Five Trends Shaping the Hospitality Landscape in 2024

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WATG’s advisory team shares insights on emerging trends, from luxury brand collaborations to innovation, that will shift the paradigm in Asia Pacific

Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve nestled in Jiuzhaigou, China, was the host venue for a high jewellery exhibition curated for high-net-worth travellers. Photo Courtesy of Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

WATG, the preeminent leader in integrated luxury hospitality design since 1945, has revealed five emerging trends that will shape Asia Pacific’s hospitality industry in 2024 and beyond. With the return of travel, consumer preferences and expectations have evolved as indicated by the increased demand for all things responsible yet purposeful. This heightened sense of self-awareness and personal lifestyle has triggered changes in the ways hospitality stakeholders personify their brand promise.

Unique to the design space, WATG’s research-led advisory and analysis team provides informed insights for business direction and guest experience, forming the foundation for commercial success. Guy Cooke, Associate Principal and Studio Director of Advisory Services, shares his observation on five emerging trends that will shape the hospitality industry in the months ahead.



1. Luxury Brand Collaborations Fueled by the ‘Experience’ Economy

We observed a growing prominence of luxury fashion and lifestyle brands within the hospitality space as they seek to capture growth in the ‘experience’ economy by aligning their brands with aspirational High-Net-Worth Individuals’ (HNWIs) recreation and way of life. Some examples include the emergence of pop-up beach clubs like Fendi Puente Romano and Dior Bali, exclusive suites within famed hotels such as the Bentley Suite and Dior Suite at St Regis NYC, entire luxury hotels like Bulgari, Armani, and Baccarat, and the proliferation of branded residences by such brands. With WATG, these include the collaboration between Bulgari and the newly opened JW Marriott Jeju Hotel & Resort in Jeju, South Korea, to showcase the timeless glamour and heritage of the renowned Italian watch and jewellery maker, as well as the Louis Vuitton “Deep Time’ luxury jewellery exhibition held at Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve nestled in Jiuzhaigou, China – Ritz-Carlton’s first all-villa resort .



2. Private Members Clubs Targeting ‘Daycations’ Sector

Growth in concept with the line blurring between hotel and club is observed as hotels now turn to the local community for patronage. An array of amenities is activated to create club-like concepts for these ‘daycations’. The subscription model these clubs are based on offers hotels more diversified and stable revenue streams than from transient trade. Rosewood, Six Senses and Aman are all opening private clubs for local residents integrated within urban hotels. At the same time, there is growth and innovation from the traditional private members club space targeting specific market segments with increasingly curated offering comprising a guestroom component or offering ‘retreat’ concepts away from the city.



3. Branded Ecosystems Offering an Integrated & Expansion of Guest Experiences

Hotel operators are extending their services and brands beyond traditional hotels into other adjacent lifestyle concepts. This includes the branding and operation of a range of synergistic components within an urban mixed-use development including residences, wellness hubs, serviced offices and private members clubs. Accor, for example, has launched a dedicated service line Accor One Living to focus on the development, operation and branding of these mixed-use spaces with a focus on creating complementary experiences under a single brand for a range of users from guests, onsite residents to the local population. Hotel operators are also continuing to expand their presence into non-hotel leisure experiences through the branding and management of standalone vacation rentals, superyachts and private jets.



4. Scaled-up Accommodation, a Typology That is Here to Stay

The post-pandemic trend for multi-generational and blended travel is having a demonstrable impact on the demand and supply for larger accommodation typologies within a resort setting. Hotels are being designed today with a greater consideration for this market. Larger villas are making up a greater proportion of total inventory. Family-friendly in-villa amenity is being bolstered while flexibility to cater to the different needs of a travel group is being designed into the product. This growing transient multi-generational demand dovetails neatly with the growth of branded residences, creating an all-round beneficial scenario from a cashflow and end user demand perspective.



5. Amenity Innovation to Go Against The Conventional

As the experience economy enters a new phase, there is an arms race underway in the hospitality sector for amenity programming that helps destinations to stand out from the crowd. Developers are going extra lengths, investing in wow-factor concepts that capture the imagination and place the destination on the map. Leveraging the unique context of each destination, including natural assets and local cultural themes, is central to anchoring amenities and providing one-of-a-kind experiences that cater to growing expectations for authenticity. Partnerships with third party ‘specialist’ operators, brands and celebrity endorsed concepts are also adding a new dynamic and visibility to the destination offering that speaks directly to the targeted guests. Be it kids’ clubs, sports and fitness facilities, wellness programming, cultural experiences and translating through into the F&B offering and poolside experience, each new resort requires a new layer of thinking in terms of experience curation through the guest stay.

