Last week at the Leading Hotels of the World annual conference a big topic was that ostentatious luxury is out, and subtle luxury is in.

Hooray for the luxury market...as we all know the five star and four star properties always have the highest occupancy and the highest rates.
Why not...we shoudn't pooh, pooh that market segment. There will always be the upscale market for those are in that lifestyle and can afford it. And we should be glad for them. As far as incentive programs and rewarding those that do well for companies....they should get, and expect luxury treatment; they deserve it. Let's not try to downplay this issue because of the current economic situation....If you have good people, reward them well, otherwise you will lose them.

But is it possible to think that there is a loss in business from this recent economic downturn that won't come back? Like the AIG's of the world. If businesses have really changed their philosophy on business travel and view it more as an investment, isn't it possible that lavish getaways will no longer be allowed on the company dime, no matter how good the economy is?

To: ccrowell
Well, we've had similar situations previously and they all stayed in business and did things to increase their value to buyer. This economic situation may not be as bad ad made out...and the folkd with dough will continue to travel. The folks who are opening new upscale properties in major markets probably have the same feeling.
The issues will die down quickly and companies will be back with their travel as they have been doing all along.

Well, even if luxury hotels are reportedly having identity problems here in the U.S., it looks like Dubai is bucking the trend for now. http://www.business24-7.ae/articles/2008/12/pages/12302008_1fc1f556d7554889a230a56018e63361.aspx

Anyone have any ideas as to why Dubai's numbers have stayed so strong?