logo
#

Latest news with #Fairmont

ATM outlines why luxury hospitality leaders view personalisation as key to revenue growth
ATM outlines why luxury hospitality leaders view personalisation as key to revenue growth

Zawya

time15 hours ago

  • Business
  • Zawya

ATM outlines why luxury hospitality leaders view personalisation as key to revenue growth

During ATM 2025, senior executives from Minor Hotels, Fairmont and Marriott highlighted the rise of 'hyper-personalisation' in the luxury hospitality industry The ATM Travel Trends report states that 85% of hoteliers view personalisation as a crucial driver of commercial value Next-Gen travellers are driving demand for luxury experiences that focus on meaning over opulence Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Personalisation is emerging as a growing trend in travel and tourism, particularly within the luxury segment, as travellers increasingly seek experiences tailored to their individual preferences and lifestyles. At Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, senior executives from leading hotel groups, including Minor Hotels, Fairmont and Marriott, examined the rising influence of 'hyper-personalisation', which moves away from one-size-fits-all services to offering bespoke guest experiences. Leveraging tools such as AI-driven customisation and chatbots, as well as personalised welcome amenities and bespoke dining options, these brands are redefining the customer journey in the luxury travel segment, which is witnessing a continued surge worldwide. According to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, developed by ATM in partnership with Tourism Economics, 85% of hoteliers now consider personalisation as a key driver of commercial value, with tailored experiences shown to generate additional revenue of up to 5%. Furthermore, insights by market intelligence firm Future Market Insight Inc, has revealed the global customisation and personalisation in travel market is expected to reach US$620.71 million by 2032. Speaking during the panel, experts defined hyper-personalisation as providing individualised experiences that anticipate both expressed and unspoken guest needs. While technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are instrumental in delivering customised offerings at scale, the panellists agreed that human connection remains essential for a truly personalised hospitality experience. Nicolas Hauvespre, VP of luxury brands at MEA Marriott, said: 'When it comes to hyper-personalisation, for many brands, this goes far beyond traditional service. It's about creating something highly tailored and curated through leveraging technology and building on your culture, so you can develop that anticipatory service and meet both the explicit and unspoken needs of your guests.' The panel, which also included Loay Nour, Vice President Fairmont Brand and Marketing Communications, and Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President Minor Hotels, also discussed the importance of establishing an emotional connection, anticipating guest needs, and building this over time. 'Luxury is not one size fits all, it's no longer about recognising someone by the name or knowing their preferences in their profile, because you need to understand that those consumers are not only hotel consumers, they are exposed into the ultra level of personalisation from other brands and other industries that they work with, so they have a certain minimum of expectations,' said Nour. In the Middle East and Africa, Marriott is embracing this shift while maintaining brand distinctiveness, expanding its luxury footprint with projects such as the Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Nujuma in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, which is rooted in immersive, cultural experiences. Upcoming openings elsewhere in the region include a portfolio of curated Ritz-Carlton safari lodges in eastern Africa, which will pioneer new destinations and provide guests with highly authentic experiences. Meanwhile, owner-led hospitality companies, such as Minor Hotels, are using their lean structures to pilot new concepts in-house before rolling them out globally. This operational flexibility has enabled the company to invest in curated, experience-driven offerings that prioritise quality over quantity. A recent success story includes the 22-room Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi in Ghantoot, which has outperformed expectations by focusing on hyper-personalised offerings in a unique setting. Commenting on these insights, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'As luxury travel evolves, so too does the definition of what it means to deliver highly personalised experiences. Today's travellers are looking for more than exceptional service; they expect tailored journeys that reflect who they are and what they value. At ATM, we are witnessing how hospitality brands are rising to the challenge, providing guests with luxury experiences that are personalised, sustainable and connected to people and place.' Luxury travel will be under the spotlight at Arabian Travel Market 2026, which will be held from 4 to 7 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. In parallel, travel technology will remain a key focus as innovation continues to reshape the future of the industry and transform every stage of the traveller's journey. Now in its 33rd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading global platform driving growth and innovation across every sector of travel and tourism. Held annually in Dubai – the gateway to global travel and tourism with its unmatched connectivity – ATM is where the energy of opportunity comes to life. More than just an event, ATM is a dynamic hub for industry communities, with forums, experiences, and networking that continue well beyond the show floor over the week. Now in a period of rapid expansion, ATM has grown 16% year on year, attracting over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries. The next edition of ATM will take place in Dubai from 4–7 May 2026. About RX RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. About RELX RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are: WTM London is the world's most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes. Next event: 4 to 6 November 2025 at ExCel London. WTM Latin America takes place annually in the city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking and business opportunities. In this its ninth edition – there have been eight face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021 – WTM Latin America continued to focus on effective business generation, and achieved the advance booking of six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents and exhibitors in 2022. Next event: 14 to 16 April 2026 – Expo Center Norte, SP, Brazil. WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019. Next event: 13 to 15 April 2026 – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week's digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology. WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub.

