Get involved with 2024 Luxperience

Exhibitor -or- Buyer
19-22 November 2024
ICC Sydney

Luxperience was pleased to partner with Tourism Authority of Thailand to host a bespoke event to explore the world of luxury travel in Amazing Thailand.

This intimate event connected luxury travel advisors with exclusive Thai travel suppliers to network and gain insights, to help travel advisors design inspiring travel experiences across Thailand.

The event was honoured to be opened by H.E. Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Australia, while guests indulged in a lunch located in waterfront sophistication at the Sofitel Darling Harbour, and were entertained by Buddharangsee Thai classical music, and experienced a cooking demonstration by Michelin-starred Chef Bee Satongun of Paste Restaurant.

See more details below about the event.

Highlights Gallery

Event Program

Thursday 24 March 2022, Sofitel Darling Harbour, Sydney

Kick Luxperience off in style with a special opening forum by some of Australia’s most renowned cultural institutions. Then head straight into travel's top topics with MC Quentin Long, Australian Traveller Media leading a discussion on the challenge for the travel industry to not just survive but thrive. He'll be joined by Australian Traveller Media's Editorial Director, Leigh Ann Pow, as they explore the luxury of experience and what the industry needs to be thinking about to meet luxury travellers' demands.

Quentin Long

Quentin Long

Australian Traveller Media
Leigh-Ann Pow

Leigh-Ann Pow

Australian Traveller Media

Australia and New Zealand have always been closely linked, and now with travel bubbles and corridors becoming a reality, they will be the first international destinations for the region’s HNWI travellers. With unique destinations and experiences on both sides of Tasman eager to welcome back visitors from both domestic locations and abroad, hear directly from Tourism Australia and Tourism New Zealand as they discuss the opportunities for domestic rebounds and the importance of refocusing marketing on local high-end experiences, as well as plans for intra-regional travel and what that means for luxury travel operators in the near future.

Quentin Long

Quentin Long

Australian Traveller Media
Robin Mack

Robin Mack

Tourism Australia
Andrew Waddel

Andrew Waddel

Tourism New Zealand

So much that has happened in 2020 has been imposed on us. But whilst there will continue to be things that we can’t control, we can make and change our future. Pandemics – and other crises – can be forcing houses for innovation. Luxury has been at the forefront of this for thousands of years, using these global events as catalysts for change and enlightenment. In this session, renowned travel futurist Carolyn Childs of MyTravelResearch.com returns to Luxperience to help us find out. With Carolyn’s help, Luxperience attendees won’t just uncover the future, they will create it! Using a validated framework grounded in design thinking, Carolyn will delve into her trends treasure chest and help us identify the trends and opportunities that matter most to our respective businesses. The aim will be for every participant to take back at least ONE idea they can implement in their own business. This will be a hands-on session where you will take back control of your future.

Carolyn Childs

Carolyn Childs

MyTravelResearch.com

Think of tropical islands, and you instantly conjure up images of secluded paradises – and maybe a coconut. Traditionally a popular destination for HNWI travellers, buoyed by their inherent isolated locations and exclusive high-end experiences, islands are poised to be one of the first luxury travel sectors to bounce back. Join our panel as they discuss how these destinations will lure luxury travellers back to their idyllic shores and what challenges they will face as they re-focus on more local source markets and ensure repeat visits even when global borders open.

Quentin Long

Quentin Long

Australian Traveller Media
Tash Wheeler

Tash Wheeler

Tourism Whitsundays
Crystal Kranz

Crystal Kranz

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation

Philanthropic tourism is not a new concept, but with so much negative talk about over–tourism and the exploitation of local cultures even before the pandemic struck, more luxury travellers will be thinking about how to spend their dollars compassionately, and to use their privilege to become dynamically involved in global projects in a hands-on way. This session explores how HNWI travel can be a significant sustaining force for eco and social endeavours and shares insights from organisations who are transforming the travel experience and harnessing tourism dollars for the greater good of climate and communities.

Quentin Long

Quentin Long

Australian Traveller Media
Jake Haupert

Jake Haupert

Transformational Travel Council
Anna Marsden

Anna Marsden

Great Barrier Reef Foundation
Carolyn Childs

Carolyn Childs

MyTravelResearch.com

The aviation sector was one of the first to be hit by border closures, yet the allure of 'travel bubbles' continues to give the entire industry – and prospective travellers hope. How are airlines adapting to keeping the skies and international trading routes open? What myths do we need to dispel for clients and what new products and processes will they see when they return to the skies? This panel includes two airlines uniquely placed to share insights into the next phase of air travel, with Qatar Airways being one of the few international carriers to operate continuously throughout the last 6 months, and Air New Zealand witnessing an impressive domestic rebound and customer demand driving new product innovation.

