Traveller Made’s Luxury Travel Industry Awards 2019 Winners
Marbella, Spain
Since 2017, Traveller Made® has been honoring its best luxury Travel Designers during The Luxury Travel Industry Awards ceremony.
Again this year we revealed the most influent luxury Travel Designers in the world elected by both Hotels & Destination Management Companies (DMC). We also wanted to extend this award ceremony to our other valued professionals of the luxury travel industry and celebrated Hotel & DMC Partners who were the best at using our key Traveller Made® tools this year.
The Welcome Cocktail and Gala dinner were held in Finca La Conception’s gardens where guests were able to enjoy an outside candle-lid evening, overseeing the venue.
Over 900 guests participated in this evening: Nuria Rodriguez (Andalucia), Francisco Salado (Costa Del Sol), Felix Romero (Marbella), Pierre-Yves Poulain (Serendipia), Jean-Phillipe Lafont (Opera Singer), Victoire de Taillac (Officine Universelle Buly), Edouard Bocon-Gibod (Christie’s), Winston Chesterfield (Wealth-X), 55 journalists from international press and our valued Members & Partners.
Hosted by M. Quentin Desurmont, Traveller Made®’s President, Mrs. Diana Nuber, Traveller Made®’s Partnerships Director & M. Peter Conway, Traveller Made®’s Memberships Director, The Luxury Travel Industry Awards honored 16 Hotels, DMCs and Members, and 1 Preferred Destination all voted by the Traveller Made® community itself.
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| HOTEL PARTNERS |
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| DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANIES |
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| PREFERRED DESTINATION |
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Traveller Made Awards 2018 – Winners’ list
On 19th of March 2018, the 4th Traveller Made Award Ceremony took place during the Gala Dinner at the Essence of Luxury Travel® show in Deauville.
Traveller Made Member Travel Designers rewarded Hotel, DMC Partners and one Preferred Destination who have delivered outstanding services to their clients.
Traveller Made Partners also rewarded Traveller Made Member Travel Designers for their excellence in mastering 5 extra-ordinary expertise.
These 17 award winners are amongst the finest professionals of the luxury travel industry worldwide.
Nomination list and winners by category
WINNER LIST BY CATEGORY
– Travel Designers –
Expertise 1: Tailor-Made Travel Design
1.
Vote criteria: Rigorous, reliable, expert, respectful, anticipator and solution maker
Mr Bert Uyttenbroeck – Owner – Atlas Reizen
Mr Ilya Borodin – Founder – Firenze Club
Mr Aronne Frigerio – Owner – Lariotour
Mr Stefano Bajona – President & Founder – Onirikos
Ms Maud Auvray – Private Travel Designer – Peplum
Mr Jochen Radermacher – Managing Partner – Radermacher Reisen
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont – Maud Auvray – Peter Conway
Winner: Ms Maud Auvray – Private Travel Designer – Peplum
~
2.
Vote criteria: Imaginative, knowledgeable, curious, inventive, ingenious and inspirational
Ms Anna Kan – CEO – Aspera Explorations
Ms Elizabeth Ellis – Founder – Blue Marble Private
Ms Ana Bru – Owner – Bru & Bru
Ms Emmalene Turner – Director of Business Development – Knightsbridge Circle
Ms Loveleen Arun – Director – Panache World
Mr Panos Spiropoulos – Travel Designer – Seez Travel
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont – Panos Spiropoulas – Peter Conway
Winner: Mr Panos Spiropoulos – Travel Designer – Seez Travel
~
3.
Vote criteria: Rigorous, reliable, expert, respectful, anticipator and solution maker
Ms Kathy Stewart – Director of Planning, Europe – Butterfield & Robinson
Ms Sophie Arbib – Director – Exclusif Voyages
Mr Petr Udavsky – Chief Travel Consultant – Exclusive Tours
Mr Tov Mason – President – Footprints Custom Travel
Mr John Montgomery – Owner – Landed Travel
Mr Joost Tania – Founder – Thika Travel
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont – Kathy Stewart – Peter Conway
Winner: Ms Kathy Stewart – Director of Planning, Europe – Butterfield & Robinson
~
4.
Vote criteria: Imaginative, knowledgeable, curious, inventive, ingenious and inspirational
Mr Norbert Pokorny – Managing Director – Art of travel
Mr Christopher Wilmot-Sitwell – Co-Owner/Director – cazenove+loyd
Ms Alice Daunt – Owner – Daunt Travel
Mr Craig Nattress – Owner – Nattress + Company
Ms Roberta Sonnino – President – Roberta Sonnino Travel
Mr Terry Suero – Director of Development – Toca Travel
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont – Christopher Wilmot-Sitwell – Peter Conway
Winner: Mr Christopher Wilmot-Sitwell – Co-Owner/Director – cazenove+loyd
~
– Hotel Groups –
Expertise 2: Destination Knowledge
5.
Ms Meltem Iskit – Managing Director – Far’n Away
Ms Melissa Bradley – CEO & Founder – Indagare
Mr Eric Sheets – Owner – Latin Excursions
Ms Katy McCann – Director – Travel by Lillingston
Mr Alpis Flores – Director – Agencia de Viajes Prestigio
Ms Reem Shaath – Chief Wandering Officer – WhyWander
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont – Reem Shaath – Peter Conway
Winner: Ms Reem Shaath – Chief Wandering Officer – WhyWander
~
Expertise 3: Client Knowledge
6.
Mr Christos Kyvernitis – Managing Director – Kyvernitis
Mr Yves Abitbol – CEO – MYConcierge
Mr George Morgan-Grenville – Founder & CEO – Red Savannah
Ms Jackie Cross – President & Product Development Director – Refined Journeys
Ms Monica Cremonesi – Co-founder, Managing Director – Viaggi Moleskine
Ms Melanie Gleich – Area Manager Europe and Groups Worldwide – Windrose Finest Travel
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont – Jackie Cross – Peter Conway
Winner: Ms Jackie Cross – President & Product Development Director – Refined Journeys
~
Expertise 4: Supplier Knowledge
7.
Ms Elena Moore – Owner – Collection World
Ms Yvonne Scheffel – Director of Sales – Design Reisen
Ms Joanna Davies – Owner – Joanna Davies Private Travel
Ms Nicky Brandon – VP of Sales & Marketing – Ker & Downey
Mr Sanjay Arya – CEO – KFT Corporation
Mr Roman Sägesser – Owner – RSelection
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont – Sanjay Arya – Peter Conway
Winner: Mr Sanjay Arya – CEO – KFT Corporation
~
Expertise 5: Crisis Management
Mr Amit Kalsi – Founder – Experiential Travel Journeys
Ms Susanne Singer – Director of Sales and Marketing – Gernreisen
Mr Mark Stoelting – Owner – Inluxuria
Mr Jack Bloch – Owner – JB’s World Travel Consultants
Ms Suzanne Pohl – Travel Designer – R. Crusoe & Son
Ms Mariza de Aizenstein – Owner – Shilton Tailor Made Travel
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont – Mariza de Aizenstein – Peter Conway
Winner: Ms Mariza de Aizenstein – Owner – Shilton Tailor Made Travel
~
– Hotel –
9.
Vote criteria: Available, anticipator, solution maker, empowered, outgoing
Mr Richard Bousfield – Regional Director of Global Sales EME – Rocco Forte
Ms Anne-Emmanuelle Le Bail – Director of Sales – Waldorf Astoria, Conrad
Mr Hugues Miranda – Senior Head of Sales Europe, Russia & CIS – Oetker
Mr Adam Morriss – Regional Director of Sales EME – Belmond
Mr Farid Rouibi – Director Luxury Sales – Accor Hotels Luxury Brands
Ms Céline Thillaye – Global Sales Director Luxury – Hyatt
Mr Hilton Walker – Sales & Marketing Director – Great Plains Conservation
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont – Céline Thillaye – Diana Nuber
Winner: Ms Céline Thillaye – Global Sales Director Luxury – Hyatt
~
10.
Vote criteria: Available, responsive, VIP mindful, gracious, travel designer relay
Mr Sven van den Broeck – General Manager – Amanzoe
Mr Renato Chizzola – General Manager – Cheval Blanc Randheli
Mr Edouard Grosmangin – General Manager – Raffles Seychelles
Mr Xavier Lablaude – General Manager – Belmond Mount Nelson
Mr Pierre Lang – General Manager – Alila Seminyak
Mr Nayan Seth – General Manager – Taj Lake Palace
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont – Daniele Tanzi – Diana Nuber
Winner: Mr Xavier Lablaude – General Manager – Belmond Mount Nelson
~
11.
Vote criteria: Available, anticipator, solution maker, empowered, outgoing
Ms Caroline Burke – General Manager of Sales – Singita
Ms Jennifer Ripoll – Sales Manager – Terre Blanche
Ms Eloise Rodriguez – International Sales Manager – The Mark
Mr Andrea Spalletti Trivelli – Owner – Villa Spalletti Trivelli
Mr Daniele Tanzi – Director of Sales – The Langham, London
Mr Nicolas Zimmermann – Senior Sales Manager – La Réserve Paris
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont – Xavier Lablaude – Diana Nuber
Winner: Mr Daniele Tanzi – Director of Sales – The Langham, London
~
12.
Vote criteria: Available, responsive, VIP mindful, gracious, travel designer relay
Mr James Cavanagh – General Manager – Eichardt’s Private Hotel, NZ
Mr Danny Drinkwater – General Manager – Iniala Beach House
Mr Danilo Guerrini – General Manager – Hotel Borgo San Felice
Ms Iben Marburger Juul – General Manager – Nimb Hotel, Denmark
Mr Juan Tonconoguy – Managing Partner – Casa de Uco Vineyards
Ms Khin Omar Win – Owner – Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont – Danny Drinkwater – Diana Nuber
Winner: Mr Danny Drinkwater – General Manager – Iniala Beach House
~
– DMCs–
13.
Vote criteria: Available, responsive, VIP mindful, friendly, travel designer relay
Mr Alex Chambers – Managing Director – Hummingbird Travel
Mr Olivier Dufeu – Managing Partner – Colombia Activa
Mr Samer Jabri – CEO – Magic Arabia
Mr Phillip Lategan – Founder Owner Chief Explorer – Journey Beyond
Mr Jamshyd Sethna – Managing Director – Banyan Tours
Mr Ari Siivikko – Chief Experience Designer – Arctic Signature
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont – Jamshyd Sethna – Peter Conway
Winner: Mr Jamshyd Sethna – Managing Director – Banyan Tours
~
14.
Vote criteria: Available, creative, presentation savvy, bespoke, friendly
Ms Tania Dias – Director of Sales – Tours For You
Mr Raul Lara – Senior Travel Designer – Catherwood Travels
Mr John Nguyen – CEO Founder – Trails Of Indochina
Mr Koray Sahmali – Owner – Icons & Styles
Ms Silja Torborg – Managing Director – Trails of Chile
Ms Karine Villa – Senior Product & Quality Manager – Tahiti Islands Travel
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont – John Nguyen – Peter Conway
Winner: Mr John Nguyen & his wife – CEO Founder – Trails Of Indochina
~
15.
Vote criteria: Adventuresome, creative, expert guide, wilderness chic
Ms Undraa Buyannemekh – President – Nomadic Expeditions
Ms Alexandra Lacayo – President – Albee Adventures
Mr Jón Ólafur Magnússon – Owner – HL Adventure
Mr Ignacio Masias – CEO – Peru Empire Co.
Ms Marisol Mosquera – Founder & CEO – Aracari Travel
Ms Silvia Rico – CEO & Founder – Enigma
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont – Marisol Mosquera – Peter Conway
Winner: Ms Marisol Mosquera – Founder & CEO – Aracari Travel
~
16.
Vote criteria: Culture specialist, connected, city polish, gourmet freak
Ms Lillian Aviles – Director of Business Development – Journey Mexico
Ms Catalina Sanchez Barrenechea – Partner – Mai 10
Mr Salvatore Lo Giudice – Managing Director – Sicily Lifestyle
Mr Alex Greenbaum – VP Sales and Marketing – American Excursionist
Mr Samer Jabri – CEO – Magic Arabia
Mr Avi Lugasi – Owner & Managing Director – Windows to Japan
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont – Catalina Sanchez Barrenechea
Winner: Ms Catalina Sanchez Barrenechea – Partner – Mai 10
~
17.
Vote criteria: Available, creative, presentation savvy, bespoke, friendly
Argentina
Barcelona, Spain
Montreux – Vevey, Switzerland
Nara Province, Japan
New Zealand
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont – Kate Fenton – Peter Conway
Winner: New Zealand
PRESS RELEASE: Serendipia’s first issue has been dispatched today
PRESS RELEASE
Lausanne, 10 May 2017
Today, 20.000 numbered copies of the first Serendipia issue have been dispatched to Traveller Made Member Agencies by UPS.
Designed as a novel book, SERENDIPIA will narrate the second-to-none bespoke experiences Traveller Made member agencies are creating for their ultra-wealthy clients.
Printed in limited numbered edition, it will be distributed only by member agencies directly to their best customers.
