The global hospitality industry is growing rapidly. This industry includes not just hotels, but also other types of accommodations, restaurants, bars, casinos, cruise ships, travel agencies, tour operators, and similar businesses. In 2020 alone, people around the world spent about $4.5 trillion on these services. One of the fastest-growing areas within hospitality is luxury hospitality. This segment continues to thrive and shows no signs of slowing down. What’s driving this growth is not only a high demand from customers but also continuous innovation aimed at improving guest experiences.
To explore and share more about this exciting transformation, World BI, a well-known organizer of B2B conferences, is hosting the 2026 edition of “Digital Transformation in Hotel Technology.” This prestigious two-day event will take place in the beautiful city of Nice, France, at the historic Hotel Le Negresco. The event will bring together top experts from leading hotels around the world. They will discuss the latest trends, innovations, and technologies shaping the future of luxury hospitality.
A Shift of Luxury Hospitality:
The global luxury hospitality market is growing quickly. In 2024, it was worth about $154.32 billion, and it's expected to reach $166.41 billion in 2025. By 2029, the market is expected to grow even further and go beyond $218 billion. Experts say that from now until 2032, it will keep growing at an impressive rate of 11.5% each year, making it a highly attractive field for both investors and hospitality professionals.
- To meet the growing demand for high-end services, many major hotel chains are creating dedicated luxury divisions.
- Accor was one of the first to take this step by restructuring its operations and launching a unit focused exclusively on luxury hotels and experiences.
- Over the past two years, well-known luxury brands from the fashion, jewelry, and beauty sectors have entered the hospitality space.
- These brands are bringing their creativity, attention to detail, and distinctive styles to design exclusive hotels and resorts.
- Their goal is to offer personalized, high-end guest experiences.
- In late 2023, Marriott also joined this trend by introducing its own luxury-focused strategies.
- This shift highlights a major transformation in the global hotel industry, with more companies tailoring their offerings to the expectations of luxury travelers.
France: A Land of Excellence
France is also part of this global luxury hospitality boom. The country’s luxury hospitality market is valued at about $12.16 billion in 2024, and it is expected to continue growing steadily by around 2.74% each year until 2029.
- This growth is not just in numbers—it’s also reflected in the stronger performance of hotels. In 2023, the Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR), a key indicator of hotel performance, increased by 3% compared to 2022. Additionally, the average room prices in luxury hotels in France also went up by 9.6% during the same period.
- These numbers show that more guests are staying at luxury hotels, and they are also willing to pay higher prices for premium experiences. This makes France a key player in the ongoing transformation and success of the global luxury hospitality industry.
Innovation at the Heart of Growth Strategy:
Major hotel groups are betting on innovation to stand out.
To stay ahead in the competitive luxury hospitality market, major hotel groups are putting innovation at the center of their growth plans. They are creating new experiences, embracing bold ideas, and opening exciting properties to stand out and attract high-end travelers.
- Hilton is planning strong growth, aiming to increase the number of its hotels by 6% to 7% by 2025.
- One of its key initiatives is the launch of the “Hilton for Luxury” program, a global effort to support luxury travel advisors and deliver personalized, high-end guest experiences.
- Hilton also plans to open over 500 luxury hotels in carefully chosen locations around the world.
- A highlight of this expansion is the reopening of the famous Waldorf Astoria. After a careful restoration, it will blend its classic Art Deco charm with modern luxury design, offering a unique stay for guests.
- Accor is also making major moves. The group reported a 12% increase in revenue during the third quarter of 2024 and is looking to continue this momentum with innovative luxury offerings.
- One standout project is the “La Dolce Vita Orient Express”—a luxury train that offers slow, stylish travel across Italy, combining elegance, nostalgia, and high-end comfort.
- Accor is also rethinking what luxury hospitality means with new concepts like:
- Faena New York, which promotes “experimental hospitality”, offering creative and immersive guest experiences.
- Transforming landmark buildings into hotels—such as the former U.S. Embassy in London and the, old courthouse in Amsterdam.
- Launching beachfront retreats that focus on wellness and relaxation, tapping into the growing demand for health-conscious luxury travel.
Looking Ahead to 2030: A Bright Future for Luxury Hospitality
Even though the global economy is facing some difficulties, the luxury hospitality industry remains strong and continues to grow. What makes this sector so resilient is its focus on customer experience, personalization, and the use of advanced technologies to enhance every part of a guest’s journey.
Looking ahead, the future of luxury hospitality looks very promising, with several key trends shaping its path:
Steady Growth:
- The overall global luxury market, which includes luxury hospitality, is expected to grow by 5% to 7% every year until 2030.
- Specifically, luxury hospitality alone is projected to grow even faster, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5% by 2030.
Expanding Market Size:
- By 2030, the luxury hospitality market could reach $238.4 billion, growing alongside the larger luxury market, which may be valued at between €2,000 and €2,500 billion.
New Consumer Markets:
- Around 300 million new luxury consumers are expected to emerge by 2030, especially in fast-growing regions like China, India, Latin America, and Africa.
- These new buyers will significantly increase demand for luxury services, including travel and hospitality.
Technology Integration:
- By 2030, mobile apps will become a standard feature in luxury hotels.
- Guests will use them not only for booking rooms, but also for a seamless, personalized experience—such as checking in, ordering services, controlling room settings, and more.
Massive Investments:
- The industry is expected to attract huge investments totaling €6 trillion by 2030.
- This shows a strong belief from investors that luxury hospitality will continue to thrive and evolve.
World BI Digital Transformation in Hotel Technology:
Luxury hospitality presents a dynamic, innovative, and highly promising market. These attractive prospects come with challenges, particularly regarding personalization, sustainability, and technology integration. Digital Transformation in Hotel Technology, organized by World BI discuss the latest trends of luxury hospitality. From digital solutions and personalized services to sustainability and smart hotel systems, the conference will offer valuable insights into how luxury hospitality is evolving.