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EmpireCLS is the premier name in luxury corporate limo services: We’re trusted above all others to provide a world class transportation experience to the most exclusive hotels and resorts across the globe. The hospitality industry continues to adopt cutting-edge technologies and integrate them in ways that transform the most remote locales into opulent oases, something we mirror in our own industry by integrating smart technologies like weather alerts into our services.
Perhaps the most recent news of the technological trend is Courchevel Tourisme. Courchevel is a billionaire’s paradise, a ski resort that has already received wide acclaim as perhaps the most enjoyable mountain vacation in all of France.
Due to the massive size of the resort and its distance from civilization, state-of-the-art transportation infrastructure was built to accommodate visitors and provide them with access to the entirety of the course in the most convenient manner. The infrastructure provided for a need; however, its impact on the course’s clientele was dulled by the lack of information shared between accessible points. Simply, skiers wanted to know what the weather conditions were like at other parts of the mountain range so they could find the best experience without trekking from point to point.
Sensing that there was a solution to this issue, Courchevel Tourisme partnered with Digital Social Retail in late 2016. Digital Social Retail specializes in driving consumer engagement through smart applications. The mission for the two entities came into focus almost immediately: to build a system that could monitor the weather conditions across the area and provide updates to residents and tourists.
Strategically placing the connector technology throughout the terrain, Digital Social Retail could monitor safety and weather conditions while simultaneously alerting anyone on or around the mountain of the changes through mobile notifications.
As the world’s smartest ski city, the course has grown even more in popularity for the 2016-2017 season as visitors now know that they can fully maximize their skiing time thanks to the new system. The hospitality industry is watching Courchevel closely, and if it continues to be successful, more resorts may adopt the strategy. Our service adopted weather-intuitive technology years ago, alerting clients of inclement weather changes and altering travel plans accordingly.
We’re looking forward to a smarter hospitality industry and continue to research new technologies that make the travel experience even more convenient. To learn more about traveling to Courchevel Tourisme with EmpireCLS or our other luxury car services, visit us online or call us at 855-989-6429.
During any shopping experience, you want to feel involved and valued. After all, it’s your hard-earned money that you’re spending – so your purchase and overall shopping experience should be prioritized by a retailer. However, according to a recent report by Luxury Daily, many consumers are finding that their online experience is seriously lacking.
The luxury industry has quite the problem, it turns out. As technology has seamlessly blended with the shopping experience, luxury has been sluggish to adapt, relying on more traditional means of paying personal attention to clientele. Retaining old-school flair isn’t a bad thing, but as technology continues to dominate our world, online personalization should be a tool that is utilized for affluent clients to feel like they are a part of something exclusive. Whether it’s a limo service or a high-end jeweler, luxury brands should step up their ability to make clients feel special through online booking, buying and communication experience.
A Look at the Statistics
The luxury industry’s sluggishness to adapt to technological saturation and provide end users with personalized online experience is backed up by some concerning statistics. According to a recent L2 report:
These statistics prove that a lot of work remains to be done by luxury industry players in regards to online personalization – and that adapting it can be incredibly lucrative.
Data Disconnect
So what is contributing to this problem? One thing that can be taken into account is grabbing data.
Data such as transaction impetus, conversion rates and expedited payment options are fantastic ways to boost online sales and gauge how to move forward with a personalized approach. For luxury brands, utilizing this data can be valuable since the average luxury retailer captures only 7.8 data points per online account signup compared to an average 12.2 data points. Obviously, there is work to be done.
Providing consumers with this personalized experience online is vital. At EmpireCLS, we strive to rise above this knock on other luxury brands and provide the finest and personalized approach.
On our website, you will find that it is easy to book a reservation as a member or a guest with our online registration. As a member, you can receive flexibility as options such as price quotes, receipts for past trips and reservation information are all available in real time.
Whether you are booking a reservation for limo service from Chicago to Washington DC or Paris to Berlin, we will provide you with a personalized approach.
Anyone can feel like a Hollywood A-lister if they choose to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills (opening soon in April 2017) by traveling with Virtuoso, the leading luxury and experiential travel network of which EmpireCLS is proud to be a part. As recently announced, Virtuoso will provides travelers who stay at this hotel with exclusive advantages that will make them feel as though they’re royalty.
As an opening offer, if you book your stay at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills through a Virtuoso travel advisor, then you’ll receive a three-piece collection from luxury skincare brand La Prairie, which is valued at $150. You’ll also receive the following benefits at no additional charge:
We know that your stay at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills will be nothing less than a sophisticated and unforgettable experience. The 170-room hotel features a triple-height lobby with a contemporary Art Deco design, custom chandeliers, hand-painted murals of the California landscape and the signature Waldorf Astoria clock. The hotel also has gardens on every level, which serves as an escape for your soul and senses.
