In the past few years, our culture has taken on the task of re-examining the role of women in society, and much of that discussion has focused on women in business. Thankfully, the leadership capabilities, strength, and intelligence of women are no longer up for dispute or under scrutiny, and more women than ever are being recognized for the roles as strong influencers, leaders, and employees. However, wide gender gaps in pay and in positions remain, and the travel industry is no exception.
Travel Weekly recently investigated the travel industry’s gender gap, delving into the relative lack of women at the top, and also the disparity between the scant presence of women in leadership positions and their broad power as sellers and buyers of travel. Featuring conversations with female travel leaders and examples of pro-woman business initiatives, the article is a snapshot of women’s current triumphs and struggles in the travel industry. Here are a few takeaways from Travel Weekly’s coverage:
The higher you go, the fewer women you see. Michelle “Mick” Lee, founder of Women in Travel (Winit), a 3,000-member professional organization dedicated to providing resources and tools for success to women in the travel industry, shared some insights with Travel Weekly. Lee is a 30-year veteran of the travel industry, and told Travel Weekly than the higher she progressed in her career, the fewer women she saw in boardrooms and C-suites. Much of her motivation behind founding Winit was to change those numbers. According to Travel Weekly, it is nearly impossible to find a major travel company with mostly women at the helm—on average, only 10% to 25% of director spots are held by women.
But in other sectors, women outnumber men. The lack of female representation at the top contrasts sharply with the number of women in different segments of the travel market. Travel Weekly notes that 70% of women make all travel-buying decisions, almost ¾ of travel agents are women, and, on average, 65% of the hospitality workforce is female. The gap between the number of women consuming and selling travel and the number of women present in high decision-making positions is troubling—for female economic empowerment as well as the travel industry’s ability to keep up as women gain more economic power. Lee’s assessment is that since the travel industry doesn’t need to focus on getting women in on the ground floor, businesses should hone their focus in on getting women up the ladder.
Pro-women initiatives are good for social equality and for the bottom line. There’s no question that affording women more economic opportunity in executive positions is a stride towards gender equality. And according to Travel Weekly, travel companies should make conscious efforts to narrow the gender gap because not only is it the right thing to do, but it’s also a smart business decision. Ongoing McKinsey & Co. research has found that companies with more women at the top perform better than those with fewer female leaders.
There is still much to be done in the pursuit of workforce equality in the travel industry, and Lee herself says she won’t see the day her work is done in her lifetime. However, she is hopeful about the amount of change and engagement she has seen so far. EmpireCLS applauds these efforts towards equality and salutes all of the inspiring women in the travel industry, including those we’re proud to call members of the EmpireCLS team.
Photo: flickr
Lately, we’ve been focusing a lot on the future of luxury in everything from Boston airport limo service to classic European couture houses. Namely, we’ve taken note of the transition from an old-fashioned definition to a contemporary one. Old-world luxury is, primarily, characterized by a display of wealth: It means opulent materials, brand names with prestigious histories, and exclusivity. New-world luxury, on the other hand, is defined by its focus not on exclusivity per se, but rather its ability to hone in on customers’ desires for novel, authentic experiences and deliver them in thrilling and innovative ways. This week, our attention has been drawn to a classic brand that is dipping back into the past for a contemporary refresh of its brand image.
Jaguar Land Rover hardly needs an introduction. The auto company is responsible for the stewardship of two iconic marques of the vehicle world, and its Heritage division specifically deals with providing cars, services, and parts to owners of classic Jaguar and Land Rover models. This year, Jaguar Land Rover Heritage will be rebranded as Jaguar Land Rover Classic.
The rebranded division will continue to offer the same parts at services as before, with the additional capability to fully restore classic vehicles and provide repair and maintenance services on classic models. Restorations and repairs will take place at Jaguar Land Rover’s two classic workshops in the UK. The Classic division will also operate as a global supplier of more than 30,000 genuine parts for classic, out-of-production models. It will also be responsible for preserving the lineage of the Land Rover Defender model, which is ceasing production after 68 years. The company’s online Defender Journeys hub and Heritage Restoration Program will keep the legacy of this classic vehicle alive.
