In an exclusive interaction with Travel Trade Insider, Mario Stubbs, Managing Director, The Serendipity Collection shares what it takes to establish a new brand in the market.
Q. What was your vision while starting The Serendipity Collection?
A. While starting The Serendipity Collection, I saw that Sri Lanka, being an international tourist attraction, strived for luxurious offerings of diverse tourism products and services including luxurious accommodations, breathtaking activities, etc. We at The Serendipity Collection hence wanted to redefine the concept of luxury in the travel and hospitality sector. I wanted to create luxurious ecosystems that offer the choicest accommodations and amenities and also unforgettable experiences to intrigue the guests and create long-lasting memories. We at Serendipity Collection always looked forward to crafting a world of wonder and expedition for our guests, so they can escape the mundane life and immerse in breathtaking moments.
Q. What were the struggles you faced in the initial phases?
In the initial phases, we faced several challenges as establishing a new brand in a competitive market requires comprehensive effort in building trust and recognition. Sourcing partner properties that met our standards for luxury and sustainability was a notable challenge. Moreover, creating unique and memorable experiences for our guests initially involved deeper research for establishing consumer personas and collaboration with local partners. Despite these hurdles, our commitment to our vision to excel in the luxury destination management space helped us overcome the roadblocks and set a strong foundation for Serendipity.
Q. As we know, during COVID-19 the economy around the world received a blow. How did you recover?
A. The Covid-19 pandemic indeed induced trying times, especially in the travel and hospitality sector globally. We faced huge losses due to travel restrictions and decreased demand. However, we were nimble to adapt to the change that was demanded by focusing on enhancing our safety protocols and offering flexible booking options to help retain our guests’ best interests. While the world was reeling from the pandemic’s lashing effects, we took this time to innovate and improve our partner properties and services, to provide a refreshed and enhanced experience to our guests once the travel ban was lifted. Recovery was gradual, but our emphasis on quality and guest satisfaction helped us gain speed quickly in attracting tourists.
Q. How is running a business in Sri Lanka, considering the economic challenges the country faced in the recent past?
A. The recent economic mishaps in Sri Lanka are known to the world, and like all other destinations depending on tourism heavily, Sri Lanka too has its unique challenges. However, it also presents opportunities to showcase the beauty of this country full of opportunities. Despite the economic turmoil, we have been able to uphold sustainability and top-notch luxurious travel services. We are confident in the potential of Sri Lanka as a foremost travel destination and continue to invest in our properties and partnerships. Our focus on local sourcing and community development has further helped us overcome the trying times by nurturing strong relationships and support within the local economy.
Q. The Serendipity Collection has more than 10 villas, tell us something about them.
A. All our villas carry our pledge to responsible luxury paired with exclusive experiences. We hand-pick every property with care, ensuring they offer sensorial comfort and at the same leave the guests curious to explore the property to its fullest potential. Our villas are designed to blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings, using locally sourced materials and all the operations within are eco-conscious in approach too. Guests are pampered with bespoke services and are introduced to the local culture and environment. Be it a property at the beachfront retreat or atop the hill with scenic panoramic views, our villas provide a truly immersive stay experience to the guests.
Q. What are your plans for The Serendipity Collection?
A. At The Serendipity Collection, our focus remains on expanding our collection of luxurious and sustainable properties while continuing to enhance the guest experience by knowing their pulse through continuous feedback. We aim to introduce more unique and exclusive experiences that underscore the beauty and culture of Sri Lanka. We are also in talks with like-minded brands for strategic partnerships to offer even more exceptional services, including private yacht charters and self-paced wellness programs. Our goal is to remain a step forward in luxury travel by continuous innovation. Lastly, we want to create a legacy of unforgettable journeys that inspire our guests to return to the island destination for more intriguing experiences.