Chinese Luxury Travel Insights from Marriott International

Chinese Luxury Travel Insights from Marriott International

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 19, 2024

In a collaboration with Jing Daily, Marriott International has unveiled a compelling report titled “Luxury Explored: Chinese Luxury Travelers' Evolving Desires,” shedding light on the changing landscape of luxury travel in China.

Bart Buiring, Managing Director, Luxury, Greater China, Marriott International, said “Understanding the evolving desires of Chinese luxury travelers is paramount for us to continue delivering exceptional experiences that resonate with our guests. The findings in this report reaffirm our commitment to champion innovation, authenticity, and personalized service, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of China's dynamic luxury travel market.” 

The report provides a thorough overview of the Chinese luxury travel segment, highlighting its rapid growth driven by factors like increased affluence and discretionary spending power. Luxury travel in China has evolved into a pursuit of exclusivity, authenticity, and cultural immersion, with travelers seeking bespoke experiences tailored to their tastes.

Marriott International Luxury Group, with their diverse portfolio of eight luxury brands, is leading the charge in catering to the changing preferences of today's luxury travelers. The group focuses on creating unique brand experiences that resonate with modern travelers' quest for exclusivity and personal growth.

Key Factors Influencing Change in the Chinese Luxury Travel Market:

Attitude Shifts: Mature travelers prioritize exclusivity, while the younger generation seeks uniqueness and community-based experiences.

Digital Influence: The proliferation of digital platforms and social media has shaped consumer perceptions and fueled demand for unique, Instagram-worthy experiences.

Experiential Luxury: Affluent Chinese travelers seek meaningful encounters that foster cultural exchange, intellectual stimulation, and spiritual rejuvenation, moving beyond mere opulence to create lasting memories.

As the Chinese luxury travel market continues to evolve, there are ample opportunities for businesses to capitalize on growing demand. By embracing sustainability, wellness, and experiential enrichment, stakeholders can forge deeper connections and foster brand loyalty in this competitive landscape.

Understanding the nuanced motivations and aspirations of Chinese luxury travelers is crucial for unlocking the full potential of this growing market segment. Embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing authenticity will be key in shaping the future of luxury travel in China.


Ibiza Holiday Rentals Plunge as Spain Tightens Crackdown on Overtourism

Ibiza Holiday Rentals Plunge as Spain Tightens Crackdown on Overtourism

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 18, 2026

Ibiza has seen a sharp decline in short-term holiday rentals in 2025 as Spain’s efforts to curb overtourism and regulate holiday homes begin to show results. According to tourism lobby Exceltur, the number of short-term tourist lets on the island dropped by nearly 50 percent compared to the previous year.

The supply of holiday rentals in Ibiza is now around 80 percent lower than in 2017, highlighting the scale of the crackdown. Across Spain, short-term rental listings fell by 4 percent in the second half of 2025 compared to a year earlier, marking the first nationwide decline on record. However, trends varied across the country’s 25 largest cities.

Spanish authorities have been tightening regulations in response to growing concerns from local residents, who say rising rents and property prices are being fuelled by tourist demand. In Ibiza, the local government has stepped up inspections to identify and remove unauthorised holiday rentals from the market.

Other popular destinations are also taking strong measures. Barcelona has announced plans to ban all holiday homes by 2028 as part of its long-term strategy to manage tourism pressure. Mallorca has joined Ibiza in enforcing stricter controls, with both islands recording the steepest drops in short-term rental supply.

However, not all regions are seeing a slowdown. Coastal cities such as Malaga and Almeria have continued to expand their tourist accommodation offerings, according to Exceltur, indicating uneven impact across Spain.

Exceltur vice president Oscar Perelli said that new rules requiring property owners to register homes before listing them on platforms such as Airbnb have played a key role in reducing supply. These regulations aim to bring better oversight and balance to the housing market.

Despite the restrictions, holiday homes continue to attract a significant share of visitors. Nearly one-third of tourists in Spain still choose rental homes, which generally remain more affordable than hotels. Holiday rentals had outpaced hotel growth for several years as Spain’s tourism boom placed it alongside France as one of the world’s top travel destinations.

Meanwhile, Ibiza recorded Spain’s highest hotel revenue per room last year at 170 euros, reflecting a 6 percent increase from 2024. The figures suggest that while rental supply is shrinking, demand for accommodation on the island remains strong.


EVA Air Recognized as the 8th Safest Airline Worldwide for 2026

EVA Air Recognized as the 8th Safest Airline Worldwide for 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 18, 2026

EVA Air has been recognized as the 8th safest airline in the world for 2026 by AirlineRatings.com, earning a place on the platform’s “Top 25 Safest Full-Service Airlines for 2026.” This achievement marks the airline’s 13th consecutive year of being featured among the world’s safest carriers, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to flight safety.

