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New global survey says luxury guests ‘travel ready’

Published

4 years ago

September 10, 2020

A survey undertaken by Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) shows that an affluent group of travel ready advocates are driving pent up demand for luxury holidays this year.

The survey, conducted in partnership with Liz Hall Hotel & Travel Consulting, looked at the current sentiment towards travel of over 6,000 members of the luxury brand’s INVITED programme.

The results show a desire to travel this year now that travel restrictions have been slightly relaxed, a willingness to travel internationally by plane and a preference for smaller hotels where their experience can be managed and customised.

The survey results split the recipients into three groups – the Travel Ready, those who have already booked and maybe even travelled taking increased safety precautions in their stride; the Travel Reserved, those who are keen to get away but still cautious about potential risk; and the Travel Reluctant who are unlikely to travel until things have returned to ‘normal’.

With over 46 per cent of recipients expecting that they will be in the same position financially next year, it comes as no surprise that over 30 per cent fall into the Travel Reserved group and are currently planning a holiday in 2021.

In North America, 29 per cent are Travel Ready and are planning a holiday before October this year, with an additional 24 per cent looking at getting away in Q4.

In total, 74 per cent of respondents said that they were willing to fly agreeing almost unanimously (93 per cent) to additional health checks at the airport to ensure the safety of all travellers.

Of North Americans surveyed, 43 per cent are initially planning to travel domestically and 38 per cent were prepared for international travel.

SLH reservations data for bookings originating from North America since August 1 reflects these numbers, with 42 per cent of reservations for US hotels, primarily in New York State and California. International bookings made in August were mainly for Q4 visits, with top destinations being Sweden and Finland.

In terms of selecting accommodation, over 90 per cent of recipients stated that they would feel most comfortable in a small hotel, while private residences were also popular.

SLH’s Exclusive Use reservations option allows guests to turn over 250 SLH hotels, ranging from five to 200 rooms into a fully-serviced private residence. With more than 36 intimate hotels offering fewer than 12 rooms, this becomes a viable option for guests wanting to travel with a small group of family and friends.

As expected, location, flexible booking and cleanliness were the most important considerations.

SLH has recently launched a Stay Small, Stay Safe programme ensuring third party accreditation for all member hotels with the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC). Hotels offering discounts and offers were of least importance to SLH guests.

“Our members have always shown great resilience and an enduring appetite for travel so it’s encouraging to see that they are Travel Ready, looking at options both close to home and abroad for 2020. Our small hotels are able to offer so many solutions from their location in low-key destinations and neighbourhoods, to their versatility to become essentially a private residence,” SLH Managing Director Richard Hyde said.

“We have established Stay Small, Stay Safe to ensure that our guests can travel with peace of mind, both for themselves and the destinations they are visiting, and to encourage those who are reserved or reluctant to travel that is it safe when the time is right for them.”

Maldives now open

The Maldives reopened its borders on July 15.

Resorts and hotels on uninhabited islands as well as liveaboard vessels were allowed to host tourists (please see a rolling list of resort reopenings here).

Guesthouses and hotels located on inhabited islands were to be allowed to reopen on August 1 but a surge in coronavirus cases in capital Male forced the authorities to extend a ban on guesthouse operations until October 15.

With the border reopening, 30-day free on-arrival visa is issued to all tourists with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility in the country.

There is no mandatory quarantine or testing on arrival, but tourists have to complete an online health declaration form and provide a negative PCR test result taken at least 72 hours prior to their departure.

Visitors with symptoms of the Covid-19 respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus or those travelling with someone who has similar symptoms are also tested at their own expense.

The coronavirus outbreak has hit the Maldivian economy hard, as travel restrictions and other preventive measures affect the country’s lucrative tourism industry, which contributes the bulk of the island nation’s state revenue and foreign reserves.

Before the pandemic, the government had been bullish about tourism prospects, targeting two million, high-spending holidaymakers this year after last year’s record 1.7 million.

However, only 382,760 tourists visited the Maldives before the country closed its borders on March 27. It was a 40.8 per cent decline over the 646,092 that visited the Maldives from January to March last year.

Meanwhile, the government’s best case scenario now puts total tourist arrivals for 2020 just above 800,000.