“Since our inception in September 2013, we have initiated a new pattern of connections between like-minded travel industry players – travel designers, hotels, DMCs, jets, yachts, etc. – to endlessly enhance the quality of service that is commonly expected by our ultra-wealthy clientele. Beyond travel and accommodation, what usually makes their journeys memorable often relies on emotions and peer-to-peer encounters. We wanted to translate these magical moments into inspirational stories. A dedicated magazine appeared as a necessity for that purpose”, says Quentin Desurmont, Traveller Made President & Founder and a travel designer himself.
AWARDS by Traveller Made® – 2017 Winners
On 27 February 2017, the 3rd Traveller Made Award Ceremony took place during the Gala Dinner in Deauville at the Essence of Luxury Travel® show.
Traveller Made Member Agencies rewarded Hotel and DMC Partners who have delivered outstanding services to Member Agents and to their clients. Traveller Made Partners also rewarded Travel Designers for their excellence in mastering the 5 extra-ordinary expertise deriving from the luxury travel design craftsmanship research produced in 2016.
Winners and Nominees by category.
– Travel Designers –
Expertise 1: Tailor-made travel design
1.
Traveller Made®
Most Thorough Designer, voted by Hotel Partners
Travel Designers
2017
Selection criteria: Rigorous, reliable, expert, respectful, anticipator and solution maker
Mr George Mueller – President – Cosa Travel, Switzerland
Mr Guillaume Leroy – Director – My Luxury Travel, Monaco
Mr Jochen Radermacher – Managing Partner – Radermacher Reisen, Germany
Mr Yvan Vasina – Owner – Delta Voyages, Switzerland
Ms Maud Auvray – Director – Peplum, France
Ms Sheila Zatz – Director – Summit Viagens E Turismo, Brazil
Winner: Ms Sheila Zatz – Director – Summit Viagens E Turismo, Brazil
from right to left: Sheila Zatz, Quentin Desurmont.
~
2.
Traveller Made®
Most Creative Designer, voted by Hotel Partners
Travel Designers
2017
Selection criteria: Imaginative, knowledgeable, curious, inventive, ingenious and inspirational
Ms Gemma Antrobus – Owner – Haslemere Travel, United Kingdom
Mr Guy Bigiaoui – President – Safrans du Monde, France
Ms Katy McCann – Managing Director – Suite DNA, United Kingdom
Ms Nina Mueller – Travel Designer – Cosa Travel, Switzerland
Mr Ricardo Cunha – Operations Manager – Blue Travel, Brazil
Mr Deepak Nathwani – Partner – Haiku Hospitality, India
Winner: Ms Gemma Antrobus – Owner – Haslemere Travel, United Kingdom
from right to left: Manuel Chablais, Gemma Antrobus, Jennifer Deltel, Quentin Desurmont.
~
3.
Traveller Made®
Most Thorough Designer, voted by DMC Partners
Travel Designers
2017
Selection criteria: Rigorous, reliable, expert, respectful, anticipator and solution maker
Ms Ana Bru – Owner – Bru & Bru, Spain
Mr Bert Uyttenbroeck – Owner – Atlas Reisen, Belgium
Mr Jan Vos – Managing Director – Vos Van Loon, Netherlands
Ms Michaela Kügler – Head of Product Management – Design Reisen, Germany
Ms Muriel Truter – Owner – Askari Travel, Canada
Mr Stefano Bajona – President & Founder – Onirikos, Italy
Winner: Mr Jan Vos – Managing Director – Vos Van Loon, Netherlands
from right to left: Manuel Chablais, Jennifer Deltel, Jan Vos, Quentin Desurmont.
~
4.
Traveller Made®
Most Creative Designer, voted by DMC Partners
Travel Designers
2017
Selection criteria: Imaginative, knowledgeable, curious, inventive, ingenious and inspirational
Ms Karin Uddfors – CEO – Nygren & Lind, Sweden
Mr Ico Inanc – Managing Director – Il Viaggio, Italy
Ms Kellie Samuda – Managing Director – 360 Private Travel, United Kingdom
Mr Manuel Chablais – Owner – Ailes Voyages, Switzerland
Mr Olivier Weisse – Owner – Weisse Travel, France
Mr Roberto Pasqua di Bisceglie – CEO – Ruta 40, Italy
Winner: Mr Ico Inanc – Managing Director – Il Viaggio, Italy
from right to left: Manuel Chablais, Ico Inanc, Jennifer Deltel, Quentin Desurmont.
~
Expertise 2: Destination Knowledge
5.
Traveller Made®
Most Expert Designer, Destination Knowledge
Travel Designers
2017
Mr Doug Easton – Managing Partner – Celestielle, United States
Ms Joanna Davies – Owner – JD Private Travel, United Kingdom
Mr John Montgomery – Founder – Mosaico Travel, United States
Mr Norbert Pokorny – Managing Director – Art of Travel, Germany
Ms Reem Shaath – Owner – Why Wander, Saudi Arabia
Ms Sophie Arbib – Managing Director – Exclusif Voyages, France
Winner: Mr Doug Easton – Managing Partner – Celestielle, United States
from right to left: Manuel Chablais, Doug Easton, Jennifer Deltel, Quentin Desurmont.
~
Expertise 3: Client Knowledge
6.
Traveller Made®
Most Expert Designer, Client Knowledge
Travel Designers
2017
Mr Aronne Frigerio – Owner – Lariotour, Italy
Ms Audrey Kennedy – Owner – On the Map Travel, United States
Mr Steve Wilson – Travel Designer – Butterfield & Robinson, Canada
Mr Gonzalo Gimeno – Managing Partner – Elefant Travel Consulting, Spain
Ms Chiara Zampogna – Owner – Dreamsteam, Italy
Ms Susan Farewell – Owner – Farewell Travels, United States
Winner: Mr Gonzalo Gimeno – Managing Partner – Elefant Travel Consulting, Spain
from right to left: Manuel Chablais, Jennifer Deltel, Gonzalo Gimeno, Quentin Desurmont.
~
Expertise 4: Supplier Knowledge
7.
Traveller Made®
Most Expert Designer, Supplier Knowledge
Travel Designers
2017
Mr Andrea Mereghetti – Owner – Dreamsteam, Italy
Mr Christoph Berner – Owner – Berner Travel, Germany
Mr Dennis Wilde – Owner – Wilde Private Travel, United Kingdom
Mr Levend Iskit – Managing Director – Far’n Away, Turkey
Mr Isao Numano – CEO – Regency Group Inc, Japan
Ms Namai Bishop – Founder – Luxe Privé, United Kingdom
Winner: Mr Isao Numano – CEO – Regency Group Inc, Japan
from right to left: Manuel Chablais, Isao Numano, Jennifer Deltel, Quentin Desurmont.
~
Expertise 5: Crisis Management
8.
Traveller Made®
Most Expert Designer, Crisis Management
Travel Designers
2017
Ms Anna Isaeva – Director – Primeconcept, Russia
Ms Anna Kan – CEO – Aspera Explorations, Russia
Ms Evgenia Komarova – General Director – Personne Travel Club, Russia
Mr Jonas Rask – Founding Director – Rask Travel, Israel
Mr Simon Binke – Managing Director – Berkeley Travel, United Kingdom
Mr Yves Abitbol – CEO – My Concierge, France
Winner: Ms Evgenia Komarova – General Director – Personne Travel Club, Russia
from right to left: Manuel Chablais, Jennifer Deltel, Evgenia Komarova, Quentin Desurmont.
– Hotels –
9.
Traveller Made®
Best Traveller Made Champion
Hotel Groups
2017
Selection criteria: Available, anticipator, solution maker, empowered, outgoing
Mr Adam Morriss – Regional Director of Sales – Europe and Middle East – Belmond
Mrs Anne Laure Redon – Director of Sales – Baglioni
Mrs Celine Thillaye – Global Sales Director Luxury Europe – Hyatt
Mrs Christina Deeny – Group Head of Global Sales – Aman
Mr Farid Rouibi – Luxury Sales Director – AccorHotels Luxury Brands
Mr Hugues Miranda – Head of Sales Europe – Oetker Collection
Mr Gerald Feurer – Director of Global Sales – Peninsula
Winner: Mr Adam Morriss – Regional Director of Sales – Europe and Middle East – Belmond
from right to left: Farid Rouibi, Adam Morriss, Diana Nuber, Quentin Desurmont.
~
10.
Traveller Made®
Friendliest General Manager
Hotel Groups
2017
Selection criteria: Available, responsive, VIP mindful, gracious, travel designer relay
Mrs Christelle Horne – General Manager – Belmond Savute Elephant
Mr David Nuenemann – General Manager – The Pink Sands Club
Mr Didier Le Calvez – General Manager – La Reserve Paris
Mr Mirko Aru – General Manager – Armani Milano
Mrs Emily Capon – Lodge Manager – Singita Pamushana
Mr Renato W Chizzola – General Manager – Cheval Blanc Randheli
Winner: Mr Renato W Chizzola – General Manager – Cheval Blanc Randheli
from right to left: Farid Rouibi, Diana Nuber, Renato Chizzola, Quentin Desurmont.
~
11.
Traveller Made®
Best Traveller Made Champion
Independent Hotels
2017
Selection criteria: Available, anticipator, solution maker, empowered, outgoing
Mrs Emanuela Apicella – Reservation Manager – Palazzo Avino
Mr Javier Rivadulla – Sales & Marketing Director – Finca Cortesin
Mrs Jennifer Ripoll – Sales Manager – Terre Blanche
Mr Roberto Arganese – Director of Sales & Marketing – Gili Lankanfushi
Mrs Valentine Besch – Director of Sales – Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel
Mr Pierre Lesage – Director of Sales Markekting – The Brando
Winner: Mr Javier Rivadulla – Sales & Marketing Director – Finca Cortesin
from right to left: Farid Rouibi, Diana Nuber, Javier Rivadulla, Quentin Desurmont.
~
12.
Traveller Made®
Friendliest General Manager
Independent Hotels
2017
Selection criteria: Available, responsive, VIP mindful, gracious, travel designer relay
Mr Hugo Pizzinini – Owner and Director – Rosa Alpina
Mr Lee Nelson – Owner and Director – Split Apple
Mrs Maria Merra – General Manager – Villa Spalletti Trivelli
Mr Yaron Liberman – General Manager – The Norman
Mr Yurij Gabassi – Director of Operations – Hotel Esencia
Mr Dirk Kubitschek – General Manager – Cape Weligama
Winner: Mr Lee Nelson – Owner and Director – Split Apple
from right to left: Farid Rouibi, Diana Nuber, Victoria Bruce-Miller (representing Lee Nelson), Quentin Desurmont.
– DMCs –
13.
Traveller Made®
Friendliest Owner/GM
DMC
2017
Selection criteria: Available, responsive, VIP mindful, friendly, travel designer relay
Mr Alex Chambers – Managing Director – Hummingbird Travel
Mr Zachary Rabinor – CEO – Journey Mexico
Mr Jean-Michel Romon – Managing Director – Phoenix Voyages
Mr Jean-Michel Jefferson – Director – Ahipara
Mrs Jennifer Romand – CEO – World Connexion
Mr Jamshyd Sethna – Owner and Chairman – Banyan Tours
Winner: Mr Alex Chambers – Managing Director – Hummingbird Travel
from right to left: Gloria Lanéry, Alex Chambers, Quentin Desurmont.
~
14.
Traveller Made®
Best Content Provider
DMC
2017
Selection criteria: Available, creative, presentation savvy, bespoke, friendly
Mrs Alexandra Lacayo – General Manager – Albee Adventures
Mrs Cyndie Marchand – Director – Atlas Elite
Mr George Eliades – Managing Partner – Seez
Mr Phillip Lategan – Managing Director – Journey Beyond
Mr Sriyantha Sampath – Manager – Sri Lanka Tailor Made
Mrs Maita Barrenechea – Founder & Owner – Mai 10
Winner: Mr George Eliades – Managing Partner – Seez
from right to left: Gloria Lanéry, George Eliades, Quentin Desurmont.
~
15.
Traveller Made®
Best Adventure Designer
DMC
2017
Selection criteria: Adventuresome, creative, expert guide, wilderness chic
Mr Charles Carlow – Founder – Alquemie
Mr Jordi Camps – CEO – China a la carta
Mrs Alexandra Lacayo – General Manager – Albee Adventures
Mr Phillip Lategan – Managing Director – Journey Beyond
Mr Jean-Michel Jefferson – Director – Ahi Para
Mr Samer Jabri – CEO – Magic Arabia
Winner: Mr Charles Carlow – Founder – Alquemie
from right to left: Gloria Lanéry, Charles Carlow , Quentin Desurmont.
~
16.
Traveller Made®
Best City Experience Designer
DMC
2017
Selection criteria: Culture specialist, connected, city polish, gourmet freak
Mr Jordi Camps – CEO – China a la carta
Mrs Filipa Teixeira – Director of Sales – Tours for You
Mrs Sofia Pham – Travel Consultant – Trails of Indochina
Mr Avi Lugasi – Owner & Managing Director – Windows to Japan
Mrs Barbara Théron – Director – Peplum
Mr Norman Aynbinder – President and CEO – American Excursionist
Winner: Mr Jordi Camps – CEO – China a la Carta
from right to left: Gloria Lanéry, Iris Meana (representing Jordi Camps), Quentin Desurmont.
