dubai in style 48 hours in DIFC
A L F R E D D U N H I L L LT D
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Memories create a journey you can always return to
Discover the best of Dubai in exclusive privacy of your Suite with the Suite Upgrade Experience. Enjoy a memorable stay in a luxurious setting, feel the vibrancy of the legendary destination and leave the rest to us. For booking call +971 4 372 2222 or visit ritzcarlton.com/difc
Š2019 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
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DOT W NEWS / ILTM CHINA 2019
WELCOME LETTER ILTM China Supplement
Since the dawn of the new millennium, the number of Chinese travellers exploring the world has gone from a trickle to a torrent. Today, Chinese travellers account for around 20% of global tourism spend and their enthusiasm for international travel seems unstoppable. Every day, the world watches as China’s outbound travel market continues to expand, and it’s no surprise that many of the world’s leading luxury travel companies are vying for a slice of the pie. But as well as looking to tap into the lucrative segment, smart companies are also trying to understand it better. It’s for that reason that we are all gathered here in Shanghai for the second edition of ILTM China, the annual platform that provides global exhibitors the chance to meet with and learn from the luxury travel designers who represent China’s most affluent travellers. As the leading independent luxury travel magazine in the Middle East, Destinations of the World News is well aware of the challenges and opportunities faced by hotel companies when it comes to attracting and retaining Chinese visitors. Our hotelier friends tell us that gaining a clearer understanding of the needs of these guests is one of the most important areas of business for the next decade, as luxury hotels in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the rest of the region report a surge in interest from Chinese guests. This is why we decided to take part in ILTM China 2019 and produce our first ever Chinese language publication, affording us the chance to showcase some of the best accommodation the UAE has to offer. In addition we share some of the latest luxury travel news from ILTM China exhibitors and hear insights from Event Manager Andy Ventris into why the exhibition is more important than ever; and we take a look at some of the hidden gems and luxury experiences available in London via our partner Bespoke and British. But above all, ILTM China 2019 presents us with the opportunity to come face to face with the luxury travel planners shaping the future of China’s outbound luxury sector. Not only do these individuals influence decision-making when it comes to selecting the next destination for their clients, they also know exactly what their customers want and need from high-end travel experiences in 2020 and beyond, making them the most valuable source of travel intelligence for any company. With that in mind, I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible and relish the opportunity to learn first hand what you think will be the next big thing for China’s luxury travellers. I hope to see you at the show.
Joe Mortimer Editor-at-Large joe@dotwnews.com
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Contents ILTM CHINA 2019 Edition
Special supplement
iltm china 2019
Publisher Anna Zhukov anna@dotwnews.com Editor-at-Large Joe Mortimer joe@dotwnews.com Director of Sales Matthew Mcqueen matthew.mcqueen@dotwnews.com Art Director Kris Karacinski kris@dotwnews.com Multimedia Manager Shyam sundar Nalluri shyam@wnnlimited.com Circulation department circulate@dotwnews.com Finance department accounts@wnnlimited.com
International Commercial Representations Destinations of the World News’ network of international advertising sales and editorial representatives are based in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America. Destinations of the World News is published monthly by WNN Limited and distributed to more than 200 First and Business class airport lounges, our subscriber network and five-star hotels. The title Destinations of the World News is a registered trademark and the publisher reserves all rights. All material in Destinations of the World News is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and articles reflect the personal opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the publisher. Destinations of the World News is not responsible for omissions or errors that result from misrepresentation of information to the publisher. Advertisers assume all liability for their advertising content. All rights of the owner and the producer of this conceptual development and artwork design are reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of it may be imitated, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of WNN Limited. WNN Limited, Reuters Building 1, Office 106, Dubai Media City, PO Box 500661, Dubai, UAE Tel +971 4 3910680 Fax +971 4 3910688; WNN Limited, 31 Archbishop Kyprianou Street, 3036, PO Box 51234, zip 3503, Limassol, Cyprus
