Today's affluent traveler is stressed, sleepy and yearning for superb service, according to Barbara Talbott, executive vice president of marketing for Toronto-based Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Incentive and meeting planners gathered yesterday at the Four Seasons Westlake Village resort in Westlake Village, Calif., to learn about the upscale hotel chain's research into the high-end hotel guest.
The hotel chain's surveys show that affluent travelers say they are working more hours and get too little sleep and personal time, Talbott said. As a result, 87 percent say they pick organizations they do business with based on the level of personal service they receive. Also, with stress a part of their everyday lives and vacation time precious, they are drawn to well-designed incentive events, she added.
PLEASE GET PERSONAL
When choosing high-end hotels, these travelers look for impeccable service, a consistent experience, a deluxe sleep experience, service that is "truly personal," and a hotel that is "in touch with my needs and wants," Talbott reported.
Talbott added that Four Seasons is developing hotel properties in Florence, Italy, Thailand, Bora Bora, Hong Kong, Beijing and Mumbai, India.
Photo by Special Events Magazine.
