Hong Kong, 20 September 2017 – The Murray, Hong Kong hosted its first Niccolo Lecture with international trend forecaster Cécile Poignant, editor of the influential Trend Tablet. Held at the House of Madison before an audience of industry innovators and media, Poignant presented an insightful lecture on 'The Future of Travel & Hospitality', exploring how travel will be defined in the future and how consumers will adapt to the changes.

An esteemed academic, Poignant specialises in observing cultural trends and uncovering subtle signals to anticipate new behaviours. With greater mobility and access to travel, Poignant contends that consumers will shift from destination-led holidays to embrace more challenging experiences that push their personal boundaries. Other sectors will adopt a nomadic mindset and choose itinerary-free journeys.

The Niccolo Lectures reflect the brand's mantra of “New Encounters. Timeless Pleasures” in every Niccolo property. Launched in 2016 at Niccolo Chengdu, these private events give the floor to adventurers, entrepreneurs, lifestyle and business innovators, celebrities and sports stars to share their unique insights and remarkable life journeys.

"The Murray, Hong Kong is delighted to welcome Cécile Poignant for our inaugural Niccolo Lecture,” says Duncan Palmer, managing director of The Murray, Hong Kong. “A visionary in her field, her conceptual approach to travel and hospitality is both inspiring and enlightening. Through the regular Niccolo Lecture series, The Murray will welcome exceptional individuals with unique life stories or new perspectives, who can challenge ideas, stimulate lively dialogue and offer new experiences to our guests.”

The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel

The Murray, Hong Kong, opening in late 2017, is a high-profile preservation project by British international studio for architecture and integrated design Foster + Partners. Part of Hong Kong's Conserving Central Project, the Hotel which was the stand-alone Murray Building is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. A member of Global Hotel Alliance's Ultratravel Collection, the US$1 billion contemporary urban chic sanctuary will feature 336 oversized rooms and suites spanning 25 floors. Other facilities include a stunning rooftop bar with breath-taking views of the central business district and the green oasis of Hong Kong Park, a series of signature restaurants and bars, as well as creative meeting and event spaces.

Further details on The Murray, Hong Kong are available at niccolohotels.com.

Niccolo Hotels

Niccolo is a collection of contemporary urban chic hotels with desirable, highly prized addresses. At heart, as discoverers and re-discoverers of luxury experiences, styles and tastes, its hotels are modern sophisticated spaces, where the timeless pleasures of impeccable hospitality from another golden era in travel is valued. Underpinning everything is the desire to make life effortlessly luxurious. Niccolo Chengdu was the first hotel to open followed by Niccolo Chongqing, with an additional 3 Niccolo hotels currently under development in Hong Kong Changsha and Suzhou, China. Further details on Niccolo Hotels are available at niccolohotels.com. 

Ultratravel Collection

Ultratravel Collection brings together hotels of distinction for the discerning traveller. Its membership is reserved for the very best hotels and resorts in the world – genuinely luxurious and iconic properties that deliver the finest service and personalised guest experiences. Member hotels share an integrated global platform for guest recognition and loyalty rewards, the DISCOVERY programme from partner Global Hotel Alliance, as well as beneficial relationship with the multi-media brand Ultratravel, the other founding partner of Ultratravel Collection. For more information visit ultratravelcollection.com