4 health is wealth Chinese travellers seeking healthy escapes and fresh air 6 EXHIBITOR News The latest luxury updates from ILTM China exhibitors 14 Interview Five minutes with ILTM portfolio director Alison Gilmore
24 Shop till you drop Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is perfect for shoppers 26 CAPITAL INVESTMENT Check into a room with a view at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche 28 TEMPTING trio Explore three Radisson hotels in Dubai, Muscat and Cape Town 32 ESCAPE TO THE palm Inside the incredible Opera Suite at Sofitel Dubai The Palm
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35 London uncovered Discover London’s hidden gems with Bespoke and British 40 PLACES WITH STORIES Two boutique hotels offering unique London experiences 42 BEST OF BRITISH Tailor make your own London itinerary with Bespoke and British 44 THE BRITISH SEASON Four unmissable events taking place in the British capital in 2020 46 ARABIAN JOURNEYS Luxury travel inspiration from around the Arabian Gulf
Images used in Destinations of the World News are provided by Getty Images/Corbis unless stated otherwise. DOTW News is printed by J G Cassoulides & Sons Ltd, Nicosia, Cyprus and Emirates Printing Press LLC, Dubai, UAE
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16 DUBAI IN STYLE 48 hours in Dubai with RollsRoyce and The Ritz-Carlton
To subscribe to Destinations of the World News at an annual rate of $99 visit the website at www.dotwnews.com and hit SUBSCRIBE.
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48 essentials Feast your eyes on this curated collection of dazzling jewellery 50 TIME TRAVELLERS Exclusive watches to accompany your next international adventure 52 DIGITAL DELIGHTS Chinese travellers offered instant VAT returns via WeChat in Dubai
DOT W NEWS / ILTM CHINA 2019
Understanding the Chinese luxury travel landscape ILTM China Event Manager Andy Ventris takes a look at the big picture trends affecting the Chinese luxury traveller and advises Chinese buyers to get ready for another year of growth
In 2018, Chinese travellers made 149.7 million overseas trips, an increase of 1,326% from 2001, when the figure was 10.5 million. By 2030, this figure will reach 400 million – an increase of almost 4,000% – and will account for a quarter of all international tourism. According to Agility Research, travel is the most popular item to spend money on among the affluent Chinese specifically: they are travelling further and further away and in addition, travelling more luxuriously. ILTM China 2019 is the forum for their luxury travel agents to research these opportunities on behalf of their clients. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Chinese tourists overseas spent US $277.3bn in 2018, up from around $10bn in the year 2000. During the same period, America’s globetrotters parted with $144.2bn. Further interesting news is that just 9% of Chinese
travellers (120 million people) own a passport compared to 40% of Americans and 76% of Britons. The potential for further growth – China’s population is 1.42bn – is staggering. The first edition of ILTM China in 2018 saw a demand from hosted Chinese luxury agents for Australasia, South East Asia, Northern Europe and North America. Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Singapore are also among the top 10 destinations for Chinese tourists with the US and Italy completing the list. ILTM China 2019 will welcome many other tourist boards, which are using this powerful platform to proactively woo the country’s expanding army of high-end travellers, including Berlin, Dubai, Greece, Italy, Monaco, New York City, Spain and Thailand. Who knows what ILTM China 2020 will have in store? www.iltm.com
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Fitness and fresh air: the latest in Chinese luxury travel By now, we all know China is the largest travel market and biggest opportunity for luxury brands, but what do the biggest consumer base in the world actually want? Lee from Reuter: Intelligence shares some of the latest emerging trends in Chinese luxury travel. With reports of Chinese outbound travellers expected to reach anywhere between 200 and 240 million by 2020 and tourism revenue within China growing at more than double the rate of GDP growth, the country represents the leading market for hospitality brands. This is particularly true for luxury, with any key report from Bain & Co to McKinsey charting China to be responsible for 4550 per cent of global luxury consumption by 2045. Chinese cities are ultra-competitive environments with relentless construction, traffic and transport hubbub, and little green-space. This has given rise to a huge trend in consumers looking back to nature, craving countryside escapes, beach retreats and fresh air, while in the city, the fitness industry grows so rapidly that new gym brands pop up on a weekly basis and social media posts make it seem as though affluent consumers live in the yoga studio. Culturally, China has long been a foundation for the health and wellness mind-set. Vegetarianism is a key part of China’s Buddhist history and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s adherence to natural life forces are still a key aspect of general wellness beliefs and treatments. This,
