Good Times Ahead: Predicting the Future of Luxury Travel

The InterContinental Hotels Group, a world leader in luxury tourism has contracted the expertise of futurist company, Faith Popcorn to predict new trends in the luxury tourism market. The results were nothing short of extravagant as plans included advanced Virtual Reality technology, bespoke hotel designs and the holistic guest experiences.

What any of that actually means, were still not exactly sure. They have however identified three different scenarios of how the luxury travel experience can be brought up a notch to the next level of indulgence;

The Clanning Experience  - Advanced Virtual Reality (VR) technology will allow guests to share in real time their adventures and luxury experiences with friends and family back at home, or wherever they may be around the world. Whether guests have captured their experiences swimming with dolphins or walking through the forests of Kakadu, the entire experience is able to be shared in real time.

Customised Wardrobes - While these days when one books a hotel you expect a bed, a television and cable connection is always nice. But as hotels may be partnering with fashion brands, guests may well be able to expect their own in-room wardrobes, complete with 3D printed clothing. Wardrobes will be bespoke, customised to suit personal tastes based on their online shopping habits and local weather conditions.

Fantasy Escapes - As luxury as we know it today will become so prolific and accessible, those seeking more exclusive and extreme experiences will now have the option to indulge in fantasy escapes in a dedicated “fantasy game room” located at the hotel. So whether guests want to go bungee jumping or rock climbing, they will be able to live out these dangerous experiences in the confines of a safe environment.

This new venture comes as InterContinental Hotels Group celebrates 70 years of operation. In their aspiration to retain their leading position as a luxury hotelier, they contracted Faith Popcorn, a Fortune 500 futurist to “continue their path in pioneering the luxury travel industry”. Faith Popcorn, who in the past has been described as “The Trend Oracle” has worked with multiple Fortune 500 companies to accurately predict the trends of their consumers. With a documented 95% accuracy rate, you could probably start ordering your Virtual Reality goggles.