Quentin Long

Quentin Long

Australian Traveller Media
Kathryn Robertson

Kathryn Robertson

Air New Zealand
Thomas Scruby

Thomas Scruby

Qatar Airways

For an ever-increasing number of our hero Australian products and experiences, a sustainability legacy with high appeal for luxury travellers is at their core: wildlife conservancy, education and conservation of our natural environments, and importantly, understanding of and respect for a thriving culture, both Indigenous and contemporary, and the economic impact of tourism on regional economies and communities. As we plan for a post-COVID world, connection with this sort of positive impact has heightened appeal and value.

Penny Rafferty

Penny Rafferty

Tourism Australia

While we can't meet you in person this year, we couldn't let our first virtual event go by without a chance to say hi and have a chat. To close out the event we would like to invite you to grab a drink and join the Luxperience team as we share our learnings from the event and you the industry. Ask us your questions or share your own top travel tips as we look beyond 2020 to what lies ahead for Luxperience and the luxury travel industry.

Official welcome by H.E. Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Australia, followed by a presentation from the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Entree and Main will also be served during this time.

Join representatives from Thai Luxury travel suppliers as they take you on a journey across Amazing Thailand. This session will include video presentations from suppliers.

Join Michelin-starred Chef Bee Satongun of Paste on a live culinary adventure into Thai cuisine. With restaurants in Bangkok, and now in the lush Southern Highlands of NSW, Chef Bee will showcase Paste's bold and masterful approach to Thai food, merging age-old customs and contemporary flair.

Chef Bee

Chef Bee

Paste Restaurant

Desserts, coffee & tea will be served at this time.

Take part in a bespoke Luxperience meeting schedule with informal appointments with attending Thai tourism luxury suppliers, in a tabletop format.

The lucky winners of the Paste Australia Restaurant vouchers will be drawn, followed by closing remarks from your hosts.

Connect with Luxury Travel Suppliers

Amatara Wellness Resort Phuket

Amatara Wellness Resort offers the life-enhancing and transformative wellness experiences under a luxury resort setting in Phuket and with the view of picturesque turquoise Andaman Sea in a peaceful corner of Cape Panwa. This resort was established with the vision of creating this place to be the comprehensive wellbeing sanctuary. The place to support guest’s life journey with continuous improvement, learning, and sharing aligned with mindful practice and sustainable wellness approach.

Contact:
Juthamart Lipikornsukthaweekul
juthamart.l@amataraphuket.com

Anantara Chiang Mai

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, has been voted Thailand’s #1 resort and #8 in the world in the 2021 Condé Nast Traveler US and UK Readers’ Choice Awards. Designed by legendary architect Kerry Hill, the resort’s centerpiece, the stunning colonial house, was once the British consulate of Chiang Mai. The house is now The Service 1921 Restaurant and Bar, charming guests with a British secret intelligence concept, complete with secret dining rooms, a dungeon and a fusion of culinary journeys full of mystery and intrigue.

Contact:
Varun Mahajan 
vmahajan@minor.com

Blue Voyage Cruise

Blue Voyage is a yacht charter company based in Thailand operating in Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi. We have a selection of sailing catamarans and motor yachts from the world’s famous builders with professional captain and crews providing first class service. Allow the Blue Voyage Family to customize your experiences and fulfill your wishes as we welcome you upon “The iconic Blue Voyage Yachting journey whose services is not just the best, but Legendary.”

Contact:
Ploypailin
reservations@bluevoyagethailand.com

Capella Bangkok

Capella Bangkok is the new-age urban resort nestled on the Chao Phraya river. Situated along Thailand’s first paved road – Charoenkrung - the resort offers panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River from every vantage point. The resort boasts a One Michelen starred restaurant – Côte – curated by Three-Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco and a Thai specialty restaurant in a sun-dappled terrace on the river’s edge. Tucked away in a boudoir-like corner, an intimate cocktail bar – Stella – serves up storyful drinks alongside an Omakase dessert experience and Auriga Wellness, Capella Bangkok’s spa, blends traditional treatment techniques with advanced science.

Contact:
Phatthawut Wutthipraphanphong
Phatthawut.Wutthipraphanphong@capellahotels.com

Centara Reserve Samui

The first resort in Centara’s new luxury collection of refined hotels, Centara Reserve Samui opened its door in December 2021 and is fast becoming one of the most sought-after addresses on the island, idyllically located on Chaweng Beach. Formerly Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, the distinctive property has been completely reimagined and redesigned with impeccable upgrades that seamlessly integrate its celebrated colonial aesthetic with contemporary allure.

Contact:
Charlie Ridout
charlie@ctmarketing.com.au 

Chiva-som

Since 1995, the award-winning Chivas-Som has pioneered transformative wellness practices to global acclaim. Its commitment to an innovative, holistic approach which expertly balances mind, body and spirit continues to this day with its flagship resort in Hua Hin, Thailand. Optimal, bespoke wellness lies at the heart of each Chivas-Som experience. With its unique synergy of indigenous traditions and evidence-based wellness, Chiva-Som partners with guests on highly personalised wellness journeys focused on complete lifestyle transformation.

