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HIGH STREETS IN WARSAW | DISCOVER THE POTENTIAL OF HIGH STREETS IN WARSAW

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Photo 10: European Raffles

Sabina Bartyzel SVP Operations Accor Northern & Eastern Europe Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery, Emblems

“As one of the world leaders in the luxury hotel segment (Raffles, Orient Express, Banyan Tree, Fairmont, SLS, SO/, Sofitel, Rixos, MGallery), we closely observe trends in the global market, which we take into account when implementing our strategy. Recently, in today’s hotel market, we have seen significant growth in the luxury hotel category. This segment recovered the fastest after the COVID-19 pandemic and recorded the highest growth compared to 2019 compared to other segments of the hotel market, which proves its high resistance to economic fluctuations. Based on global forecasts, the middle class is expected to grow by 1.3 billion over the next 10 years, which translates into a 40% increase in spending compared to current values (tourism and hotels account for 20% of total consumption of goods in this segment). As a result, this will lead to a further positive development of the luxury hotel category. This sector is developing only slightly in Poland, but the forecasts are optimistic based on the growing appetite for luxury goods. The potential of the luxury hotel market in Poland is related to the growing importance of the country as a business and tourist destination, as well as with economic development attracting investments, which in turn affects the ongoing growth of the middle class. Further development of infrastructure and services also makes Poland more attractive to people looking for luxury experiences. In the past, luxury travel meant relaxing on the beach, a massage at the spa or a gourmet dinner. Currently, luxury travel is based on experiences and emotions - showing places in a deeper and more authentic way, based on discovering the locality and emphasizing the uniqueness of places through the prism of gastronomy and cultural attractions.

A great global example here is the Orient Express La Dolce Vita, where the planned premiere of the first train will take place in 2024, and the new trains will offer a variety of routes throughout Italy and the main capitals of Europe, reaching all the way to the gates of the Orient. In addition, Orient Express hotels are preparing to debut: Orient Express La Minerva in Rome is scheduled for 2024, and Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli is scheduled to open in 2025. Another example is Banyan Tree Al Ula - located in a desert oasis in the Ashar Valley, an eco-luxury hotel in Saudi Arabia offering a tented camp and a spa & wellness centre coexisting harmoniously with the local Bedouin community. It is worth emphasizing that luxury and sustainable development go hand in hand. For luxury travelers, consumption is becoming more conscious than ever before, so choices reflect people’s values and concern for their carbon footprint. A great example here is Fairmont Mayakoba, supporting the reproductive efforts of corals by restoring species that will help reduce CO2 emissions. And the Fairmont Mara Safari Club in Kenya provides water purification tablets to school children without access to safe drinking water. These examples reflect the changing preferences of travelers who are looking not only for luxury, but also for meaningful and culturally rich experiences during their travels, coexisting harmoniously with the natural environment.”