The Luxperience 2024 Luxe Award winners were announced at a glamorous event last night in Sydney, as the Luxperience program for this year kicks off.
The masquerade event was hosted at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. Guests poured into its ballroom where a number of entertainers wowed the crowd, pouring champagne while suspended from the ceiling on hoops; a live band performed; and guests dined from food stands including a station laden with oysters.
The awards are designed to celebrate the best in the luxury travel industry and saw a record number of entries for 2024.
Television presenter Kathryn Eisman opened the evening by applauding the passion and professionalism of award nominees and acknowledging the industry’s dedication to developing “unique experiences that resonated deeply with discerning travellers.”
“We’re thrilled to see how the luxury travel community continues to push the boundaries of what luxury travel can be, bringing new dimensions of adventure, culture, and sustainable luxury to the forefront.
“Each submission reflected the vibrant spirit and creativity that drives the luxury travel industry forward. Thank you also to our panel of exceptional judges who tackled the unenviable task of shortlisting finalists from an extensive and impressive list of submissions.”
Luxperience Event Director Lynn Ormiston praised the positive impact of the winners on the luxury travel industry.
“Our Luxperience community understands that true luxury is more than just the product itself; it’s about the experience and authentic connections they create for clients, and we believe celebrating this impact is both inspiring and important for the industry – and what an incredibly uplifting start to this year’s event!”
“We are so excited to celebrate and recognise just how exceptional the Luxperience community is. It certainly was no easy task to shortlist and determine the winning entries. I want to thank our extremely knowledgeable and dedicated judging panel who are all industry leaders in their field.
“Luxperience is about celebrating what is new, what is unique and boutique but most importantly we believe that experience truly is everything, and each entry in these awards was demonstrative of the value they bring to the luxury travel industry. However, there can only be one category winner, so our warmest congratulations go to these highly deserving recipients.”
Karryon’s Editorial Director, Luxury, Katrina Holden, was one of the judges of this year’s awards.
Luxperience 2024 Award Winners
Outstanding Destination Award
- Winner – Tahiti Tourisme
- Highly commended – Atout France
The judges commended Tahiti Tourisme’s campaign’s visual strength, describing it as one of the most visually engaging and sophisticated entries of the year.
They said Tahiti Tourisme’s team brilliantly balanced aesthetics with emotion, not only capturing the beauty of the islands but also conveying the more profound, intangible allure that Tahiti offers to travellers. This was more than a campaign; it was a heartfelt invitation to immerse oneself in the spirit of Tahiti. Tahiti Tourisme did more than showcase beautiful landscapes—they wove in the cultural essence of the destination, enticing travellers with both visuals and a profound sense of connection.
Connections Award
- Winner – Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle
- Highly commended – Lighthouse by Incentive Destinations
The judges noted Anantara’s meticulous execution, which reached a diverse audience through multiple channels, and the property’s outstanding support for the travel advisor community. They also admired how the campaign effectively connected with both advisors and hotel partners.
Most Meaningful Award
- Winner – Aqua Expeditions
- Highly commended – Tourism Western Australia
Aqua Expeditions was a clear winner for its visionary and luxurious approach to sustainability. Judges praised its commitment to supporting conservation programs, like the Manta Project in Indonesia and the Taricaya Turtle Project, which truly resonated with its dedication to carbon neutrality, as well as its focus on connecting guests with lesser-known regions in a deeply meaningful way.
Inspiring Award
- Winner – 50 Degrees North
- Highly commended – Luxaviation
The judges were particularly inspired by 50 Degrees North’s Lapland Christmas Magic itinerary. They were impressed by its B Corp certification and commitment to eco-conscious travel, as well as its measurable CO2 output per person per day. Judges said the tour is not only thoughtfully crafted for families and multi-generational travellers but also presented with stunning visuals that truly capture the beauty of the region.
Outstanding Achievement (individual)
- Winner – Julia Li, Lux Voyages
The judges were impressed by Julia’s commitment to delivering luxury travel experiences, particularly with her expertise in Tahiti. She demonstrated exceptional adaptability, building strong client relationships and staying in tune with shifting needs. Her focus on sustainability and creativity in offering experiential add-ons was superbly impressive.
The 2024 Luxperience program will continue this week in Sydney until Friday. Karryon Luxury will report further from the event.
For more information, visit Luxperience.
