Hotel & Tourism SMARTreport #35

Hotel & Tourism
SMARTreport #34
2017 Spring Edition 19
In The Field
with evelyne gaudin
THE “INSIDE LINE” ON WHAT’S HOT IN THE FIELD OF TRAVEL ADVICE
PART 3
PRIVATE ISLAND RESORTS
AND NATURAL WONDERS
TRENDING
DESTINATIONS
WHEN IT COMES
TO REALLY
GETTING AWAY
FROM IT ALL
Since 1989, Evelyne Gaudin has
been impassioned with travel –
working in every aspect of the
industry – in airlines, hotels, cruises,
TO and advisory roles, with a
desire to “always deliver the best
experience”.
In this feature, she reveals her top
tips for private island resorts and
natural wonders of the world.
On Private Island Resorts…
What we are primarily seeing in the
US is that the Maldives has really
taken over a lot of the romantic island
destinations market share, in spite
of the distance and the fact that it is
expensive. Why ? Because It’s new,
it’s trendy, it’s beautiful, and the
service is impeccable. The request
have grown and continue to do so.
A number of people like that
because it gives them
“bragging rights”.
For the honeymoon
market, which is a big
market for private
island resorts, the
Maldives have
definitely taken
market share from a
lot of other destinations.
In the Maldives, we can
find some absolutely exquisite
resorts, surpassing anything
we’ve seen in the past. They took
the example of French Polynesia
with the over-water bungalows, and
they’ve taken it ten steps further.
The Six Senses resort is one worth
mentioning, but another favourite
is the Gili Lankanfuschi, which is an
absolute delight. These two have really
taken over the high-end market.
On Natural Wonders…
The Great Barrier Reef remains one of
the top ones on people’s bucket lists,
especially for people who like diving.
But a destination that is really in
demand is Antarctica. The Arctic and
PATAGONIA AND
CHILE ARE OTHER
FAVOURITES, AS PEOPLE
INCREASINGLY SEEK
PLACES “OFF THE
BEATEN TRACK”.
Iceland are also growing very fast. The
hike in demand for Iceland is so great
that prices have gone up 50% in one
year. It’s extremely easy to get there,
very friendly. Even though they don’t
have 5-star properties, everyone wants
to go to Iceland. Many want to see the
aurora borealis, meaning they have to
go in winter time. Alaska is less “hip”,
so everyone wants to go to Iceland,
and even Finland or the top end
of Norway. New programmes
are being launched,
including a new cruise
that circumnavigates
Iceland. The Blue
Lagoon is a big
attraction. Then
there’s snowmobile
treks, icetrekking,
ice-grotto
visits and exploring,
jeep safaris… the choice is
amazing. People go there for the
nature; they don’t go for museums,
restaurants or luxury hotels.
Patagonia and Chile are other
favourites, as people increasingly
seek places “off the beaten track”.
Patagonia is easy to get to, the beauty
is out of this world, and it’s easy
for trekking as the altitude is not a
problem, as opposed to places like
Nepal, which is extraordinary, but due
to the altitude and remoteness, it’s not
for everyone. Of course, a great choice
can be to combine a visit to Patagonia,
travelling down to Ushuaia, followed
by a tour of Antarctica
SEE YOU AGAIN IN THE NEXT EDITION