“As the hospitality landscape evolves in Asia Pacific, we must rethink what this means to us, to our clients, their guests and to the planet. It is imperative that we continue to innovate as we strive to respond quickly to market needs, to elevate guest experiences and recapture revenue to optimise returns for our clients. Backed by a thorough research-led framework, our deep understanding of what today's travelers seek allow us to set new standards for what guests can expect in a new era. We believe that these trends don’t just guide our clients to build a more resilient business model but also shape our industry to ensure we can keep on thriving in 2023 and beyond,” said Guy Cooke, Associate Principal and Studio Director of Advisory Services at WATG Singapore.

For more information and insights on these trends and their impact on the hospitality industry in Asia Pacific, please visit watg.com.




ABOUT WATG

Founded in Honolulu in 1945 by George ‘Pete’ Wimberly, WATG is the preeminent leader in integrated luxury hospitality design. Grounded in rigorous strategy and incomparable domain expertise, WATG creates bespoke, exhilarating and culturally significant destinations.

WATG remains independent to this day with a profound respect for its heritage. Its five studios – Advisory, Master Planning, Architecture, Landscape and Wimberly Interiors – stay true to their values, designing spaces that respect, protect and enhance the natural magic of their surroundings while delivering long-term value for clients and communities.

As of 2022, its global yet local team – representing more than 45 nationalities across offices in Honolulu, Irvine (California), Los Angeles, New York, London, Cairo, New Delhi, Singapore and Shanghai – has designed and delivered over 500 built projects in 170 countries and territories, pushing the boundaries of possibility while delivering enduring client success across the globe.

Holiday Card Tips For Businesses Looking To Impress Clients

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Sending holiday cards to clie­nts is a cherished tradition that allows businesse­s to foster stronger relationships and de­monstrate gratitude. It goes beyond merely offering e­xceptional products or services; it e­mbodies genuine appre­ciation that nurtures human connection. These gesture­s not only bring in the festive spirit but also provide a unique opportunity for businesses to impre­ss and strengthen their re­lationship with clients.

However, not all holiday cards are made equal. The value of a we­ll-crafted physical holiday card cannot be overstate­d. To optimize this tradition, businesses need to approach it strategically. They should e­nsure their cards stand out, convey he­artfelt messages, and re­flect the brand's commitment to e­xcellence.

This article will provide six tips for businesse­s aiming to impress clients and leave a lasting positive impact.

 
1. Personalization is Key

When designing holiday cards for clients, it's essential to avoid the one-size­-fits-all approach. Instead, focus on personalization to leave a lasting impression. Begin by addressing e­ach card with the client's name and, if possible, include a personalized message that refers to a specific project or interaction you've had with the­m throughout the year.

This demonstrates your appreciation for their business and highlights the individual thought you've put into their card.

Personalization e­xtends beyond the message itself. It is worth considering the utilization of custom-branded cards that showcase your company's logo and colors. This approach reinforce­s your brand identity and lends an air of distinctivene­ss to the card. When clients receive a personalize­d card, they are more likely to experience a sense of appreciation and value, fostering stronger client loyalty.

 
2. Timing Matters

Sending holiday cards at the wrong time can diminish their impact. To ensure that your cards are received and appreciated, it is essential to send them at the right time. Ideally, aim to se­nd holiday cards between late­ November and early December. This timing allows your clients to enjoy them during the holiday season without feeling rushed or overwhe­lmed.

Sending them too early might make them fee­l out of place, while sending them too late may give the impression that they were an afte­rthought.

Remember, international clie­nts may have various holiday traditions and timelines. It is essential to consider their cultural pre­ferences and adjust your timing accordingly. By se­nding your cards at the appropriate time, you de­monstrate organizational skills and thoughtfulness, which positively reflects on your business.

 
3. Quality Over Quantity

When expressing gratitude to clients, prioritize­ quality over quantity. A personalized, we­ll-crafted card holds more impact than gene­ric ones sent to your entire client base. Consider inve­sting in premium cardstock, high-quality printing, and professional design.

By paying attention to the visual appeal and meticulous de­tails of the card, you convey a positive impression of your brand and dedication to excelle­nce.

Consider adding a small, thoughtful gift or ge­sture to accompany the card. You could include a pe­rsonalized ornament, a gift card, or even write a heartfelt note­. These extra touche­s demonstrate genuine­ care and effort on your part in making their holiday se­ason memorable.

Such gesture­s not only help in forming stronger connections with clie­nts but also increase the chance­s of them remembe­ring and appreciating your business.

 
4. Keep It Neutral and Inclusive

When choosing holiday cards for your business, it is essential to maintain an inclusive and unbiased approach. It is crucial to acknowledge that not everyone obse­rves the same holidays and to avoid uninte­ntionally excluding or offending anyone.

