165: Purple Flower Luxury
Florence Li is Vice President of International Sales and Marketing for Songtsam, a family-owned collection of luxury boutique hotels nestled in China’s Tibetan and Yunnan regions. Growing up surrounded by hospitality, Florence honed her craft at Swiss Hotel Management School and later, by managing luxury properties with Six Senses and Taj Hotels. Susan and Florence talk about culturally rich tourism and the essence of Tibetan hospitality.
Visa Tips for China: Florence demystifies the China tourist visa process and shares pro tips, including a transit visa option that lets travelers explore visa-free for up to six days in major hubs.
A Cinematic Hotel Legacy: Discover how Florence’s father, a former filmmaker, transformed his ancestral home into the first Songtsam boutique hotel, blending local culture with high-end hospitality.
The Essence of Tibetan Hospitality: Florence shares how Songtsam’s staff—many from nearby villages—deliver genuine, heartfelt service that departs from the formality of Western hospitality standards.
Luxury Redefined: For Florence, luxury isn’t about opulence; it’s about immersing guests in local culture and creating transformative moments. From Tibetan art workshops to wellness experiences, each stay offers an emotional journey.
Immersive Guest Experiences: Picture this—horseback riding, archery, Thangka painting, and even Tibetan incense-making. Florence gives a behind-the-scenes look at Songtsam’s experiential offerings designed to connect guests deeply with Tibetan culture.
Cultural Awareness for Travelers: She advises travelers on respectful practices like walking clockwise around Tibetan stupas, a tradition symbolizing merit accumulation.
Future of Travel: Florence predicts a shift in luxury tourism toward experiences that actively support and sustain local communities, allowing travelers to make a meaningful impact.
Songtsam Resorts
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