ATM outlines why luxury hospitality leaders view personalisation as key to revenue growth
ATM outlines why luxury hospitality leaders view personalisation as key to revenue growth

Al Bawaba

time16 hours ago

  • Business
  • Al Bawaba

ATM outlines why luxury hospitality leaders view personalisation as key to revenue growth

Personalisation is emerging as a growing trend in travel and tourism, particularly within the luxury segment, as travellers increasingly seek experiences tailored to their individual preferences and Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, senior executives from leading hotel groups, including Minor Hotels, Fairmont and Marriott, examined the rising influence of 'hyper-personalisation', which moves away from one-size-fits-all services to offering bespoke guest experiences. Leveraging tools such as AI-driven customisation and chatbots, as well as personalised welcome amenities and bespoke dining options, these brands are redefining the customer journey in the luxury travel segment, which is witnessing a continued surge to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, developed by ATM in partnership with Tourism Economics, 85% of hoteliers now consider personalisation as a key driver of commercial value, with tailored experiences shown to generate additional revenue of up to 5%. Furthermore, insights by market intelligence firm Future Market Insight Inc, has revealed the global customisation and personalisation in travel market is expected to reach US$620.71 million by during the panel, experts defined hyper-personalisation as providing individualised experiences that anticipate both expressed and unspoken guest needs. While technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are instrumental in delivering customised offerings at scale, the panellists agreed that human connection remains essential for a truly personalised hospitality Hauvespre, VP of luxury brands at MEA Marriott, said: 'When it comes to hyper-personalisation, for many brands, this goes far beyond traditional service. It's about creating something highly tailored and curated through leveraging technology and building on your culture, so you can develop that anticipatory service and meet both the explicit and unspoken needs of your guests.'The panel, which also included Loay Nour, Vice President Fairmont Brand and Marketing Communications, and Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President Minor Hotels, also discussed the importance of establishing an emotional connection, anticipating guest needs, and building this over time.'Luxury is not one size fits all, it's no longer about recognising someone by the name or knowing their preferences in their profile, because you need to understand that those consumers are not only hotel consumers, they are exposed into the ultra level of personalisation from other brands and other industries that they work with, so they have a certain minimum of expectations,' said the Middle East and Africa, Marriott is embracing this shift while maintaining brand distinctiveness, expanding its luxury footprint with projects such as the Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Nujuma in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, which is rooted in immersive, cultural experiences. Upcoming openings elsewhere in the region include a portfolio of curated Ritz-Carlton safari lodges in eastern Africa, which will pioneer new destinations and provide guests with highly authentic owner-led hospitality companies, such as Minor Hotels, are using their lean structures to pilot new concepts in-house before rolling them out globally. This operational flexibility has enabled the company to invest in curated, experience-driven offerings that prioritise quality over quantity. A recent success story includes the 22-room Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi in Ghantoot, which has outperformed expectations by focusing on hyper-personalised offerings in a unique on these insights, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'As luxury travel evolves, so too does the definition of what it means to deliver highly personalised experiences. Today's travellers are looking for more than exceptional service; they expect tailored journeys that reflect who they are and what they value. At ATM, we are witnessing how hospitality brands are rising to the challenge, providing guests with luxury experiences that are personalised, sustainable and connected to people and place.' Luxury travel will be under the spotlight at Arabian Travel Market 2026, which will be held from 4 to 7 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. In parallel, travel technology will remain a key focus as innovation continues to reshape the future of the industry and transform every stage of the traveller's journey.

