The Traveller Made Connection Forum gathers together the best luxury travel designers, hotels, DMCs and tourism boards, together with 50 journalists from ten key markets. With a range of fascinating presentations from luxury brands and marketing specialists, this event brings together the elite of the travel design industry.
What is Traveller Made?
So what exactly is Traveller Made? This community of skilled travel designers are dedicated to providing bespoke journeys to travellers looking for unique experiences, whether family journeys or corporate travel.
An invitation only network, all members have been pre-selected by 2 steering committees presided by luxury hoteliers and incoming agencies. As part of their application, they provide in-depth information about their business and growth strategy.
Traveller Made Connection Forum
Those selected have detailed knowledge of different cultures and countries and are committed to meeting their clients’ needs. As Diana Banks, Vice President of Raffles Brand and Luxury Sales at FRHI says, “Traveller Made is a wonderful tool for our hotels. It’s a seal of quality and connects the right people in agencies with the right people in our hotels”.
Laura Cammarano, Head of European Sales for the Maybourne Hotel Group adds “for us it’s fantastic to be a part of Traveller Made as we meet partners to support us worldwide and we feel that this network is exactly the right choice”.
After a welcome coffee in the spectacular Art Nouveau setting of the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, we headed into the Forum.
Quentin Desurmont, President of Traveller Made gave an inspiring welcome speech stressing the importance of working together to share best practice. One of the most interesting aspects of the Forum is the presentations from renowned luxury experts.
Jean-Noël Kapferer, co-author of The Luxury Strategy, gave a thought-provoking talk on defining the true essence of luxury.
Nathalie Remy, Partner at McKinsey leading its Fashion, Beauty and Luxury EMEA practice, explored the rising importance of the millenials and suggested ways to win them over. They tend to value experiences over products, together with authenticity and sustainability. They may switch brands easily and favour convenient systems, accessible at one click of a mouse.
Madelaine Ollivier, Senior Luxury Analyst at Wealth-X, gave a detailed presentation on Ultra High Net Worth customers. Whilst there’s a clear shift from West to East, New York and London are still the most popular cities for UHNWs.
Traveller Made Awards Ceremony
The glittering Gala Dinner hosted by the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace and Montreux Vevey Tourisme was a delight. We were lucky to be seated next to some truly charming and knowledgeable luxury experts and the evening flew by.
Although the dress code throughout was smart casual, most of the ladies took the opportunity to dress up. During the evening, awards were given to member agencies and partners who have gone above and beyond, consistently exceeding customer expectations.
Preview of Chaplin’s World
One of the highlights of our trip was our exclusive tour of Chaplin’s World before the official launch on 17 April. Housed in his magnificent former residence in Corsier-sur-Vevey where Charlie Chaplin lived for the last 25 years of his life, it’s a must-see.
We were doubly fortunate that the museum director, Yves Durand, showed us around. He’s passionate about Chaplin and I’ll be writing in more detail about the museum soon.
Highlights of Montreux and Vevey
We then took a walk along the shores of Lake Geneva, admiring the inimitable Fork sculpture.
posing for photos with Mr Charlie Chaplin himself…
and admiring Freddie Mercury’s lifelike memorial statue.
Le Mirador Resort & Spa
Perched in the midst of the Lavaux vineyards, Le Mirador Resort and Spa is accessible by this picturesque funicular as well as by road.
Boasting one of the best spas in Switzerland, it has panoramic views towards the mountains from the swimming pool, gym and relaxation areas. Switzerland’s only Givenchy spa left us feeling on top of the world.
And we think this couple enjoyed the views too ;-). They look so real yet they’re the work of renowned American sculptor Seward Johnson.
In fact his works are dotted all over the hotel. Methinks that handsome middle one is an interloper.
Our suite on the first floor had equally impressive views towards the mountain and Lake Geneva, together with every conceivable creature comfort. The walk-in closet, huge bathroom and terrace really gave a sense of space and the automatic blind would be very convenient in Summertime.
After such a wonderful stay, it was a wrench to leave…Thank you, Traveller Made for such an insightful and enjoyable experience.
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It sounds like a super interesting event and you got to see nice sights in Montreux! Thanks for meeting up yesterday. It was really a pleasure to finally speak to you in person! And if you think about visiting Luxembourg, I’d be happy to share tips with you.
It was so lovely to meet you and Juliet yesterday and I’ll definitely let you know if visiting Luxembourg. Hope you had fun at the Sky Garden!
The hotel looks unreal, but more importantly I love your dress! Looks like a really inspiring event.
The dress is super comfy, just as well as the dinner was a real feast! The event was really interesting and the hotel definitely had the wow factor
They truly are designers, of some incredible trips. The dress is Maje, although I agree, it does look a bit like Alaia
oh wow that hotel room looks so so dreamy
www.thefashionfraction.com
It was one of those places that you really don’t want to leave!
Wow, such a gorgeous event and location. I love Montreux and used to visit it a lot when I stayed in Switzerland. I also love your dress. Gemma x
www.jacquardflower.uk
It was a great combination of a really interesting event and fantastic location!
Fantastic photos. Loved the hotel suit.
Nina
http://www.ninasstyleblog.com
I know, it was such a well designed suite and I loved the views from the terrace
the idea of this article is great and the photos of this place are super
xxx
mari
www.ilovegreeninspiration.com
It was such an interesting conference and we were lucky that the sun came out on the last day for the photos!
I love these pics, the place is very beautiful and you look fab in that dress!!!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Facebook
That’s very kind Paola, I’m getting a lot of wear from that dress. That area of Switzerland is really lovely
Your trip looks like the perfect combination of work, play and a little bit of culture. Love your shoes 😉
There was a little bit of everything thrown in!
you attended a very interesting event, my dear, and this place is such a terrific travel destination…
kisses
http://www.theitalianglam.com/
It was fascinating and I can see why they chose to hold it there
What a very interesting forum! It’s always valuable hearing insights like this. And I love, love, LOVE what you are wearing, Suze! You look amazing!
The forum was really interesting and thanks for the compliment Jean!
What a cool event, love your dress
xo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
Thanks Laura, I think that dress will get a lot of wear!
Loving that off the shoulder dress! Sounds like a neat event and great photos.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thanks Amy, it was the perfect place to wear that dress!
Loving your dress and the view from your suite is breath taking! Sounds like it was a fun event 🙂
http://www.mintnotion.com
The view was really incredible and it snowed one day so even more stunning!
Looks like an amazing event! And can I just repeat everyone and say that your dress looks gorgeous and you’re rockin’ it! 😀 xxx
Oh that’s so kind of you Sabina! Have a wonderful Easter
We adore Fairmont Palace, last December we had a fabulous dinner at the Funky Claude’s Bar. Another excellent review, Suze. 😉 Love your gorgeous dress and love the photo with Mr Chaplin 😉
Ooh I’ll have to try out the Funky Claude’s Bar if I go back! I did spot it and loved the name