Contact:
Clare Wheeler-Smith
clarews@traveltheworld.com.au

COMO Phuket & Bangkok

Thailand is the beating heart of Southeast Asia: a country that combines beaches, culture and a thriving capital. The Central Business District in Bangkok is one of the world’s most fast-paced neighbourhoods, where COMO Metropolitan Bangkok offers an escape from the melée, promising nights slept well and one of the most celebrated restaurants in Asia. The COMO experience on Phuket is the antidote to Bangkok: a peaceful oceanside paradise overlooking the Andaman Sea, where COMO Point Yamu offers luxury villas, world-class food, contemporary design and a deep commitment to holistic wellness.

Contact:
Svetlana Jovanovic
Svetlana@UniqueTourism.com

Four Seasons Bangkok

Overlooking the Chao Phraya River in the centre of Thailand’s energetic capital, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok is a true urban resort. Cascading architecture, seamless indoor-outdoor transitions and interconnected green courtyards form a natural extension of the flowing river. A true dining destination, it's easy to find the perfect spot to indulge in culinary wonder. From authentic Cantonese cuisine at Yu Ting Yuan, to seasonally inspired Italian at Riva del Fiume; the approachable Riverfront French Brasserie Palmier, to the Glamorous BKK Social Club.

Contact:
Cathy Favaloro
cathy.favaloro@fourseasons.com

InterContinental Phuket Resort

Nestled on the powder-soft sands of Kamala Beach, InterContinental® Phuket Resort is a stunning five-star beach resort in Phuket. Sleek, sophisticated and elegant, this beachside hideaway is cocooned by jungle-covered hills and offers heavenly views of the Andaman Sea. Thai-inspired architecture is sprinkle. InterContinental Phuket Resort is situated on an expansive land extending from the beachfront to the hillside of Kamala Beach. Our 221 rooms, suites and villas are heavenly havens of modern luxury. Each abode is decorated with rich hues and warm woods, creating elegantly chic spaces brought to life by inspirational touches of the locale.

Contact:
Nampetch Tipaxsorn
nampetch.tipaxsorn1@ihg.com

Keemala Phuket

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the Worlds, Keemala is an all pool villa resort nestled well away from the crowds and overlooking Kamala Village and the Andaman Sea. Positioned in the lush woodlands, Keemala offers a retreat from every day life and welcomes you in to an enchanting wonderland. Keemala is close enough to the village and the liveliness of Patong, yet far enough removed to take time to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the rainforest. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a special occasion with friends, your stay will be memorable.

Contact:
Nurat
sm@keemala.com

Soneva Kiri Ko Kood

Soneva Kiri offers unforgettable experiences on the unspoiled island of Koh Kood, just a 90-minute flight from Bangkok. Thirty-four luxurious pool villas are found next to the beach, hidden among jungle on the hillsides, or commanding spectacular views from the clifftops. Eight dining destinations offer a tempting array of cuisines, while the subterranean Wine Cellar features more than 350 labels. Rare experiences delight and inspire, whether the bucket-list Treepod Dining, high in the treetops, exploring Thailand’s best beaches or swimming in cascading waterfalls. For younger guests, The Den and Eco Den are playgrounds for the imagination.

Contact:
Tess Willcox 
tess@slojourn.studio 

Trisara Phuket featuring PRU Restaurant

Trisara is Phuket's most exclusive pool villa beach resort. Trisara, meaning “The Garden in The Third Heaven” in Sanskrit, is set in a protected nature preserve surrounded by a tropical forest, exotic gardens and the sparkling Andaman Sea. The resort features 60 spacious ocean facing pool villas and private residences, a private beach, Jara Spa, three unique dining venues including PRU, the only MICHELIN Starred restaurant in Southern Thailand and an organic on-site garden. Located just 15 minutes from Phuket Airport, Trisara represents a peaceful and secluded departure just outside the tourist-centric town.

Contact:
Panjama Leamsuwan
panjama.l@montarahospitality.com

Tiphathai Ngamsiriporn
tiphathai.n@montarahospitality.com

Luxury travel returns to the skies

Thai Airways presented the latest updates on traveling to Amazing Thailand, including new services, products and luxury experiences, and information and requirements of travel. Discover all the exciting destinations across Thailand with the luxury of Thai Airways hospitality and service. To find out more about their services, contact:
Pauline Leong
Pauline.leong@thaiairways.com.au

PLUS! Door Prizes

Lucky winners were treated to a series of door prizes at the event, including one of three dining experiences at Paste Australia Restaurant in the Southland Highlands, NSW.

Set amid the historic streetscape of Mittagong, renowned chefs Bee Satongun and husband, Jason Bailey, take diners on a palate-tantalising adventure that showcases their bold and masterful approach to Thai cuisine. The innovative, award-winning duo use the freshest, Australian ingredients to re-imagine ancient Thai recipes, unearthing hidden and surprising culinary combinations in the process. We had three vouchers available, valued up to a total of $1000, drawn at the conclusion of the event.

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