3 Top Luxury Travel Trends According to Hospitality Leader Kym Kapadia
When it comes to understanding the evolving needs of high-end travellers, few experts are more qualified than Kym Kapadia. As Chief Operations Officer at Four Corners Hospitality Group and former leadership roles at several prestigious companies within the industry Kapadia has decades of experience at the forefront of the luxury hospitality industry.
In a recent Executive Insights article from PSD Group, Kapadia shared her perspective on the key trends that are shaping luxury travel expectations and experiences. Here are 3 of her top takeaways:
Sustainability Is Non-Negotiable Kapadia emphasised that a true commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly hospitality is now table stakes for luxury hotels and resorts. Properties must offer environmentally-conscious amenities, farm-to-table cuisine, ethically-sourced decor and eliminate single-use plastics. Consumers are even willing to pay a 38% premium for these sustainable luxury experiences.
Hyper-Personalisation Is Critical The desire for hyper-personalised, tailored experiences is only growing among affluent travellers. A striking 78% say they are more likely to book hotels that can offer individualised service and unique moments tailored to their preferences. Creating unscripted "moments of care" is quickly becoming an expected norm rather than an exception.
Cutting-Edge Tech Is A Must What was once a tech novelty is now a basic amenity for today's savvy luxury guests. Seamless integration of innovations like AI assistants, mobile check-in, digital in-room dining, touchless payments, online concierges and wireless charging is essential to meet expectations. Luxury properties need to stay ahead of the technology curve.
Kapadia also emphasised priorities like elevated wellness offerings and immersive culinary adventures as critical to the new luxury experience.
To read Kapadia's full insights on catering to the modern upscale traveler's needs, check out the full PSD Group InFocus article here.