Happy Christmas from Mercator
What a strange year it’s been, and what an ending it looks set to have. This year, between advising on brand identity, talking to journalists and facilitating trips, we have spent a lot of our time checking travel advice on behalf of our clients, and wondering what the industry landscape will look like in 2021 (we have everything crossed for a green bounce back).
We've been impressed with our clients' agility in such a difficult climate. There hasn't been a more challenging period for the travel or hospitality industries in our lifetimes, yet everyone we work with has powered through and adjusted their offerings to ensure customers remain safe and happy. Portugal's Surfers Lodge Peniche is a prime example, offering reduced rates for remote workers who fancy relocating to its laid-back lodge for two weeks or more.
Amongst the uncertainty, there's been lots to celebrate. A huge highlight has been helping with the launch of The Conscious Travel Foundation, a new not-for-profit born out of the coronavirus crisis. Its dual purposes are to support people working in tourism on the ground whose lives have been impacted by the crisis, and to guide travel companies on their journeys to becoming more sustainable. The foundation has been brilliantly received by the industry and we are honoured to be among its 32 inaugural members. We’re looking forward to doing some great work with its founders in 2021, starting with a fantastic auction in the Spring.
In other exciting news, we’ve begun to work on the opening of the hotly-anticipated Chateau Capitoul. This lovingly renovated wine estate from the renowned Domaine et Demeure brand is set in national park within Languedoc’s premier appellation with spectacular views over the Bage lagoon and onwards to the Pyrenees. In keeping with the brand's other estates, Chateau Les Carrasses and Chateau St Pierre de Serjac, Capitoul will combine hotel rooms, self-catering, a winery, Spa and fine dining – all in signature laid-back luxury. Interiors have been painstakingly designed using local, reclaimed materials and there’s a dry garden by Chelsea winner James Basson. We highly recommend a visit.
During a year where many holidayed in the United Kingdom (a trend that looks set to continue), the one-bed pods at Cynefin Retreats near Hay-On-Wye were highly sought after among couples looking for a luxe experience in the Great Outdoors. With two-bedroom chalets slated to open in 2022, we're so pleased that even more people will get to experience this magical escape in pristine countryside.
As times are changing in the travel industry in the light of the climate crisis, we also made a commitment to travel more responsibly this year - cutting down on unnecessary plane journeys and working with properties who share our desire for a greener future. Wherever 2021 takes us, we cannot wait to go on more adventures after our enforced 'staycation'. As John Steinbeck said, "we do not take a trip – a trip takes us."
Wishing all our clients and colleagues a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and plenty of adventures in 2021 and beyond!
Nell and Amanda