Lad adds that the Middle East is another part of the world drawing interest from curious travellers seeking to go off the beaten track. “Saudi Arabia is a destination that has got a lot of people talking, given its rich culture and history mixed with an exotic and wild natural landscape, and it’s as-yet relatively untouched by mass tourism. However, they’re looking at a year or two from now—our Amanjunkie clients in particular are waiting for the Aman to open there.”

See also: Here’s how Saudi Arabia’s ancient desert will be turned into the next cultural destination in the world

Whether it’s an epic exhibition at a major gallery or an intimate private collection at a boutique hotel, travel trend forecasters agree that more travellers than ever are being drawn to destinations that offer unique art encounters.

Talenia Phua Gajardo, founder of The Artling—a Singapore-based art and design consultancy firm that has curated collections for hotels around the world, including Capella Sydney, Patina Maldives and Mondrian Singapore—says, “Things have evolved a lot in the past four or five years in terms of how hospitality groups value art. It’s not just filling a blank space on a wall; there is a real, deeper understanding of artists and their practices, with an intention to create narratives that are relevant and engaging. This is something that we see as extremely positive and great for the art scene in Singapore and beyond.”

Luxury hotel group Belmond is two years into its Mitico programme—a series of temporary sculpture installations displayed in select Belmond properties around the world. “In my opinion, these artists [and their works] have the power to change the world,” says Arnaud Champenois, senior vice president and global head of brand, marketing and communications for Belmond. “It’s an incredible opportunity for us to be able to give them space to express their vision of the world, to create this dialogue and engage with the curiosity of our guests.”

With great escapes come great responsibility. Sustainability is usually synonymous with environmental impact, but more travellers are taking it a step further by asking how hotels and tour operators are working to sustain local communities.

“Socially responsible experiences take priority as we travel less but wiser, seeking meaningful engagement over simply sybaritic pleasure,” says Sonu Shivdasani OBE, founder and CEO of Soneva, which owns luxury sustainability-focused resorts in the Maldives and Thailand. “Crucially, impact will matter more than ever. Future travellers will demand not only sustainability but regenerative travel that leaves a positive legacy.”

See also: These five-star hotels are making a positive impact on their local communities

Melita Koulmandas, the CEO and founder of Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia, shares Shivdasani’s sentiments: “Today’s travellers are more discerning about authenticity and mindful of their presence. They crave something soulful and intentional beyond the voyeuristic approach of more traditional travel. Rather than being spectators, they want to fully immerse themselves in a place, forge genuine connections, and find the essence of its people, culture and surroundings.”

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