Hotel Pulse
Best Travel Brands for the Luxury Client: Hotels, Cruises, Airlines, Tours
These days, there are many travel companies out there that boast wonderful luxury offerings, but there are some brands whose names have become completely inseparable from the very concepts of style, class, sophistication and supreme indulgence.
It’s also worth noting that, these days, the notion of “luxury” in itself can mean different things to different people.
But, typically, universal elements of luxury products and experiences include top-tier quality, exclusivity, privacy, authenticity and limited supply.
Here we dive into the world of luxury travel and highlight some of the industry’s top brands that specialize in catering to the demands of today’s high-end travelers.
From opulent on-land accommodations and spectacular cruise ships to the most decadent and exclusive tours, these brands’ products have earned a reputation for delivering utterly exceptional experiences and unparalleled service.
Ritz-Carlton Riyadh (Photo Credit: Ritz-Carlton)
Hotels
Four Seasons
The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts brand has practically become synonymous with unrivaled luxury and world-class hospitality. With a global presence in some of the most iconic destinations, Four Seasons consistently upholds the worldwide standard for opulence, offering travelers an exceptionally hotel experience. The brand is renowned for its elegant accommodations, impeccable service and a commitment to providing guests with a plush home away from home. Four Seasons combines contemporary amenities with timelessly grand surroundings. Whether in search of a luxurious urban retreat, a stylish beachfront getaway or a serene mountain escape, discerning travelers who seek the epitome of luxury and sophistication often stay at Four Seasons.
This month, Four
Seasons won multiple 2024 Travvy Awards in the Hotels
and Resorts category. The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea won Gold and
the Four Seasons Resort Anguilla won Silver for the Best Honeymoon
Hotel/Resort – U.S.; the Four Seasons Hualalai won Gold for the Best
Luxury Hotel/Resort – U.S.; and the Four Seasons Resort Anguilla took home Gold
for Best Luxury Hotel/Resort – Caribbean.
Ritz-Carlton
A century ago, the now-multinational hospitality brand Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts broke boundaries by bringing luxury elements into hotel settings for the first time. To this day, it continues to set the standard for luxury hospitality experiences the world over, and reaffirm its high-brow reputation for consistently delivering distinctly opulent and memorable hotel stays. The brand’s signature is the exceptional quality of its products themselves and utmost attention to detail, including when it comes to catering to customers’ needs and desires, taking service to a whole higher level. Ritz-Carlton properties can be found in plenty of prime destinations, including major cities and beautiful resort locales, providing supremely elevated accommodation options for both business and leisure travelers.
Ritz-Carlton
Hotels & Resorts took home a pair of 2024 Travvy Awards in the Hotels
and Resorts category. Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay and Ritz-Carlton, Amelia
Island, which took home Silver and Bronze respectively for the Best
Honeymoon Hotel/Resort – U.S.
PHOTO: Four Seasons Napa Valley. (Photo courtesy of Four Seasons)
Mandarin
Oriental
Mandarin Oriental
is considered one of the best luxury hotel brands for its legendary service,
iconic properties and dedication to delivering personalized, culturally
immersive experiences. Known for anticipatory service and exceptional attention
to detail, the brand offers world-class accommodations with high-end
furnishings, cutting-edge technology and thoughtful amenities. Its
Michelin-starred restaurants and award-winning spas set the standard for
culinary and wellness excellence, while the integration of local culture
provides guests with an authentic sense of place. Mandarin Oriental also offers
curated luxury experiences, such as private tours and bespoke activities,
making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking unparalleled comfort,
sophistication and cultural immersion.
At the 2024 Travvy
Awards, the brand’s Mandarin Oriental New York won a Bronze recognition in the
category of Best Luxury Hotel/Resort – US.
Cruise Lines
Regent Seven Seas
Cruises
Regent
Seven Seas Cruises is regarded as the ultimate choice for luxury travelers
due to its truly all-inclusive offerings, which encompass unlimited shore
excursions, fine dining, premium beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi and even airfare.
