Mandarin Oriental Tops the World's Best Luxury Hotel Brands 2024

Mandarin Oriental Tops the World's Best Luxury Hotel Brands 2024

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 9, 2024

LTI—Luxury Travel Intelligence—has unveiled its much-anticipated World's Best Luxury Hotel Brands 2024 report, with Mandarin Oriental securing the top spot for the second consecutive year. Renowned for its commitment to excellence, Mandarin Oriental scored an impressive 81.6%, cementing its position as a leader in luxury hospitality.

Top Performers and New Entrants

This year, the list has expanded to 15 brands, reflecting the dynamic nature of the sector. Notable new entrants include Bulgari, which debuted in second place with 81.3%, and the Dorchester Collection, landing at 11th. COMO also made a return to the rankings at 14th, having last appeared in 2022.

The Oetker Collection retained third place with 80.7%, while Six Senses and Aman maintained their strong positions at fourth and fifth, respectively.

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Criteria and Assessment

The rankings are based on LTI’s proprietary algorithm, which evaluates 130 touchpoints relevant to the luxury hospitality sector. These include a brand’s ethos, management quality, staff commitment, investment in new properties, and refurbishment initiatives. The assessment focuses on overall brand performance, distinguishing it from evaluations of individual properties.

Michael Crompton, founder of LTI, shared insights on the report:
"This year’s adjustments to the qualifying criteria and the inclusion of Bulgari highlight the evolving competitive landscape. These brands represent the pinnacle of luxury hospitality, delivering unparalleled guest experiences. Congratulations to all 15 for their remarkable achievements.”

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Highlights from the Rankings

  • Mandarin Oriental impressed with its strategic new openings and consistently high standards, earning widespread loyalty from its patrons.
  • Bulgari's second-place debut showcases its meticulous focus on ultra-luxury guest experiences.
  • Six Senses continues to excel in sustainability and wellness, solidifying its position among the elite.

Full Rankings

  1. Mandarin Oriental – 81.6% (1)
  2. Bulgari – 81.3% (New Entry)
  3. Oetker Collection – 80.7% (2)
  4. Six Senses – 80.2% (4)
  5. Aman – 78.1% (5)
  6. One&Only – 77.4% (8)
  7. Rocco Forte – 76.8% (9)
  8. Rosewood – 75.1% (10)
  9. Belmond – 73.9% (6)
  10. Auberge – 72.1% (3)
  11. Dorchester Collection – 71.8% (New Entry)
  12. Four Seasons – 71.5% (7)
  13. Peninsula – 70.1% (11)
  14. COMO – 69.7% (New Entry)
  15. Raffles – 69.4% (12)

Luxury Hospitality Outlook

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As the industry evolves, factors such as significant investments, innovative guest experiences, and management shifts will continue to shape the rankings. LTI's annual assessment underscores the fierce competition and dedication required to excel in the luxury hospitality sector.

For affluent travellers seeking informed choices, this report serves as an indispensable guide to the best in luxury accommodations worldwide.

Source:

This announcement has been shared with the compliments and full permission of LTI – Luxury Travel Intelligence. If you wish to use any part of it, please credit LTI – Luxury Travel Intelligence as the source.

For more details, visit their website at www.lti-members.com/invite-login

Media Contact

Jane Lucas

jane.lucas@lti-members.com


Foreign Tourist Arrivals to South Korea Rise 17 Percent, Near Record High for the Year

Foreign Tourist Arrivals to South Korea Rise 17 Percent, Near Record High for the Year

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 2, 2026

South Korea witnessed a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals, reflecting the continued recovery of its tourism sector to pre-pandemic levels. Official data released by the Korea Tourism Organization showed that international visitor numbers rose sharply, marking one of the strongest months for inbound travel in recent years.

Approximately 1.6 million foreign tourists visited the country during the month, representing a year-on-year growth of over 17 percent. The figure also exceeded visitor levels recorded during the same period before the pandemic, highlighting South Korea’s growing appeal as a global travel destination.

