Kempinski Hotels recently held its annual two-city roadshow in India, celebrating a year of remarkable growth while reaffirming its deepening commitment to the Indian luxury travel landscape. In this exclusive interview, Sebastian Riewe, Vice President Global Sales, Kempinski Hotels, shares with TTJ how the brand is reshaping its global sales strategy, responding to shifting guest expectations, and navigating the future of hospitality with a blend of authenticity, adaptability, and ambition.
As one of the world’s oldest luxury hotel brands, Kempinski Hotels stands at a unique intersection where legacy meets reinvention. With a portfolio spanning 78 properties across 33 countries and 38 more in the pipeline, the brand’s evolution reflects the changing face of global luxury travel. Deepening its footprint in the Asia-Pacific, Kempinski is expanding into new markets, wellness-driven experiences, and digital innovation, all while remaining true to the refined elegance that defines its identity.
Iconic Legacy of Luxury
As Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, Kempinski draws strength from its 128-year legacy, yet its vision is anything but static. While it honours its iconic heritage, the brand is steadily adapting to shifting travel trends and the evolving expectations of today’s global traveller. Sebastian says, “With over 128 years of history and a legacy of innovation, we have a strong foundation to build on. We have a collection of individual, iconic properties that lead the way for the brand. However, we cannot dwell on the past; rather, the past should inform the present. We must continue to adapt and evolve to suit the guests’ needs of today and tomorrow.”
This philosophy emphasises Kempinski’s approach to luxury, an idea no longer defined by uniformity or excess, but by meaning, relevance, and personal resonance. He points out, “What was luxury 10 – 15 years ago is not necessarily what luxury is today. Luxury also means different things to different people, so we personalise each guest’s stay based on what is important to them.”
Expansion in APAC
As the group accelerates its global footprint, a significant part of its growth strategy is centred on the dynamic Asia-Pacific region. Outlining the brand’s evolving global sales approach, Sebastian points to a combination of flexibility and long-term vision; “We are looking at all developments, including new builds, conversions, and partnerships. We have a strategic partnership in place with BTG, which will facilitate significant development in China over the next 10 years. Expansion is not just about numbers, but also about aligning with the brand’s identity and standards. Pioneering has always been part of our DNA. Kempinski is very good proof that we do not let go of a project just because it is complicated; if it honours our brand, we will work on it.”
This mindset is crucial as Kempinski navigates Asia’s diverse hospitality landscape. Balancing emerging markets like Vietnam with established ones like Bangkok and Bali requires carefully tailored offerings that reflect local nuances while preserving the brand’s core identity.
Sebastian explains this evolving approach through the lens of rising demand for experiential and wellness-driven travel. He notes, “While we have overarching brand strategies, each hotel curates its own experiences and wellness offerings based on what makes sense locally. For example, wellness in Bali will naturally differ from wellness in Berlin, and it must reflect a true sense of place. At the corporate level, we have established a dedicated Product and Experience vertical and recently appointed a Chief Product Officer, Vice President of Wellness, and Vice President of Experience, reflecting our strong focus in this area moving forward.”
Digitalisation and Sustainability
Given the popularity of the KEMPINSKI DISCOVERY loyalty programme, digitalisation is key to strengthening guest engagement. Sebastian shares, “We are continuously expanding the features of the App, allowing members to manage their accounts, track DISCOVERY Dollars, book experiences, and access their digital membership card.”
Kempinski’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its ESG report, highlighting concrete steps toward energy reduction and responsible operations. Sebastian stresses that the ESG report has become indispensable, and showing responsibility is a must. As the industry evolves, Kempinski’s proactive approach signals its intent to lead with both purpose and accountability.
