March 2024 – As the landscape of luxury travel evolves, it’s crucial for hoteliers to stay ahead of the curve. This month, Mason Rose organised a lunch at Fortnum & Mason in London, bringing together some of our hoteliers with top tour operators and travel agencies to discuss the latest trends they’re observing and how hoteliers can capitalise on them in 2024.
Here are some of the key takeaways:
- Rate parity and early rate loading: Access to all public rates with added benefits is crucial for maintaining competitiveness. People are also planning much further in advance than ever before (some are already booking for 2026), emphasising the importance of early rate loading.
- Speed, accuracy, and personalisation: Speed and accuracy of information are paramount. People expect swift responses to inquiries (3 to 4 days is too long) and are especially keen on platforms like WhatsApp for efficient communication. It is now a key booking channel.
- Embrace flexibility for large bookings: Don’t let inflexibility cost you valuable business opportunities. Offering range, such as inclusive breakfast options, can make a substantial difference in securing high-value bookings.
- Upgrades drive bookings: Upgrades hold significant sway over bookings, especially among younger affluent travellers, more so than other benefits like a well-stocked minibar, fruit basket, or a complimentary bottle of wine.
- Growing demand for experiential and wellness-focused travel: There is a noticeable shift towards experiential and wellness-focused travel experiences, with increasing demand for wellness trips, solo travel, and off-the-beaten-track destinations.
Our wonderful guest speakers included: Rebecca Masri MBE, the founder of Little Emperors; Jason Oshiokpekhai, the SVP Advisor Success and Managing Director of Global Travel Collection; Francesca Mendola, the Vice President of Global Travel Collection UK; and Justin Huxter, Owner of Cartology Travel.
For further information about our events and services, please get in touch with Maria Pajares: enquiries@masonrose.com