Jaguar Land Rover Classic, with its focus on midcentury auto design, embodies old luxury on the surface. However, the spirit of this rebrand is nothing but contemporary. Classic fits neatly into the new luxury because it is focused on providing customers with customized luxury experience, tailored to their lifestyles. Nowhere is this more apparent in customers’ opportunity to participate in the Classic Drives program with Jaguar Land Rover, including the Jaguar Classic Challenge, a racing series for Jaguar models build prior to 1966.
As a limo service serving the globe from Boston to Shanghai, EmpireCLS continues to keep watch on the latest luxury auto industry trends. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date.
Photo: flickr
As millennials gain more social and financial capital, it seems that media outlets are replete with articles speculating on how they will shape the future. The predictions range from dire claims that the smartphone-wielding generations heralds the death of civil society, to analyses that assert that these prophecies are all wrong, and that millennials are in fact here to save the world.
In the case of the luxury market, in any case, a recent report by Market Watch falls firmly in the latter camp. UBS, a Swiss financial services company, investigated the under-35 set’s attitudes towards luxury brands and spending, and found that millennials are far from the proverbial death knell for luxury manufacturers. In fact, they may be here to rescue it, whether the product in question is high-end French couture or limo service from the Denver airport.
The fact that millennials prioritize curated, unique travel and entertainment experiences above all other expense allocations has led some industry observers to fret over whether the luxury market could keep up with the younger generation’s demands. Namely, they wondered whether the concept of luxury itself was too old-fashioned to capture the loyalty of young consumers who seem to appreciate the thrill of the new more than anything else.
However, according to UBS, millennials aren’t just unopposed to luxury, but they openly embrace it. Millennials in the United States, the UBS study found, are actually even more engaged with luxury spending than the over-35 crowd. They spend slightly more on luxury goods, and appear to be more brand-loyal to traditional European luxury houses like Burberry, Gucci, and LVMH. Millennials also reportedly feel more positive about their financial futures than their older counterparts, which positions them for future expenditures that are even greater than they are currently.
Although millennials are sometimes lambasted for their high level of engagement with social media, UBS sees their hooked-in mindset as the key to luxury brands’ smooth transition to the younger consumer base. Digital marketing and maintaining a strong, visible online and social media presence with millennial consumers will capture their attention and brand loyalty, says UBS. We at EmpireCLS also surmise that given the high priority that millennials place on travel and entertainment, traditional luxury houses will do well to partner with brands like luxury limo service providers and boutique hotels to fully embody want millennials want out of luxury experiences.
Let us hear your thoughts on the future of luxury travel. Email us at sales@empirecls.com and tell us what you want out of your next travel experience.
Photo: flickr
Miami Beach, with its diverse neighborhoods, eclectic cultural mix, and famously fun-loving residents, is home to a vibrant artistic community, as well as Art Basel, one of the biggest art events in the country. This hub of creativity welcomes new ideas and rebellious thinkers possibly more than any other city. For that reason, Miami is perfectly primed to host this year’s LE Miami conference, the world’s first travel industry event centered around taking on ongoing shifts in the definition of luxury.
From June 6th to 9th, EmpireCLS will join other exhibitions, buyers, and industry leaders at the Miami Beach Convention Center for a conference intended to shake up how the travel industry—from limo service to hotels—thinks about its guests’ experiences. If the GBTA Conference is the decorous old guard of the travel industry—all facts, figures, and tailored suits—then LE Miami is like a free-spirited yet focused collective of avant-garde artists who aren’t opposed to getting their hands dirty or throwing some paint around in the pursuit of greatness.
LE Miami is bent on defining the changing state of luxury, and capturing what customers want through an electric exchange of ideas. Today’s luxury buyer demographic is younger, more creative, and more tuned-in than ever before. Eschewing old signifiers of wealth and taste, they prefer products that feel unique, culturally significant, and tailored to their interests. LE Miami’s participants will unite to discuss how they can create the authentic, memorable experiences that these customers want.