Its intimate ships, often described as the most luxurious ever built, feature
spacious suites with private balconies, opulent furnishings and high-end
amenities. Guests enjoy exceptional, personalized service thanks to one of the
highest staff-to-guest ratios in the industry, along with world-class dining
crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Regent’s immersive itineraries
span iconic destinations and hidden gems, offering unique shore excursions and
exclusive access to smaller ports. Onboard, such sophisticated enrichment
activities as expert lectures, culinary classes and wine tastings further
enhance the experience. With its commitment to seamless luxury, personalization
and cultural immersion, Regent delivers an unsurpassed cruise experience for
discerning travelers.
At the 2024 Travvy
Awards, in the Cruise
category, Regent Seven Seas Cruises took home four Travvys, including the Gold
statuette for Best Cruise Line – Luxury, Silver for Best Cruise Line – Small
(Under 500 Cabins), Bronze for Best Cruise Line – Asia, as well as the Gold prize
for Best Cruise Ship – Luxury with Seven Seas Grandeur.
Silversea
Silversea is a top-tier luxury cruise line known for its all-inclusive, intimate and personalized voyages. Its fleet consists of small to mid-sized ships, which allows for access to smaller ports that other cruise lines simply cannot reach, enabling the line to visit more remote and unique destinations. Silversea’s offerings include lavish suites with personal butler service, exceptional gourmet dining, and a diverse range of enriching shore excursions and activities. Silversea’s voyages and expeditions sail to more than 800 destinations across all seven continents—more than any other cruise line. With a focus on exceptional service and destination exploration, Silversea creates exclusive and immersive travel experience for its guests.
At the 2024 Travvy
Awards, Silversea took home the Bronze recognition for Best Cruise
Line – Luxury, along with the Bronze for Best Cruise Line – Small (Under 500
Cabins). Its Evolution-class vessel, Silver Nova, also took home the Silver award
for Best Cruise Ship – Luxury.
The Silver Muse in Sydney, Australia (photo via Silversea Cruises) (Photo Credit: (photo via Silversea Cruises))
Seabourn
Seabourn is another ultra-luxury cruise line that’s celebrated for its small-sized ships, opulent onboard experience and intense emphasis on providing personalized service. Since its intimate vessels carry only 450-600 passengers aboard each voyage, passengers reap the benefits of a high staff-to-guest ratio, so guests can expect exceptional attention to detail and a truly indulgent vacation. Like Silversea, its model is also all-inclusive. Seabourn’s all-suite, all-oceanfront accommodations are spacious and elegantly appointed, often coming with private verandas. The cruise line focuses on offering expertly curated and immersive itineraries that span all seven continents with visits to both well-known and off-the-beaten-path destinations. The world-class onboard cuisine is a highlight, with gourmet dining venues offering menus that incorporate the freshest ingredients and seasonal local specialties.
This year, the Seabourn
Pursuit took home the Bronze Travvy for Best Cruise Ship – Small (Under 500
Cabins).
Viking
Viking is
a top choice for luxury travelers due to its destination-focused itineraries,
sleek Scandinavian-inspired ship design and all-inclusive value. Offering
extended stays and overnight port calls, Viking enables guests to deeply
explore each destination while enjoying a sophisticated onboard experience with
spacious staterooms and serene public spaces. The line’s fares include shore
excursions, Wi-Fi, regional wine and beer with meals, and access to alternative
dining and spa facilities, ensuring a seamless journey free of hidden costs.
Guests benefit from exceptional service and a range of cultural enrichment
activities, including lectures, performances, and partnerships with
institutions like the BBC and Oxford University. With smaller ships and an
intimate atmosphere, Viking also grants access to unique ports while delivering
personalized luxury and a focus on cultural immersion, making it ideal for
discerning, exploration-minded travelers.
