Luxury Hotels Must Evolve to Meet the Experience-Driven Traveler

As the world of luxury travel continues to evolve, a new breed of traveler is emerging - one that craves experiences over opulence, and a sense of connection over mere aesthetics. For interior designer André Fu, this shift in consumer behavior is a wake-up call for the hospitality industry, particularly for luxury hotels that have long relied on grandeur and extravagance to attract visitors. "Luxury is not about the fabrics, it's not about the marble," Fu explained at the Fortune Brainstorm Design conference in Macau. "It's about feeling. It's about connection. It's about the emotion that you get when you're in a space." Fu's words resonated with Swire Hotels deputy chairman Toby Smith, who echoed the sentiment that travel patterns are changing. "We're finding that people are extending their trip," Smith said. "They've got a business trip, and they might extend the trip by a day or so to really explore the city or the location they happen to be in." This shift towards experiential travel is not limited to business travelers; millennials and Gen-Z tourists are also driving the demand for unique, immersive experiences that go beyond the typical hotel stay. So, what does this mean for luxury hotels? For Fu, it's about creating a "point of view" - a distinct atmosphere or design ethos that sets a hotel apart from others. "When you have that feeling that this is a space that's designed around you, rather than you being just a particle in that environment, that sense of resonance is so invaluable," he said. This approach requires a deep understanding of the target audience and a willingness to take risks in terms of design and concept. One hotel that has successfully implemented this approach is the Upper House in Hong Kong, designed by Fu himself. The hotel's sleek, modern aesthetic is balanced by a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes guests feel at home. The result is a sense of connection and community that is rare in luxury hotels. "It's not just about the physical space," Fu said. "It's about creating a sense of belonging, of being part of something bigger than yourself." As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, Fu's message is clear: luxury hotels must adapt to the changing needs of their guests. This means moving beyond the traditional focus on opulence and extravagance, and towards a more experiential, immersive approach to design. By doing so, hotels can create a sense of connection and community that goes beyond mere aesthetics, and truly resonates with their guests. In an era where experiences are increasingly valued over material possessions, the implications for luxury hotels are significant. By prioritizing connection and community over grandeur and extravagance, hotels can create a sense of belonging that is rare in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world. As Fu so eloquently put it, "Luxury is not about the fabrics, it's not about the marble. It's about feeling. It's about connection. It's about the emotion that you get when you're in a space."