I get to go to some really great events being in the travel industry. Most are hosted by suppliers or vendors which to us travel consultants means the hotels, airlines, tour companies, wholesalers, etc. Basically, it can include any services that we would need to plan our client’s itineraries. I try to go to as many as I can that align with the luxury market I’m in to build my network of contacts and expand my product knowledge so that I can better serve my clients. Although I attend at least a few a month, I’m only going to highlight those where there’s something relevant to share.
This one backdates to end of October since I’ve been so busy with destination wedding planning and a lot of clients trips over the holidays that I’ve been working on. But I wanted to make sure I covered it still since they have some interesting product offerings that might not be as well known by the Belmond name. And though most of them are more in the aspirational than the attainable luxury category, a few are worth the splurge.
For those not familiar, you may have heard of the Cipriani in Venice (where George and Amal Clooney are regulars) or the Orient-Express luxury train. And even if you know Belmond Hotels, you might not have been aware that they are all part of the same portfolio. In 2014, the company decided to unify and re-brand all of their products under the Belmond name which now includes luxury hotels, trains, river cruises, and tour packages. Branding in this industry is so important because we need to feel confident that when we recommend something to clients, we have a good idea of what they’re going to get, especially since we can’t have experienced everything personally. With Belmond, I know my clients will get quality and service, like they would at a Four Seasons. But what sets them apart, in my opinion, are the unique and iconic products they offer (ie, the Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu – the only accommodations in Machu Picchu, literally right outside the entrance). In addition, my agency is a member of Belmond’s invite-only Bellini Club, extended only to top agencies, and allows us to provide exclusives amenities such as complimentary resort credits and upgrades to our clients.
The events can range from a single host doing a unique evening activity like wine making or a giant ballroom dinner where 50+ vendors are present. This event, hosted by Belmond as a company, included a presentation overview of the growth of the brand, along with representatives from roughly a dozen of their hotel properties and trains/cruises.
Getting updates on resort remodels, promotions, and new products is not only important so I can stay informed (I’m super excited about the Andean Explorer train launching later this year), but more so for cultivating relationships with on-site partners. For example, if I book a client at the Belmond St. Petersburg, I would email the hotel manager Yulia, whom I met at the showcase, and let her know of my clients travel dates. Since she wants my repeat business and to keep Belmond in my good graces, she’ll take extra care of my clients, whether something small like a hand-written welcome note, or a grand gesture like a room upgrade. And she’ll make it known it was because I reached out to her. It’s a win for everyone as my clients will have received special recognition by booking through me and at this property.
More events to come and I’ll feature just a few important takeaways from each but this is a good first overview of what they are and why.