If you’d like to receive these amenities along with the combination of California ease and true luxury, consider using the Virtuoso travel program.
At EmpireCLS, we understand how important it is to treat customers like royalty, especially if they’re traveling to different places. If you have a wedding in the near future and need luxury wedding transportation, we have you covered. If you need a limousine to get you around a new city, you can count on us, not only for transportation but for white-glove service, discreet chauffeurs and expertly maintained luxury fleet vehicles with five-star safety ratings. It’s this tireless dedication to our customers’ luxury experience that’s earned us a place in the exclusive Virtuoso network.
To learn more about our business limousine service at EmpireCLS, visit us at http://empirecls.wpengine.com/.
If you’re a traveler who likes to venture off the beaten path (which seems to describe many of our customers here at EmpireCLS — one of the many reasons we strive to offer only the best limo service in Los Angeles and throughout the world), then you may be interested in what British automaker Land Rover and luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent have to offer. The two are renewing their partnership to offer clients a list of seven self-driven trips around the world that are considered to be “off the beaten path.”
With the collaboration of the two brands, the program will gain deeper roots as well as generate more attention from interested parties. The long-standing partnership and the like-mindedness of Abercrombie & Kent and Land Rover allow them to curate exciting, new options for consumers.
Geoffrey Kent, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Abercrombie & Kent, says that this new series of itineraries will put guests in the driver’s seat and provide them with a rare opportunity to go off the beaten track, with the help of the Land Rover’s full-terrain capabilities. Drivers will remain under the care of Land Rover Experience instructors, yet they’ll still have a chance to challenge themselves because they’ll learn how to navigate in dramatic landscapes around the world.
Mr. Kent said, “Destinations for Land Rover Travel by Abercrombie & Kent feature a range of challenging off-road driving experiences from the waters of Botswana’s Okavango Delta to the deserts of Morocco.”
Guests of “Land Rover Adventure Travel by Abercrombie & Kent” will have seven options this year, including driving through the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana, walking and driving through Australia’s terrains, traveling Britain’s countryside and more. Prices for the packages will begin at $8,650 per person, and they’ll include accommodations, meals and, of course, the experience itself. Both of these companies understand that automobile enthusiasts will seek a greater satisfaction with their favorite brands through experiences, and they’re putting that knowledge to full use with their new offering.
But if you’re more into using luxury transportation in San Francisco than off-roading in Australia, then you’ll want to contact us here at EmpireCLS. The experience we offer is a little more tame, but none the less extraordinary thanks to our white-glove service, fleet of luxury vehicles and dedication to your smooth, safe arrival — wherever you are.
When you’re in the business of limousine services like we are, luxury vehicles are more or less constantly on your radar. Come Christmastime this past year, we allowed ourselves to dream of the limited-edition Infiniti Q60, a car that comes in a striking gold hue called Solar Mica and was featured in the Neiman Marcus Christmas book.
Although Christmas has already passed, the winter holiday came even earlier than December 25th for those in Southern California at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus releases a Christmas book every year with a special, limited edition vehicle on sale, and this past year was no exception. This time they offered the Infiniti Q60, a curvaceous luxury sedan that looked virtually dipped in gold, which only had 50 models available for consumers to purchase.
With a price tag of $63,000, this exclusive luxury vehicle went on sale beginning November 2, 2016, and only offered 50 copies, prompting it to be named this year’s Fantasy Gift. The vehicle was found on page 128 of Neiman Marcus’ Christmas Book, with a whole package that included a plaque with the car’s VIN number, an exclusive ivory leather weekender bag, a Neiman Marcus-branded indoor car cover and a letter of authenticity.
There are a variety of features that separate this vehicle from other vehicles. Being painted with the Solar Mica hue isn’t one of the only factors that make an Infiniti Q60 an Infiniti Q60. In fact, the car is based on the Red Sport 400 version of the all-new 2017 Infiniti Q60. It’s a 400-horsepower coupe that’s equipped with a 3.0 liter-twin-turbocharged V6 engine. It also offers Direct Adaptive Steering™, Bose Performance Series premium audio system, Dynamic Digital Suspension and Infiniti InTouch Infotainment System.
This special edition Neiman Marcus vehicle also features genuine carbon fiber accents on the fender vents, mirror caps, a rear spoiler and fog-light finishers. If the Q60 showed up underneath our tree, let’s just say we’d be fair from complaining.
