“High -end tourism in Argentina and in Latin America has before them a unique opportunity to position itself on the global scenario, but also faces concrete challenges that we must address with decisions,” he says Ana Goti, general manager of Gran Meliá Iguazú. “International and regional connectivity, adequate infrastructure and, above all, long -term predictability are key factors to consolidate a solid, integrated and competitive luxury offer, ”he continues.
Pablo Apeio, CEO of Travel Services, It considers that when talking about the challenges of high -end tourism in Argentina and in the region, “the first concept to consider is ‘adaptation’. And this not only refers to adapting to the change of currency or the economic conditions that we all know, but to adapt to a luxury traveler who changed, and much. Today it is not enough to offer boutique or five stars, the real luxury is in the real value that one can add to an experience. It is replaced with algorithms or bought with a Black card, ”he says.
For Marcelo Ubach, CEO Del Marriott Buenos Aires and Sheraton Bariloche, “As for the challenges I think there are several points, one is the training and quality of services, that is, to have a good infrastructure (internet, roads, airports), an excellent promotion and specific positioning of high -end tourism is also necessary. Demand is growing and sustained in the world, it shows that post pandemic experiences that this type of traveler demands. ”
Great challenges
When thinking about the challenges that the industry has ahead, Alfonso Rodriguez, General Manager Sales Hispanic South America & Caribbean de Lufthansa Group, Account that “Part of the problems that affect the development of tourism and especially the high -end segment are fundamentally those that come from air connectivity, limited infrastructure in remote places, and poor international promotion, especially in those fairs focused on luxury tourism. The sustainability of resources and climate change are items that today’s traveler considers, and fundamentally to think about the security issue, since the luxury tourist prioritizes tranquility and exclusivity, ”says Rodríguez.
“We must also add the restrictive economic context, the connectivity between airports (Aeroparque-Eazeiza), and improve the local airport infrastructure, since it may not be at the level of the product offered,” he says.
Joaquin Salgueiro- Vice President of Central Cruises Organfur, He states that “the main challenge is communication, there are many passengers who do not know about the existence of premium products, because mass products have more intense communication; in the massive companies invest many marketing funds and luxury is somewhat more select. You have to reach more people, tell the proposals of values, explaining what they consist of, which include and the reason to choose them.”
Unique experiences
For Pilar Lozano, CEO of Grupo Coris Latam, “In Argentina and in the region we have exotic products, unique experiences redesigned under luxury environments, which is what this traveler profile seeks. Mendoza, Calafate, Salinas in Jujuy, cataracts, Ski seasons; High -end hotels in Brazil; Unique experiences in Mexico, Peru, Colombia and the Caribbean. In addition, in recent years almost 50 Michelin stars were added in the region. Product is, and potential too. However, the challenges are relevant: political, economic and exchange instability limits competitiveness; The low connectivity (despite the advances with open skies) and the unequal quality of the aircraft assigned to the region impact the experience. To this is added the low international promotion, often conditioned by insufficient budgets, and an infrastructure collapsed in some key destinations. It is also urgent to invest in staff training to consolidate high -end service standards. Today’s high -end traveler seeks authenticity, sustainability and proposals with purpose. We need to align these elements to position Latin America as a true high -end destination globally, ”says Lozano.
Lourdes Mauro, Business Unit Manager of Biblos, He adds that “luxury tourism in the region and in the world is going through a process of transformation that challenges traditional models. The current traveler does not only seek comfort and rest, but experiences linked to emotional well -being, reconnection with nature, the possibility of a deeper renewal. In this scenario, the demand is oriented towards sustainable proposals that respect the environment already services designed from the same Time, the advances of artificial intelligence far from supposing a risk, it is necessary to understand it as a new ally that can improve and facilitate our work.
Finally, and in coincidence with his colleagues, Pia Lackman, Country Manager Argentina Uruguay Paraguay and Bolivia of Air France-Klm, He argues that “the main challenge facing the high -end tourism industry, both in Argentina and in the region, lies in the constant evolution of the expectations of the luxury traveler. This new profile seeks much more than a simple transfer; prioritizes customization, privacy, comfort and impeccable service that converts the flight experience into an integral and fundamental part of its trip. This drives us to be in an adaptation and overcome standards
The key is to go beyond the essential, paying attention to the details that make the difference. The high -end traveler values privacy, space and absolute discretion, as well as an intuitive service and a culinary offer related to their preferences. This constant desire for overcoming quality and personalization is the engine that drives innovation and adaptation in the luxury tourism sector, ”concludes Lackman.
The agenda
9.30 am – Panel 1
-Alfonso Rodriguez, General Manager Sales for South America of Lufthansa
-Ana Goti, general manager of Gran Meliá Iguazú
-Pablo Apeio, CEO of Travel Services
10.20 HS – Panel 2
-Joaquín Salgueiro, Vice President of Organfur
-Marcelo Ubach, CEO of Buenos Aires Marriott
-Pía Lackman, Country Manager of Air France
11.10 HS – Panel 3
-Lourdes Mauro, Business Unit Manager of Biblos Travel
-Gonzalo Pereira, Hilton Hotel Sales and Marketing Director
-Pilar Lozano, CEO of the Coris Latam Group
12.00 hs – Panel 4
-Gabriel Costa -Responsible BMW Motorrad Argentina
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
