THE MINDFUL RENAISSANCE’ OF LUXURY TRAVEL

By travelscapesLogin 18 Mar 2023 in Special Features

New Update

Over the past two years, we have seen tourism getting the hardest hit by the pandemic and as the world changed, our perspectives on the way we travel changed too. Juggling long between the isolations and travel restrictions limiting the tours to any corner of the world, the travellers are now yearning to globetrot, more than ever before and that too responsibly. With this, the requirements of a traveller seeking luxury and experiences have now pivoted, too, with him prioritising privacy and safety, over huge costs. TravelScapes takes a closer look at how the pandemic is and will continue to actively reshape how travellers experience and desire luxury while seeking to create meaningful connections with the destinations. Experts from the travel, cruise and hotel industry share opinions on this travel renaissance that has made us unlearn traditional ways of experiencing luxury while travelling and employ the concept of ‘conscious luxury’. Here are the insights...

MICHAEL GOH, President, Resorts World Cruises

Changing demographics and demands of luxury travel:

With the global pandemic, it’s evident there is a shift in travellers’ mindset with safety being a priority for many. As a result of this, demand for personal space and exclusivity has contributed towards the additional growth of luxury travel. At Resorts World Cruises for instance, we observed a higher percentage of travellers opting for The Palace– a luxury ship within-a-ship private enclave to not only enjoy its personalised offerings, but to have a peace of mind holiday experience with the available personal space and private amenities.

'Conscious Luxury’- the way forward:

Promoting sustainable tourism is a role that many companies continue to focus, including for us, with the aim of minimising the negative impacts and enhancing the positive outcomes. The post pandemic era has led to a change on how many choose to travel with more searching for an alternative style of luxury. As such, conscious luxury has increasingly become desirable where it is possible to combine a luxury experience with respect for the environment and local communities. Having gone through the pandemic, more organisations and travellers have now a higher sensitivity level on tourism and its impact on the well-being of travellers and its surrounding environment. For example, less overcrowding is a common site for many destinations these days.

Resorts World Cruises: Customising luxury for travellers

At Resorts World Cruises, the safety and well-being of our guests and crew is our number one priority. With that as the bedrock foundation, we are then able to customise our luxury and exclusive offerings a round it to fit the needs of many new age luxury travellers. For instance, on the ship, the ‘hardware’ luxury offerings are complemented further with a series of well-being offerings from health-conscious menus, yoga at sea activities and more. Luxury ‘hardware’ is just but one element but creating that overall and memorable experience through a series of ‘software’ offerings is what true luxury travel is all about.

JURGEN BAILOM, CEO and President, Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd.

Changing demographics and demands of luxury travel:

The overall demand for luxury travel and unique travel experiences has gone up by close to 40% according to industry data. Customers wish to enjoy holidays that are far from the ordinary and have an element of curiosity and uniqueness to them. Families, couples, youngsters, single travellers and the list goes on. Everyone wants to be on the move, explore the world and do so in style. At Cordelia Cruises, especially, the first to sell out are our stateroomsin premium and luxury categories. This is testimony to the fact that, today, travel is all about comfort, exclusivity and that novelty factor.

‘Conscious Luxury’- the way forward:

We work with and in the Oceans and are very sensitive as an organisation to conscious travel. From recycling water to optimising natural energy usage, our cruise functions with the greatest regard to natural resources. We also try to keep measures from our side for COVID in action, all our guests are double vaccinated.

Cordelia Cruises: Championing ‘safety on the oceans’

At Cordelia Cruises, safety is paramount. I can safely state we are perhaps the safest travel destination there is. Our crew is completely vaccinated and has received their booster dose as well. The nature of our industry is such that the crew is on board for lengthy periods of time hence their contact with the outside world on shore is strictly limited. Other than this, we have a full-service medical facility in the cruise itself. We treat our guests and crew with lots of care and ensure the highest safety standards for all on board.

Changing demographics and demands of luxury travel:

The prevailing trend as of late is of visitors wanting to make their vacation ‘count’, and that’s why we are seeing an increase in the duration of stay, along with renewed interest in sustainable and conscious travel. We all have had a lot of time at home, without being able to travel, to reflect upon our actions and our carbon footprint on the planet during these past 2 years. Upon reflecting, most travellers have reached the conclusion that their journeys must have a positive impact on the communities and the environment that they visit. We are seeing a profound interest in experiential tourism, local interactions and ecological conservation. Travellers want their journeys to be transformative.

