Shang Xia, “Hermès Made in China” arrives in Paris

French luxury group Hermès plans to open a shop of its brand “Shang Xia” in the district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés by the end of the year. To date, the brand operates in Shanghai where it was launched in late 2010. Shang Xia in Paris will open at a highly prized strategic location, not to disorient the … Read more

Westin is to roll out a global revamp of its health and fitness centers

As part of an attempt to tackle upscale competitors such as Crowne Plaza, Westin will make over gyms and fitness centers at all of its 186 properties this year. As part of the scheme, Westin will become the first hotel chain to use ActiViva lighting, fluorescent tube designed by lighting giant Philips which contains a … Read more

Auction houses fight with Chinese antiquity fakers

Auction houses outfox Chinese antiquity fakers The demand for Chinese antiquities has exploded, helping propel Hong Kong to third spot in the global auction market behind London and New York. Auction houses Sotheby’s and Christie’s together raised over $460 million from sales of Chinese antiquities and art works last year, but the market has also … Read more

Top reasons luxury buyers stay with their automotive brand: survey

Why luxury buyers stay with a brand—and why they leave for another luxury brand: study Primary drivers of loyalty differed by brand Loyalty Differences by Gender and Age The 2012 New Luxury Vehicle Loyalty Study examines why luxury buyers stay with a brand—and why they leave for another luxury brand. According to the 2012 New … Read more

Starwood to target the sophisticated market with Richest Elite traveler benefits

Starwood to win greater share from the world’s most prolific travellers Hotel Loyalty Landscape reinvetad With First-Of-Its-Kind Benefits Starwood hotel chain developed new set of benefits aimed at its elite Members, those two percent of travellers that drive 30 percent of Starwood’s profits.  Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced new benefits that make its award … Read more

2012 new hotels and resorts

The new hotels & resort of 2012 Bulgari Hotel, London Following the same lines as the original Bulgari hotel in Milan, the 78-room London hotel which will be run by Ritz-Carlton is scheduled to open in April on the site of the former Normandie Hotel in Knightsbridge, overlooking Knightsbridge Green. The Bulgari luxury hotel will … Read more