True to LE Miami’s forward-thinking intent, attendees will meet in a show space designed as much for play as it is for work—think a DJ booth, bar, art installations, networking events that are more like parties than sedate exchanges of business cards. LE’s “rebels with a cause,” as the conference proudly terms its attendees, will exchange their insights at the Ministry of Ideas conference, a TED-like event in which attendees will give presentations and host Q&As on the future of car and limo service and beyond. Plus, LE Miami will give out awards to industry rebels in categories like Sexiest Design, Greatest Guest Experience, and Best Interaction with Neighborhood.
We’re looking forward to exchanging ideas with some of our most creative peers in the industry. In the meantime, keep up with us on Twitter and Facebook.
Photo credit: flickr
What do you want out of your next vacation? According to a recent Daily Record article, what most travelers desire from upcoming 2016 trips is a genuine cultural experience. Thanks to the accessibility of typical vacation locales like, say, Palm Beach or Paris, and due to the wealth of information available online, travelers seem to be seeking less well-known vacation spots for the sake of novel experiences and educational opportunities (and, not to mention, stunning shots of pristine landscapes).
As a global limo service serving cities from NYC to Moscow, EmpireCLS is always on the lookout for this year’s hot travel spots. Check out the top five that the Daily Record selected as 2016’s most hyped destinations, and see if any are on your list.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Across the Adriatic from the Eastern coast of Italy is a less-frequented medieval gem, the walled city of Dubrovnik. Built in the 8th century as a defense against attackers, Dubrovnik is now a 21-century oasis of natural splendor and gorgeous architecture. Along the coast, the waters of the Adriatic sparkle like sapphire, while within the city, it’s easy (and pleasant) to get lost wandering among Gothic churches as well as contemporary shops and restaurants.
Cinque Terre, Italy
In Italy, it’s hard to find a bad meal or a town that isn’t worthy of hundreds of photographs. Cinque Terre is no exception, and there’s something particularly charming about these five fishing villages’ narrow, pedestrian-only streets and pastel-colored buildings heaped together on the coastline. It’s the perfect place to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine paired with a generous glass of wine.
Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii is a classic vacation destination, especially for Americans, but the Daily Record notes that Oahu is, for some reason, overlooked—until now, that is. More travelers are drawn to Oahu, especially its North Shore, which is well-known for surfing and sport fishing. Oahu is shaping up to be Hawaii’s prime destination for travelers who want to learn about the state’s history and experience authentic island life.
Norway
Americans have long had Nordic fever, with our popular culture embracing Sweden for its literature and film and flocking to Iceland for natural sightseeing. Norway, too, is quickly becoming a favored vacation spot. With its towering mountains, glittering glaciers, and peaceful fjords, the Northernmost country in the Scandinavian region is neck-and-neck with Iceland for natural beauty, while the country’s rich cultural history will satisfy any traveler hungry to learn about Viking history, experience the Oslo opera, or see works made by local Bergen artisans.
National Parks
Finally, you don’t have to leave the country, or even your home state, for a rich cultural experience. The Daily Record concludes its overview of this year’s best travel destinations with a note on the centennial of the National Park Service. There are over 400 sites maintained by the NPS, including the majestic Grand Canyon in Arizona and Colorado, the awe-inspiring Statue of Liberty (something to consider when reserving car service in NYC), and the humble yet fascinating Edgar Allen Poe House in Philadelphia.
We’ll be keeping an eye on whether any of these predicted locations prove to be the most talked-about spots for 2016. Keep up to date with the latest travel trends by following EmpireCLS on Twitter and Facebook.
Photo: flickr
Twenty-five years in luxury is a long time. In an industry where one’s reputation must be earned by proving exclusivity, quality and exceptional service time and again, many starting players drop out early. Celebrating a 25-year milestone, therefore, is something to be immensely proud of—we know we at EmpireCLS were when we hit our silver anniversary. This year, it’s the turn of the Peninsula Beverly Hills to mark this very special occasion. The hotel is celebrating their 25 years with an appropriately lavish parade of commemorative gifts, unveiled restorations and lots (and lots) of Champagne.