‘Conscious Luxury’- the way forward:

When it comes to privacy, seclusion and convenience, Maldives maintains the top spot for sure. The scattered geographical nature of our archipelago, along with our unique one-island- one-resort concept of the Maldives allows us to offer a level of intermingled luxury and safety that is truly incomparable.

Maldives- a commendable concoction of safety and exclusivity

Indulgence and safety go hand-in-hand in the Maldives. As I mentioned before, our unique ‘one-island-one-resort’ concept positioned Maldives as one of the most luxurious, exclusive, and uniquely safe destinations in the world. Only in the Maldives can you find hundreds of luxury resorts situated on its own entire island. Our properties are naturally secluded, and we are able to maintain stringent safety measures and standards in these properties. I would say that the Maldives is at the forefront of nations that have managed to seamlessly merge indulgence with safety.

THOYYIB MOHAMED, Managing Director, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation

Changing demographics and demands of luxury travel:

One of the trends that we are seeing, across all segments including luxury travel, is an increase in the duration of stay and a deep interest towards experiential tourism. Travelling has been riddled with restrictions and limitations since the pandemic, and there are a lot more things for travellers to consider. The prevailing trend as of late is of visitors wanting to make their vacation ‘count’, and that’s why we are seeing an increase in the duration of stay, along with renewed interest in sustainable and conscious travel. We all have had a lot of time at home, without being able to travel, to reflect upon our actions and our carbon footprint on the planet during these past 2 years. Upon reflecting, most travellers have reached the conclusion that their journeys must have a positive impact on the communities and the environment that they visit. We are seeing a profound interest in experiential tourism, local interactions and ecological conservation. Travellers want their journeys to be transformative.

‘Conscious Luxury’- the way forward:

As we begin to shape ‘conscious luxury’, we must first identify and address the challenges that stand in the way. We are setting out to change the paradigm of what luxury entails in the first place. The Maldives has long explored the concept of ‘Minimalist Luxury’, or simply, less is more. Conscious luxury will ground luxury in the blessings, abundance and joys found in the natural environment. When it comes to privacy, seclusion and convenience, Maldives maintains the top spot for sure. The scattered geographical nature of our archipelago, along with our unique one-island- one-resort concept of the Maldives allows us to offer a level of intermingled luxury and safety that is truly incomparable.

Maldives- a commendable concoction of safety and exclusivity

Arvind Bundhun Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA)

Changing demographics and demands of luxury travel:

As people have started travelling, health, safety and sustainability remain on top of their mind. Safety is the new luxury and has become a priority when choosing a destination.

Post pandemic, the new-age luxury traveller is seeking for an authentic connection to local culture, heritage, food, people and places. The luxury travellers are more conscious about sustainability in terms of not using/minimum use of plastic and making sure that there is no littering on public places they visit. Strong concern is placed on the protection of endemic flora and fauna while they visit various places across the globe.

‘Conscious Luxury’- the way forward:

Conscious luxury travel has become desirable for people who are looking for memorable experiences which will also have a positive impact on the places they visit. The travellers want to understand more about the local culture and engage with the local community. This will make a meaningful experience for them but also provide something for the destination and the local people. Conscious luxury travel will help the destination to earn revenue without disturbing the environment and maintain sustainability and thus making the long-term future of travel more viable. As such, Mauritius is a safe travel accredited by WTTC and ticks all the boxes in terms of conservation engagement, community-based recognition and sustainable practices.

Mauritius- offering just ‘authenticity

Mauritius offers authentic connections to local culture, heritage, food, people and places to the new-age luxury traveller. It positions itself as a green tourism destination and has committed herself to develop sustainable activities and leisure laced experiences during the last few years. Activities are available to discover the island and its population, to explore villages and pristine landscapes, or visit its various localities and go deep into authentic Mauritius. Many hotels in Mauritius are focussing on destination-driven experiences which are offering their guests to connect with Mauritius and its people. Even the culinary experience here are curated with a strong emphasis on authenticity and freshness.

Mauritius is also focussing on “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”, a commitment to ensure that nobody is left behind. On the long term follow up on sustainability, the destination is engaged in The SUS-ISLAND project led by Mauritius Tourism Authority which aims to contribute to the vision of developing a sustainable island and green destination with tourism innovation that can improve positive sustainability impacts (handprint.) and/or lower negative sustainability impacts (footprint).