“Health really is the new wealth.” 4
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coupled with the sheer market size and an urge to escape city concrete, make China the leading driver for global wellness travel. The Chinese government is committed to a health drive, with ‘Healthy China 2030’ promoted by the State Council, including plans for 530 million people to regularly exercise and an aim to extend the country’s average life expectancy to 79 by 2030. At least 15 million Chinese have gym memberships while the country counts 10 million yoga practitioners. Lululemon now has 10 stores in mainland China, having entered the market in 2016 with just three outlets. French sporting goods and apparel chain Decathlon grew sales by 34 per cent in 2016 on the back of 51 new store openings, which brought its total in China to 214. 40 per cent of adults in China said they experience a lot of stress daily. Health really is the new wealth. The modern, aspirational generations view ‘all things healthy’ as desirable additions to the lifestyles that they live and present, and this is in all forms; not only exercise and fitness, but eco-friendliness, sustainability and holistic wellbeing.
DOT W NEWS / ILTM CHINA 2019
Opportunity. Awaits at ILTM. Lake Tahoe created 24 million years ago. Edgewood Tahoe established in 2017. Debuting at ILTM Cannes 2018. Your opportunity to discover and be discovered also awaits at ILTM Cannes. Register for next year’s edition, 07 - 10 December 2020 at iltm.com/cannes
ILTM brings together the finest luxury travel professionals to create the places, experiences and moments that matter in the luxury travel industry.
ARABIA
Africa 02 - 04 Apr 2020
Arabia 20 - 21 Apr 2020
LATIN AMERICA
Latin America 05 - 08 May 2020
NORTH AMERICA
Asia Pacific 18 - 21 May 2020
North America 21 - 24 Sep 2020
CHINA
China 28 - 30 Oct 2020
Cannes 07 - 10 Dec 2020 DOTWNEWS.COM
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ILTM: A World of Luxury As the final touches are applied to this year’s ILTM China, we chat to ILTM Portfolio Director Alison Gilmore to find out what’s happening around the world at the other group events in 2020 Alison, please can you tell us a bit about ILTM? The world’s leading events dedicated to the luxury travel industry, ILTM introduces global travel buyers to an unrivalled collection of international travel experiences. There are now eight ILTMs in total. We are the relationship brokers providing a platform for our guests to do business and build relationships. It’s the easiest way to travel the world in three or four days, meeting new contacts and re-connecting with others in a true community for business. ILTM also provides knowledge, not only through experiences on the show floor created by every individual exhibitor, but also through thought leaders who provide analysis, research, opinions and trends either at the ILTM Opening Forums or through individual reports produced in association with each event.
Tell us a little more about your flagship event ILTM Cannes? ILTM in Cannes (December 2-5, 2019) is now in its 21st year. There will be more buyers, exhibitors and VIP media from across the world than ever before this December, but as always, we focus on the quality and not just quantity of our guests. We welcome over 1,800 luxury travel suppliers from cruise, private villas, private jets, private islands, hotels – both established chains and bespoke and boutique – plus authentic experiences from all four corners of the world, who meet with the discerning, productive buyers we fully host at the show.
What is the theme of ILTM events in 2020 and how is this being brought to life? The travel industry is always being called to account about what is right and wrong about its footprint and impact on the planet. In fact, issues surrounding the environment and sustainability have led the way in our sector for many years and the world’s brands know they have to show responsibility and tune in to what the consumer wants from their luxury leisure time without growing that footprint. There is no bigger ‘trend’ though than the one that balances personal fulfilment with experiences
that are not just about activities. The environment, the local community, human rights and supporting heritage and culture are just some of the important issues on the luxury traveller’s agenda and they are set to stay. ILTM 2020 events will highlight ‘Conscious Luxury’ as their themes, redefining how luxury travel now encompasses all of these ethical issues, whether cultural or intellectual. Leisure time is becoming more responsible. Conscious travel is the priority.
