Tourism Breaking News
As Samsonite celebrates 115 years of redefining travel, the iconic luggage brand looks to the future with an unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and consumer-centric design. TravTalk ME sat with Subrata Dutta President APAC and Middle East, Samsonite to find out about their journey – the past, present and future.
Founded by Jesse Shwayder with a visionary focus on durability and conscious consumption long before sustainability became mainstream, Samsonite continues to lead by example. Its latest experiential store not only showcases innovative, eco-conscious products but also serves as a reflection of its deep-rooted philosophy: creating long-lasting travel solutions that align with the evolving needs of global travellers. From recycled materials to tech-forward features, Samsonite remains a timeless yet forward-thinking companion for modern, mindful travellers.
For over a century, Samsonite has stood as a trusted name in travel, championing the founder Jesse Shwayder’s belief in durability, comfort, and responsibility. The brand’s philosophy has always centered around creating luggage that endures — not just in quality but in purpose. Today, as sustainability and innovation become global imperatives, Samsonite is more committed than ever to doing business responsibly.
At the heart of this commitment is a new experiential retail concept that embodies the brand’s eco-conscious values. Beyond sleek displays and product range, the store educates consumers on sustainable materials, responsible manufacturing, and innovation — all designed to encourage more mindful purchasing without being overly didactic. Customers can explore the stories behind the materials — from recycled PET bottles turned into linings to reclaimed yogurt cups and washing machine tubs re-engineered into hard-shell cases.
Since 2019, Samsonite has repurposed more than 250 million plastic bottles and introduced proprietary materials like Roxkin™, offering unmatched strength-to-weight performance. Even aluminium — once among the most environmentally taxing materials — is now increasingly recycled in Samsonite’s production lines.
Gen Z, with their discerning eye for authenticity and purpose, have become vital to the brand’s future. This generation demands not only stylish, functional bags but those that reflect values they can proudly support. Samsonite’s response is a product portfolio that’s both diverse and deeply purposeful — a blend of fashion, function, and environmental responsibility. Especially in the Middle East, where fashion and sustainability converge uniquely, Samsonite ensures its offerings reflect local needs — whether it’s stylish cabin bags, three-fold garment carriers for abayas, or lightweight weekenders for spontaneous travel.
Post-pandemic trends, like the rise of staycations and appreciation for the journey itself, have also influenced product design. Bags today are lighter, more compact, feature quick-access compartments, and suit the modern impulse to travel on a whim. Add to this, superior handling features and durability tested by airline crew and airport conditions — it’s easy to see why Samsonite has retained global loyalty for over a century.
The Middle East market, in particular, plays a pivotal role in shaping Samsonite’s design evolution. Not only do consumers here demand fashion-forward features, but they also seek functional luxury — and are willing to invest in quality. In fact, Samsonite’s average unit value in the region is 30–40% higher than in many other global markets. This blend of discernment and loyalty drives the brand to go beyond price competitiveness, focusing instead on performance, style, and sustainability.
With omni-channel strategies bridging online and offline worlds, Samsonite embraces a seamless shopping experience. Influencer partnerships, digital storytelling, and collaborations with brands like Diesel, New Balance, and Victoria & Albert Museum have helped elevate its cultural relevance. Plans to explore more regional partnerships — especially with airlines, travel operators, and curated luxury travel brands — are already in motion.
Looking ahead, the future of travel might include air taxis, space tourism, and hyper-personalized journeys. Samsonite’s vision is to remain agile, anticipating and innovating luggage designs that are lighter, smarter, and more sustainable — all while keeping the spirit of exploration alive. As the world evolves, so does Samsonite. With 115 years behind and countless innovations ahead, the brand isn’t just building luggage — it’s shaping how the world travels, responsibly.
