Asia In selecting %s Shanghai Luxury Travel Show (1)

By TRAVELER Luxe旅人志 / Reported by Liao Hongxin　

 

The white paper shows that destinations such as the UK and the US, which serve as gateways for immigration and study abroad, remain among the most desired travel spots for Asians. In addition, traditionally luxury-associated countries such as France still rank highly. However, what’s most noteworthy isn’t how much these travelers spend, but how they spend it—this defines the overall elevation of the Asian travel market. Major brands such as Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, Conrad, and Banyan Tree continue to be popular, but the vibrant interactions at the booths of hotel collectives made up of hundreds of independently owned properties—such as Small Luxury Hotels of the World(SLH), Relais & Châteaux, and The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW)—seem to demonstrate that today’s Asian travelers want more and deeper experiences. Asian travelers seek to define their own way of having fun—more indulgent, more exclusive, and more reflective of their individual consumption identity. This is reflected in the rapid growth of small luxury lodgings and boutique hotels across Asia. These offer both global standards and local character—each property is unique yet delivers service at international levels. This is none other than the foundation of customized travel—unique experiences without sacrificing pleasure or convenience.

 

In addition, we’re also seeing choices beyond traditional travel powerhouses. Dubai has been hot for several years, and now India’s Bollywood-style luxury is on the rise—especially in cities like Udaipur, named the Best Travel Destination in 2009 by Travel + Leisure magazine, and Jaipur, the Pink City. These destinations offer breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean along with stays in heritage-level palace-style hotels, elevating travel into a blend of vacation and cultural exploration, with beauty distinctly different from what Europe and America have traditionally offered. Other countries such as Australia, Switzerland, and Canada have also sent large delegations, mainly promoting outdoor activities that Asians have had less exposure to—particularly the emerging trend of eco-exploration. Besides reflecting awareness of Responsible Travel, these also represent another form of customized travel.

 

Asia is on the rise, but beyond the numbers, it’s the dynamic energy of consumption that truly feels transformative—it’s changing our choices, or rather, how we make those choices. What was once seen as luxury travel—pursuing meticulous service and internationally standardized indulgence—has now had its rules rewritten by the broader Asian market. We’ve become more proactive consumers and more active explorers on the world map.

 

 

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