~
AWARDS by Traveller Made® 2017 Nomination List
On 27 February 2017, the Awards Ceremony will be held during the Gala Dinner in Deauville at the Essence of Luxury Travel® show. Traveller Made Member Agencies will reward Hotel and DMC Partners who have delivered outstanding services to Member Agents and to their clients. Traveller Made Partners will reward Travel Designers for their excellence in mastering the 5 extra-ordinary expertises deriving from the luxury travel design craftsmanship research produced in 2016.
Nomination list by category
– Travel Designers –
Expertise 1: Tailor-made travel design
1.
Traveller Made®
Most Thorough Designer, voted by Hotel Partners
Travel Designers
2017
Selection criteria: Rigorous, reliable, expert, respectful, anticipator and solution maker
Mr George Mueller – President – Cosa Travel, Switzerland
Mr Guillaume Leroy – Director – My Luxury Travel, Monaco
Mr Jochen Radermacher – Managing Partner – Radermacher Reisen, Germany
Mr Yvan Vasina – Owner – Delta Voyages, Switzerland
Ms Maud Auvray – Director – Peplum, France
Ms Sheila Zatz – Director – Summit Viagens E Turismo, Brazil
~
2.
Traveller Made®
Most Creative Designer, voted by Hotel Partners
Travel Designers
2017
Selection criteria: Imaginative, knowledgeable, curious, inventive, ingenious and inspirational
Ms Gemma Antrobus – Owner – Haslemere Travel, United Kingdom
Mr Guy Bigiaoui – President – Safrans du Monde, France
Ms Katy McCann – Managing Director – Suite DNA, United Kingdom
Ms Nina Mueller – Travel Designer – Cosa Travel, Switzerland
Mr Ricardo Cunha – Operations Manager – Blue Travel, Brazil
Mr Deepak Nathwani – Partner – Haiku Hospitality, India
~
3.
Traveller Made®
Most Thorough Designer, voted by DMC Partners
Travel Designers
2017
Selection criteria: Rigorous, reliable, expert, respectful, anticipator and solution maker
Ms Ana Bru – Owner – Bru & Bru, Spain
Mr Bert Uyttenbroeck – Owner – Atlas Reisen, Belgium
Mr Jan Vos – Managing Director – Vos Van Loon, Netherlands
Ms Michaela Kügler – Head of Product Management – Design Reisen, Germany
Ms Muriel Truter – Owner – Askari Travel, Canada
Mr Stefano Bajona – President & Founder – Onirikos, Italy
~
4.
Traveller Made®
Most Creative Designer, voted by DMC Partners
Travel Designers
2017
Selection criteria: Imaginative, knowledgeable, curious, inventive, ingenious and inspirational
Ms Karin Uddfors – CEO – Nygren & Lind, Sweden
Mr Ico Inanc – Managing Director – Il Viaggio, Italy
Ms Kellie Samuda – Managing Director – 360 Private Travel, United Kingdom
Mr Manuel Chablais – Owner – Ailes Voyages, Switzerland
Mr Olivier Weisse – Owner – Weisse Travel, France
Mr Roberto Pasqua di Bisceglie – CEO – Ruta 40, Italy
~
Expertise 2: Destination Knowledge
5.
Traveller Made®
Most Expert Designer, Destination Knowledge
Travel Designers
2017
Mr Doug Easton – Managing Partner – Celestielle, United States
Ms Joanna Davies – Owner – JD Private Travel, United Kingdom
Mr John Montgomery – Founder – Mosaico Travel, United States
Mr Norbert Pokorny – Managing Director – Art of Travel, Germany
Ms Reem Shaath – Owner – Why Wander, Saudi Arabia
Ms Sophie Arbib – Managing Director – Exclusif Voyages, France
~
Expertise 3: Client Knowledge
6.
Traveller Made®
Most Expert Designer, Client Knowledge
Travel Designers
2017
Mr Aronne Frigerio – Owner – Lariotour, Italy
Ms Audrey Kennedy – Owner – On the Map Travel, United States
Mr Steve Wilson – Travel Designer – Butterfield & Robinson, Canada
Mr Gonzalo Gimeno – Managing Partner – Elefant Travel Consulting, Spain
Ms Chiara Zampogna – Owner – Dreamsteam, Italy
Ms Susan Farewell – Owner – Farewell Travels, United States
~
Expertise 4: Supplier Knowledge
7.
Traveller Made®
Most Expert Designer, Supplier Knowledge
Travel Designers
2017
Mr Andrea Mereghetti – Owner – Dreamsteam, Italy
Mr Christoph Berner – Owner – Berner Travel, Germany
Mr Dennis Wilde – Owner – Wilde Private Travel, United Kingdom
Mr Levend Iskit – Managing Director – Far’n Away, Turkey
Mr Isao Numano – CEO – Regency Group Inc, Japan
Ms Namai Bishop – Founder – Luxe Privé, United Kingdom
~
Expertise 5: Crisis Management
8.
Traveller Made®
Most Expert Designer, Crisis Management
Travel Designers
2017
Ms Anna Isaeva – Director – Primeconcept, Russia
Ms Anna Kan – CEO – Aspera Explorations, Russia
Ms Evgenia Komarova – General Director – Personne Travel Club, Russia
Mr Jonas Rask – Founding Director – Rask Travel, Israel
Mr Simon Binke – Managing Director – Berkeley Travel, United Kingdom
Mr Yves Abitbol – CEO – My Concierge, France
– Hotels –
9.
Traveller Made®
Best Traveller Made Champion
Hotel Groups
2017
Selection criteria: Available, anticipator, solution maker, empowered, outgoing
Mr Adam Morriss – Regional Director of Sales – Europe and Middle East – Belmond
Mrs Anne Laure Redon – Director of Sales – Baglioni
Mrs Celine Thillaye – Global Sales Director Luxury Europe – Hyatt
Mrs Christina Deeny – Group Head of Global Sales – Aman
Mr Farid Rouibi – Luxury Sales Director – AccorHotels Luxury Brands
Mr Hugues Miranda – Head of Sales Europe – Oetker Collection
Mr Gerald Feurer – Director of Global Sales – Peninsula
~
10.
Traveller Made®
Friendliest General Manager
Hotel Groups
2017
Selection criteria: Available, responsive, VIP mindful, gracious, travel designer relay
Mrs Christelle Horne – General Manager – Belmond Savute Elephant
Mr David Nuenemann – General Manager – The Pink Sands Club
Mr Didier Le Calvez – General Manager – La Reserve Paris
Mr Mirko Aru – General Manager – Armani Milano
Mrs Emily Capon – Lodge Manager – Singita Pamushana
Mr Renato W Chizzola – General Manager – Cheval Blanc Randheli
~
11.
Traveller Made®
Best Traveller Made Champion
Independent Hotels
2017
Selection criteria: Available, anticipator, solution maker, empowered, outgoing
Mrs Emanuela Apicella – Reservation Manager – Palazzo Avino
Mr Javier Rivadulla – Sales & Marketing Director – Finca Cortesin
Mrs Jennifer Ripoll – Sales Manager – Terre Blanche
Mr Roberto Arganese – Director of Sales & Marketing – Gili Lankanfushi
Mrs Valentine Besch – Director of Sales – Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel
Mr Pierre Lesage – Director of Sales Markekting – The Brando
~
12.
Traveller Made®
Friendliest General Manager
Independent Hotels
2017
Selection criteria: Available, responsive, VIP mindful, gracious, travel designer relay
Mr Hugo Pizzinini – Owner and Director – Rosa Alpina
Mr Lee Nelson – Owner and Director – Split Apple
Mrs Maria Merra – General Manager – Villa Spalletti Trivelli
Mr Yaron Liberman – General Manager – The Norman
Mr Yurij Gabassi – Director of Operations – Hotel Esencia
Mr Dirk Kubitschek – General Manager – Cape Weligama
– DMCs –
13.
Traveller Made®
Friendliest Owner/GM
DMC
2017
Selection criteria: Available, responsive, VIP mindful, friendly, travel designer relay
Mr Alex Chambers – Managing Director – Hummingbird Travel
Mr Zachary Rabinor – CEO – Journey Mexico
Mr Jean-Michel Romon – Managing Director – Phoenix Voyages
Mr Jean-Michel Jefferson – Director – Ahipara
Mrs Jennifer Romand – CEO – World Connexion
Mr Jamshyd Sethna – Owner and Chairman – Banyan Tours
~
14.
Traveller Made®
Best Content Provider
DMC
2017
Selection criteria: Available, creative, presentation savvy, bespoke, friendly
Mrs Alexandra Lacayo – General Manager – Albee Adventures
Mrs Cyndie Marchand – Director – Atlas Elite
Mr George Eliades – Managing Partner – Seez
Mr Phillip Lategan – Managing Director – Journey Beyond
Mr Sriyantha Sampath – Manager – Sri Lanka Tailor Made
Mrs Maita Barrenechea – Founder & Owner – Mai 10
~
15.
Traveller Made®
Best Adventure Designer
DMC
2017
Selection criteria: Adventuresome, creative, expert guide, wilderness chic
Mr Charles Carlow – Founder – Alquemie
Mr Jordi Camps – CEO – China a la carta
Mrs Alexandra Lacayo – General Manager – Albee Adventures
Mr Phillip Lategan – Managing Director – Journey Beyond
Mr Jean-Michel Jefferson – Director – Ahi Para
Mr Samer Jabri – CEO – Magic Arabia
~
16.
Traveller Made®
Best City Experience Designer
DMC
2017
Selection criteria: Culture specialist, connected, city polish, gourmet freak
Mr Jordi Camps – CEO – China a la carta
Mrs Filipa Teixeira – Director of Sales – Tours for You
Mrs Sofia Pham – Travel Consultant – Trails of Indochina
Mr Avi Lugasi – Owner & Managing Director – Windows to Japan
Mrs Barbara Théron – Director – Peplum
Mr Norman Aynbinder – President and CEO – American Excursionist
~
PRESS RELEASE: SMALL LUXURY HOTELS – A New Hospitality Consortium Partner
Traveller Made® Welcomes Small Luxury Hotels of the World™
as a New Hospitality Consortium Partner
Lausanne, 05 July 2016
Traveller Made®, the community of Luxury Travel Designers, announces today a new partnership with the luxury hotel brand affiliation company, Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH).
SLH has a credible 26 year heritage and is renowned for having some of the most exquisite hotels within its collection. 26 new hotels have already been added to the strong collection this year.
“We are happy to announce our partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, a luxury brand that has assigned itself the mission to find the best little gem hotels in the world. Their affiliated properties are treasures hidden in cities, sparkling gems in unique and remote destinations ran independently by passionate owners and teams with an obsession for guest satisfaction. In our industry small is synonymous with outstanding quality in service and tailor made experience. SLH comprises properties in 80 countries. 25 properties have already partnered with Traveller Made since 2013. In cooperation with SLH, we will handpick the properties that best match the luxury philosophy of Traveller Made and the needs of its Member Agencies,” says Quentin Desurmont, President of Traveller Made®.
Filip Boyen, CEO of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, said: “We’ve been handpicking and championing the most incredible portfolio of boutique hotels with charm and character for 25 years and this marries well with Traveller Made’s overall vision to provide bespoke travel experiences. Their innovative ways of connecting people and generating business means this is a fantastic partnership for us, as it gives the opportunity to showcase our collection to a wider luxury travel agent community that understand the needs of a discerning luxury traveller.”
Filip BOYEN, CEO, Small Luxury Hotels, Elsa BACRY, Traveller Made Champion, Small Luxury Hotels,
Diana NUBER, Senior Manager, Partnerships, Traveller Made.
Your Traveller Made® Champion for SLH
Elsa BACRY
Located in London
Tel: +442078023445
Mob: +447500082664
elsa.bacry@slh.com
Small Luxury Hotels Partners of Traveller Made®
North America
USA
The Quin, New York City
Bahamas
Tiamo Resort, South Andros Island
Mexico
Hotel Esencia, Playa del Carmen
South America
Ecuador
Pikaia Lodge, Galapagos Islands
Africa
Morocco
La Sultana, Marrakech
La Sultana, Oualidia
Europe
France
Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal, Paris
Domaine de Manville, Baux de Provence
Hôtel Belles-Rives, Antibes
Greece
Canaves Oia Suites, Santorini
Turkey
Vault Karakoy The House Hotel, Istanbul
Spain
Cap Rocat, Mallorca
Unico Hotel Madrid, Madrid
The Principal Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Claris 5 Grand Luxe, Barcelona
Grand Hotel Central Barcelona, Barcelona
Italy
Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda, Lake Garda
Romeo Hotel, Naples
Ca’ Sagredo Hotel, Venice
Villa Spalletti Trivelli, Rome
Middle East
Israel
The Norman Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv
Asia
Thailand
Aleenta Phuket Resort and Spa, Phuket
Japan
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, Tokyo
Oceania
New Zealand
Blanket Bay, Queenstown
Eichardt’s Private Hotel, Queenstown
Eagles Nest, Bay of Islands
About Small Luxury Hotels
Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) matches independently minded guests with independently spirited hotels. The diverse collection of over 520 hotels in more than 80 countries around the world includes everything from cutting edge design hotels and city centre sanctuaries to historic country mansions and remote private islands – all SLH hotels are consistently different, however, they are all united by the fact that they offer the best locations, highest quality, personalised service and a truly authentic way to discover a destination. Agents can book via the GDS (code LX), the travel agent website (agents.slh.com) and via the SLH VIP Desk. Any SLH booking channel qualifies for commission payment.
