Latest news with #culturalexperiences
Hospitality Net
13-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Cultural Experiences Fuel Business Travel, Says Hyatt
LONDON - Hyatt saw more than 147,000 meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) enquiries in Europe in 2024, an increase of 9.6% compared to 2023, driven by a growing demand for authentic cultural experiences embedded into business trips. Hyatt's UK properties accounted for more than 25,000 of these enquiries, amounting to a 22% growth year on year. The UK market saw the highest number of MICE enquiries throughout the entirety of Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EAME), reflecting the popularity of Hyatt's UK portfolio amongst business travellers. This comes as global business travel spending is projected to reach $1.64 trillion in 2025, up from $1.48 trillion in 2024, according to the Global Business Travel Association, signifying strong momentum for the continued recovery and growth of the segment. With global spending expected to surpass $2 trillion by 2028, the ways in which travel companies are agile in responding to evolving customer demands is critical.1 We are increasingly seeing business travellers look to make the most of trips by bolting on days to experience local surroundings. While business travel is well and truly back, there remains an undertone of cautious spending from travellers and companies, meaning this segment is more than ever about getting the highest return on investment from business trips. This also means that companies are laser focused on delivering high quality and engaging events that inspire productivity, requiring greater attention on unique and personalised settings, activities and F&B. Paul Dalgleish, VP Sales, Revenue and Business Development EAME Dialling-up downtime with Together by Hyatt Behind this growth lies Hyatt's world-renowned hotel brands and a strong, long-standing reputation in the corporate travel segment, which alongside its meetings and events platform, Together by Hyatt, allow for the delivery of best-in-class meetings and events. Together by Hyatt guides the way Hyatt properties create experiences and deliver more connected meetings and events, with organisers and guests at its heart. The platform provides event organisers with the tools, resources and support they need to deliver unique and elevated events, prioritising what matters most to them, whether that's wellbeing with waste reduction and thoughtfully sourced food, providing efficiencies through a real time planner portal, or curating unique experiences with bespoke event experience guides. Shaping this growing demand is appetite for unique experiences that bring business travellers closer to the destination, whether that's through food, team building, or learning a new skill. From harvesting honey while learning about the environmental benefits of beekeeping in Jabal Akhdar during a stay at Alila Jabal Akhdar, to truffle hunting in the forests of Hungary while staying at Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, or even unwinding with a yoga experience during a stay at Hôtel du Palais Biarritz - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, the opportunities to dial-up events via unique experiences are endless when partnering with Together by Hyatt. Business travellers are particularly drawn to authentic lifestyle experiences. We are seeing strong demand for meaningful connections with local surroundings, whether that's through tasting local food, learning a new skill like beekeeping or exploring surrounding heritage. We only see this trend growing as demand for business travel continues on its upwards path, and travellers seek out the types of experiences that transform a business trip into a truly memorable experience. This is why we have ensured that across our brand bar, travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to elevating any business trip, from Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency in our Classics collection, to Lifestyle brands like Andaz and The Standard. Gareth Cummings, Regional Vice President EAME, Hyatt Sales Force Bespoke buyouts in stunning locations Pivotal to the evolving corporate travel sector is the growing appetite from larger corporates to privatise entire hotels for MICE purposes. Whether guests are delivering energised sessions in a conference room, practicing meditation under the stars or strengthening connections over an authentic dish, corporates are increasingly recognising the benefits of an exclusive buyout that enables any meeting, conference or event to be elevated. Hyatt is responding to this demand, alongside the desire for increased return on investment from events, by offering greater flexibility for customers to deliver tailored, exclusive events with a full or partial buyout at a Hyatt hotel across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The stunning properties companies can enjoy an exclusive buyout at across Europe, Africa and the Middle East include: Alila Hinu Bay Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel and Residences Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas Grand Hyatt Dubai Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Andaz Prague Andaz Vienna am Belvedere Hôtel du Palais Biarritz Hyatt Centric Malta Hyatt Regency Amsterdam Park Hyatt London River Thames Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort La Zambra Resort Magma Santorini Secrets Lanzarote Resort and Spa Zoëtry Mallorca The term 'Hyatt' is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates. About Hyatt Hotels Corporation Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of June 30, 2024, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,350 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 78 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Timeless Collection, including Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove; the Boundless Collection, including Miraval®, Alila®, Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, Dream® Hotels, Hyatt Centric®, and Caption by Hyatt®; the Independent Collection, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt®, and JdV by Hyatt®; and the Inclusive Collection, including Impression by Secrets, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith™, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit Forward-Looking Statements Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable when made, are inherently uncertain, and are subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside of Kiraku, Inc. or Hyatt's control, which could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements made in this press release are made only as of the date of their initial publication and neither party undertakes an obligation to publicly update any of these forward-looking statements as actual events unfold, except to the extent required by applicable law. If one or more forward-looking statements is updated, no inference should be drawn that any additional updates will be made with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.
