The Luxury Space at Festuris — a dedicated business environment for high-end tourism — is set to return in 2026 with a larger area, an appointment-scheduling app and new international experiences, organisers said. Now in its 11th year, the space aims to strengthen ties between premium brands and buyers seeking exclusive, personalised travel offers.
Responding to changing definitions of luxury
Organisers say the expansion reflects broader shifts in the luxury travel market, where travellers increasingly prize authenticity, tailored experiences and exclusivity. The Luxury Space was developed to mirror these market demands by offering a curated setting where in-depth business conversations can take place.
“Luxury tourism represents a very significant share of the global market and has been undergoing a major transformation in traveler behavior. Today, luxury is much more closely associated with exclusivity, authenticity and the ability to provide experiences that are truly memorable,” said Marta Rossi, CEO of Festuris.
Rossi added that the Luxury Space’s growth is part of Festuris’ wider effort to create a segmented trade show that better serves specialised sectors within tourism, by bringing together qualified buyers and a differentiated proposition.
New features for 2026
Among the new features for the upcoming edition is an appointment-scheduling app intended to streamline meetings between exhibitors and buyers. Organisers describe the tool as designed to simplify the process of arranging one-on-one consultations within the Luxury Space.
- Larger footprint: the space will increase in size to accommodate more brands and dedicated meeting areas.
- Appointment app: a new digital scheduling tool to improve buyer–seller engagement.
- International experiences: curated offers that highlight authenticity and personalization for affluent travellers.
Festuris positions the Luxury Space as a business environment tailored to the demands of the premium tourism segment. The event’s curation and buyer selection are intended to foster higher-quality commercial relationships compared with general trade-show interactions.
Industry context and implications
Luxury tourism is described by organisers as a fast-evolving area that contributes significant economic value globally. The segment’s current trajectory places emphasis on unique, memorable experiences rather than traditional displays of wealth, a shift that affects product development, marketing and sales strategies across luxury travel suppliers.
For South African travel businesses and operators aiming at the high-end market, the developments at Festuris underline the importance of specialised platforms for connecting with international buyers. The appointment app and expanded area could make it easier for South African suppliers to present tailored experiences and secure higher-value business.
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Expanded area | Provide more space for curated displays and private meetings |
| Appointment-scheduling app | Simplify and systematise buyer–seller appointments |
| International experiences | Showcase authentic, personalised travel offers |
Organisers said the Luxury Space has been operating for 11 years and remains focused on creating a specialised environment where depth, relationship-building and quality connections take priority. The renewed emphasis on curation could help exhibitors who wish to target discerning travellers and travel advisors seeking unique itineraries.
As luxury travellers redefine what constitutes value — favouring authentic, personalised moments — trade events that offer targeted engagement opportunities are likely to gain importance. For the South African tourism sector, participation in spaces like Festuris’ Luxury Space offers a chance to pitch locally rooted yet globally competitive products to an audience that values exclusivity and memorable experiences.
