Further East 2024
It's hot, and unbearably humid. But yet, the attendees at this year's Further East in Bali from November 4-7 are keeping cool – thanks to the relaxed vibe of the show. The pulse does quicken a bit when you look at the exhibitors, though – so many exciting hidden gems! Alas, LuxuryWise has brought back treasures from afar.
by LuxuryWise Editor-in-Chief, Iris M. Köpke
Further East 2024
It's hot, and unbearably humid. Nevertheless, the attendees at this year's Further East in Bali from November 4-7 are still keeping cool thanks to the relaxed vibe of the show. The pulse does quicken a bit when you look at the exhibitors – so many hidden gems! Alas, LuxuryWise has brought back treasures from afar.
by LuxuryWise Editor-in-Chief Iris M. Köpke
Further East 2024 - Facts & Figures
Participants
... traveled to Bali from all corners of the world. The exhibitors were, of course, all from the APAC region. From big brands to adorable, privately-owned villas, this show truly had it all!
Meetings
... were the maximum possible at Further East. Each meeting lasted 20 minutes – long enough to get deep into the nitty-gritty. But the atmosphere was very relaxed since there were five-minute breaks in between.
Coconuts
... were served by the Alila Seminyak team to the many thirsty trade show participants (according to LuxuryWise estimates). We respectfully decline to mention how many drinks were consumed at the closing party...
Memorable Meetings
Gal Oya Lodge
Sri Lanka
The lodge might be nice and simple, but it has everything the modern luxury traveler needs. It's the great experiences that make it: a climbing tour on Monkey Mountain (pictured), a jungle cooking class, galavanting through the forest with the Veddas, an indigenous Sri Lankan people, and a nocturnal encounter with a fishing cat. Or would your clients prefer a romantic picnic at the local river? We'd choose all of ther above!
Contact:
Tim Edwards · Director
The Happy House
Nepal
This colorful, traditional Sherpa house is nestled in a pine grove near the village of Phaplu. The explorer Sir Edmund Hillary spent many hours here and called it his "Happy Place" – hence the name. Since then it has been carefully renovated so that modern comfort is integrated with the hand-painted Buddhist motifs on the walls. There are just ten rooms in total and 30 hospitable employees look after their guests.
Contact:
Ang Tshering Lama · Experience Expert
The Landing
New Zealand
At the end of the world you can grasp the vastness of the Earth. The Landing is located in the spectacular Bay of Islands on New Zealand's North Island. Just four residences are spread over an area of more than 400 hectares (1,000 acres). And the land is put to good use with its own winery. The residences have two to five bedrooms, but who wants to sleep here? The rate includes a private chef, kiwi walks, and wine tastings.
Contact:
Garth Solly - General Manager
Peirce & Leslie
India
Hallelujah!!! DMC Peirce & Leslie understands what true luxury means – a seamless and worry-free experience. And full of wonderful stories! They go to great lengths to enrich the experience by personally tracking down memories for clients. For example, one such experience is a visit to a man who paints beautiful pictures on water. Yes – you read that right: he paints them on the surface of a bowl filled with water. Subtlety be damned – did someone say "India fam" here?!
Contact:
Anil Pathak · Chief Storytelling Officer
Silolona Sojourns
Indonesia
A lot of heart and soul goes into this one: Silolona Sojourns has been offering private sailing trips throughout Southeast Asia for 20 years. For the first time this year it's with a self-built ship, the Si Datu Bua (pictured). The founder's son was so enthralled that he studied shipbuilding himself. Decades of experience flow into the route planning, which involves many local communities. The wooden sailing ships are available only as full charters: Silolona with five cabins, Si Datu Bua with three.
Contact:
Chariskha L. - Marketing Specialist
Siri Sala
Thailand
Simply put, it's one of those delightful places that can only be experienced. In the middle of Bangkok but on the "other" side of the Chao Phraya River, there is a privately owned waterfront villa that was built on the site of an ancient cottage, and it dates back to the time before Bangkok became a metropolis. A part of the old house is built into every room. The owners who are keen to preserve this piece of history, also arrange boat tours through the "real" old town. Fancy that!
Contact:
Irma Go - Founder
Further East in a Nutshell
What we loved:
- The selection of exhibitors! There were great luxury products to discover here that never find their way to trade shows in Europe or the U.S. – a real treasure trove for you, dear readers!
- The announcements by Max Loong. The former Viva presenter from Switzerland has forgotten nothing, and kept the attendees in the main room both engaged and up-to-date. He also gave some amazing practical tips – thank you!
- The relaxed vibe. Although everyone was very hardworking, there was no evidence of stress. Business in Paradise – more please!
- Lunch at The Legian: This. Is. Luxury!!!
- Closing night at Da Maria. The mixologists really know what they're doing. Whew!
Not so much:
- Humidity levels over 90 percent. It makes ridiculous transfers necessary, even if the lunch hotel is only a six minute walk away. Understandably, people want to look and feel professional, even if it's casual.
- The paths between the guest hotels. Whether you had to hop over scorching hot sand or cross a stream to get to the trade show at the Alila in the morning. Can't someone put in boardwalks at all those places ...?
- We all agree that sustainability is important. But if it's too "in your face" and cuts back on guests' comfort, it's likely not going to convince anyone.
Further East Attendees Speak their Minds
Max Loong · Hidden Hills Villas
"This is my second time as an exhibitor. The This is Beyond events are much more than just trade shows: this is a happening, a real community. And the participants are curated – everyone who is here really belongs here. We've only had good meetings so far. Further East is very intimate, you're together for four days and meet the same people again and again – that's the only way to network properly. You can't do that in a single meeting. The Sunset Networking Hour in the Beach Bar, which is being held officially for the first time, also helps. In my opinion, this is just as valuable as the actual meetings – Serge is a visionary who thinks 'out of the box.'"
Claudia Spring · Asia 365
"This is my fourth time taking part in Further East. This trade show has a very special feel. Just take a look around – we're in paradise here! You can feel the energy of the island of Bali at the show. The friendliness of the people is incredible, both from the Balinese and the exhibitors. Happiness, passion, and hospitality are everywhere. And the quality of the exhibitors is amazing! Of course I always try to find new things and there are some really cool products here. But the most important thing is to meet the people behind the products. Even if there's not so much to talk about, our business is and remains a people business, and it helps immensely to know the suppliers personally."
Jördis Scherer · Edeltravel
"This is my first time at Further East. The trade show is important for us because we meet many important partners from the APAC region here – especially for our Prana Travel brand. And we have always had very good experiences with This is Beyond trade shows. Generally the meetings are very good. This speed-dating style leaves enough time for discussion, and I appreciate the small breaks in between to exchange ideas with other participants. The Open House with the keynote speakers and the Opening Night were also really nice. Overall, I like this trade show very much, but perhaps not for every year – the number of partners I can also meet at ILTM is simply too high and the journey to Bali is too far."
Stephen McAteer · ROKI Collection Queenstown
"This is my first time at Further East. I decided to attend because interest in New Zealand as a travel destination has skyrocketed again in the past year, and Asia is a very important market for us. I admit that I am pleasantly surprised at how in-depth the discussions with the travel advisors have been. They really know their way around Queenstown as a destination! So I just need to give them an update, and they deserve our time and attention. Overall, I'm very impressed with Further East. If anything could be improved it would be the acoustics in the 'Sanctuary' exhibition space. I'm very sure I'll be back – this will be the most important trade show for us."