Tourism has been the bedrock of the Maldives’ economic success. The $5 billion-dollar economy grew by 6.7 per cent in 2018 with tourism generating 60 per cent of foreign income.

However, the government is at present projecting a possible 13 per cent economic contraction this year — an estimated $778 million hit.

On March 8, Maldives reported its first cases of the novel coronavirus, as two hotel employees tested positive for Covid-19 at a luxury resort in the archipelago.

Eighteen more cases — all foreigners working or staying resorts and liveaboard vessels except five Maldivians who had returned from abroad — were later identified.

A six-case cluster of locals, detected in capital Male on April 15, confirmed community transmission of the coronavirus. Several more clusters have since been identified, bringing the total number of confirmed case in the Maldives to 8,667.

Twenty-nine deaths have been reported, while 6,049 have made full recoveries.

The Maldives announced a state of public health emergency on March 12, the first such declaration under a recent public health protection law.

The public health emergency declaration allowed the government to introduce a series of unprecedented restrictive and social distancing measures, including stay-at-home orders in capital Male and its suburbs, a ban on inter-island transport and public gatherings across the country, and a nationwide closing of government offices, schools, colleges and universities.

Non-essential services and public places in the capital such as gyms, cinemas and parks were also shut.

Restaurants and cafes in the capital were asked to stop dine-in service and switch to takeaway and delivery.

A nationwide shutdown of all guesthouses, city hotels and spa facilities located on inhabited islands was also ordered.

The restrictions are now being eased in phases, with the third phase measures now active.

Photo: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Related Topics:Small Luxury Hotels of the World Tourism Tourism Trends

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Celebration

Canareef Resort Maldives sets the stage for a memorable festive season

Published

1 hour ago

October 7, 2024

m@ldives

Canareef Resort Maldives is set to welcome guests to a magical festive season with a vibrant lineup of activities designed to create unforgettable holiday memories. From December 22, 2024, to January 1, 2025, the resort will be transformed into a holiday wonderland, offering a range of unique experiences that cater to guests of all ages.

The festivities will commence with an enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, a heartwarming event that sets the tone for the celebrations. Guests will gather around the beautifully adorned tree, illuminated by twinkling lights, as they embrace the spirit of the season.

Throughout the holiday period, families can participate in a variety of exciting kids’ activities. From face painting to cookie and cupcake making, there will be something for every little one to enjoy. The joyful atmosphere will be further enhanced by delightful Christmas carols resonating throughout the resort.

A special treat awaits guests as Santa makes his grand arrival at Dhoni Beach. Accompanied by festive carols sung at the Dhoni Bar Deck, both children and adults will delight in this spectacle, capturing the magic of Christmas.

The resort’s culinary offerings will also be a highlight of the festive season. The Christmas Gala Dinner promises to be a memorable evening, featuring a live musician who will serenade diners in a festive atmosphere. Guests can also indulge in a delightful Christmas Brunch at Kilhi, where a sumptuous buffet brimming with seasonal delights will be served.

As the year comes to a close, the excitement will continue with a lavish New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner on December 31, followed by a vibrant New Year party featuring a lineup of exciting entertainment programs. Guests will gather to bid farewell to the past year in style, enjoying a night filled with fun, laughter, and joyful reflections.

The celebrations will carry on into the New Year with a delicious brunch on January 1 at Kilhi, providing a perfect start to 2025. Later in the day, guests can gather to welcome the first sunset of the new year with a spectacular sunset cocktail party at Meera Beach. A live band will set the mood as guests sip cocktails and savour light canapés, creating a perfect ambiance while watching the magical first sunset over the Maldivian horizon.

Canareef Resort Maldives invites guests to enjoy a festive season filled with happiness, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Whether relaxing by the beach, savouring exquisite cuisine, or participating in exciting activities, the holiday program promises to make this festive season truly memorable. Let the celebrations begin.

Awards

Angsana Velavaru wins prestigious accolades for sustainable tourism and guest experience excellence

Published

4 hours ago

October 7, 2024

m@ldives

Angsana Velavaru has announced its recent recognition at two esteemed industry awards, which reinforce the resort’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences while leading sustainable tourism efforts in the Maldives.