This year, Viking earned
an incredible seven accolades at the Travvy Awards. Viking won Silver for Best Cruise Line – Luxury, Silver for Best Cruise Line – Expedition/Adventure
and its ship, Octantis, won the Bronze award for Best
Cruise Ship – Expedition/Adventure. In the River
Cruise subdivision, it took home Gold for Best River Cruise Line – Overall,
Gold for Best River Cruise Line – Europe and Silver for Best River Cruise Line –
Africa/Egypt, while Viking’s Aton won Silver for Best River Cruise Ship –
Overall.
Viking Octanis passing through the Welland Canal, Great Lakes, North America. (photo courtesy of Viking)
Uniworld
When it comes to the realm of river cruising, award-winning Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is always a standout in the industry. Its intimate vessels have an average capacity of 120 guests, one of river cruising’s highest staff-to-guest ratios, ensuring that its guests’ every need is attended to. It fleet features chic lounges, panoramic restaurants, sumptuous gastronomy, exquisite antiques, original artwork, and luxurious riverview staterooms and suites. Uniworld’s itineraries, which sail throughout Europe, Egypt, Asia and Peru feature an enviable array of shore excursions, gourmet cuisine, impeccable service and the highest number of all-inclusive benefits. One of the brand’s distinct selling points is its focus on creating immersive and culturally enriching itineraries, which often feature exclusive shore excursions and experiences that enable its guests to explore their destination more deeply.
Uniworld took home
the Bronze accolade at the 2024 Travvy Awards for Best River Cruise Line – Africa/Egypt.
Airlines
Emirates
A luxurious experience at 30,000 feet might be the last thing you envision when you picture yourself on an airplane, but the two ideas aren’t actually mutually exclusive. And, few places do over-the-top opulence like the Middle East. Hence, First Class aboard United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) flag carrier, Emirates Airlines, is billed as being “as close as it comes to your own private jet”. Passengers in this cabin enjoy private suites, each featuring sliding doors for unmatched privacy and fully equipped with lie-flat beds, allowing travelers to rest comfortably during long flights. First Class guests are treated to chef-prepared gourmet meals onboard, and have access exclusive to an onboard bar and lounge, and can even unwind in an in-flight shower spa. Back at their seats, travelers enjoy Emirates’ award-winning entertainment system, ICE, which offers an extensive selection of movies, music, and live TV, ensuring that every moment spent in the air is an elevated experience.
At the 2024 Travvy
Awards, Emirates took home the Silver award in the Airline
category for Best Airline – International.
Emirates First Class (Photo via Emirates)
Qatar Airways
Flag carrier of Qatar, Qatar Airways‘ First Class experience sets a new standard for luxury travel through its exceptional service and attention to detail. Its QSuite Business Class offer private, spacious onboard suites that exude opulence. These seats can be transformed into fully flat beds for the utmost comfort during long-haul flights. Travelers in this cabin can indulge in exquisite dining options, thanks to an à la carte menu designed by renowned chefs. Additionally, the airline offers a unique ‘Dine on Demand’ service, allowing passengers to savor their preferred meals at any time. The exclusive Al Safwa First Lounge in Doha’s Hamad International Airport provides a serene environment for pre-flight relaxation. Qatar Airways’ extensive entertainment system offers an array of movies, TV shows, and music, ensuring an engrossing in-flight experience.
Qatar Airways took
home a Bronze recognition at the 2024 Travvy Awards for Best Airline –
International.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore
Airlines is widely considered one of the best luxury airlines for its
exceptional service, world-class amenities and commitment to delivering a luxuriously
seamless air travel experience. Renowned for its attentive and personalized
service, the airline offers luxurious First Class and Suites cabins, featuring
private suites, plush bedding and gourmet dining by world-class chefs.