South China Morning Post
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Intangible cultural heritage and Hong Kong examples as city celebrates inaugural ICH month
If you live in or are visiting Hong Kong, you may have watched the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade from the fishing village's stilt houses last week, or mastered the art of making cha kwo (steamed sticky rice dumpling). You may be heading to Sha Tin later this month to learn a paper-crafting technique, or make temple offerings at the Che Kung Festival. A plethora of such cultural experiences is being widely showcased at the moment – more than usual – because June is the inaugural Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Month. In addition to tours in six characteristic districts – Yau Tsim Mong, Tsuen Wan, Tai Po, Sha Tin, Eastern, and the Islands – there are carnivals, exhibitions, seminars and workshops being held across the city. Appreciating a culture's heritage through its historic sites and monuments, buildings, and material artefacts – such as clothing, jewellery, weapons, art and sculpture – is a familiar practice. Such tangible heritage has long been presented in museums, recognised, shared and even returned to its rightful communities. Cantonese opera is listed on the Representative List of the ICH of Hong Kong under performing arts. Photo: AFP Intangible cultural heritage (ICH), on the other hand, comprises non-physical intellectual wealth, such as folklore, customs, beliefs, traditions, knowledge and language. ICH received less recognition until recent decades, despite its crucial role as a mainspring of cultural diversity, and a guarantor of sustainable development.
Travel Weekly
07-06-2025
- Travel Weekly
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa unveils the Royal Huakai Suite
The Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa recently debuted the new Royal Huakai Suite, as part of its $60 million renovation. Spread over nearly 2,500 feet, the Royal Huakai Suite is a one-bedroom, two-bathroom accommodation overlooking Keauhou Bay. The spacious living space has a kitchenette, three lanais, office space and a spa-inspired bathroom with a soaking tub. "Huakai in Hawaiian means trip, voyage or journey, and we chose it to reflect the deep history of exploration in this area while also welcoming our guests as they begin their journey with us," said Nani Kupihe, director of cultural experiences at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa. "The Royal Huakai Suite is the perfect name for this room because it celebrates how close we are to the birthplace of King Kamehameha III and honors the voyaging heritage of Keauhou Bay." Royal Huakai Suite guests also receive access to the enhanced Voyager 47 Club Lounge, which offers coffee and breakfast in the mornings and appetizers and alcoholic beverages in the evening.
The Guardian
06-06-2025
- The Guardian
Southeast Asia, done right
Stay with Hilton for your next Southeast Asian adventure, and you'll find that comfort and authenticity go hand in hand. From Bangkok to Bali, Singapore to Sri Lanka, discover properties that can connect you to cultural experiences, offer five star facilities, and promise an unforgettable time in this most vivid corner of the globe …
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Travel + Leisure
06-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This 60-day World Tour Lets You Explore 4 Continents—From Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia to a Luxury Sailing in Cambodia
If you've been dreaming of seeing the world in a way that blends luxury, culture, and conscious travel, get ready. To celebrate its 60th anniversary, luxury tour company Butterfield & Robinson has announced a collection of "Around The World in 60 Days" trips that span six destinations over four continents across 60 days. The whole trip will contain exclusive experiences, expert guides, and exciting surprises, along with a mix of luxury and sustainability. Butterfield & Robinson has designed the collection to reflect its commitment to ethical travel, slow travel, and local impact, with each itinerary for each leg highlighting environment and social initiatives nurtured by the company through its Slow Fund. Butterfield & Robinson was voted one of Travel + Leisure 's readers' top 10 favorite tour operators in 2024. The tour begins on March 21, 2026, in Oaxaca, Mexico, and then continues to Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Morocco, and Turkey, before finishing up in Burgundy, France. Travelers can choose to participate in as many parts of the tour as they prefer, whether they would just like to join one trip or all six. In Oaxaca, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Zapotec culture, explore Tlacolula Market (one of the oldest markets in Mesoamerica), taste local mezcals, and explore the Oaxacan landscapes. On the combined Cambodia and Vietnam leg of the trip, travelers will cycle along canals and floating markets, and share a home-cooked meal with a renowned chef. The third leg transports participants to Rajasthan, India, where they will be able to spot leopards with expert trackers at a luxury camp that focuses on conservation, stay in a private 300-year-old palace, and explore local art and communities throughout the wondrous city. Following India, the 60-day trip continues on to Morocco, to explore the wild desert and Atlas Mountains with a trusted guide. Next comes Turkey, where travelers will go from the bazaars of Istanbul to the cave cities and balloon tours of Cappadocia to a private luxury yacht along the blissful Mediterranean coast. The final leg of the tour wraps up the experience in Burgundy, France, the European home of Butterfield & Robinson, for wine tastings in local vineyards, scenic rides through the countryside, and stays at luxury chateaux. The cost of the total 60-day trip including all six legs of the journey is just over $85,000 per person, not including airfare. To book, visit Butterfield & Robinson's page on the journey at