SIRAJ ALI WASEEM, Group General Manager, Coco Collection

Changing demographics and demands of luxury travel:

In the immediate wake of the pandemic, travellers started to search for a destination that was safe in every aspect. If we look at Maldives over other luxury destinations around the world, I believe Maldives has got quite an advantage due to our “one island, one resort” concept. This made it a lot easier when it came to controlling the spread of Covid, especially due to the wide open, natural spaces of our resorts.

At Coco Collection, we strengthened our hygiene practices and created an environment that not only felt safe and comfortable for travellers but also one that provided a much-needed sense of peace and relaxation.

‘Conscious Luxury’- the way forward:

Sustainability has always been at the core of what we do at Coco Collection, and it is even more important than ever before especially when we witness the change in climate due to human action. Adopting all possible sustainability measures within our operation is the key to creating long- lasting experiences for our guests, whether it’s by introducing organic food grown on our island to reduce our carbon footprint or bottling our own water in glass bottles to reduce single-use plastic consumption.

The pandemic has changed so much about the way people travel. More and more travellers are seeking experience-led holidays-- unique and authentic moments that cannot be replicated. The only way for us in the luxury travel industry to keep being able to craft these moments for our guests is by adopting a holistic, eco-friendly approach within the entire operation.

Coco Collection: Preserving the pristine for guests

For Coco Collection, high standards of sustainability practices have been at the heart of
our brand from the very beginning. For us, it’s never been something new for us to adopt, but rather something to keep evolving with new data and new technology. Preserving the beautiful, natural state of our islands is something we work hard to achieve within our operations, while uncompromising on the comfort and enjoyment of our guests. With more travellers wanting to reconnect with nature, the values of our brand and our guests are very much aligned.

GAURAV THAKUR, General Manager, Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa

Changing demographics and de- mands of luxury travel:

Luxury travel was impacted heavily during the pandemic. However, the Maldives maintained its tourism and demand for luxury experiences has rapidly risen since then. As per GlobalData’s latest report (May ’22), luxury travellers are seeking experiences that are more ‘immersive and exceptional’ than in previous years. Many tourists want to completely avoid places which are typically busy and crowded and rather settle for slower traveling.

‘Conscious Luxury’- the way forward:

There is a growing demographic of socially conscious, high-net-worth consumers, for whom the definition of luxury has evolved into authentic and sustainable experiences, fulfilling purposeful travel while doing good for people and the planet.

At Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa, we take a thoughtful approach to dining, ensuring we reduce food waste as much as possible. For example, at our specialty restaurant Origin, our chefs source sustainably and utilise ageing techniques to present seafood at its best. Mindful of our community and the environment we operate in, our resort collaborates with local partners on a coral propagation program, as well as recycling efforts to reduce marine plastic pollution.

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa: Immersive & Intimate

On our private 9-hectare island in North Malé Atoll, travellers can take all the time they need to reconnect – whether with their loved ones or with themselves. Our commitment to guest safety is demonstrated through Hilton’s industry-leading hygiene and cleanliness standards. Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa features an array of thoughtful amenities, especially curated for global travelers, whether they are coming on a multigenerational family getaway or celebrating a special occasion for two. Inspiring experiences await seasoned holidaymakers and junior explorers: best-in-class family amenities include one of the largest kids’ clubs in the Maldives and a tranquil rooftop lounge exclusive to teenage guests. Amingiri Spa offers an extensive menu of rejuvenating spa treatments and purifying hammam rituals.

KATHY KOYAMAIBOLE, Regional Director, Asia and Pacific, Tourism Fiji

Changing demographics and demands of luxury travel:

There has been such a pent-up demand for luxury travel after the pandemic and more people are eager to embark on an exclusive journey. The monotony of the pandemic has set the tone for many travellers who, today, seek unique and differentiated experiences. There has been a shift in travel behaviour and an increase in interest to discover and explore some of the hidden gems or unexplored destinations. The emergence of experiential luxury travel is one of the outcomes of the pandemic, where Indian travellers look to engage in immersive, meaningful and sustainable travel. In the new travel outlook – privacy is the new luxury travel and safety the new top priority, while flexibility and sustainability will drive bookings among the strong pent-up demand for travel.