About Traveller Made®
Traveller Made® is the network community of luxury travel designers dedicated to providing unique and exclusive bespoke journeys to travellers looking for different and original experiences and requiring skilled and knowledgeable advisors who are fully committed to servicing their needs.
Press contact
pressroom@travellermade.com
TRAVELLER MADE AWARDS 2016
WINNERS’ LIST
On 15 March 2016, the 2nd Traveller Made Awards Ceremony took place during the Gala Dinner of the Luxury Travel Connection Forum.
Traveller Made Member Agencies honoured Traveller Made Partners that have provided outstanding services to Member Agents and to Member Agents’ clients.
And for the first time, Traveller Made Partners honoured Traveller Made Designers for their commitment to quality and creativity.
Nomination list and winners by category
– Travel Designers –
1.
Traveller Made
Most Thorough Designer, voted by Hotel Partners
Travel Designers
2016
Selection criteria: Rigorous, reliable, expert, reespectful, anticipator and solution maker
Ms Sophie Arbib – Co-owner – Exclusive Voyages, France
Ms Gemma Antrobus – Owner – Haslemere Travel, UK
Ms Véronique Chappé – Private Designer – Peplum, France
Mr Jonas Rask – Owner – Rask Travel, Israel
Mr Doug Easton – Owner – Weisse Travel, France
from left to right: Quentin Desurmont, Galina Michkovitch, Jonas Rask
Winner: Mr Jonas Rask – Owner – Rask Travel, Israel
~
2.
Traveller Made
Most Creative Designer, voted by Hotel Partners
Travel Designers
2016
Selection criteria: Imaginative, knowledgeable, curious, inventive, ingenious and inspirational
Ms Nina Mueller – Travel Designer – Cosa Travel, Switzerland
MS Katy McCann – Managing Director – Suite DNA, UK
Mr Yves Abitbol – Owner – MyConcierge, France
Mr Olivier Weisse – Owner – Weisse Travel, France
Mr Jonas Rask – Owner – Rask Travel, Israel
Mr Jan Vos – Co-Owner – Vos Van Loon, Netherlands
Winner: Mr Olivier Weisse – Owner – Weisse Travel, France
~
3.
Traveller Made
Most Thorough Designer, voted by DMC Partners
Travel Designers
2016
Selection criteria: Rigorous, reliable, expert, respectful, anticipator and solution maker
Ms Carole Ange – Managing Director – Tapis Rouge, France
Ms Véronique Chappé – Private Designer – Peplum, France
Ms Ana Bru – Owner – Bru & Bru, Spain
Ms Michaela Kügler – head of Product Management – Design Reisen, Germany
Mr Manuel Chablais – Owner – Ailes Voyages, Switzerland
Mr Stefano Bajona – Co-Owner – Onirikos, italy
Winner: Ms Michaela Kügler – head of Product Management – Design Reisen, Germany
~
4.
Traveller Made
Most Creative Designer, voted by DMC Partners
Travel Designers
2016
Selection criteria: Imaginative, knowledgeable, curious, inventive, ingenious and inspirational
Mrs Anette Loftus – CEO – Aspera Explorations, Russia
Mrs Kellie Samuda – Managing Director – 360 Private Travel UK
Mr Manuel Chablais – Owner – Ailes Voyages, Switzerland
Mr Christian Ernstved-Rasmussen – Owner – Managing Director – 80 Days, Denmark
Mr Beat Bopp – Owner – SeventhHeaven, Switzerland
Mr bert Uyttenbroeck – Owner – Atlas Reisen, Belgium
Winner: Mr Manuel Chablais – Owner – Ailes Voyages, Switzerland
~
– Hotel Groups –
5.
Traveller Made
Best Traveller Made Champion
Hotel Groups
2016
Selection criteria: Available, anticipator, solution maker, empowered, outgoing
Mrs Patricia Iinuma – Global Director of Sales – Hyatt
Mrs Alexa Ponchietti – Directore of Sales Southern Europe – Aman Resorts
Ms Céline Doyle – Director of Business Development – Shangri-La
Mr Adam Morriss – Regional Director of Sales EME – Belmond
Mr Simon Yip – VP Sales – The Peninsula Hotels
Mr Farid Rouibi – Director Luxury Sales – FRHI Hotels & Resorts
Mr Hugues Miranda – Senior Sales Manager Europe – Oetker Collection
from left to right: Ana Isaeva, Hugues Miranda, Diana Nuber, Gloria Lanéry, Quentin Desurmont
Winner: Mr Hugues Miranda – Senior Sales Manager Europe – Oetker Collection
~
6.
Traveller Made
Friendliest General Manager
Hotel Groups
2016
Selection criteria: Available, responsive, VIP mindful, gracious, travel designer relay
Mr Nicolas Beliard – General Manager – The Peninsula Paris
Mr Vito Romeo – General manager – Shangri-La Bosphorus
Mr Didier Le Calvez – President & General Manager – Le Bristol
Mr gabriel Lousada – General Manager – Amanjena, Marrakech
Mr Ralph Radtke – General Manager – Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
Mr Joachim Hartl – General Manager – Conrad Algarve
Winner: Mr Didier Le Calvez – President & General Manager – Le Bristol
(represented by Catherine Hodoul-Baudry)
Winner: Mr Didier Le Calvez – CEO – La Réserve Hotels
(Picture taken on May 27th at La Réserve Paris)
~
7.
Traveller Made
Best Traveller Made Champion
Independant Hotels
2016
Selection criteria: Available, anticipator, solution maker, empowered, outgoing
Mrs Felice de Jonge – Sales Manager – Conservatorium Hotel, Amsterdam
Mrs Odile Palustran – Director of Sales Europe – The Singular Patagonia
Mr Javier Rivadulla – Director of Sales & Marketing – Finca Cortesin
Mr Michel Heredia – Global Sales Director – the Standard, High Line
Mr Jérôme Revuelta – General Manager – Hôtel Le K2 Palace
Mr Ernesto Draque – Director of Sales – Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa
Winner: Mrs Odile Palustran – Director of Sales Europe – The Singular Patagonia
~
8.
Traveller Made
Friendliest General Manager
Independant Hotels
2016
Selection criteria: Available, responsive, VIP mindful, gracious, travel designer relay
Mr Folke Bergstrom – General Manager – the Singular Patagonia
Mr Guido Farina – General Manager – Shanti Maurice
Mr Lee Nelson – General Manager – Split Apple Retreat, New Zealand
Mr Felipe Mac-Lean — General Manager – Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa
Mr Wayne Milgate – General – Iniala Beach House
Mr Olivier Lordonnois – General Manager – the Mark, New York
Winner: Mr Felipe Mac-Lean — General Manager – Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa
(represented by Ana Belen Fernandez)
~
– DMCs –
9.
Traveller Made
Friendliest Owner/GM
DMC
2016
Selection criteria: Available, responsive, VIP mindful, friendly, travel designer relay
Mrs Jennifer Romand – Owner – World Connexion Travel
Mr Yoann Ronsin – CEO & Owner – Sentiers Privés
Mr Phillip Lategan – Managing Director – Journey Beyond
Mr Olivier Dufeu – Owner – Colombia Activa
Mr Samer Jabri – CEO – Magic Arabia
Mr Jean-Michel Jefferson – Owner & Director – Ahipara
from left to right: Gloria Lanéry, Jennifer Romand, Quentin Desurmont
Winner: Mrs Jennifer Romand – Owner – World Connexion Travel
~
10.
Traveller Made
Best Content Provider
DMC
2016
Selection criteria: Available, creative, presentation savvy, bespoke, friendly
Mrs Maita Barrenechea – Founder/Owner – Mai 10
Ms Cyndie Marchand – Director – Atlas Elite, Morocco
Mrs Maria Gregoriou – Managing Director – Seez Travel
Mrs Katrin von Enden – Director European Sales – Albee Adventures
Mr Jamshyd Sethna – Chairman – Banyan india
Mr Eric Demay – Director of Sales – The Real Japan
Winner: Ms Cyndie Marchand – Director – Atlas Elite, Morocco
~
11.
Traveller Made
Best Adventure Designer
DMC
2016
Selection criteria: Adventuresome, creative, expert guide, wilderness chic
Mrs Liisa Kokkarinen – Arctic Expeditions Manager – Luxury Action, Finland
Mr Jamshyd Sethna – Chariman – Banyan India
Mr Yoann Ronsin – CEO & Owner – Sentiers Privés
Mr Phillip Lategan – Managing Director – Journey Beyond
Mr Bruno-Mathieu Roy – Inbound Sales Director – Matuete Brazil
Mr Pawan Tuladhar – Founder and Owner – Dharma Adventures
Winner: Mrs Liisa Kokkarinen – Arctic Expeditions Manager – Luxury Action, Finland
~
12.
Traveller Made
Best City Experience
DMC
2016
Selection criteria: Culture specialist, connected, city polish, gourmet freak
Mrs Jennifer Romand – Owner – World Connexion Travel
Mrs Emily Switzer – Private Designer – Peplum
Mr Alex Greenbaum – VP Sales and Marketing – American Excursionist
Mr Koray Sahmali – President – Icons & Styles, Turkey
Mr Avi Lugasi – Managing Direcotr – Windows to Japan
Mr Jordi Camps – Co-founder and CEO – China a la Carta
Winner: Mr Alex Greenbaum – VP Sales and Marketing – American Excursionist
PRESS RELEASE: RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX – A NEW HOSPITALITY CONSORTIUM PARTNER.
Traveller Made® the network community of luxury travel designers welcomes
Relais & Châteaux as a New Hospitality Consortium Partner.
Lausanne, Tuesday, 08 April 2016
Traveller Made®, the community of Luxury Travel Designers, is announcing today a new partnership with the Paris based Hospitality Consortium, Relais & Châteaux.
Relais & Châteaux joins a choice of key group hospitality Partners and a collection of independent luxury properties in our network.
“We are delighted to partner with Relais & Châteaux, an historical Hotel Label synonym for small size luxury properties, family owned, quality managed and outstanding gastronomy.
In a country where luxury emerged centuries ago, Relais & Châteaux embodies now the French « Art de vivre » abroad and appears to be one of the few French player in luxury hospitality. These are two reasons for us to be very proud about this partnership.
Relais & Châteaux comprises properties in 62 countries. 20 properties had already partnered with Traveller Made since 2013. In cooperation with Relais & Châteaux, we will hand pick the properties that most match the luxury philosophy of Traveller Made and the needs of its Member Agencies,” says Quentin Desurmont, President of Traveller Made®.
“Relais & Châteaux is really thrilled to strengthen its collaboration with the community of Traveller Made®’s luxury travel designers. Relais & Châteaux and Traveller Made® share indeed a real passion to create memorable experiences for their guests and a real expertise to imagine tailor-made itineraries all around the world. With this partnership, the Relais & Châteaux properties are looking forward to welcoming the Traveller Made clients and making them share their Art de Vivre.”
Arnaud Wielgus, Sales Director
Your Traveller Made® Champion for Relais & Châteaux EMEA and rest of the world (excluding Americas)
Jennifer Beales
Traveller Made Champion – Located in London
Tel: +44 207 808 8764 / Mobile: +44 7833 224566
Email: j.beales@relaischateaux.com
Your Traveller Made® Champion for Relais & Châteaux Americas
Rebecca Gruyer
Traveller Champion Americas – Located in New York City
Tel: 1 (212) 319 4880
Mobile: +1 (415) 702 5359
Email: r.gruyer@relaischateaux.com
Relais & Châteaux Properties Partners of Traveller Made®
North America
USA
The Little Nell
The Surrey New York
Caribbean
Eden Rock – St Barths, St. Barthélemy
South America
Peru
Titilaka Puno, Peru
Europe
United Kingdom
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons Oxford
Switzerland
Villa Principe Leopoldo & Residence Lugano
France
Saint-James Paris, Paris
Hotel La Villa Spa Calvi, Corsica
Château Saint Martin, Vence
Italy
Il Borro Estate San Giustino, Arezzo (Tuscany)
Villa Cora Florence
Cala del Porto Punta Ala (Tuscany)
Hotel Borgo San Felice, San Felice (Tuscany)
Palazzo Seneca, Norcia (Umbria)
Londra Palace, Venice
Hotel & Spa Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano
L’Albereta, Erbusco
Château Monfort, Milan
Hotel Hermitage, Breuill Cervinia
Asia / Oceania
New Zealand
Kauri Cliffs, Kerikeri
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay
Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown
Sri Lanka
Cape Weligama, Weligama
About Relais & Châteaux
Established in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is an association of more than 540 landmark hotels and restaurants operated by independent innkeepers, chefs, and owners who share a passion for their businesses and a desire for authenticity in their relationships with their clientele.
