Source: www.economictimes.indiatimes.com
The international travel industry cannot afford to do without luxury travellers; so, despite a drop in volume of trips costing 2,500 euros and more, the luxury travel segment continues to occupy a significant share of the travel market, according to the ITB World Travel Trends Report 2010.
Last year, travellers from Europe in that category, made up only 5% of the travel market but the money they spent was 27%. This despite an 18% fall in the segment — more than any other part of the market. Trips in the medium-priced category (750 to 2,500 euros per trip) fell by 9% (or 33% of trips overall) with their spending accounting for 47% of the market.
Travel by holidaymakers who spent 750 euros or less fell by 4%, still 62% of the overall travel market; but they accounted for only 26% of overall spending. The “extremely wealth” bracket, incidentally , are capable of spending up to 500 times the average holidaymaker’s amount. Given all this, the focus will be on destinations, airlines and travel operators who are capable of tailoring their products according to their well heeled clientele’s needs.
First Armani hotel opens in Dubai
Armani Hotel Dubai, the world’s first hotel developed by Armani Hotels ‘&’ Resorts, in Burj Khalifa opened on April 21, 2010. It is the first such hotel to be launched under the collaboration between Emaar Properties PJSC and Giorgio Armani SpA. An integral component of Burj Khalifa, every element of the Armani Hotel Dubai has been personally designed by fashion legend Giorgio Armani.
The hotel will be home to eight dining experiences, the Armani/Priv an upscale lounge, and the world’s first in-hotel Armani /Spa offering 12,000 sq ft of wellness. The hotel will also have an Armani/Dolci chocolates store; an Armani/Fiori florist; and an Armani/Galleria showcasing couture accessories. Covering over an area of 269,000 sq ft, across the concourse, ground floor and levels 1 to 8 and levels 38 ‘&’ 39 of Burj Khalifa, Armani Hotel Dubai has 160 rooms. This opening will be followed by Armani Hotel Milano in Italy; Armani Resort in Marrakech, Morocco; and Armani Residences villas in Marassi, Egypt.
Holiday options from The Lalit
Under its Unified Holidays of India Experiences scheme, the Lalit group offers 5 destinations for its summer promotion till September 30, 2010. Special rates are valid for booking from 1 April 2010 till 31 July 2010. At the Lalit Resort and Spa Bekal, Kerala, packages range from Rs 55,555 to Rs 66,666, at Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar from Rs 35,999 to Rs 49,999 + Rs 9,000 for extra bed and at the InterContinental The Lalit Goa Resort, Lalit Temple View Khajuraho and Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur from Rs 24,000 to Rs 28,000 with Rs 4500 for an extra bed, all inclusive. Offers are valid for a minimum 3 nights and 4 days, with 15% off on a 4th night’s stay.
