As the sun takes its final bow in the Monegasque sky, the 750 participants in the Forbes Travel Guide Summit prepare to join the Oceanographic Museum for the prestigious “All Star Supper Club”. This cocktail party marks the end of a day rich in meetings and exchanges, during which the leaders in luxury travel, distinguished by 4 or 5 stars in the famous ranking, shared their vision of ultra-personalized service, conceived as a veritable haute couture experience.
 

The day began with a prestigious address by His Serene Highness Albert II of Monaco. Speaking to journalist Peter Greenberg, the monarch revealed the keys to the success of the principality, a city-state as exclusive as it is avant-garde, which attracts the world's greatest fortunes and cultivates a glamorous myth. Between sustainability and city-business management, Monaco has become an iconic tourist destination, where experiences range from events, culture and sports to art, gastronomy and ultra-luxury shopping. Monaco has established itself as an iconic destination, where every stay is unique.

This was followed by Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman of Abercrombie & Kent, who passionately detailed his vision of tailor-made luxury travel and his desire to continually adapt to offer unique experiences, off the beaten track and away from mass-market destinations, and the complexities these choices entail. The aim is always to offer travel that makes sense, while guaranteeing optimum safety, wherever it takes place.
 

Forbes Travel Guide then rewarded excellence in collaboration. The Ritz Paris was singled out for its partnership with FRAME, earning it the “Luxury Retail Collaboration of the Year” award, while Atlantis The Royal in Dubai won for its association with Louis Vuitton, creating an unparalleled experience. Dart Enterprises, a key player in hotel development in the Cayman Islands, received the coveted title of “Ownership Group of the Year”.

Several properties took advantage of the summit to unveil their latest innovations. Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul announced a private tour through the palace's history, with privileged access to the coveted marble spa room, usually closed to the public. For its part, Dart Enterprises unveiled its Orlando resort project, in which the emphasis is on a residential offer with hotel services, ideal for large families. 
 

Philippe LeBoeuf, General Manager of Raffles London at The OWO, recalled the secrets behind the success of the brand's new flagship, and announced that the “The butler did it” campaign was currently being filmed in his property. 
 

Among the speakers of note, Jerry Inzerillo, a well-known Forbes Travel Guide figure in his role as past president, passionately described the Diriyah Gate Company Limited project he heads, a unique, redesigned and renewed destination just minutes from Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, and Hélène Séropian, communications director at Le Negresco, lifted the veil on the imminent opening of Suite Jeanne, perched on the rooftop of the legendary Nice luxury hotel.
 

What do most of these projects have in common? their historical roots, their quest for meaning.
 

In an industry in search of meaning, the first day of the Forbes Travel Guide Summit highlighted the desire of luxury players to create authentic, memorable experiences. This momentum will continue until tomorrow evening.