We don’t have a Q60 in our fleet, but we do boast a five-star fleet of luxury sedans, vans and minibuses for luxury wedding transportation and other types of transportation. We promise once you enter an EmpireCLS vehicle, you’ll forget all about the luxury vehicles you’ve been dreaming of thanks to our signature chauffeured service and unsurpassed attention to detail.
To learn more about our professional car chauffeur services, go to http://empirecls.wpengine.com/.
A number of luxury brands helped bring massive innovations and a further shift in the industry this past year. As a luxury transportation company with partnerships from San Francisco to NYC, we’ve been observing how rapidly consumer tastes are changing, and how holding their interest — and most importantly, building a genuine connection with them — requires creativity and finesse more than ever.
Let’s take a look at three of 2016’s leading luxury branding efforts.
For the full rundown on 2016 branding efforts that truly spoke to clients and customers, visit the list of top 10 branding efforts on Luxury Daily. And don’t forget to let us know which campaign speak to you the most, as well as what you would expect from the best limo service in Los Angeles, CA, and other areas throughout the U.S.
Now more than ever, the feeling of discovering a new experience or place for the first time is a highly sought after commodity. The luxury travel industry has long satisfied this desire for adventure by facilitating exclusive experiences on private jet planes and yachts, and setting travelers up with exotic island rentals, decadent spas and exclusive gourmet menus.
No longer the realm of the economic elite, luxury travel is steadily becoming accessible to the upper middle class. As a result, the luxury travel industry is steadily gained traction and is projected to boom by 2020. According to a recent Luxury Travel Market report, the industry has a compound annual growth rate of 6.4% and is expected to reach $1.2 billion in this timeframe.
As a leading luxury limo service serving Washington, DC, and 700 cities around the globe, we’re looking forward to the opportunities and challenges posed by growth in the luxury travel industry. Here are a few takeaways from the aforementioned report:
Demographics
Baby boomers between ages 51 and 69 years old are the leading demographic when it comes to the luxury travel market for a number of factors including:
The travel objectives for this demographic include a second honeymoon, eco-tourism, medical tourism, passion, adventure and something to cross off a bucket list. Due to their well-paying jobs and having no children in the house, these travelers have ample resources to take a long cruise or enjoy a safari.
The next group that pays the most for luxury travel is the Gen X generation, which is comprised of people from ages 31 to 40. According to the findings, they prefer multi-generation traveling with grandparents, parents and kids.
Top Market
This study found that the most lucrative market is the Asia-Pacific market, led by China and Singapore. This is due to an increase in disposable income and growth in the middle-class population in China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and India. Asia-Pacific millionaires, according to the report, are now wealthier than millionaires in North America.
In-Demand Locations
The two most sought-after luxury travel locations of the coming decade couldn’t be more different in terms of climate. According to the report, Iceland and Cuba will be the most popular locales for luxury travelers to visit through 2020. Iceland’s glacial landscape satisfies travelers’ thirst for both beautiful scenery and adventurous experiences, while the fact that Cuba’s borders have recently been opened to US travelers creates an opportunity untapped for decades.
Whether you are seeking adventure in Sydney, Panama City, Rome or Miami, our limo service EmpireCLS is dedicated to cultivating a memorable travel experience with our five-diamond service around the world. Learn more by visiting http://www.empirecls.com.
Each year brings about change. New fads, career paths, events, relationships, interests and technology change the way we live and react to the world around us. Trends in travel also dramatically change from year to year. To ring in 2017, we’ll take a look at a recent Booking.com report on the top eight projected travel trends for the coming year. Their survey yielded several predictions on technology, business, discovery, eco-friendly practices, holistic desires, the human touch – and even space travel.
Providing luxury limo service from places such as Chicago to Las Vegas – and 700 major cities around the globe – we are ready to take you where you want to go in 2017. For more information about our global luxury chauffeured ground transportation service, call 888-826-3431 today.
This just in: Driverless cars are no longer a thing of the future or something seen on TV. According to Automotive News, they will be found on Ontario’s roads early in 2017. Ontario issued its first permits for autonomous vehicles late in November, allowing such vehicles owned by the Erwin Hymer Group, University of Waterloo and Blackberry to be tested on the Canadian province’s roads. So what might that mean for the future of ground transportation?