What are the other ILTM events in 2020? Alongside our global flagship events in Cannes and Asia Pacific, ILTM has four core local events; ILTM Arabia, ILTM China, ILTM Latin America and ILTM North America, as well as one specialist event, ILTM Africa. PROUD Experiences was launched in 2018 to support the need for a travel event focused on the LGBTQ+ sector and has already doubled in size in just 12 months in its new home of New York.
ILTM Latin America welcomes the world to meet with the dynamic source markets located across the Latin American region from Brazil to Colombia, Uruguay to Peru, Chile to Equador. Taking place in São Paulo (May 5-8, 2020), these are wealthy and passionate markets exploring much further afield than ever before. ILTM North America in Riviera Maya, Mexico (September 21-24, 2020) is an event for international luxury travel brands and experiences who are looking to connect with front line buyers and agents from Mexico, Canada and the US. With the US accounting for 51% of the world’s high net worth population, these travellers not only spend more on their travels, but they are increasingly conscious of the impact of their journeys, spending three times more than the average on sustainability focused, high-end products across the world.
For further information on taking part in any ILTM event, please see www.iltm.com or contact alison.gilmore@reedexpo.co.uk
Tell us more about ILTM Asia Pacific and ILTM China? ILTM Asia Pacific (Singapore, May 18-21, 2020), welcomes luxury travel buyers and agents from 21 countries across the region and ILTM China in Shanghai (October 28-30, 2020), welcomes exclusively Chinese buyers. ILTM Asia Pacific in the modern, efficient city of Singapore, is international in look and feel and influenced by this modern city that is so famous for its history, beauty, values and traditions. Singapore delivers the very best of mixing business with pleasure. ILTM China is key to every luxury travel supplier who wants to remain focused on the continually growing outbound market. Every year we see a big increase in the number of Chinese luxury travel planners wanting to attend ILTM and we are now significantly increasing the range of our buyers and the cities where they come from.
And ILTM Latin America in Sao Paulo? How does this event differ from ILTM North America in Mexico?
ILTM 2020 EVENTS
ILTM Africa, Cape Town April 4-6, 2020 ILTM Arabia, Dubai April 19-20, 2020 ILTM Latin America, Sao Paulo May 5-8, 2020 ILTM Asia Pacific, Singapore May 18-21, 2020 PROUD Experiences, New York City June 22-24, 2020 ILTM North America, Riviera Maya Mexico, September 21-24, 2020 ILTM China, Shanghai October 28-30, 2020 ILTM Cannes November 30 – December 3, 2020
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48 hours in difc We mix pleasure with business during a lavish weekend in Dubai International Financial Centre. A slice of Downtown Manhattan in Dubai, the region’s leading financial district is easily unlocked with The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, a Rolls-Royce Ghost and a range of elegant activities
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ICE AND FIRE: KEMPINSKI MALL OF THE EMIRATES
Matthew McQueen explores the famous Aspen Chalets at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates and discovers a unique snowflake in the heart of Dubai
An iconic landmark along Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed
Road, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates marks the halfway point between the city’s Downtown and Marina neighbourhoods, each of which are just 15 minutes away. The hotel is also attached to Dubai’s second largest mall, making it the ideal location for a shopping spree. But I’m here to check out the hotel’s Aspen ski chalets, an exclusive collection of one- to three-bedroom suites with views over an actual indoor ski slope: a truly fantastical experience even by Dubai’s standards. Inside the one-bedroom Aspen Ski Chalet the mezzanine level creates a great sense of space. Looking straight ahead, the floor-to-ceiling windows peer out over Ski Dubai’s snowcovered slopes. Moving through the hallway, the living area boasts a large dining table and a sunken lounge level with sofas next to a window: a picture frame showcasing the winter wonderland below. Images of snowflakes adorn the walls and a large TV screen hangs above the fireplace, a nice touch for