Passengers enjoy exclusive airport lounges like the SilverKris Lounge, as well
as state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and high-speed Wi-Fi. With one of
the youngest fleets in the industry, this flag carrier transports passengers to
destinations across six continents. The airline’s attention to detail and
consistent recognition in global awards for excellence further cement its
reputation as a leader in luxury air travel, making it the ideal choice for
discerning travelers.
Singapore Airlines
did not win any Travvy Awards this year.
Singapore Airlines First Class Suites (Photo via Singapore Airlines)
Tour Operators
Kensington Tours
For luxury travelers seeking a bespoke and high-end experience, Kensington Tours stands out as a premier tour operator. Known for crafting personalized journeys, Kensington Tours offers tailor-made itineraries that cater to individual preferences and desires. With a global reach, the company provides access to some of the world’s most exclusive experiences and destinations on every continent. Private local guides, drivers and destination experts, plus carefully curated accommodations ensure a seamless, stress-free and luxurious travel experience. Kensington Tours is committed to authenticity, providing unique cultural encounters and insider access to iconic landmarks. Whether exploring historical sites, embarking on wildlife safaris or indulging in culinary adventures, travelers of various styles can expect meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled service throughout their journey.
Kensington Tours
claimed two 2024 Travvy Awards statuettes in the Tour
Operators category. It won Silver for Best Escorted Tour Operator –
Luxury and Bronze for Best Escorted Tour Operator –
Adventure/Expedition.
Abercrombie & Kent
Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) is
widely renowned as the world’s foremost luxury tour operator, synonymous
with opulence and exclusivity. With a legacy spanning several decades, A&K
has mastered the art of curating bespoke journeys that cater to the most
discerning clientele. The company is known for its exceptional attention to
detail, providing travelers with private guides, chauffeured transportation and
stays in handpicked, sumptuous accommodations. A&K’s global presence
ensures access to the most coveted destinations across all seven continents,
and its itineraries often feature unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Whether exploring iconic cultural landmarks, embarking on wildlife safaris or
cruising in luxury, guests can trust A&K to deliver an immersive, seamless
and extravagant journey that combines elegance with authenticity.
A&K took home a
total of four trophies at the 2024 Travvy Awards, winning Gold for Best
Escorted Tour Operator – Luxury; Silver for Best Escorted Tour Operator –
Adventure/Expedition; Silver for Best Escorted Tour Operator – Africa; and
Bronze for Best Escorted Tour Operator – Overall.
Guests riding camels near the Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt. (photo courtesy Emily Slade Photography/A&K) (Photo Credit: Emily Slade Photography)
Luxury Gold
Luxury
Gold is considered one of the best luxury tour operator brands for its
exceptional service, exclusive itineraries and immersive, tailored experiences.
Offering bespoke tours with private access to iconic attractions and unique
cultural events, Luxury Gold ensures every journey is personalized, with expert
tour directors and local guides providing concierge-level attention. When it
comes to seeing some of the world’s most sought-after landmarks, guests enjoy
front-of-the-line priority, behind-the-scenes access, and before- and after-hours
visits The brand prioritizes comfort by featuring five-star hotels, luxury
transportation and carefully planned itineraries for a stress-free experience.
With small group sizes, travelers enjoy intimate exploration and extraordinary
curated experiences, such as private wine tastings and exclusive culinary
encounters. Luxury Gold’s attention to detail, exceptional service and
commitment to creating unforgettable memories make it the ideal choice for
discerning travelers.
This year, Luxury
Gold was awarded the Bronze Travvy for Best Escorted Tour Operator – Luxury.
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Hotel Pulse
Sports Hospitality Market to Reach USD 74,318.43 Million by 2036, Growing at a CAGR of 14.12%: Credence Research
PUNE, India, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — According to a new market research report published by Credence Research, the global Sports Hospitality Market was valued at USD 8,345.70 million in 2018, rose to USD 15,233.39 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 74,318.43 million by 2036, growing at a CAGR of 14.12% during the forecast period.
