Latest news with #travelexperiences
Skift
16 hours ago
- Business
- Skift
How Gen Z and Millennials Are Forcing a $19 Billion Timeshare Market to Reinvent Itself
As younger generations continue to shape how and why we travel, vacation ownership is no longer about locking into one resort anymore. It's about choice, access, and ease, things modern travelers care about most. The global market for vacation ownership, or timeshare, is expected to cross $19 billion this year and projected to reach over $26 billion in 2029. Travel and Leisure (earlier known as Wyndham Destinations), said membership in its Club Wyndham Asia program has more than doubled since mid-2023, and 60% of these members are Gen Z or millennials. 'Earlier, we'd probably be saving and buying our house. Today (millennials and Gen Z) would rather focus on experiences,' Barry Robinson, president and MD international operations at Travel and Leisure, told Skift. This change in priorities is also driving a growing interest in fractional ownership, where people can enjoy luxury items — like holiday homes, yachts, or even private jets — without having to own them outright. Travel and Leisure is seeing this shift play out most clearly in Asia. As the region's middle class grows, so does demand for smart, flexible ways to travel without the responsibilities or high costs of traditional ownership. Barry Robinson, president and MD international operations at Travel and Leisure. Flexible Travel for a New Generation The modern model of vacation ownership is typically points-based and has moved far beyond fixed weeks at a single resort. According to Robinson, it's a more fluid, practical way to 'own' a holiday. That adaptability is proving popular, especially with younger travelers, who may not necessarily want the biggest room, but would want the experience. At Skift Global Forum last year, Jason Gamel, president and CEO of ARDA, spoke about how the vacation ownership industry is evolving to align with modern traveler preferences. Talking about how Travel and Leisure has been faring in connecting with this group, Robinson calls it a 'work in progress.' What Changed for Vacation Rentals? Domestic Demand Asia's shared ownership market works differently from North America's, says Robinson. 'We've had to modify our product offering accordingly,' Robinson said. Travel and Leisure has adapted with upgraded amenities, curated local experiences, and a wider range of options — from basic stays to ultra-luxury villas with private chefs and pools. These changes also make the offering more attractive to Asian travelers, who are increasingly traveling within the region. 'In the past, we sold shared ownership to foreigners staying in Phuket, Koh Samui or Pattaya,' Robinson explained. 'Now, we want to be known as a great domestic product in each market.' That shift is now a core part of the company's long-term growth as the approach proved smart during Covid. 'If you don't have a focus on the domestic market, your business can dry up overnight,' Robinson said. The domestic focus also makes the business more resilient, when international travel becomes costly, as has happened recently with rising airfare and hotel prices, he said. The Big Prize: India and China India and China represent enormous growth opportunities for the company and while Travel and Leisure has already entered China and is seeing progress, India remains a complex landscape. 'India is a gold mine for us. We just haven't figured out how to mine it,' Robinson admitted. But he is confident about entering the market, 'India is definitely on our radar. It's definitely a market that we will enter.' And while he did mention the barriers to entering are both financial and legal, still, Robinson believes it's only a matter of time before India becomes a viable market. Accor Vacation Club: A Test Case in Expansion Travel and Leisure acquired Accor's vacation rental business – Accor Vacation Club – last year for $48.4 million. Almost 18 months after the acquisition, Travel and Leisure has started expanding it beyond its traditional South Pacific base. The product recently launched in Bali. 'We've been able to aggressively grow that business. We'll be launching in the Middle East before the end of the year,' Robinson said. 'Slowly, we'll migrate into other markets, such as Thailand.' The rollout has been smooth, according to Robinson, and the brand now gives the company access to Accor's vast loyalty base of over 100 million members. It also gives existing vacation ownership customers access to more destinations and brands. For the business, it means reaching different market segments through multiple brands, similar to how major hotel groups operate. The acquisition is also part of a broader strategy to diversify. With the company launching new vacation ownership experiences, like Sports Illustrated Resorts and Eddie Bauer Adventure Club, Travel and Leisure is mimicking hotel giants like Marriott by targeting different customer segments under different brand names. Technology and the Future Technology is also playing a role in shaping vacation ownership. Travel and Leisure is testing AI tools for handling customer queries, especially in promising markets like Japan where labor is expensive and hard to find. Mobile platforms are improving, and voice recognition is on the roadmap. 'Our platforms are pretty good, but we're still not as simple as we should be,' Robinson said. The integration with loyalty programs means members can convert points between vacation clubs and hotel stays. Robinson said vacation ownership is also evolving beyond beach or ski destinations. Capital cities are becoming more popular, and the company is building out its presence in urban centers. As more people work remotely, Travel and Leisure is also updating its facilities to include workspaces. The goal is to stay relevant to a younger generation that blurs the lines between work and travel, Robinson said.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Niki Rakowitz Collective Announces New Luxury Travel and Mentorship Programs
