The 2018 Innovators in Travel, Hospitality and Aviation
Photo Credit: A wellness clinic that Qantas offers passengers at the airport in Perth. Qantas
Skift Take
Hospitality is a creative act and by looking at who is doing things well, the entire industry can take away some necessary inspiration as they begin to execute 2019 plans.
On Experience
Colin Nagy is a marketing strategist and writes on customer-centric experiences and innovation across the luxury sector, hotels, aviation, and beyond. You can read all of his writing here.Best airport commute
The Singaporeans have not only perfected the actual airport arrival, but also the story that is told from the airport to the city via the landscape. Landing at the consistently excellent Changi airport in Singapore, you drive into the city through perfectly manicured vegetation. It is not an accident that everything is this curated and meticulously thought out, and shows respect for both visitors and returning residents alike.
Best way to slow down
Many business travelers are ticking off global capitals within a week. Belmond (recently acquired by LVMH) invites them to slow down a bit and step into another time. The brands excel with their train offerings (see the Andean Explorer) and boat trips (Burgundy) and make a strong case for the idea of slow travel.
Best personal hospitality experience
Ellerman House in Cape Town felt like staying in a lovingly appointed personal residence. It houses the best collection of South African art outside of a museum, and the staff is gracious and attentive. General Manager Paul Bryce-Brand stands out as one of the sharpest, most authentic GMs I’ve met this year. And he’s not from the hospitality world by training, lending credence to the idea that some of the best bring their experiences from other fields into the hospitality category. It was an example of pitch-perfect, personal modern luxury.
Best First Class Cabin