The market is witnessing strong momentum owing to the increasing global appeal of high-profile sporting events and the growing appetite for premium, immersive experiences among both corporate clients and affluent consumers. Demand for VIP suites, exclusive access packages, gourmet catering, and behind-the-scenes privileges continues to surge at major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Super Bowl, Wimbledon, and Formula One Grand Prix. The sports industry’s ongoing shift toward experiential offerings and revenue diversification is further propelling investments in hospitality infrastructure and services.
Technological innovation and international expansion are reshaping the market dynamics. Enhanced digital ticketing, real-time fan engagement, and smart stadium integrations are elevating the guest experience. Additionally, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America are playing an increasingly vital role, driven by infrastructure upgrades and growing sports tourism. Strategic collaborations between sports federations, hospitality brands, and travel operators are expected to unlock new revenue streams and sustain market growth across geographies.
Browse the report and understand how it can benefit your business strategy – https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/sports-hospitality-market
Key Growth Determinants – Sports Hospitality Market
Rising Demand for Premium Sports Experiences
The growing preference for exclusive, high-end experiences among affluent consumers and corporate clients is a major driver of the sports hospitality market. Demand for VIP boxes, luxury suites, fine dining, meet-and-greet opportunities, and personalized concierge services continues to surge at major sporting events worldwide. Corporations are increasingly leveraging hospitality packages to build client relationships and enhance brand visibility, while fans seek more immersive and memorable ways to engage with their favorite teams and athletes.
Expansion of Global Sports Events and Commercialization
The increasing frequency and scale of international sporting events—such as the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, ICC tournaments, and Formula One races—are fueling market growth. Sports organizations are heavily investing in hospitality infrastructure to diversify revenue streams and enhance audience engagement. Coupled with the globalization of sports leagues and the rise of sports tourism, these developments are significantly expanding the market footprint across developed and emerging economies.
Hotel guests are increasingly feeling like they’re getting more bang for their buck, according to the 2025 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index (NAGSI) Study from J.D. Power.
Redesigned for 2025, the study measures overall hotel guest satisfaction based on performance in seven core dimensions—including value, guest room, staff services, facilities, communications and connectivity and food and beverage—across nine segments ranging from luxury to economy.
Despite the average daily rate for a U.S. hotel room reaching a record high of $158.67 in 2024, clean and well-designed rooms, omnipresent amenities such as smart TVs and user-friendly mobile apps are helping boost traveler satisfaction.
Hotel guest perceptions of value received for nightly rate paid increases in every hotel segment in this year’s study, with the most significant year-over-year gains coming in the upscale, midscale and economy segments.
Dogs enjoying a Home2 Suites by Hilton guest room. (photo courtesy of Hilton)
“We’re at an important inflection point in the travel marketplace where several years of record-high hotel demand and the pace of room rate increases is starting to slow,” Andrea Stokes, hospitality practice lead at J.D. Power, said in a statement.
“Hotel owner and operator investments in guest room décor and furnishings, in addition to bathroom updates, are paying off in higher satisfaction. One area in which hotels can significantly influence guest satisfaction without massive capital expense is with technology like smart TVs and updated room temperature controls,” she added.
“Travel is becoming more complex with the potential for flight delays or increased road traffic, so guests want hotels to provide the comforts of home.”
Key Takeaways for 2025
In the era of streaming, it’s no surprise that hotel guests want to be greeted by a smart TV, with 40 percent of surveyed travelers selecting “smart TV/ability to stream my entertainment” as a need to have versus nice to have, up from 21 percent in 2019.
What’s more, 72 percent of respondents indicated their room included a smart TV. That figure is up from 39 percent in 2019. Additionally, six out of 10 said they used the smart TV during their stay.
A premier king room inside the Omni PGA Frisco Resort. (Photo Credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts)
J.D. Power also found that guest satisfaction significantly improved year over year in areas such as furnishings and décor (+.05 points), condition of bathroom fixtures (+.05). and comfort of bed (+.04).
