Why Luxury Hotels Are Thriving - And How Activities Became Their Secret Weapon

Written By: Nomado, redefining exploration for the world’s most discerning guests

Even with inflation top of mind and economic uncertainty in the air, luxury hotels are not just holding their ground - they’re thriving. In fact, they’re outperforming their budget counterparts in both demand and performance. Several luxury travel destinations are feeling this shift, from the desert retreats in the Southwestern United States to boutique hotels in the French Riviera. According to recent coverage by AZFamily, tourism in the desert remains strong, and high-end properties are continuing to attract affluent travelers in search of exceptional experiences, even as the broader economy wobbles.

This isn’t an isolated story. Rather, it’s part of a more significant shift. CBRE’s 2025 Global Hotel Outlook forecasts that luxury hotels are set to outpace the rest of the market, powered by rising international travel, renewed group business, and changing guest priorities. Travelers today aren’t just looking for a room - they’re looking for a memory.

At Nomado, we see this shift firsthand. Our partners in the luxury hospitality space are experiencing unprecedented engagement, not just with accommodations, but with everything that surrounds them. The experiential layer is driving the magic. Hyper-local, immersive, and digitally enhanced activities are becoming the heartbeat of luxury stays.

Activities: The New Bread and Butter of High-End Hospitality

Luxury hotels have always been known for impeccable service. But increasingly, they’re being defined by their storytelling, and the best stories are told through unforgettable activities.

Think private mezcal tastings with local distillers. Desert hikes led by naturalists who grew up on the land. Artist-led workshops in tucked-away studios. These aren’t just “amenities.” They’re the reasons guests return and tell their friends.

And there’s data behind it. A recent PhocusWire study found that hotels offering curated experiences significantly increase their RevPAR. Experiences aren’t a nice-to-have anymore; they’re luxury’s bread and butter.

That’s where we come in. At Nomado, our technology helps luxury hotels elevate these experiences and deliver them seamlessly. With our platform, properties can:

Offer personalized, real-time activity suggestions based on guest interests
Manage bookings and availability behind the scenes without friction
Provide rich digital guides, maps, and cultural insights right on guests’ devices
Collect feedback that refines future offerings and boosts guest loyalty

“Nomado at the Conrad Punta de Mita and Hilton Los Cabos has been a game changer for us. It has increased our ability to communicate with our guests and educate them on the different offerings of the resorts. We are able to share out activations, Spa Specials, and Bar promotions in real time and in a professional and creative way,” according to Dan Fitzgerald, the Complex Director of Sales & Marketing.

We’re not replacing the concierge; we’re giving them superpowers. This is exploration made effortless.

Tech-Powered Exploration for the Modern Traveler

Today’s luxury guest is curious, connected, and short on time. They want to make the most of every trip, and they expect their hotel to act as a curator, not just a place to sleep.

With Nomado, luxury properties can deliver that elevated experience. Our tools combine intuitive design, guest preference data, and seamless integration with hotel systems to help every guest feel like their trip was made just for them.

Whether it’s a last-minute change in plans, a new hidden gem to explore, or a personal itinerary that updates in real time, Nomado helps hotels turn ordinary stays into meaningful adventures.

Final Thoughts

Luxury hotels are proving to be more than recession-resistant: they’re resilient, adaptable, and deeply attuned to what modern travelers value. It’s not just about luxury anymore; it’s about depth.

Activities aren’t an add-on; they’re the reason guests choose you. At Nomado, we’re proud to help luxury hotels deliver those moments effortlessly and at scale.