The ninth DONG Connection Event, themed Future Journey Human Moments, marked a pivotal moment for the luxury travel sector. Taking place at The Sanya EDITION in China, this event was notable for being the first luxury travel gathering since the closure of operations at the Hainan Free Trade Port. It attracted 750 attendees, including top executives from global luxury travel suppliers, aiming to discover new collaborative opportunities.

Established in 2018, the DONG Connection Event has emerged as a significant forum for China’s high-end travel industry. This year, it welcomed participation from 360 luxury hotel brands and international tourism organizations from 40 countries, showcasing 451 refined suppliers. The event facilitated partnerships between public enterprises and the Sanya Tourism Development Board, fostering a connection between domestic and international luxury travel sectors.

The agenda was rich with discussions centered on AI innovations in luxury travel, featuring over 20,000 individual Peak Dialogue sessions that delved into AI-enhanced travel, emotional aspects of experience design, and sustainable travel growth. An awards ceremony was held to recognize key contributors to the industry.

The China Luxury Travel Trends Report was highlighted at the event, revealing important trends including the increasing influence of women in outbound travel decisions and a growing demand for bespoke, localized services. May Wong, CEO of DONG Connection Event, remarked, “Emotional value is now at the core of luxury.”

Bamboo Zhou, the Co-founder, pointed out the game-changing potential of AI in increasing operational efficiency and personalizing guest experiences. The DONG Connection Event remains a catalyst for innovation, skillfully blending AI advancements with human-centric experiences to reshape the luxury travel landscape.