The study also shows that hotel app users report higher satisfaction, earning an average score of 699 (on a 1,000-point scale), which is 68 points higher than those who do not use their hotel brand’s mobile app.
It’s no secret that problems ranging from odors and loud noise to check-in issues can lower satisfaction. Nonetheless, this year’s study shows that they are relatively rare, occurring just 12 percent of the time across all hotel stays evaluated. In those incidents, however, guest satisfaction fell dramatically, plummeting 217 points to 460 from 677.
Highest-Ranking Hotel Brands for Guest Satisfaction
The Ritz-Carlton ranks highest in the luxury segment for 2025 with a score of 779, surpassing The Luxury Collection, which ranked first in 2024.
Meanwhile, Omni Hotels & Resorts conquered the upper upscale segment with a top satisfaction score of 731. Drury Hotels (738) ranked highest in the upscale segment, while Hyatt House (705) finished first in the upper extended stay category for a fourth consecutive year.
The exterior of a Tru by Hilton hotel. (Photo Credit: Hilton Hotels & Resorts)
Other repeat segment winners for 2025 include Home2 Suites by Hilton (upper midscale/midscale extended stay), Tru by Hilton (midscale), Microtel by Wyndham (economy) and WoodSpring Suites (economy extended stay). All four brands won their respective categories for a third consecutive year.
Finally, Hampton by Hilton (694) ranked first among upper midscale brands.
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Help your clients take advantage of reduced rates, room upgrades and more, while earning up to 7X STAR Points on all eligible bookings this July under Sunwing Vacations Partner of the Month program.
Canadians looking to embark on a value-packed summer or winter escape will love this promotion. Meliá Hotels and Resorts offers a range of comfortable and upscale properties in sought-after sun destinations.
On every booking made by July 31, 2025, for travel by December 20, 2026, travel advisors will earn up to 7X STAR Points and will be automatically entered for their chance to win one of five hotel stays at Paradisus La Perla Adults Only Riviera Maya, Paradisus Palma Real Golf and Spa Resort, Meliá Las Dunas, Meliá Las Antillas and Meliá Trinidad Peninsula.
Clients looking to escape to a participating property in Mexico or the Dominican Republic can enjoy a wide range of limited-time perks including resort credits and spa discounts, reduced rates and kids stay free pricing.
Cuba Promotions
In addition to reduced rates, here are the offers available at the Cuban properties:
Meliá Las Antillas: Complimentary upgrade from Junior Suite Economy to Deluxe Room.
Meliá Las Americas: Complimentary upgrade from Classic Room to Classic Golf View Room.
Meliá Varadero: No single supplement fees (singles are not required to pay a surcharge for staying in a double occupancy room.)
Meliá Jardines del Rey: First child free (aged 3-12).
Meliá Trinidad Peninsula: No single supplement fees (singles are not required to pay a surcharge for staying in a double occupancy room.)
Paradisus Princesa del Mar: No single supplement fees (singles are not required to pay a surcharge for staying in a double occupancy room.)
Paradisus Los Cayos: Complimentary upgrade from Paradisus Junior Suite to The Reserve Junior Suite.
Paradisus Rio de Oro: No single supplement fees (singles are not required to pay a surcharge for staying in a double occupancy room.)
Sol Caribe Beach: First child free (aged 3-12).
Group Booking Bonus
Meliá is also offering group perks for those who book with Sunwing this month. Travel advisors who book their clients a group getaway for travel between November 1, 2025 and December 20, 2026, will earn 11X STAR Points at Meliá’s Mexico and Dominican Republic properties* and 6X STAR Points with Meliá Cuba, while their clients will be awarded instant group savings of up to $400 per pair.
Please note terms and conditions apply. For additional information on Meliá Hotels & Resorts’ Partner of the Month offerings, travel advisors are encouraged to visit the Sunwing Agent Portal.
Related: Sunwing Announces Winter Destinations and Perks
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