ELITE TRAVEL TRENDS
ELITE TRAVEL TRENDS Susan Barone Founder & Director, Luxury Weddings Worldwide TRAVEL INDUSTRY ENCOURAGED TO SAY “I DO” TO THE DESTINATION WEDDING MARKET It’s time for travel companies and tourist boards to take the plunge and get into the lucrative weddings market. This was the clear message given at the first dedicated seminar on tying the knot abroad at the World Travel Market in London. The global weddings industry is worth US0 bn, is almost recession proof and continues to grow, according to Susan Barone, founder and director of Luxury Weddings Worldwide, who moderated the session, entitled: “Say ‘I do’ to the destination wedding market and enhance your brand”. “Travel and weddings are two very different business areas and are more successful when brought together,” said Barone. “It’s not just a matter of supplying one particular wedding any more. It’s something uniquely different. Everyone is trying to plan something better than the last destination wedding that they went to. Luxury wedding planner Bruce Russell, who manages upmarket special days for couples spending £250,000 and above, said, “Destination weddings are five-six days. It’s no longer the one day. And it’s not just about the couple. They do realise that it’s about the guest experience as well.” He said Italy remains hugely popular for weddings, while Marrakesh is becoming a good option, due to a wide variety of locations, light and easy access. Asia and Thailand destinations are also popular. But couples often do not have a destination in mind. Rather, some have a theme, such as getting married by a lake, or having a beach or a mountain wedding: “It’s about the destination but it’s also about the experience,” Russell added. Samantha Berry, wedding team lead at tour operator Kuoni, told delegates: “It’s not just about the wedding couple themselves as about the wedding party, how they are going to get to the venue where they will stay. The best thing is to listen to the couple and get a feel for what they want for their day and their week.” International wedding photographer Jules Bower said tourist boards and travel companies still have plenty of opportunity to grab a slice of the market: “Right now the wedding industry is booming and will continue to do so as long as more options become available. There are plenty of clients out there that want something unique and bespoke and this is true in the luxury market. People are just pushing the limits all the time.” Dileep Mudadeniva, vice president brand marketing at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts said it is important for hoteliers not to have too rigid an approach, as couples can often change their mind, even at the last minute
ELITE TRAVEL TRENDS Hotel & Tourism SMARTreport #37 2018 Winter Edition 25 HONG KONG AS AN OUTDOOR GETAWAY DESTINATION The exotic Asian destination underlines stunning natural beauty as a key selling point Hong Kong’s buzzing metropolis keeps it well-documented as one of the most exciting destinations in the world for city life, but many are surprised to discover Hong Kong’s greatest secret: its stunning natural beauty. This is where lush rural land reveals spectacular cityscapes, remote beaches, rustic villages, serene islands and stunning hiking and cycling routes. With 40% of Hong Kong’s land designated into 24 country parks, opportunities abound for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. the Magnificent Landscapes trail, which takes hikers up the 869-meter Sunset Peak (so-named for its glorious views of the setting sun) and the remote and romantic Silvermine Bay Beach, through plenty of breath-taking scenery along the way. Geographical Wonders: Hong Kong’s New Territories are home to diverse geological formations that create eerily beautiful landforms. The natural wonders of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark include the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region and the Sedimentary Rock Region. Both areas new Great Outdoors program to make it as convenient and rewarding for our guests as possible,” noted HKTB US Director Bill Flora. “A day spent in the great outdoors all but guarantees that one returns to the city ready to fully immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s culinary haven.” HKTB has engaged some of Hong Kong’s most talented local photographers as part of the ongoing Great Outdoors campaign to capture the striking landscapes highlighted within its new guide Hong Kong Tourism Board’s (HKTB) newlylaunched Great Outdoors campaign and its corresponding Your Guide to Hiking & Cycling in Hong Kong will educate visitors about the wealth of outdoor experiences available. By taking readers into a diverse range of nature trails, all located less than two miles outside of the city, the brandnew guide simplifies the planning for experiencing Hong Kong’s spectacular, nature-filled wonderland. The carefullyselected nature trails highlight the best of Hong Kong’s great outdoors within three different areas: Hiking in Heritage, Picture-perfect Vistas, and Geographical Wonders. Hiking in Heritage: Hiking in Heritage emphasizes beautiful urban hiking trails around Hong Kong that range from easy to difficult. The luscious greenery along these trails is not only home to stunning views and urban landscapes, but also offers a glimpse into Hong Kong’s storied history and colonial past. Picture-perfect Vistas: Photography lovers will be wowed by routes like © Jessica Li HONG KONG’S UNEXPECTED GREEN ELEMENT IS A PERFECT COMPLEMENT TO ITS WELL-KNOWN EPICUREAN PEDIGREE. were formed between 140-160 million years ago from volcanic materials, and boast diverse geological formations and idyllic-looking islands formed entirely of sedimentary rocks. “Hong Kong’s unexpected green element is a perfect complement to its well-known epicurean pedigree. We’ve developed our Tai Mo Shan, the highest peak in Hong Kong