Notably, EVA Air is the only airline from Taiwan to secure a position within the global top ten, highlighting its consistent performance and strong safety culture when compared with international peers. Since its establishment in 1989, the airline has maintained an excellent safety record, with no major accidents, while continuing to place safety at the core of its operations alongside service quality.

Commenting on the recognition, EVA President Clay Sun said, “Flight safety is the most important and non-negotiable core value of EVA Air. Being recognized by AirlineRatings.com for 13 consecutive years is the greatest encouragement and honor for all our employees who have consistently upheld a strong safety culture and rigorously implemented standard operating procedures. We will continue to enhance our safety management systems and strengthen risk prevention mechanisms to provide passengers with the safest and most reliable flying experience.”

AirlineRatings.com is a globally respected aviation rating organization, with evaluations based on multiple parameters such as safety records, fleet age, international audits, pilot training, maintenance standards, and overall operational management. These criteria ensure a high level of credibility and transparency in its rankings.

The latest recognition not only affirms EVA Air’s continued efforts in maintaining high safety standards but also serves as motivation for its teams to further strengthen systems and practices. Alongside safety, the airline continues to invest in service upgrades to enhance passenger comfort and overall travel experience, reflecting its broader commitment to reliability and quality in global aviation.


MGallery Collection Steps Into 2026 With New and Inspiring Global Destinations

MGallery Collection Steps Into 2026 With New and Inspiring Global Destinations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 18, 2026

MGallery Collection is set to enter a new chapter with a series of upcoming openings across some of the world’s most evocative destinations. From coastal retreats to island hideaways, the brand continues to strengthen its portfolio with properties that celebrate a strong sense of place, local character, and refined hospitality.

The upcoming additions span diverse locations, including the relaxed shores of Noosa in Australia, the serene beauty of the Maldives, the natural landscapes of Oléron Island in France, and the vibrant yet tranquil settings of Phuket in Thailand. Each property has been designed to offer guests immersive experiences shaped by culture, nature, and thoughtful storytelling.

Sharing her perspective on the brand’s expansion, Maud Bailly, CEO Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems, said, “Each upcoming opening enriches our brand's portfolio of signature hotels, where every stay becomes a memorable and meaningful experience. Designed to celebrate local and unique character, our hotels invite travellers to discover new places, new atmospheres and new stories to experience. We are extremely proud of our pipeline of five upcoming openings and look forward to welcoming guests to these new destinations around the world.”

In the Maldives, the former Mirihi Island Resort is being reintroduced as V Villas Maldives at Mirihi, MGallery Collection following a comprehensive renovation and expansion led by Studio Gronda. The boutique resort will feature 42 villas, including beach and overwater options, as well as multi-bedroom suites with private pools. Inspired by Maldivian heritage and the delicate Mirihi flower, the resort reflects a philosophy of quiet luxury, offering a peaceful retreat shaped by the rhythms of the ocean and surrounded by vibrant reefs and a protected lagoon.

Australia will welcome Elysium Noosa Resort, MGallery Collection, located on Hastings Street close to Noosa National Park and Laguna Bay. The resort will offer 175 rooms, including suites and villas, designed to reflect Mediterranean elegance blended with a relaxed beachside lifestyle. Its dining concepts highlight regional produce and coastal flavours, while the design allows indoor and outdoor spaces to flow seamlessly, connecting guests with the surrounding ocean, forest, and river landscapes.

On the west coast of France, Le Bel Hôtel Oléron – MGallery Collection will be set within a protected natural site between forest and beach. The property will offer 102 rooms and suites overlooking pine forests or the ocean, with interiors inspired by seaside architecture. A strong culinary focus will be led by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, complemented by wellness offerings including a marine spa and thalassotherapy experiences that draw from the island’s calm natural environment.

In Thailand, Kamaliss MontAzure Phuket, MGallery Collection will be located between lush hills and the Andaman Sea within the MontAzure community. The 150-room resort blends contemporary design with nature-led elements, offering access to Phuket’s lively experiences while maintaining a sense of calm and privacy.

Also in Phuket, Navera Phuket, MGallery Collection will be perched above Surin Beach, featuring 19 individually styled villas. Drawing inspiration from maritime themes and Sino-Portuguese heritage, the property is designed to provide intimate, personalised stays with sweeping views of the Andaman Sea.

Together, these upcoming openings reflect MGallery Collection’s continued focus on curated destinations, design-led storytelling, and meaningful guest journeys across the globe.

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