At EmpireCLS, we value innovation and look forward to what the future holds, with the understanding that both the automotive industry and the luxury industry must keep up with technological momentum. However, given our three-plus decades of experience in both spheres, we know that high-tech innovations are really only beneficial if used wisely. Here’s what we can reasonably expect:
Safety Statistics: According to the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey (NMVCCS), the leading critical reason of a crash was overwhelmingly attributed to human error, as 94% of accidents were the fault of the driver. The National Safety Council also found in 2014 that more than 35,400 people died in car crashes due to alcohol, speeding and distracted driving. It’s possible that automated vehicles capable of switching between “autopilot” and manual modes could avoid such consequences, i.e., safely steering fatigued or intoxicated drivers home.
Environmental Impact: Another factor to consider is what kind of impact will driverless cars have on the environment. According to research conducted by the Department of Energy (DOE), automated vehicles may reduce energy consumption in transportation by 90% – or have an adverse effect and increase it by close to 200%.
Commercial Potential: As mentioned above, we’re all for technological innovation – as long as it benefits the customer. We imagine that most vehicle buyers would thrill to the availability of self-driving cars that keep them safe, reduce environmental damage and allow them more free time during their commute. But as a luxury chauffeured transportation company, what we can’t imagine is a driverless car service fleet – not ours, anyway. No matter how convenient automated vehicles become, no amount of tech can replace the tailor-made experience that each of our chauffeurs facilitates for our guests.
Our streets might look drastically different in just the matter of a decade or two – or driverless cars might get sent right back into the realm of sci-fi.Permits for driverless cars gives various companies and research groups the opportunity to test these vehicles in real-life situations among public traffic. In addition to the above companies who plan to test in Ontario, vehicles manufacturers such as General Motors, Toyota, Ford and Volkswagen have already announced sweeping strategies to develop autonomous technology for future models. Testing will continue as driverless cars will be included in everyday traffic in Ontario, eventually answering some of the questions we have about the future of transportation and the impact it will have on our daily lives.
No matter what the future brings, EmpireCLS is committed to providing you with the finest luxury travel service possible. Although much of the impact of automated vehicles is yet to be determined, we can guarantee that our signature high safety standards, five-star fleet and inspired hospitality is here to stay.
Perhaps it’s a little simplistic to say there are only two types of people in this world. As a car service that spans a global client base from NYC to Madrid, we’ve learned from chauffeuring countless clientele that “two types” is hardly sufficient to cover the wide, brilliant spectrum of human experience.
However, we’ll go out on a limb and say that when it comes to winter travel, there really are two types of people in the world. In one camp are the die-hard sun-worshippers – those who abhor the cold and do everything in their power to find a warmer clime come winter. Their suitcases are stocked with swimwear, Bain de Soleil and, somehow, always a little bit of sand from their last vacation.
On the other hand, we have vacationers who all but chase the dropping temperatures. Found in Aspen as well as the Alps, these fervent skiers, snowboarders and sightseers invest in luxe snowsuits, protective goggles and the perfect bottle of Scotch for sipping by the fireside.
Chances are, you know exactly where you stand in the sun-vs.-snow debate. Below are two vacation picks to try now, tailored to whether you’re a warm or cold weather type. Don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to try them both.
Finding Equilibrium at the Beach
There’s no shortage of beautiful of beautiful beaches in the world, and more luxury beach resorts than one can visit in a lifetime. Despite the benefits of tranquility, beach vacations in general run the risk of becoming a little too languorous.
That’s why our favorite resort for you sun-worshipers is KiChic, Peru, the motto of which is “the perfect balance.” This island paradise off the coast of Mancora is the perfect combination of invigorating and soothing. There’s no shortage of opportunities to stay active: Yoga, horseback riding, surfing, snorkeling and zip-lining are among the high-energy, healing activities available. On the other end of the spectrum, gentle yoga and blissful hot stone massages give you all the relaxation you’d expect from a beach vacation.
A Ski Resort With Decades of Charm
Are Euro trips passé? No way. Hoteldorf Grüner Baum, Austria, rises above all possible cliché thanks to flying under the radar for decades. In the same family for generations, the 85-room resort is surrounded by towering mountain peaks and nestled comfortably into a valley that’s as lush in summer as it is snow-clad in winter. If you love winter sports, this classic, charming resort offers some of the best slopes in the region, along with creature comforts like thermal springs and cozy cottages. Curling up by the fire with a drink after a day on the slopes, listening to the mountain wind roar outside – that’s something that never goes out of style.
Keep checking back for more luxury travel tips and news from EmpireCLS. Whether you’re traveling to a far-flung locale or keeping it stateside with an NYC Christmas vacation, we’ll get you there in style with five-star limo service.
Photo: flickr