I've stayed in several 5-star hotels. Here are 6 mistakes I made in some of the most luxurious places I've booked.
I've stayed in several 5-star hotels. Here are 6 mistakes I made in some of the most luxurious places I've booked.

Yahoo

time3 days ago

  • Yahoo

I've stayed in several 5-star hotels. Here are 6 mistakes I made in some of the most luxurious places I've booked.

I've stayed in five-star hotels in the US, Canada, and Europe. I've made mistakes at these luxury hotels that kept me from making the most of my stay. I regret getting laundry services, packing toiletries, and booking one-night stays. I never thought I'd find myself alone on the rooftop terrace of the Versace Mansion in South Beach, Miami. I never thought I'd stay in suites that cost $1,000 a night with closets as big as my bedroom at home. And I never thought I'd be standing on a private balcony in a lavish robe 21 stories above Vancouver, British Columbia. Being a travel reporter at Business Insider has given me the opportunity to stay in the hotels of my dreams. Since I started traveling for work in 2021, I've stayed in many luxury hotels, from the Four Seasons to Fairmont castles. Four years later, I'm still not used to the high-end lifestyle. I often make mistakes at these five-star hotels that leave me with regrets when it's time to check out. Packing my own toiletries for five-star hotel stays was a waste of space. Before my high-end travel days, I packed my own toiletries for trips. I thought I'd rather squeeze my shampoo and conditioner into tiny, reusable bottles than take a chance on the soaps available wherever I'm staying. But at five-star hotels, I've found toiletry brands I can't even afford on the bathroom counters. From Le Labo and Byredo to Floris, the hair products, body washes, and lotions I've used in these top-tier establishments have felt like a treat. Nowadays, I leave my bathroom products at home when I book luxury stays. Getting my laundry done at a five-star hotel left me over budget. When I arrived at one of Salt Lake City's only five-star hotels, the Grand America Hotel, in January 2025, I was fresh off a 15-hour train ride from Denver. My clothes were sweaty, and chunks of snow were on my pants, so I took advantage of the hotel's laundry service. I stuffed my dirty clothes into a provided bag and left it outside my door. The next day, three clean shirts, two pairs of pants, a single hoodie, a blazer, and a vest arrived on hangers. My six undergarments were wrapped in tissue paper inside cardboard boxes like a gift. It was the swankiest laundry service I'd ever experienced, and the most expensive. My 14 articles cost $115 to wash — enough money for a whole new outfit. Doing laundry was my most costly mistake during my trip to Salt Lake City. While the price tag may not faze some five-star guests, it wasn't worth the splurge to me. I've regretted sticking exclusively to room service meals. One of my favorite parts of staying in a nice hotel is ordering room service. Answering the door in a plush robe and slippers to have a cart roll in with cloches, condiments in tiny glass bottles, and drinks in stemmed glasses makes me feel like a VIP. But I've often missed out on what could have been exceptional dining experiences had I put on clothes and walked down to the hotel's restaurants. At five-star hotels, I've found that the restaurants typically have a luxe ambiance, award-winning cuisine, and different menus from the in-room dining options. In spring 2024, when I stayed at the Phoenician, a five-star mega-resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, I didn't try any of the award-winning dining venues — Mowry & Cotton, J&G Steakhouse, and Thirsty Camel. At the Grand America Hotel, I opted for room service breakfast, so I didn't get to experience the European vibe at the bistro, Laurel Brasserie & Bar. I did the same thing when I woke up at the Versace Mansion in 2021, and I missed out on a meal on the patio next to a 24-karat gold pool. At the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City in 2022, I didn't even see the rooftop restaurant, Eléa. Most recently, when I booked one night at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in May, I ordered dinner instead of getting a table at the Michelin-recommended restaurant Botanist, which was filled with live plants. Next time I stay at a five-star hotel, I'll eat in the hotel's restaurant. I've also regretted leaving my bathing suit at home during fall and winter trips. When I visited Salt Lake City in the winter, a swimsuit was not on my packing list. While packing my suitcase with scarves and thermals, the thought of swimming didn't even occur to me. Then I saw the indoor pool at the Grand America Hotel and instantly regretted leaving my bathing suit at home. The Mediterranean-style pool was in a cave-like room with curvy, white walls and plenty of windows leaking natural light. The room had a calming vibe and was empty when I visited, perhaps because others had made the same mistake. I should have known better. When I visited Jackson Hole in the fall of 2024, I wished I had brought my swimsuit to use the 75-square-foot heated outdoor pool at the Four Seasons. In the future, I'll pack a bathing suit — no matter the weather. Turning down turndown service was a mistake. Turndown service was a luxury I wasn't accustomed to before my five-star stays. In the early evening (usually), an attendant stops in to prepare the room for sleeping. They make the bed, adjust the shades and lighting, and sometimes leave treats. On a few occasions when I was in my room in the evening, I've said "no, thank you" to the housekeepers coming by my room, But I stopped saying no after my stay at the Bulgari Hotel and Spa in Milan in 2022. On my bedside table, I found a menu with a selection of pillows — lavender-scented, aloe vera-infused, and memory foam, to name a few. When an attendant stopped by for turndown service, I requested two and was thrilled to receive them five minutes later. I wondered if I'd missed out on this amenity at other luxury hotels. Since my stay at the Bulgari, I've noticed that pillow menus and complimentary essential oils are common offerings at five-star hotels. And they make an already lavish stay feel even more elevated. Now, I always say "yes, please" to the service. I always regret booking just one night at a five-star hotel. It's always hard saying goodbye when I check out after just one night in a five-star hotel. I've left longing for another bath in a deep soaking tub, another snooze in a king-sized bed with custom pillows, and more time to take advantage of top-tier amenities I didn't even get the chance to try — from gyms with Peloton bikes and group fitness classes to spas, pools, and pickleball courts. With a standard 4 p.m. check-in and 11 a.m. check-out, one night simply isn't enough time to enjoy all the luxuries five-star hotels offer. So, if you plan to book a stay at a five-star hotel soon, don't make the same mistake. When your friends ask you how the Mediterranean-style indoor pool was, you'll want to have something to say. Read the original article on Business Insider

