News 24.01.2025

Need to Know

Shanghai Snow World Hotel brings Nordic charm to indoor ski resort, Alice Crossley’s Foresight Friday and why Dry January is going mainstream.

Shanghai Snow World Hotel brings Nordic charm to indoor ski resort

Shanghai Snow World Hotel, Vignette Collection by IHG Hotels & Resorts, China
Shanghai Snow World Hotel, Vignette Collection by IHG Hotels & Resorts, China
Shanghai Snow World Hotel, Vignette Collection by IHG Hotels & Resorts, China
Shanghai Snow World Hotel, Vignette Collection by IHG Hotels & Resorts, China

China – IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched Shanghai Snow World Hotel, the latest addition to its Vignette Collection, within the world’s largest indoor ski facility. Opened in 2024, this one-of-a-kind hotel has 272 rooms and 17 suites, with direct access to the 90,000-square-metre Shanghai L+SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort, certified as the biggest by Guinness World Records.

Catering for the growing demand for ice and snow tourism in China, the hotel combines Nordic-inspired tranquillity with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy ski-in, ski-out convenience, panoramic dining at The Peak and relaxing après-ski rituals such as the Engraved Ceremony featuring hot chocolate and butter beer.

General manager Irwin Bao calls the property ‘a destination to remember’ which aligns with the Vignette Collection’s ethos of individuality and discovery. Shanghai’s burgeoning tourism market makes the launch a strategic move for IHG, positioning the brand as a leader in experiential luxury travel in the region. Skiing, as shown in our Skiing’s New Frontiers report, has grown rapidly in China – making the country a destination for sports tourism.

Strategic opportunity

Explore opportunities in indoor ski facilities, winter sports tourism or snow-themed attractions, especially in regions where outdoor skiing may be limited

Foresight Friday: Alice Crossley, senior foresight analyst

Every Friday, we wrap up the topics, issues, ideas and viral moments everyone’s been discussing. This week, senior foresight analyst Alice Crossley dives into female gamers, escapism retail and the return of safety fits.

: I’ve just returned from CES 2025 in Las Vegas and can’t stop thinking about the panel discussion Beyond Consoles: The Future of Gaming which outlined the missed opportunity for brands to engage with female gamers. Women are more likely to game on their phones and less likely to count themselves as ‘gamers’ because they associate the term with teenage boys on consoles. Despite this, a surprising number of Gen X and Y women seek casual gaming to unwind in a controversy-free zone. It is a topic we dived into in Women Who Play, but it’s still surprising to see how few brands have tapped into this market. 

: A few days later, at NRF: Retail’s Big Show in New York, the conversation turned to escapism retail and the renewed need for hyperphysical stores that provide a welcome break from reality. Koibird’s new London boutique, designed by Uchronia, does just that — the walls and features feature a gradient of the brand’s trademark greens and purples and space age metallics are featured throughout the store. Stay tuned for full event downloads from CES and NRF, coming soon.

: From the devastation of California’s wildfires to the inauguration of a certain president, it’s hard to talk about the US without acknowledging the fragility of the situation across the pond. Fashion trends are often a reflection of the context we live in, so it’s unsurprising to see new products such as Pelican Luggage’s TRVL military-grade suitcases or Arc’teryx relaunching its PRO collection for professionals working in extreme conditions. Head to our Safety Fits microtrend for more brands designing modern-day armour.

AI imagery by The Future Laboratory, UK

Quote of the week

‘I really am a firm believer that brick-and-mortar retail is here to stay’

Mary Dillon, president and CEO, Foot Locker, at NRF 2025

Stat: Dry January goes mainstream, driven by wellness-focused consumers 

Sippers, UK Sippers, UK

US – Dry January, once considered a niche wellness trend, has firmly entered the mainstream. This year, 22% of US adults aged 21 or over are participating – an increase of 5 percentage points from previous years, according to recent data from Morning Consult. Reflecting a shift in attitudes toward alcohol consumption, 70% of participants are fully abstaining from drinking for the month rather than simply reducing their intake. 

Health concerns are the primary motivator, with 69% citing wellness goals, probably spurred by heightened awareness of alcohol’s risks. A new advisory was issued this year by the US Surgeon General linking alcohol consumption to cancer, adding urgency to the decision for many. 

These shifts align with the findings in our Sober Bars report where we explored how Gen Z’s influence and the pandemic have fuelled the rise of sober curiosity. In response, new establishments are emerging as safe spaces where people can enjoy the social aspects of drinking without the pressure or presence of alcohol. 

Strategic opportunity

Develop sober-friendly hospitality spaces with curated mocktails, premium non-alcoholic drinks, and inclusivity. Partner with non-alcoholic brands to co-create exclusive beverages, catering to the growing demand for sober living experiences

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