Shaping the Future of Luxury Hospitality - Insights from ITHIC in Rome

On the 19th and 20th of October, I was in Italy for the Italian Hospitality Investment Conference (ITHIC), which brought together many leaders in our industry, investors and developers. I was pleased to join a panel of distinguished peers including @Shafi Syed, @Frank Marrenbach, and moderated by @Alexi Khajavi, to discuss what the future of luxury looks like. Let me dive into 3 of the panel’s key takeaway points and how these insights resonate with our vision at Kerzner International:

A New Age for Luxury

Luxury is defined by experiences. The value of experiences that cannot be replicated, the value of time together with our families and friends, creating memories and sharing emotions, this has no material equivalent.

As a brand, you don’t buy loyalty with points; you earn it by being relevant and offering something exceptional. For us this means that our guests want to return, to stay longer with us, in larger spaces, with more privacy.

Integrating High-Tech Advancements into Our High-Touch Industry

Innovation and technology will continue to transform how we experience and explore the world. We only need look at what the $2 billion Sphere in Las Vegas has done for the concert-going experience.

Overall, everything about travel will become faster – from the way we check in to the length of time it takes to reach a destination. But let’s keep in mind that technology is not a substitute for high-touch, luxury and ultra-luxury service. With our innovative fitness and recovery concept, @SIROHotels, our use of integrated digital technology spans every point of a guest’s stay – from world-class specialists and biohacking. It’s a completely new concept which adds to a more sustainable model – one full of high touch, personalized guest journeys, where technology can act in service of those experiences and in creating communities

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Local Authenticity in the Era of Wellness

Guests are increasingly seeking authentic experiences that allow them to connect more deeply with local cultures. Tailored, immersive experiences are not add-ons; they need to be at the heart of any successful luxury experience brand.

The desire for authentic experiences is directly connected to the wellness era. Currently valued at an astonishing $1.5 trillion dollars, with consistent annual growth rates of 5-10%, wellness is an adapt, or be left behind imperative. This market growth speaks volumes about the profound shift in priorities among global travelers. We're acutely aware that wellness is more important than ever, and it's at the forefront of our strategy. Rather than responding to trend, Kerzner’s wellness approach is led by the specificities of our portfolio brands and each unique destination offer. As an example, in Mexico, our One&Only Mandarina experience is truly one-of-a-kind. Our open-air treatment rooms in the jungle and under the stars, and locally-inspired treatments by local therapists are rooted in ancient traditions passed down through generations. It's an authentic journey that can only be experienced in this special place.

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@ITHIC offered a meaningful glimpse into the future of luxury hospitality, these collaborative discussions offered fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.

The definition of luxury is evolving, emphasizing personalized experiences, technology-driven innovation, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. @KerznerInternational remains at the forefront of this evolution, leveraging our 30 years of expertise to shape the future of luxury hospitality.

Our diverse portfolio of brands and decades of experience place us in an agile position to adapt to these shifting paradigms. We're excited about the future, confident in our ability to evolve, and dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences that continue to touch the hearts and minds of our guests.

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