On 30 September and 1 October, David Goldman, Joint Managing Director of Goldman Travel Group, took his seat at IHG’s Global Luxury Customer Council at Regent Hong Kong. It was his first meeting since joining as an IHG council member. Around 25 luxury travel leaders from around the world joined IHG’s global sales and luxury brand leadership to give direct advisor feedback on their luxury brands including: Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Vignette Collection and Kimpton, and to share where their clients are travelling. The group also helped set IHG’s priorities for advisors and client experience.
Staying at the new Regent Hong Kong
The council met at the newly reimagined Regent Hong Kong, where David also stayed, giving him a first-hand look at the hotel’s service. The hospitality was genuine, with thoughtful personal touches throughout the stay. He returned with much deeper IHG product knowledge and some wonderful new friendships, and the stay illustrated his first takeaway.
David’s Takeaways
In luxury, we don’t just sell hotels, we match them to the right client. The property, the general manager and the team often matter more than the brand name. Seeing a hotel in person and knowing the people behind it remains the most reliable way to match a guest with the right property. That is why time on the ground shapes Goldman Travel’s recommendations.
Knowing a property is one half of a good recommendation, getting ahead of the trend is the other. Delegates shared what they are seeing from their client base, and Asia is leading, with secondary cities in China such as Chengdu and Hangzhou on the rise. Shoulder season has become the new peak as travellers avoid the heat and crowds of summer months with Scandinavia and South America also emerging as summer alternatives to Mediterranean and continental Europe. Also, the demand for yachts and expedition cruising is booming as luxury travellers expand their horizons to water-based experiences.
Whichever destination or brand a client chooses, one expectation applies: luxury should feel effortless and generous. Consistency and remembered preferences build trust, and so do benefits that come included. Guests at this level do not want to feel nickel-and-dimed, and effortless service means the guest never has to ask for what they value.
Explore IHG with Goldman Travel
With David returning for the 2027 meeting, Goldman Travel will keep bringing current IHG insight to our clients. As part of IHG Destined and a leading preferred partner of IHG, Goldman Travel can help your organisation assess how IHG’s brands fit into your preferred hotel mix. Contact Goldman Travel to explore how IHG could work within your corporate travel program.