‘Conscious Luxury’- the way forward:

Travellers today are focused and conscious on engaging in positive practices, including wellness activities, giving back to communities, protecting the environment, and more. Brought about by the recent pandemic, travellers now lean towards more eco-friendly travel options. More and more consumers are asking for information on carbon emissions and how to offset them to make their trips more sustainable. As the travel industry continues to recover, it is an important opportunity to prioritise the environment and transform the travel industry for the better.

Fiji- preferred pick for new age travellers

Fiji is exactly the kind of destination the new age luxury travellers is looking for. We have many incredible luxury experiences with open spaces, uncrowded and amazing experiences around them, staffed by the friendliest people in the world. Investing in public safety protocols to keep all visitors as protected as possible through the Care Fiji Commitment – this has been the most critical element and will continue to be for us. Tourism Fiji launched the Care Fiji Commitment Programme last year as an operational COVID-safe framework for all tourism operators and service providers. Over 1000 businesses are registered under the Care Fiji Commitment Programme, which ensures these properties, operations and services uphold COVID-safety practices approved by WHO and recognised by the World Travel and Tourism Council.

SUVEER SODHI, General Manager, Alila Diwa Goa and The Diwa Club by Alila

Changing demographics and demands of luxury travel:

Post the pandemic, guests now seek more exclusive, personalised and immersive experiences. Guests are more cautious now and are opting for hotels that they can trust. They are willing to pay more for exclusive stays. It’s not so much about flaunting money as much as it’s about going back home with a sense of fulfilment. They are seeking to create more authentic and meaningful relationships, make conscious sustainable choices and connect intimately with the destination. This has also led to an industry-wide correction in the prices, which was long due leading to a healthy increase in the ADR across the industry. Traditionally, high-spending travellers would opt for international destinations. But now they are travelling more within the country itself and spending more. Call it revenge travelling but guests are willing to pay more for luxury and safe travelling.

‘Conscious Luxury’- the way forward:

Respect for the environment and local communities is firmly entrenched in our vision and promoting sustainable tourism has always been our focus even before the pandemic. Hyatt’s purpose is to care for people so they can be their best guides in every aspect of our business, including how we tackle important environmental and social issues.

Since the hotel’s inception, we have adopted green initiatives to minimise our impact on the environment by using primarily local materials and working with the landscape to preserve indigenous ecosystems. The resort's aesthetic scheme reflects these efforts, blending effortlessly and gracefully into its natural setting. All materials used in building the hotel were sourced locally, and an abundance of the region’s eco-friendly brick red laterite stone can be seen throughout the hotel. Championing our sustainability cause further, we are also proud to be the first hotel in Goa to install an automated water bottling plant at the property in 2022, in partnership with Doon (formerly called WaterCube). This being a ‘Zero Mile Water’ program, it helps us to eradicate over 350,000 single-use plastic bottles annually.

Alila Diwa Goa- ‘Surprisingly different’

Luxury for Alila Diwa Goa has always been about personalisation and not about being flamboyant. The guests are also seeking and truly appreciating personalizedservice which has always been the Alila way of thinking. We endeavor to be ‘surprisingly different’ for all our guests and curate every experience keeping their preferences in mind, at different touch points. One such offering is The Diwa Club by Alila, which is an exclusive pet-friendly resort built within Alila Diwa Goa. Our guests truly feel at home and appreciate the personalised experience that we offer. At Spa Alila, we devise experiences that are holistic, and natural and provide the much needed-balance and immunity boost through our treatments.

ROMIT THEOPHILUS, Director-India, German National Tourist Office (GNTO)

Changing demographics and demands of luxury travel:

There is a growing demographic of socially conscious, high-net-worth consumers who are rejecting overt displays of wealth in favour of inconspicuous and responsible consumption. Their approach to luxury is driven by ethical living, artisanship, authenticity and sustainability. Experience is the new currency for theseholidaymakers, who seek self-fulfilment through greener travel and eco holidays while wanting to ‘do good’ for people and the planet. Also, to be noted, high-end hotels, resorts, cruises and restaurants have been one of the most dynamic and fast-growing components of the luxury sector.

Millennials opt more for experiences and “Instagrammable moments” rather than luxury items. Baby boomers, too, were moving in this direction, having already accumulated luxury products over the years. While we expect the positive momentum of experiential luxury to persist, it will slow down in the short term as consumers temporarily revert to buying goods over experiences.