Niki Rakowitz Collective unveils transformative luxury travel experiences and mentorship programs designed for aspiring travel advisors, reinforcing its commitment to personalized, high-touch service and heart-centered travel planning. United States, August 10, 2025 -- Redefining Luxury Travel Through Heart and Purpose In the ever-evolving world of luxury travel, where transactions often take precedence over genuine connections, Niki Rakowitz Collective is reshaping the landscape by providing experiences that transcend the ordinary. Founded by Niki Rakowitz, an entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience in the travel industry, the company specializes in curating elevated travel experiences that resonate with clients' personal aspirations and dreams. Whether it's crafting a romantic getaway through CARE Travel, a bespoke experience with the CT Signature Collection, or mentoring the next generation of travel advisors at the CARE Experience Academy, Niki Rakowitz Collective weaves compassion, heart, and purpose into every interaction. Luxury Travel with a Soulful Touch At the core of Niki Rakowitz Collective is CARE Travel, a luxury agency dedicated to offering more than just extravagant vacations. CARE Travel designs meaningful, personalized experiences where clients' values and stories are intricately integrated into every itinerary. This personalized approach has fostered long-lasting relationships with clients, many of whom return not just for travel planning, but for transformation and connection. One of the standout offerings, the CT Signature Collection, blends Rakowitz's industry expertise with strategic partnerships with luxury brands such as Four Seasons, Belmond, and Virtuoso. These partnerships allow Rakowitz to provide unparalleled luxury, ensuring each journey is infused with personalization, warmth, and emotional resonance. Empowering Travel Advisors: The CARE Experience Academy In addition to her luxury travel services, Rakowitz has turned her attention to empowering other travel advisors through The CARE Experience Academy. This mentorship program, based on her CARE framework—Clarity, Alignment, Results, and Elevation—guides aspiring advisors in building businesses that align with their values while maintaining integrity and heart. The Academy's signature course, The Signature Journey, takes new travel advisors from passion to profit by teaching them how to create meaningful, profitable travel experiences. With Rakowitz's mentorship, advisors learn how to avoid industry pitfalls and adopt principles that have propelled her own success. A Story of Resilience and Empowerment Niki Rakowitz's story is one of resilience, growth, and perseverance. Raised by her grandparents and living with a rare bone disorder (Camurati-Engelmann disease), Rakowitz has faced significant personal and professional challenges. Her experiences in rebuilding her business, marriage, and life have shaped her approach to business, which emphasizes doing work with heart and grit. Her story of overcoming adversity has earned widespread recognition, including features in Authority Magazine and Travel Pulse. In 2023, she was named one of the '10 Self-Made Women to Watch,' further establishing her as an influential figure in the travel industry. An Inclusive Vision: The CARE Movement Niki Rakowitz's commitment to inclusivity is a core aspect of her brand. Rakowitz advocates for kindness over competition and empowers others to rise together, rather than climb over each other. This collaborative approach has led to several partnerships with top-tier travel advisors and industry leaders. In line with her vision for a kinder industry, Rakowitz founded the Kindness Chain Project, an initiative aimed at promoting empathy and ethical business practices. Her expansion of resources for travel advisors through The CARE Experience Shop further supports her mission to provide valuable tools and templates for success in a competitive industry. Best Luxury Travel Experience in the U.S. of 2025 Niki Rakowitz Collective has recently been honored with the Best Luxury Travel Experience in the U.S. of 2025 award from the Evergreen Awards, underscoring the company's unparalleled contribution to the luxury travel sector. This recognition highlights Rakowitz's visionary leadership and commitment to transforming how luxury travel is experienced, with a focus on creating not just indulgent, but truly transformational journeys. The CT Signature Collection was particularly lauded for its ability to provide bespoke, emotional, and highly personalized travel experiences. By partnering with leading luxury brands like Four Seasons and Belmond, Rakowitz has created one-of-a-kind experiences that resonate deeply with her clients. Her work in the luxury sector is a model of excellence, rooted in expertise, empathy, and an authentic connection to those she serves. About Niki Rakowitz Collective Founded by Niki Rakowitz, the Niki Rakowitz Collective combines luxury travel with meaningful mentorship. The company offers high-touch travel planning through CARE Travel, an empowerment-driven academy for aspiring travel advisors, and a community-focused mentorship model that emphasizes kindness, integrity, and emotional intelligence. Niki's personal story of resilience, coupled with her dedication to ethical leadership, informs every aspect of the collective, ensuring that each interaction reflects heart, purpose, and connection. Media Contact Niki Rakowitz Owner & Visionary, Niki Rakowitz Collective Email: [email protected] Website: Instagram (Personal): @myjourneytocare Instagram (CARE Travel): @caretravel Facebook (CARE Travel): CARE Travel Memories Pinterest (CARE Travel): CARE Travel Pinterest LinkedIn: Niki Rakowitz LinkedIn Contact Info: Name: Niki Rakowitz Email: Send Email Organization: Niki Rakowitz Collective Website: Release ID: 89166863 If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us without delay at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our expert team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours – ensuring swift resolution of identified issues or offering guidance on removal procedures. Delivering accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission.