Fairmont St Andrews: Five-Star family getaway with a Smurftastic twist
Fairmont St Andrews: Five-Star family getaway with a Smurftastic twist

The Herald Scotland

time4 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • The Herald Scotland

Fairmont St Andrews: Five-Star family getaway with a Smurftastic twist

To mark the release of the highly anticipated new Smurfs movie, Fairmont St Andrews has partnered with Paramount to create a Smurf-themed experience designed to delight families and spark imaginations. From resort trails to themed treats, young guests (and the young at heart) will find blue magic around every corner. Set on a clifftop overlooking St Andrews Bay, the resort offers panoramic coastal views, championship golf, award-winning spa and wellness, multiple dining venues, and thoughtful touches for guests of all ages. Whether seeking a short break, a golf retreat, a family adventure or a relaxing wellness getaway, Fairmont St Andrews presents a summer experience like no other. A Quintessentially Scottish Setting Perched on the edge of the historic town of St Andrews, Fairmont St Andrews is surrounded by over 520 acres of pristine countryside, offering views across rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and the sparkling North Sea. Just over an hour from Edinburgh and easily accessible by road and rail, the resort provides a peaceful and luxurious base for exploring one of Scotland's most picturesque towns. St Andrews itself—often referred to as the "Home of Golf"—is equally renowned for its medieval architecture, charming cafés, coastal trails, award-winning beaches, and family-friendly attractions including aquariums and castles. Smurftastic Summer for Families This summer, Fairmont St Andrews brings the beloved world of the Smurfs to life in partnership with Paramount. The resort's Smurfs Trail leads families on an outdoor adventure through the estate, where children can explore the grounds while engaging in fun, active play. At breakfast, guests can indulge in the Smurf Stack—a playful plate of blueberry pancakes drizzled with blue chocolate sauce, as cheerful as it is delicious. Later in the day, families can enjoy cosy moments over Blue Hot Chocolate in the Atrium Lounge or treat little ones to a Smurf Sundae at the St Andrews Bay Clubhouse & Grill. The experience is available throughout the summer and offers plenty of Instagram-worthy moments for families looking to create magical memories together. Family-Friendly Luxury With its expansive grounds, engaging activities and child-friendly amenities, Fairmont St Andrews offers a resort experience that caters to every generation. The dedicated kids room ensures little ones are entertained with supervised games, crafts, and activities, while parents can enjoy time to relax or explore. Spacious family suites, interconnecting rooms, and children's menus across the resort make travelling with children effortless and enjoyable. Families can enjoy footgolf, coastal walks, local wildlife spotting, nearby sandy beaches, and easy access to the many attractions of St Andrews. The concierge team is also on hand to help guests plan unforgettable days out, including castle visits, miniature golf, and seal-watching tours. Resort Highlights: Golf, spa and culinary artistry In addition to family fun, Fairmont St Andrews is a destination for wellness, sport, and gourmet dining. With two championship golf courses, a luxury spa and multiple restaurants, there's something for every style of traveller. Wellness & Spa The Fairmont Spa provides a tranquil escape from daily life, featuring a 16-metre pool, sauna, steam room, vitality pool, and a curated menu of massage and beauty therapies. This summer, the resort welcomes a prestigious new addition to its wellness offering: a residency by Dr David Jack, one of the UK's most respected aesthetic doctors. Dr Jack's results-driven facials