added cosiness. The space is a mixture of old wood with marble furnishings and all of the modern additions you would expect from a five-star hotel. The flickering fireplace calls for a hot chocolate while you watch the world go by in what can only be described as a human snow globe. It is also worth noting for those who are travelling with children that the sofas can pull out to form a sofa bed for the kids. A stunning chandelier crowns the staircase, with vintage posters and mirrors embellishing the walls en route to the mezzanine-level bedroom area. It’s quite unusual to walk through a bathroom to enter the bedroom, but the open space has been cleverly designed to ensure the king-sized bed has the best views out to the slopes, which is one of the main selling points of the suite. The beautiful marble bathroom boasts a freestanding oval tub as its centrepiece, in addition to a spacious walk-in shower. Flowing seamlessly through to the large bedroom space, fur-style throws and wooden beams add to the cosy Alpine vibe, and the chalet theme continues throughout. Little touches make all of the difference and Kempinski understands this better than anyone. A wide range of Hermes soaps and amenities guarantee a lavish bathing
experience and a generous portion of hand-made sweets and chocolates are left on the table upon arrival to put some sweetness into your stay. When you factor in the 24-hour butler service and the option to order private in-suite dining, each stay is truly unique. While you’re enjoying all of the traditional vibes of a chalet, the modern touches really help bring the suite together: iPads control lighting and the curtains and there’s a Nespresso machine to recover and keep your energy levels high for a round of shopping. Guests staying in the Aspen Chalets or Suites also have access to the Executive Lounge on the upper levels. Open from early morning to late evening, it’s just the spot for a relaxed coffee or something stronger in the evening, with food available throughout the day. There’s also an adjoining private room available on request, should you have any meetings scheduled during your trip or need a more private area for the family. Being attached to one of the world’s largest malls, this hotel is the perfect base for those seeking planning a luxury shopping escape and offers children limitless activities with Ski Dubai, a VOX Cinema and a Magic Planet play area on your doorstep. It’s no surprise the property is a hit among affluent shoppers, Dubai residents and international tourists alike, who flock to stores for some of the most exclusive international brands from around the world. Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is a truly unique property appealing to a variety of different audiences including families, business travellers and enthusiastic shoppers looking for luxury accommodation during an extended stay. And thanks to the exquisite Aspen Chalets, it’s also a cosy hideaway.
STAY
KEMPINSKI MALL OF THE EMIRATES +971 4 341 0000 www.kempinski.com
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A TALE OF THREE CITIES If the world is your oyster then Radisson is your pearl in these three cities, where culture, cuisine and connectivity offer a warm welcome to every type of traveller
The world has grown much smaller since Radisson went into the hotel business
75 years ago. Back then, room keys were made of metal, breakfast was eaten below a sea of newspapers and mail was stored in pigeonholes behind reception. It’s a world apart from today’s sophisticated hospitality machine, where brands have properties in all corners of the planet, yet a guest profile can be shared with other hotels in seconds. Today, well-heeled leisure travellers judge dining outlets by their bandwidth as much as their food offerings, while the modern conveniences of high-speed internet, club lounges and in-flight emails mean business travellers can be on the move for longer than ever. But the fundamental aspects of five-star hospitality remain the same, particularly at Radisson’s portfolio of luxury and upper-upscale hotels, where service is unfailingly anticipatory, rooms stylishly appointed and dining consistently first rate. Add in a great range of spas, gyms, kids’ clubs and business lounges for consideration, and you have a brand that appeals to all kinds of guests, from multi-generational families to solo explorers to business travellers.