The resort has secured a coveted position in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking 16th among the 20 Best Resorts in the Indian Ocean. This prestigious accolade reflects the heartfelt support of valued guests and readers who appreciate the serene beauty, immersive experiences, and warm hospitality that define Angsana Velavaru.

In addition to this recognition, Angsana Velavaru has been awarded the title of Leading Eco-Friendly Hotel at the 8th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), held in Kathmandu. This honour underscores the resort’s ongoing dedication to sustainable practices, from marine conservation efforts to eco-conscious guest experiences, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty of the Maldives. Key initiatives include the planting of over 1,231 coral fragments, the complete elimination of single-use plastic bottles, and the upcycling of linen and broken umbrellas into reusable tote bags.

Ahmed Zahir, General Manager of Angsana Velavaru, expressed gratitude, stating, “We are deeply grateful to our guests, associates, and industry peers for these remarkable acknowledgments. These awards motivate us to continue exceeding expectations, offering unforgettable experiences while remaining at the forefront of sustainable tourism.”

As a resort that seamlessly blends exceptional experiences with eco-conscious principles, Angsana Velavaru remains committed to setting new benchmarks for responsible travel. The resort’s success reflects its dedication to preserving the natural wonders of the Maldives while creating meaningful and authentic experiences for every guest.

In celebration of its recent achievements, Angsana Velavaru invites guests to embark on a new adventure with the Voyage to Velavaru offer. Guests can enjoy 25% savings on the best available rate, a complimentary all-inclusive package upgrade, and a spa and recreation credit of USD 75 per person, per night (up to USD 750 per person). The offer also includes 20% savings on return seaplane transfers and a complimentary sunset cruise, available once per stay.

Celebration

Reethi Beach Resort’s 2024 festive season takes guests ‘Under the Sea’

Published

2 days ago

October 5, 2024

m@ldives

Reethi Beach Resort has announced its highly anticipated 2024 festive season celebrations, scheduled to take place from December 21st to January 7th, under the enchanting theme ‘Coral Kingdom Under the Sea.’ The resort’s festive program is set to immerse guests in the vibrant world of the Indian Ocean’s rich marine life, combining elegant dining experiences, adventurous activities, and cultural entertainment to create an unforgettable holiday season.

As the resort transforms into a magical underwater haven, visitors will be greeted by breathtaking decor reflecting the kaleidoscope of colours found in the surrounding coral reefs. Every venue will resonate with the theme, featuring shimmering reef-inspired arrangements, oceanic hues, and atmospheric lighting. Reethi Beach Resort aims to offer a visual and sensory celebration that embodies the spirit of the Maldives.

According to Valentin Osolos, General Manager at Reethi Beach Resort, the curated program is designed to provide something special for everyone—whether guests wish to indulge in gourmet delights, explore the wonders of the sea, or celebrate with family and friends. This year’s festivities are intended to allow guests to experience not only the beauty of the Maldives but also the joy and togetherness that the holiday season represents.

The 2024 festive lineup will include a series of elevated themed dinners, featuring culinary creations inspired by both local and international cuisines. Highlights will include the lavish Christmas Eve Gala Dinner and the New Year’s Eve Countdown Celebration, complete with live entertainment and a vibrant beachside atmosphere.

Throughout the season, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a range of activities that cater to both relaxation and excitement, such as Private Champagne Breakfasts on the beach, Cheese & Wine Tastings under the stars, and lively Hookah Nights. For families, the festive program will feature Treasure Hunts, Pizza Making Classes, and special high teas that bring a touch of elegance to the afternoons.

The festivities will also showcase the resort’s commitment to Maldivian culture and sustainability. Traditional Boduberu performances and Maldivian Cooking Classes will invite guests to engage with the island’s heritage and natural environment, enriching their experience of the Maldives.

The season will culminate in the much-anticipated New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Countdown Party. Guests will be treated to a grand feast, set against the backdrop of live music, dance shows, and a dazzling display of fireworks as the clock strikes midnight. The celebrations will continue with an upbeat beach party, inviting guests to dance the night away under the stars and welcome 2025 in style.