Ultratravel Forum Perspectives
2012 will be tough but travel and tourism will grow
On Monday 5th December, the annual Ultratravel Forum at the Palais des Festivals Grand Auditorium, kicked off the 10th anniversary edition of ILTM in front of over two thousands invited guests. The ILTM Ultratravel Forum welcomed a experts to display trends and ideas, insights and innovations that are currently driving luxury travel industry. Nick perry, Chaiman Ultratravel, introduced John Andrews lecture on the world in 2012. The Economist Editor reminded the uncertainties caused by the euro crisis, the problem of the debt in the USA, the future of the Arab spring and the many coming heads of state elections in 2012 that could bring important changes. Nevertheless, despite a world economy on the downward slope, travel and tourism will grow, sustained by emergent countries economies, whose standards of living are progressively increasing, reaching Wester countries level. Mr Andrews noted that the belt around the middle class is squeezing causing the gap between rich and poor people to enlarge.
Future Laboratory James Wallman and Chris Sanderson offered their insights into luxury traveler lifestyle trends and their research conclusions about the «New Luxurians», saying that taste, behavior and attitudes are shifting towards simple pleasures and value and from conspicuous luxury to caring service. Considering luxury consumers by age and taking into account their formative years and circumstances is essential to understand their attitude and behavior tomorrow. Here are the two Future Laboratory speakers recommendations to the industry: Sell Millenials through fresh experiences and digital engagement (i.e. Facebook), - Show your earthy sustainability and artisanship to connect with ThirtyfiveUps - Help generation Joseners to escape their stress through value and adventure - Give Babyboomers (50+) slow, healthy, meaningful, local experiences.
In the third part of the Forum, Ultratravel Editor Graham Boyton moderated a debate about «Does the Luxury Travel industry meet the needs of a new generation of Luxury Travellers?» The panel featured comments by Ellen Bettridge – Vice President of U.S. Retail Travel Network, American Express, Justin Wateridge – Managing Director, Abercrombie & Kent UK, Jennifer Fow - Fairmont new President/CEO, Hamish Mc Vey - British Airways Head of Customer Innovation, and Sir Rocco Forte - Chairman of The Rocco Forte Collection.The debate was followed by a Question-Answer session with the public.
In the end, Mr Isadore Sharp Four Season founder and Chairman, was honored with an ILTM Lifetime Achievement Awar. Interviewed by Graham Boyton, Isadore Sharp displayed with charm the recipes of his success since its first hotel 1970: consider the clients like guests at home, cast no judgment on their appearance but welcome them be the best in terms of quality, service, culture and brand. He then said «We fly the flag of luxury by being innovators -- not inventors», but he stressed that innovation was an unceasing quest, quoting his father’s motto: «The mind is like a parachute, it only works when it is opened.»
Mr Nick Perry , Chairman, Ultratravel
Mr John Andrews , Consultant Editor, The Economist
