Get ready for an interview with Xun Liu, co-founder of Celeste Tours, a luxury concierge service located on the beautiful island of Capri. Xun will provide a behind-the-scenes look into the unique and high-end luxury travel experience that she creates.
Through her experience in business consulting and the academic field of humanities, Xun has used her knowledge to create an unforgettable journey for customers. She will explain the challenges she has faced and the rewarding aspects of running a luxury concierge in Capri, as well as the Asian market for luxury travel and the importance of flexibility and attention to detail when planning a luxury travel experience. With this insight, Xun will share her advice to those just starting a luxury travel business and what sets Celeste Tours apart from the competition.
What inspired you to create your luxury concierge in Capri, Celeste Tours?
I was inspired to create Celeste Tours when I recognized the potential for luxury tourism in China and saw that the beautiful island of Capri was not well known there. I wanted to create a luxury concierge service that could serve Chinese and Asian travelers in the best possible way. I felt that Celeste Tours could be a bridge between China and Italy, connecting the two countries through luxury travel and experiences.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced since starting your luxury concierge in Capri?
The biggest challenge I have faced since starting Celeste Tours has been the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Asian travelers were unable to visit Europe for a while, and this affected our business greatly. However, I have seen this as a great opportunity to rethink our services and approach, and to create new ways of engaging with our customers.
What have been the most rewarding aspects of running a luxury concierge in Capri?
The most rewarding aspect of running Celeste Tours has been the opportunity to share my knowledge of new luxury travel trends in China and to help my colleagues understand these trends as well. It has been very satisfying to see these trends being implemented and to witness our customers enjoying the unique experiences we provide.
What advice would you give to someone just starting a luxury travel business?
My advice to someone just starting a luxury travel business would be to pinpoint their target customers and to focus on providing an exceptional experience for them. This was a key challenge for me when I was first starting, and I believe that it is a key factor for success in this industry. Additionally, I would suggest staying on top of the latest trends and technologies in the travel industry, as this can be a great way to stand out and get ahead of the competition.
In your experience, what is the most important factor to keep in mind when planning a luxury travel experience?
Flexibility and attention to detail are two of the most important aspects of planning a luxury travel experience. We understand that our clients require flexibility, and for that reason, we strive to provide it even during the high season. We also differentiate our services through small details that show our care and commitment to our clients, such as handwritten cards, artisanal souvenirs as gifts, and special surprises for special occasions.
How do you think the Asian market for luxury travel has evolved over the past few years?
The Asian market for luxury travel has seen rapid growth over the past few years. We have seen a shift in focus from simply being a visitor to more of an emphasis on having an experience without boundaries. We have seen companies offering luxury experiences in places like Dunhuang, China, where they provide classes led by experts in astronomy, meditation, or history.
How does your luxury concierge in Capri uniquely serve customers from western and Asian backgrounds?
We take into account the cultural differences between our clients from western and Asian backgrounds. For example, we understand that American clients require a certain level of charisma, while Asian clients require more attention and respect. We strive to be responsive to the needs of all our clients, in order to provide the best possible experience.
What do you believe sets Celeste Tours apart when it comes to providing a high-end and unique travel experience?
Our founders have a unique perspective on luxury travel, having come from outside of the tourism industry. We also offer educational tours and we have strong connections with academia, allowing us to provide truly authentic experiences for travelers. We believe that our educational tours offer a unique and high-end experience that cannot be found elsewhere, and we strive to make these experiences as memorable and enjoyable as possible.
