Failure to reactivate Chinese sales & marketing channels could cost western hotels

Amid the roaring Ferraris and shouty tourists that roam Mayfair, 1 Hotel Mayfair stands like a welcome oasis. Found on Berkeley Street, this is the first European opening from the 1 Hotels group, renowned for its eco-conscious approach to hospitality. It may be found in the heart of the capital city, but not only is it covered in lush greenery, with its living plant walls, but, inside, it has also been designed with biophilic principles throughout. What’s more, last month, it further cemented its role as a ‘retreat within the city’, with the launch of its new Bamford Spa.

The global travel industry is on an upswing, with all regions registering growth over the previous month, according to the Skift Travel Health Index: September 2023 Highlights. The Skift Travel Health Index stands at 106, three points higher than August 2023 – a new record high.

Thrill-seekers from China have a renewed interest in adventure travel to Australia and New Zealand, with one adventure tourism operator, Experience Co, seeing a direct boost, according to its financial update on Thursday. 

IHG’s third-quarter results on Friday show the group is starting to benefit from the domestic travel resurgence in China, seeing improvements over 2019 for the first time in four years.

The Carneros Resort and Spa has many features you'd expect from a luxury resort in the heart of California's Napa Valley: sophisticated farmhouse style, a tranquil spa and extraordinary views of the neighboring vineyards.

The pura vida (pure life) spirit that characterizes Costa Rica is wonderfully contagious. It's one of the many reasons this Central American country is so popular. Travelers who yearn to slow down and be one with nature will find themselves at home among its cloud rainforests, scenic mountains and beautiful beaches.

As the capital and gateway to the Great Wall, Beijing reigns as the cultural powerhouse of China. The city is awash with temples, monuments, and green spaces that’ll immerse you in the history of Imperial China. Considering that the Forbidden City alone can demand a full day out of your itinerary, choosing comfortable and convenient accommodation is paramount. Comprising international brands and boutique lodgings, Beijing hotels tread the line between ancient and modern philosophies through their decor, dining, and wellness amenities. These are the best hotels in Beijing close to the main sights and Wangfujing.

Want to get a jump on planning next year’s vacations? OvationNetwork, a luxury travel agency that’s part of the Virtuoso group of travel advisors, recently revealed its list of the 24 best places to travel in 2024. Among the destinations recommended are Sardinia, Italy; San Sebastián, Spain; Jeju, South Korea; and Ha Long, Vietnam (above), a UNESCO World Heritage site where a junk boat voyage is a must.

Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corp., rhapsodized last week about how the hotel giant uses empathy as a tool for everything from fostering company culture to strategically analyzing acquisitions and brand development.

These luxury haunted hotels cater to those who enjoy spending the night with a few ghosts, with the twist of doing so in extreme comfort. Each has a history of horrors and haunts so legendary it cannot be overlooked. Your own ghost story might as well take place among the sheer elegance of high-quality bed linens, come with superior service, and conclude with a massage after a night of visiting with the dead.

Flames, beasts, weapons, and stars flow from wooden looms to embellish brocade, a 1,300-year-old fabric once reserved for China’s elite and now popular with young fashion designers.

From a spectacular lakeside retreat in Austria to a legendary train adventure through Italy, there is a wide selection of luxury hotels opening around the world. I have curated a list of all new properties opening in 2024 by individual hotel brands so travelers can visit their trusted favorites.