On Experience

Here are some of the most inspiring innovations in design, service, and guest experience in hospitality and travel so far this year. The more the industry can cross-pollinate, learn from others, and experiment, the better it will be.

Luxury travelers often deconstruct what goes into the makings of great hospitality. It's also necessary, however, to ask what is required of guests so that they hold up their end of the bargain. It's a two-way street, and all too often we ignore one side of the equation.

Given the macro shift toward wellness in culture, it shouldn't be surprising that travel brands, with their expansive reach, need to be innovating in this space as well. Some of the smartest brands here are trying thoughtful new strategies to improve guest comfort and boost well-being.

Ambitious first-time hoteliers are forging some of the most intriguing hospitality experiences. The power of the beginner's imagination combined with knowledge and passion from other industries is adding up to exactly what the most jaded travelers want.

The level of competition at the ultra-premium end of hospitality is unimaginably high, and it keeps getting higher. Extraordinary service and experiences quickly become table stakes as guest expectations continue to skyrocket. A culture of creativity gives the best hoteliers that distinctive edge.

ThirdHome just might have the winning formula on what affluent homeowners want when sharing properties. Scaling quality and keeping up a high level of trust will be key as it grows.

Hospitality can be the gateway to a richly rewarding global career. But even some of the top brands aren’t making this sell well enough to the next generation of talent. Here’s how to do it.

More travelers want a lower price point without sacrificing aesthetics and vibe. Much can be learned from Muji's example in Tokyo, particularly the product integration and room design.

Clooney’s effort to boycott the Dorchester Collection is the wrong approach. In effect, it actually serves to harm the frontline staff and workers in the hotels that create the magic for guests and Hollywood luminaries alike.

When you dig into how much it invests in its in-flight entertainment, Emirates is actually a flying media company. Its investment is hugely passenger-centric, but advertisers certainly don't mind reaching a highly qualified audience.