The Biggest Innovators in Travel and Hospitality: Summer 2024

27.08.2024 - 22:02 / skift.com / Colin Nagy

We’re back with another edition of the brands and properties that have caught my eye this season. 

Yes, you’ll see my thoughts on the best hotels, best lounges and other luxury takes. But this isn’t about the uber-scaling and hyper-glitz of the post-Covid years. 

The most interesting trends I’ve seen this year point to a return to normalcy. Too often, luxury has played to guests’ egos and, in its worst versions, become an empty reflection of monetary success. The best luxury is heartfelt and sincere. It is not the opulent spread, but rather the perfect ingredient cooked over a wood fire. It is the elegantly restored property with great bones and patina, rather than a rushed build with cheap veneers. Capital frequently tries to pull a fast one on consumers and I’m hoping it gets called out more.

My guess is we’ll see a surge in “post-luxury” consumers who prize this realness and depth, and move away from the mindset of “I’ll have the most expensive thing on the menu.” It’s the excess and crass behavior that some brands continue to run toward. 

My list is inspired by those who build and execute with integrity and vision. 

Portland’s new main terminal facelift is nothing short of extraordinary. Designed by ZGF architects, it feels connected to nature and the soul of Portland. The team wanted it to feel more like a walk in an inspired park rather than a lifeless shopping mall. 

The standout is the stunning wood roof, which also lends a beautiful acoustic hush to the environment. Little touches like loudspeakers being mounted at head level rather than booming from above are one of countless examples of the touch and detail they brought.

I’m consistently impressed with Belmond – from CEO Dan Ruff to the thoughtful marketing and comms approach. I also think its brand strategy is smart in leaning into the halo of their train products and the idea of slow luxury. 

I have a feeling Belmond will be a refuge for luxury consumers who have been burned by hyper-expansion and cynical price gouging. The Belmond team has strong core beliefs, and they are thinking about the long game and guest experience correctly. Read my longer column here.

Air France has been upgrading its La Premiere product, both in the sky and on the ground. It unveiled three new private suites within the expanded 10,700-square-foot flagship lounge in Paris. The clientele for this product aren’t exactly price-sensitive and these products come at a cost. But as a result, Air France was able to really elevate the offerings. Suites are around 500 square feet, with outdoor space and butler service. It’s smart that they are offering this at an additional cost (around 800 euros), as it will allow them to preserve the exclusive feel of the entire