Overview
In January, HBX Group launched a groundbreaking platform aimed at transforming the modern luxury travel landscape: The Luxurist.
The Luxurist is touted as the world’s first all-encompassing luxury travel ecosystem, utilizing cutting-edge technology to seamlessly connect top-tier travel advisors with exceptional global hotel offerings, specifically tailored for the luxury market. It endeavors to set a new benchmark in the B2B premium travel sector, fulfilling the demand for an intelligent backend setup and a comprehensive planning system for luxury travel professionals.
At the recent MarketHub 2025 in Macao, Gary Marshall from Travel Daily Media had the chance to delve deeper into the changing luxury travel arena with the masterminds behind The Luxurist: David Amsellem, the CEO, and Mark Antipof, the Chief Growth Officer at HBX Group.
A Noteworthy Collaboration
Travel Daily Media (TDM): What is the nature of the collaboration between The Luxurist and HBX?
Mark Antipof (MA): This venture involves our partnership with David Amsellem, with HBX holding the majority stake.
TDM: We understand that the global luxury travel sector is currently valued at $239 million and anticipated to reach around $391 billion by 2028. What are your thoughts?
MA: The figure is actually in trillions when we discuss luxury, as it encompasses not just the offerings but also the experiences provided and how much a luxury traveler is inclined to spend.
Thus, the GDP related to luxury exceeds these numbers, which is why we are invested in this platform and foresee additional applications for it.
David Amsellem (DA): Traditionally, hospitality has focused primarily on accommodations. However, luxury travelers today initiate their plans with experiences before considering their stay and transportation.
When analyzing expenses and GDP, if we factor in experiences and activities, we’re not just talking about $400 billion; by 2030, we project the market will top one trillion.
Conclusion
Both Amsellem and Antipof discussed their ambitions with The Luxurist, emphasizing how it could reshape not just bookings but also client experiences by equipping travel advisors with exceptional tools and insights.