The most important purpose of the hotel’s celebration is to thank the guests who have returned throughout the years, spread the word and earned the hotel its reputation for outstanding luxury. According to American wedding tradition, gifts exchanged on a couple’s 25th anniversary should be made of silver. Accordingly, the Peninsula Beverly Hills is giving back to their guests with a strong silver theme. During this celebratory year, guests can stay in the Silver Suite, a 1,500-square foot penthouse decorated in shades of gray and paneled with mirror walls. The hotel is also offering a specialty cocktail for guests’ enjoyment: The Silver Mule, a kicky concoction made with green chili vodka, lime and ginger beer. And silver can be found adorning the rims of tea service pieces that the Peninsula will sell to guests throughout its jubilee year. Based on the China tea service used during the hotels’ traditional Afternoon Tea, this special set is the first of its kind that the hotel has ever made available to guests.
Not all of the hotel’s gifts this year are strictly silver, but that doesn’t make them any less luxurious. On Mondays in August (the hotel’s birth month), the Peninsula’s time-honored Afternoon Tea in the Living Room gets a celebratory twist with endless Champagne service, during which guests can drink bubbly to their heart’s content. More Champagne can be found at the hotel’s spa this month: On the 25th each month, spa guests will be treated to surprises like a flute of bubbly, beauty products and complimentary services. And all varieties of sumptuous food and wine will feature freely on the renovated Belvedere Terrace, where the hotel’s famed Belvedere Restaurant is located.
EmpireCLS congratulates the Peninsula Beverly Hills on 25 years of luxury, and wishes the hotel 25 more. Learn more about our luxury hotel partners at http://www.empirecls.com/partners.
The auto industry has stayed strong throughout the years despite economic setbacks, and according to a recent report by McKinsey & Company, the industry is now “ripe for disruption.” The organization identified four key interconnected trends that will shape the industry in the next 15 years, possibly rendering it much different by 2030. In fact, the report’s authors assert that there’s no way of telling what the industry landscape will look like by that year, but have sketched out several compelling possibilities based on trends in mobility and vehicle technology.
Diverse Mobility
The way the world gets around is changing rapidly. The McKinsey report points out that the rise of shared mobility (as in the case of car sharing and e-hailing) as well as urban environments that discourage car use, the need for flexible transportation options, the decline of private car ownership and the use of multiple modes of transportation to reach one destination have created significant shifts in the automobile industry—and that’s not a bad thing.
They predict that that diversification of the automotive revenue pool, driven by on-demand and data-driven mobility, will create an additional $1.5 trillion in revenue potential, due to the inclusion of apps, remote services and software upgrades in the revenue pool. Additionally, vehicle units sales will continue to grow despite shared mobility, albeit at a slower rate, which will drop from 3.6 percent to 2 percent per year. This will be due to the development of a new market for vehicles designed specifically for sharing.
Autonomous Driving
As “advanced driver-assistance systems” (ADAS) continue to be developed by tech giants like Google, the possibility of fully autonomous vehicles by 2030 becomes more feasible. McKinsey predicts that up to 15 percent of all cars sold in 2030 could be fully autonomous. This will lead to serious lifestyle changes surrounding how drivers and passengers use their cars, and will allow them to both get more work done and consume more media and entertainment while driving (although we at EmpireCLS maintain it won’t change the preference for chauffeured luxury travel service). This trend, in turn, can lead to greater technological integration in vehicle design. The hurdles for driverless car systems? The breadth of regulatory oversight and consumer’s acceptance of taking their hands off the wheel.
Electrification
As we’ve already touched upon in previous blogs, the sale of electric cars like the Tesla Model S have exceeded expectations in the past few years. Electric cars are becoming increasingly more viable and competitive in the auto market due to stricter emissions regulations, lower battery costs, a widening infrastructure of vehicle chargers and greater consumer acceptance. The McKinsey report authors predict that anywhere from 10 to 50 percent of vehicles sold in 2030 will be electric, depending on where they are sole. Adoption rates will vary at the local level, dependent on the push-pull of consumer demand and governmental regulation and highest in dense urban areas where regulation is strongest.
