Leslie Barrie

Climate change is forcing ski resorts to get creative to keep high-end travelers on the slopes — and pull in a new wave of customers. Now with the coronavirus epidemic impacting the end of this season, and potentially future seasons, the industry needs to do even more problem solving.

While certain wellness travel trends are on the rise, like sound therapy, they won't drive more bookings as long as the coronavirus is a threat. Wellness travel, along with the rest of the industry, will need to hold tight and hope the outbreak gets under control.

Luxury travelers increasingly want to stay at hotels with a social conscience. While it's great that locations like Four Seasons Chicago and The Peninsula are working with the refugee-helping nonprofit Heartland Alliance, it should be thought of as just that — a small move in the right direction.

As long as luxury travelers continue to want one-of-a-kind experiences, companies like Black Tomato will likely find success delivering these rare, transformational itineraries.

Getting new books in the hands of luxury travelers benefits everyone. It improves the guest experience, drives loyalty to hotels, and raises the profile of authors. Because of this, we'll likely see more luxury properties partnering with Bedside Reading, the company that's making it happen.

As luxury resorts jockey for ways to differentiate themselves from the pack, a shift toward more environmental practices may help them find new customers. The key, though, is making sure those green efforts come from an authentic — and not purely financial — place.

The future of luxury family travel is sustainable, eco-friendly adventures. Luxury properties would be wise to think about how they can appeal to this environmentally-conscious set of travelers.

There is no doubt that the latest wellness trends will impact the travel space. Just how fast companies will begin implementing the trends is the real question.

These days, it's not just one-off luxury properties that are investing in conservation projects. More companies see the value in protecting and restoring the land they're situated on, and ones that don't may be left behind.

Right now, a hotel can offer guests lemon water at check-in and call itself a wellness property. A new wellness certification might raise the bar for that distinction and help legitimize the industry.