The Value Of Souvenirs in the Modern Travel Economy

This summer has seen a surge in the highest end of luxury across the world. Some of it is about revenge travel and increased global mobility: A lot of the Middle Eastern market parked closer to home in Covid and are now shipping their Bugattis to the streets of London and other haunts in Europe. The palaces of Paris, the best hotels in Europe, and five-stars in the U.S. did brisk business at eye-watering rates.

One of the best definitions of high-end hospitality I saw this year suggested: “Luxury is when the standard operating procedure isn’t showing.” This hit the nail on the head for the products and experiences that transcend good into great. The guest feels a sense of detail, thoughtful anticipation, and comfort but the gears and machinations to deliver it remains hidden.

Dr. Wendy Panaino spends her time in the vast, red-hued Kalahari desert, researching and documenting a mythological animal that few of us will ever see in real life. This animal is the pangolin, a solitary, primarily nocturnal creature that looks like something out of a fairytale. It is covered in scales and can roll up into a ball to protect itself, with a spiky tail that can fend off predators. The animal makes its home in the dry, arid climate of the Kalahari, and is currently critically endangered from poaching, owing to the demand for its meat and scales from Asia.

Luxury hospitality is in the middle of a boom. As well-heeled travelers return to the road, five-star hotels are reaping the benefits and making up for lost time with expensive rates. But what is becoming very apparent is a new group of ultra-luxury players pushing the industry to previously unseen limits while catering to a mobile class of one percenters that don’t tend to look at the bill. 

Many have a passing familiarity with frankincense given its role in the Bible and symbolic role in religion. In Oman, where some of the world’s best frankincense is produced, it is pervasive in all areas of society: from health and wellness, to hospitality and hosting, where the aromatic fragrance is burned to create a welcoming ambience. It is even burned during a woman’s pregnancy and after birth to protect the newborn and create a purified atmosphere.

The Royal Scotsman is set to launch the ‘Dior Spa Royal Scotsman’ in collaboration with Dior Beauty starting from April 2023. 

With “Wisdom & Obi,” the creative team at Expedia have successfully captured the essence of travel.

Get ready to meet the incredible team of industry experts that will be joining the judging panel. We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome these brilliant minds who will bring their unique perspectives and experiences to assess the submissions for this year’s awards.

As preparations continue for the coronation of HM The King Charles III on May 6, The Dorchester London has transformed its famous façade with a modern reinterpretation of the decorations used for the coronation of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

As we continue to accept applications for the fifth edition of the Skift IDEA Awards, we are looking forward to recognizing the most forward-thinking brands and businesses in the travel industry, with the boldest and brightest innovators who are shaping the future of travel set to be celebrated.

As the world of fashion paid homage to the life and legacy of polarizing fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld at the 2023 Met Gala and its accompanying exhibition, it appears that Lagerfeld’s influence will long continue with The Karl Lagerfeld Macau scheduled to open in the summer of 2023.

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and Amaala in Saudi Arabia, has launched an adventure travel brand for guests aimed at offering unique sporting activities at its destinations.