Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), the 68-year-old authority on luxury hospitality, has expanded its portfolio beyond the traditional Star-Rated system with the launch of two new discovery collections: Debut and Curated. The move responds to growing demand from affluent travelers and their advisers for vetted recommendations that extend beyond FTG's independently rated properties.
The Debut collection offers an early look at luxury hotels and resorts before their official opening, while the Curated collection highlights properties in destinations where FTG does not currently conduct Star Ratings. Both collections are designed to maintain the transparency and credibility that have defined FTG since its inception, even though the properties are not Star-Rated.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group headlines the inaugural Debut collection, with 14 hotels and resorts slated to open over the next 18 months. This partnership gives luxury travelers and travel advisers an exclusive preview of the group's upcoming properties, which span key markets across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
“As luxury travelers increasingly seek trusted recommendations, our Debut and Curated collections help them discover what's next in luxury hospitality,” said Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. The collections are now live on ForbesTravelGuide.com and are also featured on MeridianV, FTG's preferred booking and discovery platform used by nearly 10,000 registered luxury travel advisers.
Amanda Hyndman, Chief Operating Officer of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating that it offers “an early introduction to the next chapter of Mandarin Oriental's growth.” The group's upcoming openings include properties in high-demand destinations such as Tokyo, Vienna, and Riyadh, reflecting the broader trend of Asian hotel groups leading global luxury expansion.
Expanding the luxury travel ecosystem
The introduction of these collections marks a strategic shift for FTG, which has traditionally focused on its Star-Rated hotels, spas, and restaurants. By adding a curated layer, FTG aims to provide a more comprehensive resource for travel professionals who need to recommend properties in emerging or underserved destinations.
For travel advisers, the new collections offer a way to stay ahead of the curve, presenting clients with pre-opening opportunities and exclusive access. The properties included in both collections have undergone a review process to ensure they meet FTG's luxury standards, even though they are not formally Star-Rated.
“This is about giving advisers the tools to offer their clients something truly special,” said a FTG spokesperson. “Whether it's a brand-new resort in the Maldives or a boutique hotel in a city we haven't rated yet, these collections open up new possibilities.”
The move also aligns with the growing interest in multigenerational luxury travel and unique experiences, as travelers seek out properties that offer more than just a place to stay. FTG's expansion into curated collections reflects a broader industry shift toward personalization and discovery.
For hoteliers, being featured in a Debut or Curated collection can provide a significant boost in visibility among affluent travelers and the advisers who serve them. The collections are expected to be particularly valuable for independent hotels and smaller groups that may not have the resources to pursue a full Star Rating.
FTG's decision to partner with Mandarin Oriental for the Debut launch underscores the importance of established luxury brands in driving early interest. As the travel industry continues to recover and evolve, such collaborations are likely to become more common, with luxury portfolios expanding through agent roadshows and other outreach efforts.
The Debut and Curated collections are now accessible to travel professionals and consumers alike, offering a new layer of vetted luxury options. For those planning ahead, the collections provide a glimpse into the future of luxury hospitality, with properties that are set to redefine the guest experience.
As FTG continues to innovate, the travel industry will be watching to see how these collections evolve and whether they will eventually lead to full Star Ratings for some properties. For now, they represent a fresh approach to luxury discovery, one that balances exclusivity with the credibility that FTG has built over nearly seven decades.
