Luxury travel appetite, which may well withstand geopolitical pains, is evolving towards a taste for all-rounded wellness experiences, opines Alison Gilmore, portfolio director – ILTM events with RX Global
There has been plenty of talk about how growing global tensions will impact travel and tourism. As the organiser of an event that facilitates the advancement of luxury travel and tourism, how are you reading this situation? Would this high-yield segment be less vulnerable to economic dips?
Travel, as a famous travel journalist once said, is “the industry of human happiness”. We know from well-known luxury brands that their guests are increasingly turning to experiences rather than high-end products, and we have not seen this demand slowing down recently.
Our ILTM Latin America, which took place in May, is the largest yet, and ILTM Asia Pacific next week is set to also break records.
Of course, what is happening in the geopolitical world is creating a level of uncertainty across the world but in the long term, we do believe high-net-worth travellers might be less likely to change their travel plans.
We are also seeing some luxury travel brands emphasising sustainability and craftsmanship to broaden their appeal to a new wave of consumers, especially within famously welcoming destinations such as Italy and California.
Given Asia’s robust economic growth – a region where almost half of the world’s largest trade routes reside and which is a major contributor to global GDP – as well as strong intra-Asia trade and travel flows, would luxury travel and tourism in this region be more stable than the rest of the world?
The Asian luxury market is a complex landscape with growth in some areas and slowdown in others, particularly in China. While China’s luxury market is facing challenges such as decreased consumer confidence, South-east Asian markets are showing resilience and growth, particularly in Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Additionally, as mentioned, the concept of luxury is evolving, with a greater emphasis on experiences, cultural engagement, and sustainability, particularly among younger generations, all of which bode well for luxury travel and tourism in the region.
Will you shed light on some interesting travel trends picked up by your latest Buzz vs. Reality report that will be unveiled at ILTM Asia Pacific from June 30 to July 3?
Wellness is no longer a luxury add-on; it’s a defining priority for affluent travellers across Asia-Pacific who are planning their trips, according to ILTM’s latest report in partnership with Aliant. People (77 per cent) now incorporate wellness routines into their daily lives, and 55 per cent say wellness services are essential when choosing a hotel.
The concept of wellness has evolved beyond spa days to include fitness, mental health, and personalised therapies, reflecting a broader shift towards purpose-driven, meaningful travel.
Trends like slow travel, long-distance train journeys, and ‘coolcationing’ highlight this move toward intentional experiences. “White Lotus effect” destinations, like Thailand, which boast deep-rooted holistic traditions and modern wellness offerings, are well-positioned to ride on the wellness wave.
Savvy destinations like Thailand and Singapore have upgraded their wellness tourism development, choosing to pursue science-backed wellness products and experiences. How do you see this next stage of wellness tourism development shaping luxury travel demand into Asia-Pacific?
Recent years have seen the travel industry evolve in different directions. Travelling with purpose and meaning has become a cornerstone for many wealthy travellers’ plans.
Many countries in Asia have a long history in holistic and tradition-based practices, but they too are embracing the modern. The detailed research we will reveal at ILTM Asia Pacific 2025 will include evidence that travellers increasingly want wellness experiences to be unique and personalised. From bespoke health assessments to innovative therapies, luxury travel is being redefined by this demand for customisation.
Will there be a wider array of wellness exhibitors at ILTM Asia Pacific 2025 as a result of this growing interest in wellness travel ideas?
ILTM events always profile a wide range of luxury travel experiences to meet the demands of travellers from across the specific regions.
ILTM Asia Pacific 2025 will be no exception, with brands that focus on wellness, including Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi; Forestis Dolomites in Italy; The Dolder Grand in Zürich, Switzerland; Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Sichuan, China; and RAKxa Integrative Wellness in Thailand. These standout properties represent the pinnacle of wellness tourism, offering transformative experiences that blend holistic healing, advanced therapies and exceptional hospitality.
Whether it’s the overwater serenity and Aqua Wellness Centre at Waldorf Astoria Maldives, the nature-powered health philosophy of Forestis Dolomites, or the medical-grade spa excellence at The Dolder Grand, these destinations redefine wellness at the highest level.
Rissai Valley offers spiritual immersion and Tibetan healing in a stunning mountain reserve, while RAKxa Integrative Wellness merges Eastern tradition with cutting-edge functional medicine delivering deeply personalised wellness journeys.
Together, these brands showcase how wellness has become an essential pillar of the luxury travel landscape.