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london la i d ba r e
Cities don’t just appear overnight. Many of the world’s greatest urban centres have been built up over centuries, bearing the marks and memories of the events that have unfolded there. It’s that legacy that gives a destination power. The stories, the people and the movements that have shaped the history of a place also forge its identity, creating the fashion, lifestyle and culture of a city. London is perhaps the most storied of them all. The great metropolis that flanks the River Thames is a sprawling destination, rich in heritage, where historic neighbourhoods provide the backdrop upon which designers, artists, chefs and socialites have crafted the world we live in today. When it comes to luxury travel, getting to know these makers and creatives is just as important as visiting the museums, galleries and cultural institutions that make London unique. Doing so means digging beneath the surface to discover the side streets and hidden places where designers and artisans grant exclusive appointment-only visits to those in the know; where chefs hold exclusive private dining experiences; and where personal connections unlock insider access to exclusive events. Enter Bespoke and British, the London-based luxury travel concierge service that opens doors to experiences across the British capital and surrounding countryside. From the seasonal events that keep the social calendar packed throughout the spring and summer to the one-of-a-kind invitation-only exclusives, the company provides insider access to everything that’s hot. With a contacts book bursting with hotels, designers, brands and creatives, Bespoke and British is your ultimate London guide. Over the next few pages, Bespoke and British uncovers some of the neighbourhoods, hotels and experiences that represent the very best of British craftsmanship and design.
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Essentials Dramatic scenes and cinematic moments, with this collection of high jewellery that celebrates moments caught in time
ROMEO AND JULIET Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Van Cleef & Arpels’ new collection of fanciful jewellery recreates the world of Verona in a shimmer of precious stones. Balcone earrings (left) in emerald and white gold with tsavorite garnets and diamonds depict the scene in which love was first declared, while the Bud of Love earrings (right) featuring two briolette-cut emeralds with black spinels and diamonds on white gold, represent the blossoming love between the tragic duo. www.vancleefarpels.com
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COURTING WITH COUTURE Our doomed lovers look radiant in this pair of clips, which bring to life a romantic scene. Romeo is dashing in a blue tunic of sapphires and lapis lazuli and stockings in white gold and black laquer; while a polished gold cape attached with a yellow diamond conceals his diamond-studded sword. Juliet’s polished gold dress shimmers with orange sapphires, garnets, rubies and diamonds, embellished with gadroons; a vision of loveliness ahead of their secret marriage. www.vancleefarpels.com
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SEDUCTIVE SERPENTS Bvlgari’s spirit animal comes to life in the Serpenti Misteriosi Secret Watch, a seductive timepiece karat rose gold-18 that coils around the wrist in an bracelet set with round brilliant-cut diamonds and baguette-cut amethysts, with a mother of pearl .dial and hypnotic pear-shaped amethyst eyes www.bulgari.com STARRY NIGHT Created by hand using Japanese decorative techniques, the Harry Winston Midnight Yozora Automatic was created with fountain pen company Nakaya. The timepieces depict the entrance to Harry Winston’s Fifth Avenue Salon, using Japanese urushi lacquer and raden mother of pearl, and the ‘sprinkled picture’ art of maki-e, with an emeraldo’clock. 12 cut diamond at The dazzling watches come with matching Nakaya .fountain pen www.harrywinston.com
SWEET DROPS Bringing together the worlds of high jewellery and cinema, Bvlgari’s Cinemagia collection is truly Oscarworthy; a daring portfolio of unique pieces that pay tribute to the silver screen. Unusual colour combinations and daring gemstone cuts are the defining features of this exceptional range, which includes pieces like these Sweet Bows earrings; surprising droplets of artistry that enchant and delight. www.bulgari.com
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the best of
B A S E L W O R L D A BASELWORLD 2019 RETROSPECTIVE: A SELECTION OF THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY NOVELTIES AND COMPLICATIONS FROM THE GATHERING OF THE FINEST WATCH BRANDS IN THE WORLD Memoris Titanium Memoris is the first chronograph watch in history – an exclusive creation of Ateliers Louis Moinet, celebrating the heritage of the eponymous watchmaker. For the first time, Memoris is now available with a contemporary 46-millimetre titanium case, making it very light indeed. www.louismoinet.com