Relais & Châteaux is established around the globe, from the Napa Valley vineyards and French Provence to the beaches of the Indian Ocean. It offers an introduction to a lifestyle inspired by local culture and a unique dip into human history.
Relais & Châteaux members have a driving desire to protect and promote the richness and diversity of the world’s cuisine and traditions of hospitality. They are committed to preserving local heritage and the environment, as encompassed in the Charter presented to UNESCO in November 2014.
About Traveller Made®
Traveller Made® is the network community of luxury travel designers dedicated to providing unique and exclusive bespoke journeys to travellers looking for different and original experiences and requiring skilled and knowledgeable advisors who are fully committed to servicing their needs.
Press contact
pressroom@travellermade.com
PRESS RELEASE : KEMPINSKI HOTELS – A NEW LUXURY TRAVEL NETWORK PARTNER
Traveller Made® the network community of luxury travel designers welcomes
Kempinski Hotels as a New Luxury Travel Network Partner.
Lausanne, Tuesday, 08 March 2016
“As Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, the Kempinski brand has set the standards of refinement and innate European sense of style that have inspired the hospitality industry around the world. With their distinctive identity and flair, Kempinski Hotels have taken their illustrious heritage beyond Europe to new, zestful destinations.
Be they historic or resolutely avant-garde, in any of Kempinski’s world famous luxury landmarks, the discerning guest is sure to find an unerring devotion to service and perfection, and to savour an array of unexpected attentions that make for an eloquent and long remembered hotel experience.
Kempinski Hotels were an awaited addition to the Traveller Made luxury community. We could not be prouder to welcome them in our distinguished hospitality luxury network,” says Quentin Desurmont, President of Traveller Made®
“Traveller Made®’s luxury travel designers share Kempinski Hotels’ approach to guests, a highly personalised service which creates travel experiences according to what the guest wishes. We are delighted with this new luxury network partnership, and look forward to welcoming Traveller Made® Member Agencies’ clients to Kempinski hotels around the world,” says David Sparrow, VP Sales for Kempinski Hotels.
KEMPINSKI HOTELS with Traveller Made® comprise 19 distinctive 5-star properties
Çiragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva
Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich
Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains, St Moritz
Kempinski Hotel Adriatic, Croatia
Kempinski Hotel Ajman, UAE
Kempinski Hotel Bahia, Marbella
Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol, Austria
Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden, Germany
Kempinski Palace Portoroz, Slovenia
Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, Malta
Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna
Siam Kempinski Bangkok
Sunrise Kempinski Hotel Beijing & Yanqi Lake Island Part
Olare Mara Kempinski, Kenya
About Kempinski Hotels
Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now comprises a portfolio of 73 five-star hotels in 31 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts, and prestigious residences. Each one is imbued with the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski, while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotels, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2014.
www.kempinski.com
www.globalhotelalliance.com
About Traveller Made®
Traveller Made® is the network community of luxury travel designers dedicated to providing unique and exclusive bespoke journeys to travellers looking for different and original experiences and requiring skilled and knowledgeable advisors who are fully committed to servicing their needs.
Press contact
Quentin Desurmont
President
Traveller Made®
contact@travellermade.com
PRESS RELEASE : TOURISM NEW ZEALAND A PREFERRED DESTINATION
Traveller Made® the network community of luxury travel designers welcomes
Tourism New Zealand as a new Preferred Destination.
Lausanne, Monday 6 July 2015
“A new milestone has been achieved today by Traveller Made® in welcoming Tourism New Zealand as the first National Tourism Organisation to join its luxury community. New Zealand represents a still uncharted and emblematic destination offering all the luxury travel trends that Traveller Made Member Agencies have defined. New Zealand’s product and world class experiences set within close proximity provide Traveller Made Member Agencies the opportunity to show the extent of their innovation and itinerary creation with a destination that consistently delivers unique and unparalleled journeys for high-end visitors. Tourism New Zealand will be showcasing this extraordinary destination within our network and help Member Agencies meet their clients’ wildest needs,” says Quentin Desurmont, President of Traveller Made®“
“We’re delighted Traveller Made® invited Tourism New Zealand to join as their first National Tourism Organisation working alongside their dedicated network of luxury travel designers. New Zealand is a unique destination and consistently sets the bar for bespoke, luxury and authentic travel. We look forward to a close relationship with Traveller Made Member Agencies and welcoming their clients to experience Aotearoa” commented Danielle Genty-Nott, Regional Manager – UK & Europe, Tourism New Zealand.
About Tourism New Zealand
Tourism New Zealand is the organisation responsible for marketing New Zealand to the world as a tourist destination. The major tool we use to do this is the 100% Pure New Zealand marketing campaign, a campaign that has evolved over the past 16 years to make New Zealand one of the world’s most well-respected tourism brands.
About Traveller Made®
Traveller Made® is the network community of luxury travel designers dedicated to providing unique and exclusive bespoke journeys to travellers looking for different and original experiences and requiring skilled and knowledgeable advisors who are fully committed to servicing their needs.
Press contact
Quentin Desurmont
President
Traveller Made®
contact@travellermade.com
TRAVELLER MADE® WELCOMES LUXPERIENCE AS A NEW PARTNER
Traveller Made®, and Luxperience announce a strategic partnership
Traveller Made®, the elite community of luxury travel designers, wishes to announce a strategic partnership with LUXPERIENCE, the high-end travel business exchange taking place in Sydney, Australia from 6 to 9 September this year.
The alignment of these two professional luxury travel industry specialists will bring together some of the best bespoke travel designers of the world – including members of the Traveller Made® community – with the some of the most unique experiences from around the world participating at LUXPERIENCE.
LUXPERIENCE prides itself on its rigorous qualification process ensuring the best in the business is attending. This year’s event is welcoming an increased number of buyer delegates, with 70 per cent of these national and international buyers being first-timers to Luxperience.
“Traveller Made® is pleased to partner with LUXPERIENCE. The Asia and Australasia regions are pillars for the creation of fantastic experiential travel designs. One aim of our Member Agents is to improve the value delivery while at the same time capture the passion of experience to the limits. A luxury trade event within the Australasia region of global standards, offers all possible activities to match with the refined travellers’ needs,” commented Quentin Desurmont, President of Traveller Made®.
“LUXPERIENCE is an invitation only event and we are careful to select the right travel advisors to meet with product providers from all over the world that match their clients’ requirements. Traveller Made® agents fit the bill perfectly,” reported Michelle Papas, Director of Marketing and Buyer Relations of Luxperience. “Our community of travel designers is at the forefront of providing exclusive and unique journeys and always keeping up-to-date with what’s new in the elite travel arena which Luxperience provides.”
Traveller Made® has a prodigious presence in Europe and this year’s Luxperience event will welcome a number of its members from that region.
“High net worth individuals are concerned with value and one of the ways the Traveller Made® delegates can provide value is by participating personally in LUXPERIENCE and gaining enhanced knowledge of the latest travel trends and experiences,” continued Ms Papas.
About Luxperience
LUXPERIENCE is more than a trade show, providing an exclusive, innovative global business exchange connecting experiential and discerning travel products directly to their market in a creative and inspirational exchange. It connects and nurtures relationships between highly sought-after luxury experiences and service providers who influence the travel decision of the world’s elite travellers.
The only forum of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, Luxperience helps to identify and drive trends in the luxury and experiential travel sector, and in turn attracts highly desirable, difficult to reach clients. True to its name, it’s not just a trade show; it’s an immersive luxurious experience, driven by a highly experienced team, resulting in real business for its clients.
Adding another dimension to the event and created specifically for the meeting and events market is Events by Luxperience, a tailored program for MICE buyers and suppliers attending Luxperience.
6-9 September 2015; Sydney, Australia
www.luxperience.com.au
About Traveller Made®
Traveller Made® is the network community of luxury travel designers dedicated to providing unique and exclusive bespoke journeys to travellers looking for different and original experiences and requiring skilled and knowledgeable advisors who are fully committed to servicing their needs.
www.travellermade.com
Press contact
Quentin Desurmont
President
Traveller Made®
press@travellermade.com
TRAVELLER MADE® WELCOMES BAGLIONI HOTEL AS A NEW PARTNER
Traveller Made® , the network community of luxury travel designers, is announcing today a partnership with the five-star luxury hotel brand, BAGLIONI HOTELS.
“There are so many ways to discover Italy, and there is one that bears the unmistakable Baglioni touch. It is a very subtle blend of style, traditions, natural courtliness and a “feel at home” atmosphere that make for an unforgettable life experience. Luxury and elegance are in every detail, where Italian heritage and new trends meet seamlessly.
Bagloni Hotels have now joined Traveller made with their founding property Cala del Porto, in Punta Ala, Tuscany; the Relais Santa Croce in Florence and the Regina Hotel Baglioni in Rome – three tributes to the Italian taste, at all levels and every area of exquisite hospitality.
We can only rejoice that Baglioni Hotels have joined our community, for there is no better mutual fit for our standards and ambitions”, says Quentin Desurmont, President of Traveller Made®.
“Our daily pursuit for excellence leads us to guarantee to our valued guests the best service providing unforgettable experiences, thanks also to our relevant partners who share with us the passion for excellence. We are extremely excited of this new joint venture partnership and will be honoured to welcome to our luxury Collection Traveller Made’ s guests to make them feel the unforgettable Italian touch” – said Guido Polito, Baglioni Hotels CEO.
Regina Hotel Baglioni, Rome – Roman Penthouse living
Relais Santa Croce, Florence – De Pepi Suite
Hotel Cala del Porto, Punta Ala – Beach Pool
BAGLIONI HOTELS Traveller Made Partners comprises:
• Relais Santa Croce, Florence
• Regina Hotel Baglioni, Rome
• Hotel Cala del Porto, Punta Ala
About BAGLIONI HOTELS
Celebrating 41 years of unforgettable Italian hospitality, Baglioni Hotels Group has developed a collection of exclusive hotels and a resort, most of which are situated in Italy’s main cities and historical palazzo. Each Baglioni Hotel has its own unique Italian spirit, because it reflects its own individual location and become a point of reference, a place where art, culture and fashion combine.
www.baglionihotels.com
About Traveller Made®
Traveller Made® is the network community of luxury travel designers dedicated to providing unique and exclusive bespoke journeys to travellers looking for different and original experiences and requiring skilled and knowledgeable advisors who are fully committed to servicing their needs.
www.travellermade.com
Press contact
Quentin Desurmont
President
Traveller Made®
press@travellermade.com
TRAVELLER MADE® WELCOMES MAYBOURNE HOTEL GROUP AS A NEW PARTNER
Traveller Made®, the network community of luxury travel designers, is announcing today a partnership with the five star luxury hotel brand, MAYBOURNE HOTEL GROUP.
“Maybourne Hotel Group is proudly committed to inspiring extraordinary experiences that reflect the individual nature of its hotels, guests and staff. This makes working with Traveller Made’s community of Travel Designers who are dedicated to providing unique and bespoke journeys for discerning travellers, a very natural choice and the experience of its skilled advisors will be invaluable to our three distinguished hotels – Claridge’s, the Connaught and the Berkeley. We look forward to embarking on this successful partnership.”
Natalie Kjellstrom, Director of Sales Worldwide, Maybourne Hotel Group
Opus Suite at the Berkeley
Connaught exterior
MAYBOURNE HOTEL GROUP comprises three distinctive 5-star properties:
Claridge’s
The Connaught
The Berkeley
About MAYBOURNE HOTEL GROUP
Maybourne Hotel Group owns and manages Claridge’s, the Connaught and the Berkeley, three of the world’s most legendary luxury hotels, located in the heart of London. Maybourne Hotel Group is committed to inspiring extraordinary experiences that reflect the individual nature of its hotels, its guests and its staff whilst maintaining a timelessness and intuitive service style that are the hallmarks of its properties.
About Traveller Made®
Traveller Made® is the network community of luxury travel designers dedicated to providing unique and exclusive bespoke journeys to travellers looking for different and original experiences and requiring skilled and knowledgeable advisors who are fully committed to servicing their needs.
www.travellermade.com
Press contact
Quentin Desurmont
President
Traveller Made®
quentin@travellermade.com
TRAVELLER MADE® WELCOMES AMAN RESORTS AS A NEW PARTNER
Traveller Made® announces new partnership with AMANRESORTS.
Traveller Made®, the network community of luxury travel designers, is announcing today a partnership with the five-star luxury hotel brand, AMANRESORTS.
“Ever since their first appearance in the luxury travel landscape in 1988, Aman became a reference in lifestyle guest experience. Steeped in intimacy and discretion, with a real genius for location, the startling collection of properties set a new philosophy, a new scenery, a new expression to luxury travel and to high-end travellers’ expectations. From Asia to the United-States via Europe, Aman has become a way of thinking, and with every new property, they have created the cultural milieu and outstanding service for their guests to do it in. The group has therefore garnered an incredible following from the refined traveller. And now, at a time when working more closely with the high-end trade becomes critical, Aman has decided to join Traveller Made. We could not be more proud to welcome in our midst such an inspiring model of luxurious serenity,” says Quentin Desurmont, President of Traveller Made®.
