BLLA Luxury Academy — Photo by BLLA

BLLA, the singular voice in the independent Luxury Boutique Lifestyle Hotel space, has formally opened the educational platform to all BLLA members and the hospitality industry in collaboration with Équité, the leading global luxury strategy, communication, and brand activation firm. The platform is now available to accept registrations for our association members who receive discounted pricing, including independent hotel properties and those in a small brand group of boutique hotels.

The BLLA Luxury Academy’s customizable company training program covers the foundations of luxury service with specialized modules curated to deliver exceptional customer experiences comprehensively throughout your lodging hospitality organization. This training will proactively arm and prepare your staff for the coming AI and Gen Z customer revolution and ensure no break in the chain of excellent customer service.

In addition, hotels may also choose to register for individual training. Whether you're a seasoned luxury professional looking to sharpen your skills or an aspirational early career prospective employee eager to break into the industry, BLLA Luxury Academy has something for everyone. From in-depth courses on luxury branding, the revolutionary effect Gen Z and AI are having on the luxury landscape along with exclusive insights from industry experts; our platform offers a wealth of resources and information.

BLLA, in collaboration with Équité and Daniel André Langer, is excited to bring this program to our exceptional hospitality sector. Daniel, Professor of Luxury Strategy at Pepperdine University and NYU and Advisor to some of the top luxury hospitality brands in the world, agreed, stating, “The luxury sector is undergoing its most profound transformation ever. Gen Z’s rising expectations and evolving lifestyles present significant challenges, particularly for brands aiming for success in luxury travel and hospitality. Many clients receive a nominal luxury experience, reflected only in the price, not in genuine value. Achieving loyalty has never been more challenging, yet no other sector relies as heavily on loyal clients for revenue and profit as luxury hospitality. To navigate this shift, brands must revolutionize their approach to brand storytelling, foster deep emotional connections with clients, and consistently inspire their guests.”

The Boutique Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA) demonstrates a commitment to the continuous improvement and advancement of its programs, particularly for hotel members who have undergone authentic verification by the association. One of the primary areas of focus for enhancement is education. BLLA is dedicated to refining and enhancing its programs over time.

Frances Kiradjian, CEO of BLLA, stated, “This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to the continuous improvement and advancement of our programs, especially for our hotel members who have undergone our rigorous and authentic verification process. Education remains a cornerstone of our mission, and through the BLLA Luxury Academy, we are dedicated to refining and enhancing our educational offerings to ensure our members stay at the forefront as leaders of the boutique hospitality industry."

BLLA Academy will be the exclusive boutique hotel network partner of Équité, creating the premiere platform for global luxury hospitality training. This new BLLA Academy is integral to the independent boutique hotel educational program for 2024 and beyond. This includes educational initiatives and resources for the association's members and the broader boutique hospitality community. Registration is now open for purchase through the BLLA Member Portal and the official website, bllaluxuryacademy.com

About BLLA

Established in 2009, the Boutique Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA) is the world's most innovative and influential association for independent boutique hotels, brands, and suppliers. Dedicated to championing the unique essence of boutique hospitality, BLLA offers unparalleled networking opportunities, industry insights, and advocacy initiatives to its global membership base. With a mission to elevate and empower independent hotel owners and operators, BLLA continues to shape the future of hospitality through innovation, collaboration, and excellence. The organization is a pioneer in forecasting the boutique movement. The corporate manifesto showcases BLLA as a catalyst for trends and the future of the boutique lifestyle, focusing mainly on hospitality. BLLA.org

About Équité

At Équité, we create extreme value for luxury and lifestyle brands across all categories and geographies. We are trusted by the who is who in luxury and advise many of the leading brands worldwide, as well as startups and aspiring brands. Our approach is science-based, focusing on tangible results and world-class creative executions. Équité works on all aspects, including brand audits, strategy, brand storytelling, creative services, immersive experience creation, brand activation, and the future of luxury workshops and training. https://equitebrands.com/