In the hospitality industry, we strive to build relationships with our guests. In the concierge profession, many of these relationships are often life-long and fulfilling relationships. Many of us have participated in life transforming events for these guests. Whether planning surprise engagements, assisting with wedding and honeymoon plans, or finding the right schools and colleges for their children, every aspect of our service can be a pivotal moment or an emotional shift in winning a guest for life. Many concierges have been in the industry so long that they have actually watched their guests’ children grow up. This is because top concierges are committed for life. Read on...

While travelers dream of white sand beaches and warm locales during the cold winter months, you may be surprised at how many from around the world make the trek to New York City. More at the end of the year, in fact, than any other time: September through December is the busiest travel season for the world’s most visited city. People seek out Santa at Macy’s, the famed Rockefeller Center tree, and designer holiday shopping, but what many guests to New York don’t realize is how much there is to do aside from the “typical tourist” activities, and especially the best way to navigate the city when millions of visitors take on the streets. Read on...

It is interesting to observe how the role of the concierge has evolved over the centuries. Particularly in Europe, concierge means “keeper of the keys,” referring to someone who was the caretaker of a small inn, usually living on the premises. Over time, the role of the concierge transitioned into the hotel employee whose occupation is to assist guests with special requests, anything from directions, to dinner reservations, airport transfers and tickets to concerts among other things. Read on...

The luxury travel market has remarkably transformed in recent years. One of the world’s leaders in research for consumer regions throughout the world, Euromonitor has spelled out some of the stark changes. Emerging markets are growing faster than advanced markets to drive worldwide growth of the luxury segment. While traditional travel destinations (Italy, France and the U.K.) are still the most popular, Gulf countries and China are growing fastest. Today’s luxury traveler considers the entire globe to be a potential destination; whereas past generations may not have looked past Western Europe. Read on...