“Aman is a collection of intimate retreats offering privacy, exclusivity and impeccable personal service and we are therefore delighted to announce our partnership with Traveller Made. Together, with our new Sales team, we look forward to working closely with their member agencies and to welcoming their distinguished well-travelled clients in to the world of Aman.” said Christina Deeny, Group Head of Global Sales, Aman Resorts.
Amangiri, Utah, USA – Aerial View
Amanzoe, Greece – Central Terrace
About Aman Resort
Aman is a collection of intimate retreats offering privacy, exclusivity and impeccable personal service. Each hotel is set in a dramatic location with a harmonious integration to its surroundings. Named for the Sanskrit word for peace, Aman creates truly memorable experiences, offering guests a chance to delve into a lifestyle experience without limitations. Since the first property, Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand, Aman has grown to encompass 28 resorts in 19 countries.
www.amanresorts.com
About Traveller Made®
Traveller Made® is the network community of luxury travel designers dedicated to providing unique and exclusive bespoke journeys to travellers looking for different and original experiences and requiring skilled and knowledgeable advisors who are fully committed to servicing their needs.
www.travellermade.com
Press contact
Quentin Desurmont
President
Traveller Made®
quentin@travellermade.com
Traveller Made® Welcomes Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts as Newest Luxury Partners
LONDON – 13 October 2014 – Traveller Made®, the European network community of luxury travel designers, is announcing today their partnership with Hilton Worldwide’s luxury hotel brands Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts. Waldorf Astoria and Conrad properties join a variety of key travel partners in our network comprised of branded and independent luxury properties.
« Traveller Made is the first community of its kind in Europe, and we’re delighted to partner with two of the best luxury hotel brands in the market,” said Quentin Desurmont, president, Traveller Made®. “Traveller Made’s networked travel designers are committed to providing clients with bespoke experiences which will enhance their stays with Waldorf Astoria and Conrad.”
“As global luxury travelers’ preferences and needs continue to evolve, so do the partnerships our Waldorf Astoria and Conrad brands establish,” said Stuart Foster, vice president, Luxury Brands, Hilton Worldwide. “Our guests expect tailor-made and customized experiences, and we look forward to further exceeding their expectations through this partnership with Traveller Made.”
For more information about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.waldorfastoria.com or http://news.waldorfastoria.com. For more information about Conrad Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.conradhotels.com or http://news.conradhotels.com.
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About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is a portfolio of 28 landmark destinations, each being a true reflection of their surroundings in the world’s most sought after locations. Unified by their inspirational environments and unparalleled guest service, Waldorf Astoria creates unforgettable moments through the delivery of True Waldorf Service. Personal Concierges deliver unparalleled, bespoke service from the moment a guest books through check out. Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton Worldwide, a leading global hospitality company. Experience Waldorf Astoria by booking at www.waldorfastoria.com or www.waldorfastoria.com/offers. Learn more about this expanding portfolio by visiting http://news.waldorfastoria.com.
About Conrad Hotels & Resorts
Conrad Hotels & Resorts is the destination for the new generation of smart luxury travellers, for whom life, business, and pleasure seamlessly intersect. A global luxury brand of 24 properties across five continents, Conrad connects guests to people and places around the corner or halfway around the world. Intuitive service is delivered through the Conrad Concierge mobile app that puts all hotel services and amenities at the guest’s fingertips. Conrad is part of Hilton Worldwide, a leading global hospitality company. Connect with Conrad by booking at www.conradhotels.com or www.conradhotels.com/offers. Learn more about this inspiring portfolio by visiting http://news.conradhotels.com.
About Traveller Made®
Traveller Made® is the network community of luxury travel designers dedicated to providing unique and exclusive bespoke journeys to travellers looking for different and original experiences and requiring skilled and knowledgeable advisors who are fully committed to servicing their needs.
Traveller Made® Welcomes CAPELLA Hotels and Resorts as a new partner
Traveller Made® announces new partnership with CAPELLA Hotels and Resorts.
Traveller Made®, the community network of luxury travel designers, is announcing today a partnership with the luxury hotel brand, CAPELLA Hotels and Resorts.
CAPELLA Hotels and Resorts joins a variety of key travel Partners in our network such as The Oetker Collection, Raffles Fairmont Hotels International, Peninsula, Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental, Belmond, Four Seasons, Taj, Hyatt, Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Alila, La Réserve, Fasano and a collection of independent luxury properties.
“In trendy urban centres as in sun-drenched hideaways, CAPELLA Hotels and Resorts have created exclusive spaces of incomparable luxury and intimacy. At CAPELLA Hotels and Resorts, from the outside in, architecture, design, service, cuisine and all that pertains to the most exacting standards in high-end hospitality greet top-tier travellers in warmth, elegance and dedication to their every desire. Whether they alight at the Breidenbacher Hof, a Capella Hotel in Düsseldorf, at Capella Washington DC or Capella Singapore, they will experience three destinations, three atmospheres, but one spirit of excellence and sense of place. We are delighted to welcome CAPELLA Hotels and Resorts and their own ideal of luxury among our distinguished Hotel Partners”, says Quentin Desurmont, President of Traveller Made®.
Traveller Made® is intent upon increasing public awareness of the 100 plus luxury travel designers who specialize in unique, tailor-made travel experiences for ultra-wealthy individuals.
“We are excited and proud to be entering into our partnership with Traveller Made. Capella Hotels and Resorts is committed to providing our signature warm and caring hospitality along with personalized and individualized travel experiences to the Traveller Made Community. Just as Capella’s celestial namesake is a double-star, so the Capella brand represents the dual relationship and intimacy between the most luxurious hotels in the world and our esteemed travel partners and guests,” said Mr Kit Pappas, Executive Vice President, CAPELLA Hotel Group.
About CAPELLA Hotels and Resorts
At a CAPELLA ultra-luxury resort or hotel, our consummate staff will deliver service that has no equal. Your every predilection will be noted and gratified, and your personal privacy in our luxury hotel suites are given the utmost respect. And because you will be in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations, from European cities and exclusive retreats in Asia to Mexican beaches, opportunities for exploration.
www.capellahotels.com
About Traveller Made®
Traveller Made® is the European network community of luxury travel designers dedicated to providing unique and exclusive bespoke journeys to travellers looking for different and original experiences and requiring skilled and knowledgeable advisors who are fully committed to servicing their needs.
Press contact
Quentin Desurmont
President
Traveller Made®
+41 79 818 53 19
quentin@travellermade.com
Traveller Made® is going global!
We are delighted to announce that Traveller Made’s network community of luxury travel designers is expanding worldwide.
One year after announcing, on 29th September 2013, its first 40 Member Agencies in Europe, Traveller Made® has achieved today its stated goal of welcoming 100 high-end Member Agencies across 24 European Countries.
“During this first year, non-European travel designers as well as Hotel and DMC Partners have been spurring us to go global”, reported Quentin Desurmont, President of Traveller Made®. “And since our enterprise was initially focused on the European market, we had to seriously weigh this new possibility. Then, 2 months ago we decided that going global now made perfect sense and was fully in line with our initial objectives. In fact, this move was essential in providing increasing benefits for all our Member Agencies and Partners.”
Several reasons supported the decision for Traveller Made® to go global:
– The expansion of luxury travel designer “boutiques” dedicated to providing excellence in travel services to the ultra-wealthy families had initially been identified as being a European trend. However, it soon appeared to be a fast growing international phenomenon, even in very mature regions.
– Going global in our industry is not anymore like a space conquest; we are in the 21st century. We are all making business globally already, and quite easily so.
– Critical mass, in a network like Traveller Made®, is essential to the success of its community. To satisfy Partners’ growth we must be able to bring in strong and successful Members. But as we strive for authentic luxury, we cannot think of going down market. Expanding global is therefore the only and natural answer to mutual growth.
– The timing is appropriate. One of our objectives is to improve best practices.
The goal and purpose of a network like Traveller Made® is to help elevate all its Members and Partners to new ways of working together, so as to deliver more service and value to their clients and guests. This process happening in progressive leaps, it makes sense to regroup a majority of luxury travel designers at an early stage to make sure no mature region gets left behind.
– We love diversity. Bringing Europeans together is complicated, but it makes us attuned to culture diversity and love the quest for efficient common denominators toward a common end. Our initial results have demonstrated this ability.
Of course, the world is a bigger undertaking than Europe, but it is a challenge we embrace with an insatiable desire, backed by empathy and proven taste for cooperation.
If you are a true Luxury Travel Designer, creating pure luxury travel experiences for ultra-wealthy clients in your country, and if you would love to join the new global luxury travel family, wherever you are located in the world, on all continents, then call us, there is a place for you with us!
Traveller Made® has already registered Member Agencies outside of Europe. They will gradually appear on our website in the coming weeks.
About Traveller Made®
Traveller Made® is the network community of luxury travel designers dedicated to providing unique and exclusive bespoke journeys to travellers looking for different and original experiences and requiring skilled and knowledgeable advisors who are fully committed to servicing their needs.
Contact:
Membership@travellermade.com
Traveller Made® Welcomes ALILA Hotels and Resorts as a new partner
Traveller Made® announces new partnership with ALILA Hotels and Resorts.
Traveller Made®, the community network of luxury travel designers, is announcing today a partnership with the luxury hotel brand, ALILA Hotels and Resorts.
ALILA Hotels and Resorts joins a variety of key travel Partners in our network such as Oetker Collection, Raffles Fairmont Hotels International, Peninsula, Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Belmond, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Taj, La Réserve, Fasano , Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and a collection of independent luxury properties.
“With only a handful of properties, ALILA Hotels and Resorts have created a unique lifestyle concept that speaks as much to the eye as to the mind. True to their Sankrit name, ALILA Hotels and Resorts induce surprise and true elation upon a guest’s arrival. Spectacular environment flows into creative living spaces and light-as-air architecture. With two Balinese enchanting boutique havens, one luscious Phinisi sailing ship, and an awesome desert hideaway in Oman, ALILA Hotels and Resorts bring to Traveller Made a whole new insight into the world of luxury and hotel experience. We are thrilled to add their vision to that of our other distinguished Hotel Partners,” says Quentin Desurmont, President of Traveller Made®.
Traveller Made® is intent upon increasing public awareness of the 100 plus luxury travel designers who specialize in unique, tailor-made travel experiences for ultra-wealthy individuals.
“As a leading Asian lifestyle hotel company, joining Traveller Made was strategic step for our company. We have all the wished for qualities and they offer a wealth of experiences to appeal to very demanding, pure tailor-made Travel Designers Members of Traveller Made® and their ultra-high net worth clients. We are very proud to join this long anticipated European Travel Network” said Taufik Rachman, Regional Director of Sales, Alila Hotels and Resorts.
ALILA Hotels and Resorts, comprises 4 distinctive 5-star properties:
– Alila Villas Uluwatu
– Alila Villas Soori
– Alila Purnama
– Alila Jabal Akhdar
About Alila Hotels and Resorts
Alila manages unique city hotels and resorts in India and the Asia Pacific region. The hallmark of Alila is stylish, relaxing environments and superb hospitality that creates a unique guest experience, continuously redefined to reflect the very best of a contemporary lifestyle.
The name Alila comes from Sanskrit meaning « surprise » which suitably describes the refreshing character of our properties and the reaction of our guests upon arrival and throughout their stay with us. To stay at any of Alila’s hotels or resorts is to embark on a memorable journey into the local culture for a total destination experience. Whatever your personal interests are, a myriad of new experiences await your discovery. Whether learning to recreate the flavours of the local cuisine, enhancing your well-being through ancient healing arts, or tasting the thrill of adventure sports, you’ll find life at Alila an inspiration. www.alilahotels.com
About Traveller Made®
Traveller Made® is the network community of luxury travel designers dedicated to providing unique and exclusive bespoke journeys to travellers looking for different and original experiences and requiring skilled and knowledgeable advisors who are fully committed to servicing their needs.
Press contact
Quentin Desurmont
President
Traveller Made®
+41 79 818 53 19
quentin@travellermade.com
TRAVELLER MADE® WELCOMES HYATT HOTELS AND RESORTS AS A PREFERRED HOTEL GROUP
Traveller Made announces collaboration to deliver unique, differentiated luxury experience to clientele.
Traveller Made®, the European network community of luxury travel designers, has announced today a collaboration with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts to help provide travellers with even more unique, exclusive and luxurious travel experiences. The company joins a variety of other key travel partners in the Traveller Made network, including The Oetker Collection, Raffles Fairmont Hotels International, The Peninsula Hotels, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, La Réserve, Fasano, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Belmond, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Taj, Waldorf Astoria, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, and a collection of independent luxury properties.
“For more than 50 years, Hyatt has been one of the hospitality industry’s leading companies with world famous luxury brands that provide very special and memorable experiences, which is exactly what Traveller Made is eager to create for travellers around the world,” said Quentin Desurmont, President of Traveller Made. “With luxury and lifestyle brands like Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt and Andaz, we know that travellers will appreciate each brand’s culturally relevant locale, rich character, culinary expertise, luxury interiors and art, and so much more. We are thrilled to be welcoming Hyatt into our Traveller Made network and we know that our skilled and knowledgeable advisors will truly enjoy providing Hyatt experiences to our clients.”