Endangered species The 48mm GyroGraff Endangered Species features a diamond bezel and a distinctive panda on the dial in white gold. A total of five rare species have been immortalised with these sensational diamond mosaics – an extraordinary technique pioneered by Graff. www.graff.com
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WORLD TIME Launched in the 1930s, Patek Philippe’s famous World Time watch displays the time simultaneously and continuously in all 24 time zones. The cloisonné enamel planisphere representing Europe, Africa and the Americas is crafted entirely by hand and is remarkable for its detail, colour and depth. www.patek.com
DOT W NEWS / ILTM CHINA 2019 Fancy vivid yellow Now synonymous with the House, Graff is renowned for its yellow diamonds and for Baselworld 2019 the watchmaker has created unique timepieces that celebrate these exceptionally rare and beautiful stones. A close collaboration between Graff’s London atelier and its Swiss watchmaking team, Graff Luxury Watches, every millimetre of the Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond watches has been carefully considered. www.graff.com
LVCEA SKELETON An in-house mechanical movement with automatic winding and skeleton execution, the 33mm LVCEA SKELETON boasts an 18kt white gold case set with round brilliant-cut sapphires on the bezel. The 18kt white gold crown is set with a sapphire and diamond and everything pops with the blue alligator strap. www.bulgari.com
A VISION OF BLUE The Calatrava Haute Joaillerie is now available in a palette of blue tones, exuding an ultra-feminine allure, sparkling with hundreds of gems. The softly rounded contours of the white gold case are set with staggered rows of diamonds, interspersed with sapphires in varying intensities of colour. www.patek.com
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‘Relax’ not ‘tax’ for Chinese visitors in Dubai New service allows Chinese tourists to claim instant VAT refund via WeChat
With its golden beaches, luxurious hotels and glamorous shopping malls bursting with designer brands, Dubai is an understandably popular destination among affluent Chinese travellers. Now, shopping in Dubai is even easier thanks to a new partnership between technology giant Tencent and international payments service provider Planet, allowing Chinese visitors to claim instant VAT refunds directly into their WeChat wallet at Dubai airports. The new integrated service means visitors can instantly claim back the tax on purchases made at shops participating in the ‘Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme’ and benefit from instant funds transfer to their WeChat account. Using the WeChat Mini Program created by Tencent and Planet visitors will receive a notification through the app as soon as their tax refund has been processed. The new service is part of Dubai Tourism’s efforts to create a seamless travel experience for Chinese visitors as part of its ‘China Readiness’ strategy, acknowledging the increasing importance of China as a source market for visitors. More than 650,000 Chinese travellers visited Dubai in the first eight months of the year, representing a 12% increase on
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the same period last year. “Our ongoing mandate is to provide seamless tourist experiences to all our visitors, and our support of key industry partners such as Tencent and Planet allows the city to offer increased ease of travel as we diversify our portfolio of critical touchpoints,” said Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM). “Providing innovative and familiar payment solutions, as well as instant VAT refunds before visitors depart is uniquely tailored towards the needs and requirements of Chinese travellers and has been developed taking their valued feedback on board. With the dynamic ‘We Tax Refund’ platform, we hit yet another milestone within our ‘China Readiness’ strategy further strengthening awareness of the emirate as a ‘must-visit’ destination for Chinese travellers.” In order to avail of the refund, visitors must request a VAT refund claim and present the passport used to enter the UAE when purchasing goods from a Dubai retailer participating in the ‘Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme’. The retailer will place a ‘Tax Free’ tag on the sales receipt which can be scanned into the WeChat Mini Program at Dubai Airport.
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your global wholesale travel partner since
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Breguet La Marine Chronograph 5527
B E I J I N G C A N N E S C H E N G D U C H O N G Q I N G D U B A I E K AT E R I N B U R G G E N E VA G S TA A D H O N G K O N G K U A L A L U M P U R L A S V E G A S L O N D O N L O S A N G E L E S M A C A O M I L A N M O S C O W N E W Y O R K N I N G B O PA R I S S E O U L S H A N G H A I S I N G A P O R E TA I P E I T O K Y O V I E N N A X’I A N Z U R I C H – W W W. B R E G U E T. C O M