combine clinical-grade ingredients with state-of-the-art skincare technology to target concerns such as sun damage, dullness, and dehydration—ideal after a day on the course or exploring the coast. With a reputation built on his Harley Street clinic, his presence at Fairmont St Andrews brings leading-edge skin health and rejuvenation to guests seeking a glow-up during their summer escape. Appointments are limited and early booking is strongly recommended. Championship Golf Golfers staying at Fairmont St Andrews can enjoy two spectacular courses—The Torrance and The Kittocks—designed to challenge and delight players of all levels. With sweeping views over the North Sea and immaculately maintained greens, the resort is a must-play destination for golf enthusiasts visiting the spiritual home of the game. Culinary Excellence Dining at Fairmont St Andrews is a celebration of flavour, local produce and warm hospitality. Guests can choose from a variety of venues: The Atrium Lounge – Afternoon tea, light bites, and scenic views. – Afternoon tea, light bites, and scenic views. St Andrews Bay Clubhouse & Grill – Signature steaks, fresh seafood, and views over the golf course and bay. – Signature steaks, fresh seafood, and views over the golf course and bay. La Cucina – Italian classics ideal for family dinners, pizza and pasta lovers. – Italian classics ideal for family dinners, pizza and pasta lovers. Zephyr Sports Bar – A relaxed setting for casual meals and drinks, perfect after a round of golf or exploring town. Guests can also enjoy Monthly Summer Sunday Brunches, featuring live music, market-style stations, and a generous helping of sunshine-inspired dishes. A seasonal favourite, the brunch series has become a staple of the local social calendar. The Fairmont Afternoon Tea, served daily in the Atrium , continues to be recognised as one of the finest in St Andrews—complete with handmade patisserie, traditional scones, finger sandwiches, and optional Champagne for those wishing to elevate the experience. Summer Sale: Luxury for Less As part of its 7 day Summer Sale, Fairmont St Andrews is offering guests the chance to enjoy the full five-star experience at an exceptional rate. Guests who book between July 21st 2025 and July 28th 2025 can stay before 30th September, bed and breakfast rates start from just £259 per night (subject to availability). This includes: Overnight accommodation for two Full Scottish breakfast Use of spa and leisure facilities Access to the Smurfs Trail and themed experiences Complimentary parking and Wi-Fi Whether visiting as a couple, a group of friends, or a multi-generational family, this limited-time offer provides the perfect excuse to extend a weekend, take a spontaneous escape, or plan the ultimate coastal staycation. A Summer of Lasting Memories With sweeping views, luxurious touches, and a commitment to both relaxation and play, Fairmont St Andrews offers guests the best of both worlds. The resort's natural setting provides peace and tranquillity, while its extensive programme of activities, spa services, and family entertainment ensure there's something new to discover each day. From the blue magic of the Smurfs Trail to the transformative facials of Dr David Jack, the serenity of the spa to the flavours of summer brunch, this is a place where treasured memories are made—and where luxury feels effortless. Whether seeking laughter, rest, discovery or indulgence, guests will find themselves perfectly placed to enjoy the best of the season in one of Scotland's most iconic destinations. Bookings and Enquiries To book a Summer Sale stay, reserve a treatment with Dr David Jack, or learn more about the Smurfs experience, visit: Or call: +44 (0)1334 837000 Subject to availability. Smurfs experience and Dr David Jack residency available for a limited time only. Terms apply.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store