Traveller Made® is intent upon increasing public awareness of the 100 plus luxury travel designers within the Traveller Made network who specialize in unique, tailor-made travel experiences for ultra-wealthy individuals.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Traveller Made and to support Europe’s leading luxury travel designers in curating rich travel experiences for their affluent customers and clientele,” said Tristan Dowell, Vice President of Luxury & Consortia for Hyatt. “There are unique synergies between Hyatt and Traveller Made, and we look forward to showcasing to their clientele the sincere, unique hospitality that is delivered through our luxury brands around the world. The European travel market is an important one for us, and we are excited to team up with Traveller Made to show this critical group of travellers all that Hyatt has to offer in the luxury segment.”
The term « Hyatt » is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.
About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The Company’s subsidiaries manage, franchise, own and develop hotels and resorts under the Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Andaz®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Zilara™ and Hyatt Ziva™ brand names and have locations on six continents. Hyatt Residential Group, Inc., a Hyatt Hotels Corporation subsidiary, develops, operates, markets or licenses Hyatt Residences® and Hyatt Residence Club®. As of June 30, 2014, the Company’s worldwide portfolio consisted of 563 properties in 48 countries. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.
About Traveller Made®
Traveller Made® is the network community of luxury travel designers dedicated to providing unique and exclusive bespoke journeys to travellers looking for different and original experiences and requiring skilled and knowledgeable advisors who are fully committed to servicing their needs.
Press contact
Quentin Desurmont
President
Traveller Made®
+41 79 818 53 19
quentin@travellermade.com
Introducing ‘awayfromitall’ (VIDEO)
‘awayfromitall’ creates one-of-a-kind, active travel experiences! We are not talking ordinary ski-, bike- or hiking trips, nothing off the peg and definetely nothing you could get in any given travel agency! We are talking about something special: Because the one who is really designing these trips… is YOU!
Our travel-experiences are ‘hand-crafted’. We take care of all the things and details, big or small, and make sure that your vacation time comes down to that one crucial requirement: ‘Having fun!’
We are no city dwellers and we can’t tell you anything about the nicest beaches on this planet. We believe in the added value of active experiences! The places we pick can be both: deliciously simple or ridiculously expensive. It’s the balance that makes the difference!
If you feel that this is not enough: We have company for you! With ‘awaywiththechamps’ we offer you the opportunity to travel with former world-class athletes, Olympic Champions and World Cup Winners!
Your ideas go much further? Our proposals are just a ‘little bit to much’ for you? You would like to skip some of the ingredients and add some others?
No problem! We are very flexible and a trip that has not been changed in a million details occurs as often as an ice bear in the desert. If it’s not prohibited, we’ll do it…! Challenge us!
For more information, please contact us at info@awayfromitall.de or call us at +49.9251.4373136.
awayfromitall – we create memories!
THE PENINSULA PARIS – AN INTRODUCTION
To be unveiled on 1 August 2014,
The Peninsula Hotels makes its grand entrance into Europe with The Peninsula Paris, setting spectacular new standards in design, luxury and comfort. The century-old classic building has been meticulously restored and modernised to create the latest example of Peninsula excellence.
Watch the making-of video of The Peninsula Paris
Exquisitely restored spaces are complemented by contemporary art installations, furnishings and technology.
Dazzling rooftop spaces and private terrace gardens offer 360° views and glamorous extras that make The Peninsula Paris a decidedly 21st century palace.
As with all Peninsula Hotels, location is of prime importance and Paris is no exception. Just steps away from the Arc de Triomphe and Avenue des Champs Elysées, at 19 Avenue Kléber, in the heart of the elegant 16th arrondissement, The Peninsula sits close to some of the world’s most famous monuments, museums and luxury shopping districts.
As one of the world’s oldest hospitality brands with a heritage dating back to 1866, The Peninsula Hotels seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, and unique Peninsula signatures — including the traditional Peninsula Afternoon Tea served in The Lobby, the pageboys, the Chinese door lion statues and the distinctive Rolls-Royce fleet, all underpinned by the supreme quality service for which The Peninsula Hotels is known — will be recreated in Paris.
With its spectacular terraces, gardens and skyline views, The Peninsula offers the finest accommodation, dining and service, standing majestically at the very heart of the city in a quintessentially Parisian location.
Restoration and Renovation
With interiors designed by The Peninsula Hotels’ in-house team, Henry Leung of Hong Kong-based Chhada Siembieda Leung, and the architectural restoration spearheaded by Richard Martinet of Affine architecture & interior design, the building has been painstakingly restored by some of France’s most revered family firms, dating back generations and used to working on heritage projects such as the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles, utilising traditional techniques in use for hundreds of years.
Preserving the heritage, authenticity and the spirit of the building, being a major concern, together with the expansive volumes of the original rooms and public areas, earliest elements long gone or badly damaged were recreated following extensive research, and the décor dating back to 1908 reinstated in all its glory. Marble, stucco, mosaics, roof and wall tiles, wood carvings, stone work, gold leafing, paintings and a myriad of other décor features have been lovingly preserved and restored by these teams of French master craftsmen.
Guestrooms and Suites
Rising six storeys above Avenue Kléber, The Peninsula houses 200 luxurious rooms, including 34 sumptuous suites, five of which featuring their own private rooftop gardens with spectacular views over Paris.
Traveller Made® announces new partnership with FASANO hotels collection.
Traveller Made®, the European network community of luxury travel designers, is announcing today a partnership with the luxury hotel brand, FASANO. FASANO joins a variety of key travel Partners in our network such as Oetker Collection, Raffles Fairmont Hotels International, The Peninsula Hotels, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Belmond, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Taj, La Réserve and a collection of independent luxury properties.
“With four properties only, Fasano hotels have set a standard in Brazil and Uruguay that is not easy to follow. Fasano Rio de Janeiro evokes the great hours of cool jazz and pulsing rhythms in a Starck-like transparency; Fasano Sao Paolo, utterly chic with mid-thirties sensual lines; Fasano Boa Vista and Fasano Punta del Este, each a daring combination of wilderness ― if not wildness ― and incredible glamour. To say nothing of their famed gastronomic tradition. The Fasano collection triumphs in fusing raw material and gleaming spaces, long gone atmospheres with here and now refinement, zesty trends and exquisite flavours, all with an unexceptionable sense for service and style. We are honoured to welcome Fasano hotels, world famous 5 star sanctums for the sophisticated guests from the unending temptations of the Brazilian scene,” says Quentin Desurmont, President of Traveller Made®.
Traveller Made® is intent upon increasing public awareness of the 100 plus luxury travel designers who specialize in unique, tailor-made travel experiences for ultra-wealthy individuals.
“Bearing a legacy deeply rooted in superior gastronomy, the Fasano family furthered its commitment to high-end hospitality and service through their collection of iconic hotels.
With the lightning development of luxury travel in Brazil and the level of excellence we have achieved as much with our four properties as with our restaurants, joining Traveller Made was an evident step for the FASANO hotels. They have all the wished for qualities and offer a wealth of experiences to appeal to very demanding, pure tailor-made Travel Designers Members of Traveller Made® and their ultra-high net worth clients. We are very proud to join this long anticipated European Travel Network” said Dominique Ladet, Corporate Director of Sales, Marketing, & Communication, FASANO Hotels & Restaurants.
FASANO, comprises 4 distinctive 5-star properties:
– Fasano Rio de Janeiro
– Fasano Sao Paolo
– Fasano Boa Vista
– Fasano Punta Del Este
See more at: http://www.fasano.com.br/hotelaria
Press contact
Quentin Desurmont
President
Traveller Made®
quentin@travellermade.com
Newly Launched Belmond Invites Guests to Discover a World of Legendary Travel Experiences
10th March 2014
Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. today reveals its new brand identity, Belmond, ushering the company into an exciting new era by unifying its diverse collection of luxury hotels and travel adventures.
Building on a legacy dating back to 1976, Belmond embraces the diversity and breadth of this exclusive portfolio, allowing guests to better identify between hotels, trains, safaris and river cruises while enticing them to explore the wider collection. Derived from the Latin for ‘beautiful ‘ and ‘world’, Belmond represents a continued commitment to creating authentic travel experiences spanning city landmarks, intimate resorts and unique travel adventures.
Providing discerning travellers with exceptional service, unforgettable memories, surprising adventures and a sense of the unique remains integral to the spirit of Belmond. Many of the collection sit beside the globe’s most celebrated sights – Belmond Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu, Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel by Table Mountain in Cape Town and Belmond Hotel das Cataratas next to Brazil’s Iguassu Falls – and Belmond continues to showcase the individuality of each of its offerings while aligning them with the broader spectrum, maximising appeal to guests continuing on their journey of discovery.
Belmond is passionate about helping guests explore each vibrant destination to the fullest, offering an array of one-of-a-kind experiences from a hot air balloon over the pagodas of Bagan to a Shaman marriage blessing by Machu Picchu or a private tasting of Burgundy’s 33 Grand Crus.
The launch of Belmond includes a stylish new website, BELMOND.COM, which aligns the collection with the new brand name and has been designed to appeal to both travellers seeking inspiration and those who already have a clear idea of their travel needs. Social media handles have also been updated to showcase the new brand across all channels, including @Belmond and the hashtag #DiscoverBelmond on Twitter. The Belmond logo features throughout the collection and includes an orbit motif, which is aptly based on mathematical principles dating back to early quests for discovery.
Established in 1976, the brand began with the iconic Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice followed by the fabled Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Nearly 40 years on, the curated collection now encompasses 45 luxury hotels and travel experiences in some of the world’s most celebrated destinations.
About Belmond
Owned and operated by Orient-Express Hotels Ltd., Belmond is a global collection of exceptional hotel and luxury travel adventures in some of the world’s most inspiring and enriching destinations. Established over 30 years ago with the acquisition of Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice, its unique and distinctive portfolio now embraces 45 hotel, rail and river cruise experiences in many of the world’s most celebrated destinations. From city landmarks to intimate resorts, the collection includes Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg; Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya; and Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara. Belmond also encompasses safaris, six luxury tourist trains including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and three river cruises. Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. also operates ‘21’, one of New York’s most storied restaurants. BELMOND.COM
Traveller Made® Welcomes La Réserve, Michel Reybier Hospitality, as a new partner
Traveller Made® announces new partnership with Michel Reybier Hospitality
Save the date
Traveller Made® 1st Luxury Travel Connection Forum
Montreux 25th February – 1st March 2015
Athens, Saturday 5th April 2014, Hotel Grande Bretagne
Traveller Made® announced that its 1st “Luxury Travel Connection Forum” will take place in Montreux, Switzerland, in 2015 from Wednesday 25th February to Sunday 1st March.
Members’ Reunion Report 5 April 2014
European luxury travel designers shaping their future together
For the first time since its creation on April 2013, Traveller Made® invited its Member Agencies for a best practice workshop in Athens on Saturday 5th of April.
The Presidents’ Club
Traveller Made®
The Presidents’ Club
Luxury Society, The Global Partnership, McKinsey and Cartier have been invited to share their knowledge about the ultra-wealthy:
Who are they, how to find and reach them?
Monaco, the Fairmont Monte-Carlo, Sunday 01 December 2013
For nearly 10 years now, all luxury travel industry players have been waiting for this to happen. Convinced by the tremendous success of American Consortia, several industry players regularly said “the initiation of a European Consortium is overdue”.
Traveller Made®, the European consortium was created one year ago and has just gathered in Monaco “La crème de la crème” of the best European travel designers with their most respected luxury partners in the hospitality industry and their incoming travel partners.
Traveller Made®, the new seal of quality of European travel designers.
A brand new initiative in Europe
60 European Agencies among the best travel designers from 20 European countries have signed up to Traveller Made® membership in the last 12 months.
“These Agencies were initially recommended by a group of renowned luxury hotels and a few of the best incoming agencies at the long haul. They match our manifesto built on 3 pillars: 1-On-demand tailor made travel creation, 2-capacity to handle ultra-high net worth travellers and 3-an obsession for service” says Quentin Desurmont, President of Traveller Made®.
Once they are invited to apply, the selected agencies have to fill in a detailed application form explaining their methods of designing luxury tailor made journeys, revenue growth and strategic vision to ensure they fit into this elite selection.
In parallel, Traveller Made® has started to create an ecosystem with their best travel partners. 161 hotels amongst the finest in the world have already signed up (see on www.travellermade.com), so have 22 of the most experienced incoming agencies.
“All our Member Agencies are guaranteed to be considered by the luxury travel industry as the best players in Europe. They can have access to any hotel general manager over the phone to make sure their clients will be treated as super VIPs” says Quentin Desurmont.
A fast changing European market
The emergence of luxury and bespoke travel designers in Europe happened in the last 5 to 10 years. They have offered an appropriate response to the growing needs of the ultra-high net worth travellers (families owning more than USD 50M in net assets). For a period, when most of the innovation came from low cost travel and major online distribution, a handful of travel designers have understood that the big European middle market pre-packaged-producers-on-catalogue had no intention whatsoever to adapt their processes to the demanding desires of the ultra-wealthy.