Skift
24-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
MakeMyTrip se acerca a su visión de "superapp de viajes" con el lanzamiento de Experiencias
Key Points MakeMyTrip launched a platform offering Indian travelers access to over 200,000 international tours and experiences in 130 countries. This move is part of MakeMyTrip's broader strategy to become a one-stop travel superapp, integrating everything from flights and hotels to experiences and car rentals. The company faces significant challenges in integrating diverse services into a seamless platform but is betting on rising demand and changing travel habits in India. Summary MakeMyTrip has introduced a new platform enabling Indian travelers to book more than 200,000 international tours and experiences, advancing its goal of becoming a comprehensive travel superapp. The initiative is designed to create a 'connected trip' experience by integrating flights, hotels, car rentals, insurance, and now activities, all within a single ecosystem. While offering expanded services and aiming to capture more of the traveler's journey, MakeMyTrip faces technical, supply-side, and consumer behavior challenges as it seeks to stay ahead in India's rapidly evolving travel market.
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Travel + Leisure
08-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
These Are the 10 Best River Cruise Lines of 2025—and No. 1 Is a Luxe Journey Through the Nile
Today's travelers want experiences, and on rivers as diverse as the Danube, Rhine, Seine, and others in Europe; Egypt's Nile; the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia; America's Mississippi; and the Peruvian Amazon, you can find just that with these inland ships. They slowly cruise to and past villages and in some cases world-class cities, nature areas and such sights as local people fishing and otherwise going about their daily chores. And on shore, you can follow local experts to top sights, or wander on your own and experience local life. Your floating hotel leads the way. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). For the cruise category, respondents were asked to rate individual ships; the results were combined to generate scores for cruise lines in different categories based on number of cabins. Ships were specifically rated on the criteria below: Cabins/facilities Food Service Itineraries/destinations Excursions/activities Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. Travel + Leisure readers praised the casual nature of river travel and the ability to see destinations from a unique on-the-water viewpoint. Aqua Expeditions (No. 3) was also applauded for its top-notch Peruvian cuisine using local ingredients on the Amazon. Fans of Grand Circle Cruise Line (No. 2) continue to cite the line's seamless delivery of destination knowledge via expert guides. The winner in this category, The Oberoi Cruises, with five-star sailings on the Nile, achieved one of the top scores in the entire World's Best Awards survey for 2025. The Oberoi Luxury Nile Cruisers The Oberoi Philae, Luxury Nile Cruiser at sunset. With a nearly perfect score, The Oberoi Cruises was a standout fan favorite. The line's two small river ships, the Oberoi Philae and Oberoi Zahra, sail the Nile in style, with the option of suite accommodations with their own outdoor whirlpools, Egyptologists on board for history lessons, and riverview spas where you can pretend you are Cleopatra while getting a signature facial using fresh products such as honey and watermelon. The ships are operated by Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. Comments from T+L readers included 'amazing,' 'wow, nice, best in class,' and 'fabulous.' Wow, nice, best in class. — T+L Reader 1. The Oberoi Luxury Nile Cruisers Reader Score: 99.07 2. Grand Circle Cruise Line Reader Score: 97.37 3. Aqua Expeditions Reader Score: 96.93 4. Tauck WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 96.00 5. AmaWaterways Reader Score: 94.74 6. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 93.50 7. Viking WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 92.10 8. Scenic Reader Score: 88.95 9. American Cruise Lines Reader Score: 88.52 10. Avalon Waterways Reader Score: 88.09
South China Morning Post
30-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong hoping ‘Summer Viva' campaign will make tourists extend stays
The Hong Kong Tourism Board will ramp up efforts to encourage family and business visitors to extend their stay in the city by promoting diverse travel experiences, the body's new chief has said. Advertisement Board chairman Peter Lam Kin-ngok said on Friday that Hong Kong could no longer rely on past glories by only promoting itself as a food and shopping paradise and should capitalise on the increased number of tourists and opportunities brought by the current geopolitical situation. 'Hong Kong is safe for family tourism. You don't find any other places like Hong Kong, safe and convenient with multiple choices for your choosing,' Lam, whose tenure started in April, said. Hong Kong welcomed 12.2 million arrivals in the first quarter of 2025, a 9 per cent year-on-year increase, the largest quarterly growth since travel resumed after the Covid-19 pandemic. Arrivals plummeted by 94 per cent year on year to 3.57 million in 2020 as the pandemic struck, compounding an already sharp decline seen from months of social unrest, with daily visitor numbers falling from 200,000 in the first half of 2019 to below 3,000 in February 2020. Advertisement 'My biggest challenge as the new chairman is I don't blindly just chase visitor arrival numbers, more important is the quality. And one big challenge is how to keep the tourists to stay in Hong Kong longer,' Lam said, adding that currently tourists stayed for an average of 3.2 nights.
