1. Defining Luxury Tourism 2.1 Luxury Travel Sectors According to International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), the luxury travel sector is characterized by uniqueness and brand imagery. Uniqueness is the fusion of quality, creativity and a reputable culture of knowledge, skill and expertise while brand imagery is the emotional communication that one feels with the image associated by the products.
2.2 Luxury Travel Organizations
There are mainly four significant components that make up a luxury travel experience – Accommodation, Transportation, Experience and Travel Agents. 1.2.1 Accommodation Accommodation is perhaps the most significant element of a holiday, and in the luxury sector, accommodation is categorized into three distinctive sectors – City Hotels (classic luxury hotels, boutique hotels), Resorts & Spas and Vacation Ownership properties and Self-Catering Accommodations. 1.2.1.1 City Hotels A city hotel is found in the urban setting of a city, where it is of close proximity to transportation systems, restaurants, retail and entertainment outlets. Some examples that we have of classic luxury hotels would be The Ritz-Carlton Millenia, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, and Four Seasons Singapore; while boutique hotels would be The Scarlet Hotel, Naumi Hotel and Hotel Fort Canning. 1.2.1.2 Resorts & Spas Resorts are mostly found in areas of lower population density as compared to their city hotel counterparts, and generally sprawled across a wide area. Resorts also offer extensive recreation activities, distinguishing them from standard hotel leisure facilities such as swimming pools, fitness center. The focal point of staying at a resort would be the recreation activities, taking advantage of the climate and natural settings.
For example, The Sentosa Singapore lounges over 27 acres of lush greenery