‘Conscious Luxury’- the way forward:

There has been a shift in society, partly due to changing values after the acute phase of the pandemic. While in 2020 and 2021, the popularity of staycations, hygiene protocols and contactless technologies - all now firmly embedded in the daily activities of hospitality businesses - has risen sharply. An increased consumer awareness of all things sustainable, purposeful and health and well-being has set new benchmarks for hospitality enterprises. Travellers are preferring to spend wisely, purposefully and are wanting to make a positive impact on the world. Unique experiences that give back to local communities in meaningful ways are in demand, as are niche properties, adventurous holidays and relaxation retreats.

Germany- Authentic. Exceptional. Exciting

Indian travellers holidaying in Germany aspire to travel to various towns and cities and witness the local flavour of a destination. An authentic experience could be as simple as enjoying a traditional meal with locals. Therefore, while luxury may be an important component of their travel, authenticity never takes a back seat. Germany’s two exciting campaigns, Embrace German Nature and German.Local.Culture, are aligned to Indian preferences after a regional study, the marketing and consumer consultancy identified natural attractions and cultural insights as the two top reasons holidaymakers from India look to travel. India is a hugely important market for travel to Germany, so taking notice of what they are searching for is key. From meandering lakes and breath-taking mountains to traditional craftmanship and Bavarian fare – Germany is the ideal place for explorers searching for an easily accessible destination with plenty to see and do.

NISHANT KASHIKAR, Country Manager- India & Gulf

Changing demographics and demands of luxury travel:

Although, the industry witnessed an immediate recovery and revival from segments like visiting friends and family and international education, luxury travel has also seen an uptick in preference as travel intent further strengthens. We can witness this demand in the volume and surge of visa lodgements that have been recorded since the reopening, leading the post- pandemic traveller to pro-actively seek out bespoke experiences. After having to defer travel plans, travellers have shown a strong willingness to splurge and spend more on experiential travel.

‘Conscious Luxury’- the way forward:

Sustainable travel has been a growing trend for years but with the onset of the pandemic and the country wide lockdowns that followed, it has grown in relevancy as well. As travellers become more cognizant about contributing to the upliftment of local and indigenous communities and incorporating sustainability as part of their travel escapades, the industry at large will need to consistently recalibrate their approach to reduce and offset their carbon footprint. Conscious luxury travel allows holidaymakers to indulge and enjoy themselves without compromising the ecosystem around them, which can be accomplished by opting for hotels and homestay accommodations that actively partake in water conservation efforts, reduce their dependency on single use plastics and support and bring value to the local businesses and communities around them.

Australia: The ‘safe’ and ‘spectacular’ haven

Being such a wide and expansive country, Australia can cater to an array of travellers and their varying interests, with untainted natural escapes and attractions located away from the bustling cities and usual tourist hotspots. This allows travellers to experience the inimitable culture of the country’s Central Business Districts (CBDs) and cities while also retreating away from the crowds to enjoy the best of the country’s nature and wildlife in seclusion.

Furthermore, travellers looking to indulge and experience purposeful luxury can explore the diversity and variety offered by the Luxury Lodges of Australia (LLoA). The LLoA is a portfolio of ultra-premium and sustainably designed properties located across some of Australia’s most breath-taking natural landscapes, that are not just luxe accommodations but all-encompassing experiences that keeps sustainability and conservation at the heart of its purpose. From stays at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, the first carboNZero certified hotel in the world, to close interactions and guided visits with the Indigenous Anangu people at Longitude 131°, travellers will be spoilt for choice.

DESISLAV GOSPODINOV, Group Director for Sales & Marketing, Lily Hotels

Changing demographics and demands of luxury travel:

Most predictions point to luxury travel being at
the forefront of post-pandemic travel trends. Specifically, if it offers an opportunity for much- needed interpersonal engagement for cooped-up travellers and experiences to better well-being, then luxury travel will be a popular choice because it compared to lower tiers, will meet high hygiene expectations as well as expectations of wellness experiences and also provide opportunities for the human-oriented factors that matter to travellers yearning to experience a time before the pandemic.

Once the pandemic subsides, which will likely only become clear in the future, travellers are
likely to be more discerning and less willing to compromise on standards - which we are aware of and urging our operations teams to balance better cost management with still offering great service. The resorts that will be more popular will be ones that are more able to make travel experiences more meaningful, those that refrain from standardised or staged experiences.

