "Through our partnership with Virtuoso and other industry leaders, we are meeting that demand-offering not just shopping, but destination experiences that are tailored, memorable and emotionally resonant." "Upscale shopping experiences are a perfect complement to luxury travel and something that our clients are seeking out, which is why we are excited to showcase the relationship we have with The Bicester Collection," says Virtuoso Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships Cory Hagopian. "By holding our Symposium's welcome reception at La Roco Village, our travel agency members and partners will not only see the elevated shopping experience The Bicester Collection offers but also a different side to the Barcelona they may think they know." The Bicester Collection continues to attract a highly discerning international audience, with a 7.2% growth in international guests across the Villages year to date. Growth has been especially notable from the United States, reflecting the strength of The Bicester Collection's global appeal and ability to meet the expectations of luxury travellers and high-net-worth audiences through curated experiences. Each Village within the Collection offers the world's best brands at the world's best prices, celebrated restaurants, and peerless service-making them essential destinations for global travellers. Rooted in community spirit, The Bicester Collection also partners with local cultural institutions, regional tourism, champions young creative talent, and supports charitable and sustainable initiatives that positively impact the surrounding regions. - TradeArabia News Service