Connectivity
The aforementioned factors will result in heightened connectivity among vehicles themselves and with different technologies. Automated driving will allow passengers to consume media and services from their vehicles, and sharing technology will dictate the need for built-in applications. Electrical and shared cars will likely come with software, technological advances and upgrades much like smartphones and computers, meaning that tech companies will play an increasingly important role in the vehicle industry. In order for this dynamic to work, vehicle makers will have to learn how to cooperate and collaborate with tech competitors.
Of course, there’s no way to tell how many of these predictions will come true (and we still hold fast to our conviction that we won’t see driverless wedding limo service anytime soon), but we can say for certain that the future of the auto industry is full of rich possibilities. Keep up with industry news by following the EmpireCLS blog for the latest updates.
Photo credit: flickr
On March 17, over 300 travel industry leaders from forty states met with Washington, D.C. policymakers to talk about the travel industry. The event, as reported by Global Travel Industry News, was an opportunity for policymakers to gain a better understanding of why the travel industry is one of the strongest industries in the nation and to celebrate its role as an “essential economic contribution.” Industry leaders met with policymakers and encouraged them to support the travel industry with policies that are pro-growth, pro-competition and pro-traveler. These policies included those that would modernize transportation infrastructure and maintain the US as a welcoming destination that still has strong national security. The event also recognized lawmakers and government officials who continue to support the health and growth of travel businesses nationwide.
At EmpireCLS, we’re proud to be a part of such a robust travel industry, and applaud both our lawmakers and the leaders in attendance who advocated for the issues that are central to the industry today. However, we can’t help feeling disappointed that Global Travel Industry News didn’t touch on transportation network companies (TNCs), also called ride-sharing apps, in their reportage on the event. TNCs have been a point of concern for the travel industry for the past few years, but have also been an educator. They’ve encroached on traditional travel options with the promise of on-demand rides and cheaper rates, but as we’ve seen over the past few years, those claims haven’t necessarily held up. They’ve also pushed the traditional ground transportation industry into technological innovations.
TNCs have been disruptive in all senses of the world, as we’ve written about extensively over the past year. Their presence has led to protests by medallion taxi drivers in cities like Paris, who see the apps as occupying at best a legal gray area and at worst a definitely unlawful one. TNCs have also caused trouble for the passengers that they supposedly protect, with reports of incompetent or violent drivers and complaints about “price surging” belying TNCs’ flattering self-presentation. However, they’re not going anywhere any time soon, and it’s foolish not to look at what traditional providers can learn from them. Namely, the convenience of using a mobile app to request on-demand transportation service is clearly something that customers have come to expect. It’s now up to the ground transportation industry to incorporate technologies like apps into their operations to deliver the best customer service possible. We hope that policymakers will take these issues into consideration as they act to support the travel industry.
Get in touch with EmpireCLS at http://www.empirecls.com.
Photo credit: flickr
New York visitors are spoiled for choice in their luxury hotel selection. The island of Manhattan is home to dozens of hotels, from hidden jewels to veritable palaces (some of which we can proudly call our partners), that deserve the luxury moniker. But hotels with a pedigree like the St. Regis New York are still hard to come by, even in such a worldly city as Manhattan. This five-diamond, Beaux-Arts building was designed by architect John Jacob Astor IV, one of the city’s Gilded Era elite, and built over a century ago. Considered a landmark, the St. Regis embodies the timelessness of New York glamour with its gilded molding, Waterford crystal chandeliers and parquet floors. Recently, EmpireCLS became the house limo service provider for this NYC legend’s guests.
Our white-glove, chauffeured ground transportation service is just one of the many amenities St. Regis guests have at their disposal. Each of the hotels’ 171 rooms and suites is a feast for the senses and a paragon of five-diamond service. Each room and suite was redesigned and renovated by design firm HDC in 2013, in keeping with the philosophy that “timeless is modern.” The result: Gorgeous interiors with carefully harmonized textures and accent colors for a sumptuous experience. St. Regis is now home to some of Gotham’s most stunning suites, which feature Old World touches combined with contemporary chic and the latest technologies. Each suite has an entirely customized layouts and aesthetics, from the Chinoiserie and East Asian furnishings of the Imperial Suite to the designer-inspired palette of the Dior Suite.
