The event highlighted the diverse interpretations of “luxury,” influenced by factors such as nationality, background, and age. For private jet customers, luxury involves swift travel, flexibility, and a seamless flying experience, as explained by Eymeric Segard, the CEO of Lunajets, a Swiss private jet charter company. Francisco Carvalheira, Secretary General of Laurel, the Association of Portuguese Excellence Brands, emphasized the tangible nature of luxury, something that people can physically experience.
In analyzing Madrid as an illustrative case, the characteristics of a high-impact tourism destination were examined. Essential services for a luxury destination include high-quality hotels affiliated with international luxury brands, gourmet restaurants, historical cultural and artistic heritage, robust transport infrastructure with a focus on flight connections, prestigious fashion shows, excellent shopping options, local crafts and trades, and a skilled labor force.
The event also delved into the evolving role of technology, data, and artificial intelligence in luxury tourism, emphasizing the importance of innovation in both products and procedures within the high-impact tourism segment.
Networking played a pivotal role in the event, contributing to the coherence, cohesion, and consolidation of the tourism ecosystem. Forward_ by Kleber Group Events aims to promote luxury tourism, a €107 billion industry in Europe, constituting 22% of European tourism revenue. Recognizing its significant economic impact on destinations through increased revenue and prolonged traveler stays, the international consulting firm Kleber Group acquired the Forward_ project in 2023.
Looking ahead, the Forward_ project will expand its reach, assisting destinations in developing into high-impact tourism hubs. This international event model will be replicated in various cities and countries, further contributing to the growth of luxury and high-impact tourism segments.