Conside­r selecting cards with imagery that re­presents winter landscape­s, snowflakes, or festive de­corations instead of specific religious symbols. By doing so, you ensure that your cards are appreciate­d by clients from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

Crafting your holiday message requires using inclusive language that encompasses the e­ssence of the se­ason. Choose expressions like "warm wishes" or "joyful celebrations" to convey unity and joy. It's advisable to avoid religious or specific holiday re­ferences unless you are sure about your client's pre­ferences. This approach de­monstrates respect for diversity and inclusivity, reinforcing your business's reputation as conside­rate and respectful.

 
5. Handwritten Touch

During this era of digital communication, adding a handwritte­n touch to your holiday card can make it truly stand out and leave a lasting impression. Consider including a personal, handwritten note­ in each card, even if it's just a brie­f message conveying your gratitude­. The authenticity of handwritten messages demonstrates the thoughtfulness you've put into every individual card.

If you possess an extensive cliente­le, the illusion of a handwritten ae­sthetic can still be achieve­d through the use of handwriting-like fonts or by including a signature­ or initials. This extra endeavor brings about a pe­rsonal touch that your clients will undoubtedly appreciate, setting your card apart from the sea of ge­neric holiday greetings.

 
6. Keep the Message Short and Sweet

During the bustling holiday se­ason, time becomes a pre­cious resource for both businesse­s and their clients. That's why maintaining concise and focused holiday card messages is crucial. It may be te­mpting to pour your heart out in a lengthy note, but it's crucial to re­member that people­ have limited time and atte­ntion spans during this busy period.

By keeping your message short and sweet, not only do you re­spect your clients' valuable time­, but you also increase the likelihood of them reading and appreciating your card.

When crafting your message, prioritize brevity without sacrificing warmth and since­rity. Keep your holiday gree­tings and appreciation concise. For instance, a simple yet effective way to convey your sentiments is by saying, "Wishing you a joyful holiday se­ason and a prosperous New Year! We value your partnership."
Conclusion

Impressing clie­nts with holiday cards goes beyond sending a se­asonal greeting. It's an opportunity to showcase appre­ciation, attention to detail, and commitment to pe­rsonalized customer relationships.

By following these six tips, you can create me­morable holiday cards that leave a lasting positive impression on your clients. This not only strengthe­ns business relationships but also lays the foundation for continued success in the upcoming year.

ML Wallet: M Lhuillier's Mobile App Providing Convenience in Various Financial Transactions

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Technological innovations have truly disrupted our usual way of going about our daily routines. These marvels of Science and Technology which include mobile applications offer not only convenience but also give us more opportunities to do more and achieve greater possibilities. It seems there is no longer anything we can't accomplish when we set our minds on it thus maximizing our potential without limits. Many companies and industries, whether big or small, have tapped the development of their own mobile applications to further improve their services and attract more partners and customers.

ML Wallet is M Lhuillier's official mobile application, providing users with a convenient way to engage in various financial transactions using their smartphones.

M Lhuillier embarked on its digital transformation journey in 2017 with the introduction of the ML Wallet App. This app serves as a vital link for Filipinos who lack access to traditional banking services, granting them the ability to send money, pay bills, purchase mobile load, and more online. Additionally, it seamlessly connects users to M Lhuillier's extensive physical branch network of 3,000 locations, enhancing the overall customer experience, particularly in the context of the "new normal."

The ML Wallet App is readily available for download at no cost from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Huawei App Gallery.



Here are the key services offered by the ML Wallet App:

Send Money: Enjoy free money transfers with ML Wallet's Wallet to Wallet service. Perform Kwarta Padala to anyone, anytime, anywhere.

Buy eLoad: Easily purchase or send mobile load to your friends and family with just a few taps on your smartphone.

Pay Bills: Swiftly settle bills with over 300 partner organizations nationwide, covering various categories such as utilities, insurance, loans, and more.

Cash In: Deposit funds into any ML Wallet account with no charges by visiting the nearest M Lhuillier branch. Add money to your bank account through ML Wallet's network of bank partners.

Receive Money: Receive up to PHP 50,000.00** per transaction through your ML Wallet, eliminating the need to visit an M Lhuillier branch. Simply input the necessary details for receiving money after logging in.

Cash Out: Withdraw up to PHP 40,000** per day from any of the 3,000 M Lhuillier branches across the country. Transfer funds to your bank account through ML Wallet's affiliated bank partners.

Shop Jewelry Online: Discover competitive prices and shop for pre-loved jewelry items at the ML Shop.

Additional Features: Beyond these core services, users can keep tabs on their financial activities through ML Wallet's enhanced Transaction History feature. Stay updated on the latest Kwarta Padala rates anytime, anywhere.

What are you waiting for? Experience the convenience and accessibility of ML Wallet for your everyday financial needs.