Empowering Place: Unlocking Value for Investors by Integrating Indigenous Values in Luxury Hospitality

Abstract

The luxury hospitality industry has long been attuned to shifting consumer preferences, particularly as travelers increasingly seek unique, meaningful experiences. In today’s global market, trends centered on personalization, wellness, authenticity, and regeneration—further accelerated in the post-pandemic travel era—present both challenges and opportunities for real estate investors. This shift raises a critical question: How and where can value be unlocked in this evolving landscape?

This thesis explores how real estate investors can maximize value creation in the luxury hospitality sector by leveraging traditional performance metrics alongside a complementary framework designed to uncover underexplored opportunities and enhance collaboration among stakeholder groups. Through the analysis of two case studies—Salterra Resort & Spa in South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies, and Puntacana Resort and Club in the Dominican Republic—the study demonstrates the practical application of this framework in tropical, coastal, and island regions, where the interaction between tourism, local communities, and fragile ecosystems is particularly pronounced. By showcasing its success, this research provides adaptable stakeholder rubrics and qualitative system dynamics causal loop diagrams as templates, while broadening the scope for innovation and inspiring further exploration of sustainable, value-driven approaches in luxury hospitality.