‘Conscious Luxury’- the way forward:

With a lot of clarions calls in this post-pandemic stage to build back better, the Maldivian Luxury Resort concept and the destination as a whole and its stakeholders all have a higher motivation to cement and further reinforce sustainable practices. These include efforts by the government to push top-down legislation reducing the use of single-use plastics, resorts utilising budgets to spend on more hybrid energy systems to provide energy for the self-sustaining resorts and resort operators finding more opportunities to support local suppliers of produce. Not only that, more and more resorts are also coming to an understanding of the draw conscious luxury by allowing guests to have a better understanding of the sensitive ecosystems surrounding the resorts.

Lily Hotels: ‘Safe’ Slices of Heaven

At Lily Hotels, we take great pride in maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all our properties. In response to COVID-19, we have taken additional measures developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and local public health authorities and third-party accreditation services to make our cleaning and hygiene protocols are more rigorous and up to international standards. We have activated our operations response teams to provide around- the-clock assistance to our resorts who are prepared to act swiftly. When it comes to new age luxury travellers, we are keeping the pulse on wellness by recently hiring a Group Spa & Wellness Director to oversee our wellness experiences to further provide great experiences, for guests looking to hide away and heal before going back to their busy lives by coming down to our slices of heaven here in the Maldives.

BA RAHIM, Director, One Above Destination Management Services

Changing demographics and demands of luxury travel:

We all know that luxury travel is one of the most unique and profitable spectrums of the tourism industry which gives the opportunity to offer our clients their perfect holiday with personalised services but in lieu of the pandemic, many of the premium destinations and hotels that offered luxury services were not available, as a result of which our industry saw a decline in this line of travel. However, reopening of the Maldives and its premium boutique hotels sparked a surprising increase in luxury travel again. When our clients choose luxury travel as an option, they look for destinations that can offer them relaxation and customised services which can cater to their preferences.

‘Conscious Luxury’- the way forward:

With the increase in environmental consciousness, travellers are becoming more aware of terms ‘eco- friendly’ and ‘sustainable’ travel. There has been a steady increase in demands for stay at hotels and resorts that support sustainability as well as offer world class comfort and services. The pandemic literally brought a bright opportunity for us all to realise how important is the nature for us. This has made us responsive to the cause and we, as travellers, are now choosing hotels that support the environment and eco-friendly practices. This type of travel not just promotes exclusivity and luxury while holidaying but helps encouraging a good cause.

One Above going out and about to offer ‘comfort to clients’

One Above believes in providing only the best for its clients as well as doing its part to contribute to the community as much as we can. We offer sustainable options for luxury travel, by offering our clients all-inclusive options of boutique and lavish hotels to choose from. When it comes to servicing our clients, safety and comfort are the key parts for what our company stands for.

ROHIT KOHLI, Joint Managing Director – Creative Travel Group

Changing demographics and demands of luxury travel:

Post pandemic, luxury is defined by new and refined thinking. Luxury travel has evolved even more in the past two years, in many ways. Our guests focus a lot more on really experiencing the destination, rather than just visiting. We, at Away&Co, specialise on offering life altering experiential trips, which is really what the post pandemic luxury traveller wants. These have been a challenging few months for the whole industry, because of visa and air availability issues. This has kind of forced many travellers to explore destinations they wouldn’t have organically travelled to after 2+ years of no family holidays. The flip side has been that the Indian luxury traveller has now been exposed to destinations that truly offer the luxury of experiences.

‘Conscious Luxury’- the way forward:

I have always said ‘sustainable tourism’ is a very misinterpreted term. Most people construe this to be relevant just to the environment but being sustainable is about so much more. Every traveller, not just luxury travellers have to be aware of sustainability of the destination they’re visiting, sustainability of the culture and the people they’re interacting with and of course sustainability of the eco system. Unfortunately, as post pandemic travel resumed and destinations began to open, they focused on getting as many tourists to visit as possible. As we all know, this created chaos in so many destinations around the world. That is neither sustainable nor responsible. We take our limited role very seriously as a company and we are also proud members of the Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI).

Away&Co: Excelling the experiential space

Our business has always been about being really immersed in the culture of the destinations our guests travel to. Safety has always been paramount, even before Covid– the concerns are just different now. Indulgence can mean many things, but Away&Co has never focused on mindlessly indulgent hotel properties or senseless extravagance. Our focus has always been to create amazing experiences in the destinations while really immersing in the local cultures, which includes experiential authentic stays. The real luxury traveller wants to experience, he doesn’t want to just visit; all this has been done already.