The final morning of ILTM began with a cheerful breakfast hosted by Preferred Hotels & Resorts CEO Lindsey Ueberroth and President Michelle Woodley, celebrating Preferred Travel Group’s impressive year of growth, sustainability and transformative travel experiences. Joining them were about a dozen hoteliers from around the world to meet with the media, including Cornelia Schmidt from 7132 Hotel in Switzerland, Laura Epstein from Edgewood Tahoe, Angelo Macri from Lefay Resort & SPA Lake Garda in Italy and Stephen Johnson from Boston Harbor Hotel, to name a few.
Big news was Ueberroth’s unveiling of their new Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. This initiative reinforces the company's belief in travel as a force for good and builds on the success of the Beyond Green brand, which welcomed over 30 new sustainable properties this year, including 28 lodges and camps through a partnership with andBeyond.
Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the cornerstone brand of the group, also celebrated significant milestones, including the expansion of its portfolio by more than 70 properties in 2024—the largest addition since 2018. These new openings span the globe, with highlights such as the sustainable Villa Dagmar in Stockholm, the luxurious Pendry Natirar near New York City and the highly anticipated reopening of Peter Island Resort in the Caribbean. Additionally, the Legend Collection now boasts over 100 hotels, with notable additions like Virgin Limited Edition properties.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises even more exciting openings, including Oros in Crete, The Newman in London’s vibrant Soho neighborhood and The Romagus Hotel in Valletta, Malta—a restored 500-year-old palazzo.
Langham: New Vision and Loyalty Program
Bob van den Oord, personally celebrating 25 years with Langham (and his first as CEO), shared his vision for "The Langham Way," a new engagement-focused initiative designed to deliver unpretentious, personalized service across all properties. He also introduced Brilliant, the company’s loyalty program, which has already attracted half a million members in just six months, allowing guests to earn and redeem points for stays, dining and experiences.
Langham is expanding with 15 new properties in the pipeline, including the highly anticipated Langham Bangkok, set to open in 2026 in the historic Customs House, and Langham Kuala Lumpur. Renovations are now underway at The Langham Pasadena, promising a reimagined luxury experience on its 23-acre estate. Dining innovation remains a focus, as well, with standout bars like The Artesian in London and The Fed in Boston earning global acclaim, while The Wigmore is regularly cited among U.K.’s best pubs.
Looking ahead, a new brand campaign rooted in Langham’s legacy, which dates back to 1865, aims to invite guests to "write their own stories" while enjoying modern luxury steeped in history. With a glowing new facade at Langham London and ambitious plans for growth, the group is poised for an exciting 2025.
Chase Travel Reveals Top 25 Trips to Take in 2025
Another hot news drop at ILTM this week was Chase Travel’s "Top 25 Trips to Take in 2025." This expertly curated list, informed by Chase Travel’s booking trends and insider insights, spotlights global destinations from the serene shores of coastal Vietnam to the ancient allure of mainland Greece, alongside emerging domestic hot spots. The list also reflects 2025’s hottest travel trends. New flights are enhancing accessibility to far-flung locales like Marrakech and Greenland, while unexpected destinations are stepping up with luxury hotel openings. Travelers are craving unique experiences, with cruises and train explorations providing fresh ways to see the world. Budget-conscious European travelers will find exciting alternatives in cities like Antwerp and Warsaw, while pop culture is drawing globetrotters to vibrant hubs such as Bangkok and Seoul. Meanwhile, sustainability is at the forefront, with eco-conscious explorers heading to Kenya and Rwanda.
Chase Travel also shared fresh insights into shifting travel habits. Weekend trips are surging in popularity, with Saturdays now the busiest travel day. Labor Day weekend remains the crown jewel of peak travel periods, and bookings for both the holiday season and 2025 are already soaring, reflecting a renewed enthusiasm for exploration.
In keeping with the energy of the week, Chase Travel leaders Jason Wynn (CEO), Rena Shah (head of lodging), Wendy Vividor (head of marketing), and Karen Magee (president of Valerie Wilson Travel) hosted one of the most buzzed-about suites at the show. Perched at the top of The Majestic and decked out to resemble a charming French farmer’s market, a fun blend of whimsy and elegance—not to mention the breathtaking views overlooking the Palais in Cannes!
