The Business of Travel - August Edition

Introduction:?

Welcome to the August edition of The Business of Travel! As summer draws to a close, the luxury travel world continues to thrive with exciting developments. From record-breaking guest travels in August to notable industry events and PR highlights, there’s much to celebrate and reflect on. Whether it’s our global team reconnecting at Buzz Nights or the surge in wildlife holidays, this month has been full of remarkable moments at Scott Dunn. Join us as we explore the latest trading news, product updates, and new trends shaping the future of luxury travel.?

Trading News and Luxury Travel Trends:??

Summer ended on a busy note with our guests travelling to an incredible 40 different countries in August, ranging from Norway to Nepal. Europe proved to be the most popular choice for some late summer sunshine. Over a third of guests travelled to Greece, where families took advantage of the childcare at our Scott Dunn Explorers Kids Clubs at COSTA NAVARINO and Daios Cove . Outside of Europe, Canada and the USA, the Maldives, South Africa, and Kenya were the most popular countries to visit in August.???

People News & Updates: ?

Earlier in the month, we were excited to relaunch our monthly Buzz Nights at our London HQ, this time generously supported by our partners at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas . It was a great opportunity to bring our London team together for post-work drinks and to catch up with Kelly Featherstone and Anisha Kishore , who represented Six Senses at the gathering. A big thank you to Six Senses for sponsoring the event We’re already looking forward to the next Buzz Night in mid-September!?

Our US leadership team recently gathered at our New York office to discuss plans and priorities for the year ahead. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for team members to connect in person and enjoy some much-needed face-to-face time.

August was a busy month for our team heading out on familiarisation trips—an invaluable opportunity to explore top properties, connect with our partners, and experience firsthand the offerings we provide to our guests. Some of the standout moments included James Darby and Grant Greenham’s Arctic expedition with Quark Expeditions to West Greenland, Jules Maury 's adventure aboard the The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection 's Ilma on its inaugural Mediterranean voyage, Victoria Reynolds 's Scott Dunn Private experience in NYC, and Rikki Poynton and Jeff Robers unforgettable journey through Bhutan’s magical landscapes.?

One of the exciting perks of working in the travel industry is the chance to connect with peers from around the world. Our Global Product Director, Simon Lynch , recently had such an opportunity, thanks to an invitation from one of our flight partners, Emirates . Simon joined fellow industry leaders for an unforgettable experience at the iconic Eras Tour in Wembley. Reflecting on the event, Simon shared: “What an incredible evening at the final night of Taylor Swift's European Eras Tour at Wembley! A huge thank you to Helen Breen and Emirates for hosting a select and fun group from the industry for such a sensational experience. The energy was electric, and the flashing cowboy hats made it all the more unforgettable.”?

PR Activity:?

We were thrilled to announce our nomination in multiple categories for the 2024 British Travel Awards ! We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from our guests, and with your vote, we can bring home the win. There’s still time to vote so please do cast your vote here.?

In other exciting news, our San Diego office was honoured for the second year running with the Best Places to Work SoCal award, recognising companies across various industries that have set new benchmarks for creating outstanding work environments.?

In the world of PR, a 36% spike in Google searches for ‘wildlife travel’ prompted our latest Travel Trends Index, exploring the boom in wildlife holidays. Through a detailed survey and a deep dive into our global booking data, we uncovered some fascinating insights supporting this trend for wildlife-led travel, with guests’ appetite for extraordinary animal encounters stronger than ever. Having pitched our findings to key travel and lifestyle media, we successfully secured coverage in a huge range of publications including AP and Yahoo.?

With wildlife top of mind, the Marketing team also launched our first-ever digital Safari Guide – a comprehensive guide to everything you ever wanted to know about going on safari in Africa, from seasonality and wildlife to what you need to pack. You can download the UK version here and the US version here.

Supplier News:?

In Singapore, we recently sent out special welcome packs to our Travel Associates and The Luxury Travel Collection partners in Australia and New Zealand. These packs included delicious cookies, our '100 Experiences of the World' direct mailer, and a personalised postcard featuring a warm introduction to the brand from Singapore General Manager, Mike Harlow .?

Events:?

Scott Dunn Private proudly sponsored this year’s Robb Report Singapore Golf Masters, where we also offered an exciting Hole-In-One prize—an LV travel trunk valued at S$80,000. Each of the approximately 120 attendees received our "100 Experiences of a Lifetime" brochure along with a special voucher in their goodie bags. CK Hsu and Jean Tay attended the finale dinner, engaging with guests and hearing about their travel plans for the coming months. It was a fantastic experience, and we were delighted to have been part of it.?

From August 25 to September 1, we were excited to be part of the Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY – one of the largest outdoor horse shows in the US. Set against the backdrop of the Hamptons' summer charm, the event featured daily competitions, boutique shopping, and top equestrians competing for over $1M in prize money, including the prestigious Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix. Throughout the week, Callie Thompson , William Nuti , Jade Lynch , Abbey Chase , Jake Isaac, Casey Holt , Sabina A. , and Caroline Hunt represented Scott Dunn, welcoming attendees to our Scott Dunn Shade Tent to enjoy the competition. The event provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen our New York presence following the opening of our Bryant Park office, build relationships with potential guests, and host current guests. To make the experience memorable, we gifted Scott Dunn bags, fans, and brochures to visitors. Don’t forget to check out highlights under the event hashtag #TripofaLifetime.?

Conclusion:?

As we look towards the final months of the year, the excitement in luxury travel continues to grow. With upcoming events, including our next Buzz Night and evolving travel trends, we’re eager to see what lies ahead for our teams and guests. Thank you for your ongoing support, and don’t forget to cast your vote in the 2024 British Travel Awards! Keep exploring, and we’ll be back next month with more insights from the world of travel.?

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