It goes without saying that along with spa-like baths and hi-definition entertainment, guests can enjoy 24-hour room service. However, it would almost be a crime not to dine at the St. Regis. This hotel is home of the famed King Cole Bar, so named for its Maxfield Parrish mural of the fabled king and his courtiers. This sophisticated cocktail lounge is the preferred place for Manhattan elite to sip the establishment’s signature drink, the Bloody Mary (yes, your brunch staple was invented here) and savor a meticulously prepared seasonal tasting menu. And from breakfast until the last after-dinner drink, guests who dine at the Astor Court can soak in the glamorous open-lounge atmosphere and feast on international cuisine by the fireplace.
It’s understandable that you’d never want to leave the St. Regis once you set foot inside. But we strongly recommend that you do some exploring during your stay. Located in the heart of Manhattan, the St. Regis is steps away from the MoMA and a short distance away from must-sees like the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Call, St Patrick’s Cathedral, the Met and Central Park. Our NYC executive limo service will be standing by to take you anywhere on the island, and back to the St. Regis New York for one more Bloody Mary.
Like many other luxury service providers in the world, we’ve been keeping an eye on China’s market to see what the global luxury world has in store. Recently, Jing Daily, the go-to source for Chinese luxury and business news, ran a review of five predictions for the country in the coming year. Here’s a quick summary of their predictions:
1. Shoppers will spend most of their time in Asia.
Wealthy Chinese shoppers frequently travel to Europe and the US to buy luxury goods, and are responsible for boosting sales on both of those continents. However, most will continue to shop within Asia for convenience’s sake. In particular, Chinese travelers will continue to spend the most in Japan, which enjoys a booming exchange with its neighbor.
Last year, various safety concerns prevented Chinese shoppers from venturing much to other Asian countries like South Korea and Thailand. However, due to improved conditions, travelers will have more incentive this year to branch out beyond the Chinese and Japanese markets.
2. Daigou isn’t going anywhere.
Daigou refers to the “gray market” where luxury goods purchased overseas are sold to customers in mainland China. This channel of commerce is hugely popular, since sellers profit and buyers get a bargain. But the enormous cost difference between daigou goods and domestically manufactured ones has caused concern among government officials as to the effect it will have on the Chinese economy.
Lately, officials have been trying to incentivize buying domestic goods by making tariff cuts and developing duty-free shopping, as well as cracking down on smugglers. A few luxury brands have lowered their Chinese prices, as well, but daigou shows no sign of disappearing in the next year, at least as long as students and travelers make money within it.
3. Athleisure will heat up the market.
The global style trend of incorporating workout wear into high-end ensembles means that Chinese consumers will be investing more money in healthy lifestyles and their accoutrements, like air purifiers and nutritional supplements. Health, wellness and sportswear goods will become highly competitive in the Chinese market in the coming year. Additionally, luxury consumers will direct their yuan towards medical tourism for plastic surgery as well as other medical procedures.
4. Fewer fakes, but they’ll still be an issue.
The Aliaba platform for luxury merchandise has come under fire for selling counterfeit luxury merchandise, and has been subject to a Keurig lawsuit and criticism from international commerce groups. As a result, Aliaba is making greater efforts to sniff out fakes and prevent them from being sold, a boon for Chinese manufacturers of legitimate luxury items. There’s still work to be done, however: Fakes are still being produced in China in droves and can be sold over popular social media platforms like WeChat, which are subject to minimal regulation.
5. Anti-corruption efforts will stay strong.
The Chinese Communist Party has undertaken anti-corruption campaign for past several years, indicting over 100,000 government officials in the process. The campaign may have reduced corrupt spending by authorities, but it has also hurt sales of luxury goods. That being said, however, the market remains strong, and perhaps with developing incentives for ordinary buyers to purchase domestic goods, things will even out.
Thirsty for more luxury industry news? Check our blog regularly for the latest updates on the luxury market from our NYC executive limo service.
Photo Credit: hans-johnson via flickr