Properties to Put on Your Radar
Based on short, one-to-one meetings, these are some hotels we think you need to keep an eye on:
Mar-Bella Collection Adds A Hip New Sibling in Corfu
This family-run collection of idyllic five-star hotels on Corfu have won awards from all the consumer travel pubs and ratings services. New this summer is Avali, offering laidback luxury as well as 76 chic rooms and suites with breathtaking mountain or sea views, an expansive infinity pool, three-acres of lush gardens and a Beach House on a secluded pebbled beach. Owner Vassilis Dracopoulos noted “it is targeted at a Millennial/Gen Z traveler looking for a more relaxed vibe and all-inclusive pricing.”
Rosewood Amsterdam: Reimaging Former Palace of Justice
Rosewood is set to open in Amsterdam in June 2025, transforming the historic former Palace of Justice along the UNESCO-listed Prinsengracht canal. Managing Director Thomas Harlander shared that the hotel will house 134 rooms and suites, many offering views of the canals, courtyards and rooftops. Highlights include an Asaya Spa, a state-of-the-art wellness center, an indoor pool and lush interior courtyards designed by famed landscape architect Piet Oudolf (celebrated for designing New York City's High Line). The hotel will also offer three restaurants, including one specializing in Indian cuisine, with concepts for the others still TBD. Designed by Dutch architect Piet Boon, the property seamlessly blends the building’s storied history with contemporary finishes.
Jumeirah Goes to Africa
Jumeirah, which is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the iconic Burj Al Arab in Dubai this year, is expanding its portfolio with its first foray into Africa. This week, the brand debuted two new destinations: Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa. Jumeirah Thanda Island is an exclusive-use retreat set on a remote island within the protected Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve off the coast of Tanzania. Meanwhile, Jumeirah Thanda Safari is located in one of South Africa’s most exclusive Big Five private game reserves and includes branded residences and an exclusive members' club.
Kotona Manor: A Circular Sanctuary in Finland’s Lakeland
Opening in June 2025, Kotona Manor will offer a luxurious retreat in Finland’s stunning Lakeland region, blending contemporary design with the tranquility of nature. Architecturally unique, the hotel’s circular design symbolizes the cycle of life and the seasons, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from every angle. Set on an 18-hectare private estate with direct access by helicopter, boat, or car the property will have just 11 suites designed by award-winning Helsinki-based architects JKMM, each with lake-facing windows and interiors crafted from local wood. Highlights include a full-board dining concept created with Michelin-awarded chefs, serene saunas and signature wellness treatments inspired by the surrounding landscape. Guests can immerse themselves in authentic Finnish experiences like foraging, husky rides, snowshoeing and lake activities personally curated by General Manager Sisko Hirvonen.
Taking Flight in The Hague: Former KLM HQ Transforms into Luxury Hotel This Spring
Opening in March 2025, De Plesman will transform KLM’s historic former headquarters in The Hague into a luxurious 100-room hotel. The property will also house 20 serviced apartments, including the signature Plesman Suite, located in KLM founder Albert Plesman’s former wood-paneled office. Amenities include two restaurants, a fitness studio and a curated art program. The interiors, designed by Amsterdam-based Nicemakers, blend historic elements with contemporary finishes. Located just 30 minutes from Schiphol Airport, De Plesman offers easy access to The Hague’s attractions, including the Mauritshuis museum, the iconic Binnenhof parliamentary complex, and the serene Scheveningen beach. Managing Director Willem van Emden shared his excitement about continuing the building’s legacy of travel.
Stavanger’s Star: Michelin Dining and Modernist Design at the Eilert Smith Hotel
Stavanger, Norway, deserves a spot on every foodie’s bucket list, as this small city is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants. Among them, the stylish 12-room Eilert Smith Hotel stands out, housing the renowned three-Michelin-starred restaurant RE-NAA. Helmed by acclaimed chef Sven Erik Renaa, RE-NAA offers a gastronomic journey through Norway’s finest seasonal ingredients, presented with precision and creativity. The hotel, a converted 1930s warehouse designed by Functionalist architect Eilert Smith, provides a striking contrast to the city’s mix of traditional wooden houses and contemporary glass structures.
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