China continued to remain the largest source market for inbound tourism, followed closely by Japan. Other major contributors included Taiwan, the United States and the Philippines. While arrivals from China recovered to nearly three-quarters of pre-pandemic levels, visitor numbers from Japan showed particularly strong momentum, recording a sharp surge compared to earlier benchmarks.

Cumulatively, foreign tourist arrivals during the year reached over 17 million, registering double-digit growth compared to the previous year and surpassing pre-pandemic totals. Chinese visitors accounted for nearly one-third of the total arrivals, underlining the importance of the market to South Korea’s tourism ecosystem.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has projected that total foreign tourist arrivals for the year will reach a new all-time high, moving close to the symbolic 20 million mark. If achieved, this would surpass the previous record set before the pandemic and reinforce South Korea’s position as one of Asia’s fastest-recovering tourism markets.


World Welcomes 2026 as New Zealand Leads with Spectacular Fireworks

World Welcomes 2026 as New Zealand Leads with Spectacular Fireworks

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 1, 2026

Countries across the South Pacific were the first to welcome 2026, with New Zealand leading global celebrations as Auckland marked the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display. The show was launched from the iconic Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the country, even as rainy weather swept across parts of the city.

Auckland, home to nearly 1.7 million people, entered the New Year well ahead of major global cities, celebrating almost 18 hours before festivities begin in New York’s Times Square. Despite the wet conditions, the celebrations reflected the city’s vibrant spirit and enthusiasm to usher in the new year.

The island of Kiritimati, part of the Pacific nation of Kiribati, became the very first place in the world to welcome 2026. Located in the Pacific Ocean, south of Hawaii and north-east of Australia, Kiribati spans a vast region of coral atolls and is known for its unique geographical position on the global time map.

Several Asian nations, including Japan and South Korea, followed with New Year celebrations later in the day, joined by Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan. While many cities marked the occasion with festive events, Hong Kong opted for a subdued approach this year.

Instead of its usual large-scale fireworks display, Hong Kong organised a light show and limited musical performances as a mark of respect following a recent tragic apartment fire in the city. The decision reflected a more sensitive and thoughtful way of welcoming the New Year.

As 2026 unfolds across time zones, celebrations around the world continue to reflect a mix of joy, remembrance and hope, bringing people together in anticipation of a positive year ahead.


From Action to Leisure: Discovering Kenya’s Coastal Moods

From Action to Leisure: Discovering Kenya’s Coastal Moods

By Hari Haran

Published on December 30, 2025

Kenya’s coastline is often described in broad strokes, white sand, warm waters, and Swahili culture. All of this is true. Yet, viewing the entire coast through a single beach narrative does not do it justice. Stretching along the Indian Ocean, Kenya’s shoreline unfolds as a series of distinct experiences, each shaped by its own rhythm, landscape, and history.

From refined resort towns and reef-lined lagoons to bustling port cities and car-free heritage islands, every coastal stop answers a different traveller’s question. The Kenyan coast is less about ticking beaches off a list and more about choosing the pace, mood, and experience that suits you best.

Diani Beach reflects Kenya’s most polished coastal escape, with luxury resorts, private villas, and curated experiences that blend comfort with nature. Watamu offers a quieter rhythm, defined by coral reefs, marine parks, and conservation-led exploration. Lamu slows life down entirely, revealing centuries of Swahili heritage through its lanes, architecture, and traditions. Mombasa, the cultural heart of the coast, layers history, street life, food, and trade into a vibrant urban experience.

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Kenya’s coastline is not about finding the best beach, but about choosing the right experience. From leisure and luxury to heritage and everyday culture, the coast reveals many faces of the Indian Ocean. For travellers willing to explore beyond the obvious, it offers stories, contrasts, and a sense of place that stays long after the journey ends.

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