However, despite the tremendous capacity of these young travel designers to deliver quality resulting in strong satisfaction and therefore loyalty, their ability to create awareness is limited by their size and by the difficulty for any brand to find and reach the super wealthy.
The end of a massive confusion in finding appropriate travel professionals
Added to this difficulty in creating awareness is the inability of internet search engines to give the right answer to somebody looking for luxury and tailor-made travel creation.
In France, on any search engine, such as “voyage sur mesure” (meaning bespoke):
More than 70% of results in adwords or SEO on the first page are companies supposedly unwilling by strategy to produce pure on-demand tailor-made journeys. And more than that, none of the companies listed have ever been recommended by our pre-selection committees. They are certainly nice companies and good brands, but they just consider the bespoke word as a strong marketing concept, not as a word with real production significance.
Words have meaning. The ultra-wealthy know it, and they are upset by this lack of meaning behind words.
“Now with the Traveller Made® seal of quality, wealthy people know who are the real bespoke travel designers in Europe able and eager to put all their energy and experience to providing them with the appropriate service, and the most amazing travel experiences,” says Quentin Desurmont.
This list of the best travel designers in Europe is not final, it will enlist more agencies. A potential of 150 to 200 companies have been established by experts all over Europe.
The Presidents’ Club 1st edition
For the first time, 131 members and partners gathered as members of a same family, the European family of luxury travel design. This event happened in at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo and was concluded by a dinner-cocktail in the Salle Empire at the Hotel de Paris.
Quentin Desurmont, President of Traveller Made® presented the brand’s 3 ambitions based, according to him, on his 3 obsessions as a Travel Designer:
– How can our brands find and reach more ultra-wealthy travellers?
– How can we improve best practices sharing with all our partners in the luxury travel industry to better satisfy our clients?
– How can we create and capture more value in an internet era that created perfect market conditions everywhere leading to smaller and smaller profit margins?
Also, Quentin Desurmont shared his vision on how different luxury goods are from luxury services, especially travel services, and the meaning of these differences in terms of business impact. This is essential, as very often when we mention luxury, most people associate luxury brands to luxury goods.
Tangibility
Luxury Travel is a very intangible experience. It is more difficult to show, represent and sell than a Luxury Good that is very tangible and can be photographed, touched and even tried.
Life value
Luxury Travel is ephemeral. When it is finished, it has physically disappeared. A Luxury Good is everlasting and can be transmitted to the next generation. However, a Luxury Good is everlasting, but will end up in a safe. Luxury Travel will stay in one’s mind and heart for life.
Satisfaction
Luxury Travel is very often about shared human experiences with the loved ones. A Luxury Good is in most cases a very personal treat.
Use
Luxury Travel often relates to secret retreats, historical discoveries, meaning and feelings. A Luxury Good often refers to beauty enhancement and powerful seduction.
Time Value
Luxury Good consumers “zap” from novelty to novelty. Luxury Travel consumers become addicted to their consultant’s advice and dedication.
Communication
Luxury Goods generally communicate on emotions and desirability. Luxury Travel is the emotion in itself, therefore it often addresses the rationale side of perfect execution.
So what if luxury goods met with luxury travel experiences?
The day hinged on 3 moments. A conference in the morning with renowned speakers, a forum in the afternoon where every member could meet with every partner, and a lunch and a dinner-cocktail in 2 of the most amazing rooms in Monaco: The Crystal Room at The Fairmont and The Salle Empire at The Hotel de Paris (SBM).
What are the latest trends in the luxury Industry?
Sophie DORAN is the editor-in-chief of Luxury Society, an online news and analysis resource and B2B professional networking community that unites all sectors of the luxury industry. Luxury Society aims to inform and connect its 30,000+ members, by facilitating a forum for debate, collaboration and the creation of outstanding business opportunities.
www.luxurysociety.com
“Luxury is now for the masses and the classes, according to François-Henri Pinault” revealed Sophie. An increasing number of luxury brands have become more and more accessible, achieving as much awareness as consumer brands like Coca Cola, Amazon and Facebook.
Barriers to accessing luxury are increasingly removed by the Internet, whether it be flash discount sites for luxury goods or access to discounted 5* star hotel rooms. Increasingly luxury brands are also rolling out mass customisation options – previously reserved for the super-rich – to the masses, who now expect personalised products & services. As a result the ultra-wealthy want even more extraordinary luxury goods and experiences, and more than ever, expect the impossible.
“In the information age, customers no longer buy products, they experience brands” she explained. Even in luxury goods, industry trends are moving from products to retail experiences, from mass production to mass customization. Not only do brands create entry-level products, they also create exceptional pieces. Price and value customisation, traditionally a feature of services, have now appeared in luxury goods.
Sophie also highlighted the increasing diversity and mobility of the ultra-wealthy, « homeless with 20 homes » as described by one luxury brand executive. As wealth centres shift from West to East, the needs and expectations of the wealthy are changing, as is the definition of luxury. Europe is no longer a market full of Europeans and it is important to understand UHNW individuals on an individual level, taking into consideration their culture, values and beliefs.
“It is a popular myth in the travel industry that the super-rich only play golf and go to spas” she concluded. Instead the super-wealthy want pure bespoke travel creation with 100% flexibility, 24/7 service and 100% reliability. “When you want to deal with the ultra-rich, you have to forget your job description; you need to do whatever is required of you to get the job done. »
Do we have enough ultra-wealthy households in Europe to build a strong luxury travel industry?
Dr. Michael J. OLIVER is co-founder of Global Partnership Family Offices and a Senior Lecturer in Finance at the Open University. Global Partnership Family Offices serves the family office community as a private and impartial peer-to-peer networking collective.
Michael starts by a clarification on wealth segmentation:
• Those with US$1 million to US$5 million in investable wealth (so-called ‘millionaires next door’);
• Those with US$5 million to US$30 million (so-called ‘mid-tier millionaires’),
• Those with US$30 million to US$80m (‘HNWIs’).
• Those with US$80 million to US$250m (‘UHWNIs’)
Family Office money is over USD 250 M per household.
In the US there are approximately 2.000 households owning over USD 250 M in investable assets. The Western European market accounts for 1.600 households. This figure certainly reaches over 2.000 families in the entire geographical Europe.
European wealth is made of new and old money. Some family offices are the 15 generation descendants!
On holiday the super wealthy want privacy and remote locations. They have concerns with service providers around privacy, reliability and trust. It is difficult to get them on board. But once you get them – and are attuned to their needs – it could be for life.
So Europe is indeed a very big market for the very wealthy consumers.
Is a segmentation of the ultra-wealthy possible?
Nathalie REMY co-leads McKinsey’s work for fashion and luxury-goods companies in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. She focuses on branding and merchandizing topics, as well as growth and international expansion.
www.mckinsey.com
Nathalie Remy points out that segmenting the ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) is a complicated exercise for three main reasons: there is little data available, small samples mean limited statistical significance and large standard deviations, and this group is highly heterogeneous. The solution consists in individual profiling, intimate understanding of each person and the ecosystem they live in. All this information can only be collected by means of observation, as opposed to asking people about their preferences, and the only way to observe is to be very close.
What are the “4 Ps” of luxury for the ultra-wealthy?
The ultra-rich want what they don’t have, which is often what they can’t buy easily.
Nathalie Remy presents the “4 Ps” of the UHNWI needs in the luxury industry, using several brands to illustrate her demonstration.
Privilege
UHNWI want to be part of an exclusive community and be recognized as such. The most efficient marketing approach would be person-to-person word of mouth as an exclusive way to build brand awareness and consideration.
Personalization
At a time of increased mass-customization, wealthy people want more personalization, and are keen on tailor-made items. This is true with products but also with services. This means creating a personal relationship between a customer, the staff and the brand. Examples include the loyalty programme of Neiman Marcus, which targets the ultra-wealthy, and Louis Vuitton’s idea of organizing an exclusive trip for their top 10 Chinese clients.
Personal Development
Adding a personal development dimension to the luxury experience is a key to seduce people eager to improve their skills, culture, arts, science, lifestyle… and travelling can provide a perfect opportunity for personal development.
Perfection
Perfection is intimately linked to luxury, and UHNWI expect the highest level of perfection in any product and service they purchase. It is a challenge, but it is also the key to loyalty. For best in class luxury brands, both processes and staff training are therefore based on an acute attention to details, since exception should always be the standard.
How to address the ultra-wealthy?
Anne-Laure LE SAUX
Works at Cartier France. Anne-Laure is in charge of Business Development and CRM.
Anne-Laure explains how Cartier transforms a prospect entering a Cartier store into a long term customer.
Cartier has historically been the jeweller of the kings. Every sales associate aims at treating customers as kings and unique human beings.
Selling to the UHNWI is like a big bang: it must be a perfect match between an exceptional creation, an extremely talented sales associate and a very unique client. It might take years.
She shared hints on how to address customers, with a love of one’s job, knowledge of the product and humility which are the 3 pillars of Cartier for a respectful relationship.
Anne-Laure presented the 4 phases for creating a relationship with a client:
Discover, Understand and Sell
The “Discover” phase can take up to 80% of the total time spent with the client. It is the founding step of a long term relationship. For the client it should be a pleasant discussion. Every detail counts. This moment must be made an exceptional encounter. The real luxury is to feel genuinely, authentically welcome. Importance of the first moment: boutique set up, sales associate’s body language… Who is the client? Why is he/she here? What is his/her motivation?
A brand shouldn’t be intrusive. To encounter a new client is a delicate recipe.
Nurture
Once a commercial relationship built, it is time to thank and treat the client: money-can’t-buy experiences such as meeting the experts. It is also important to meet clients away from the boutique to live a wonderful experience and discover the client even further, a personal commitment that will be rewarding.
It is also important to offer the sales associate the tools and opportunities to enable them to share clients’ passions and meet with members of their inner circle.
Anne-Laure presented videos among which an interview of Pierre Rainero, Director of Image, Style and Heritage at Cartier in which he explains the DNA of the Maison underlying in the Odyssée movie.
Conclusion
“It is a paradox that Europe, being the continent of the most luxurious and successful international brands and one of the wealthiest regions in the world, is still a very small market when it comes to the industry of luxury travel designers, especially in comparison to the USA.
Traveller Made® has set the ambition to share market intelligence with other luxury brands to help unleash this great untapped market and to support the 60 best European Travel Designers to increase their market size and their quality of service” said Quentin Desurmont, President of Traveller Made®.
Rendez-vous is set for the second Presidents’ Club 2014.
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Snorkelling by night in Thailand
BY SARAH BELMONT.
Who does not remember the love triangle featured by Leonardo DiCaprio, Guillaume Canet and Virginie Ledoyen in the movie The Beach, as well as the beautiful landscapes where the story was set ? It is in Maya Bay, on Koh Phi Phi Lee, Thailand, that the three characters grow to love and hate each other. Let’s not forget the memorable kiss Leo gives the French actress under-water in a night twinkling with stars. Why not go for something bigger than a long embrace and discover Thailand’s turquoise waters ? In Maya Bay subaquatic explorations are all the rage, especially when they take place at night. Better than a simple midnight swim, this moonlight experience makes snorkeling even more thrilling than it already is.
Sleeping on the boat is not mandatory. The excursion begins at 3pm and ends at 8am the following day. Visiting Pileh Bay and a few Viking caves, before casting anchor in Maya Bay are the first steps to this incredible adventure. The point is then appropriating the island as many visitors leave it. Back aboard enjoy a delicious fish barbecue, served with fried rice. Typical and healthy ! It is only when the day draws to an end that the whole expedition makes suddenly sense. To dive and join luminescent planktons echoing the celestial constellations can only be tempting. Short-sighted or solely bad swimmers have nothing to worry about : life jackets are meant to ease their fears and enable them to dive peacefully with the rest of the crew.
Otherwise, what is there to say about Maya Bay, in general ? Known for its lagoon and its lime cliffs, it belongs to Koh Phi Phi Lee, Ley or Leh, the second largest island of the Phi Phi archipelago, behind Koh Phi Phi Don, in the Andaman Sea. Teeming with tourists – all the more since The Beach’s shooting – it shelters a curious activity, hunting swallow nests. Committed by the Moken people, this crime serves a culinary purpose. The edible mucus which secrete some birds on their congeners’ habitat is considered to be a luxury product in traditional thai cuisine. A product of high quality and good for health to crown it all.
Vamos a la playa ? Sure ! But which one ? To Maya Bay. A wonderful bay where, again, took place the making of The Beach. However, the paradise-like images scrolling down the screen gave rise to controversy. Complaints were filed against the 20th Century Fox although the production company had left funds to offset the damage caused to the landscape. Yet, the supposedly destroyed sand dunes eventually recovered their original state, and new coconut trees grew to a ripe old age. The proceedings dragged on for years. What a waste, of time, energy and money, especially when you think of the bay’s – natural or restored, who care ? – beauty ! Except that, in the dark and under water, nature puts on a different face.
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