Global Cities Open Their Doors: Travelers Gain Insider Access to Art, Fashion, and Film
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has launched the Doors Unlocked program, which offers travelers the opportunity to discover cultural events in six major cities around the world: London, New York, Tokyo, Dubai, Sydney, and Phuket. The program provides guests with unique opportunities to participate in private studio tours, film festival screenings, fashion shows, and dinners, thoughtfully coordinated with local experts and cultural professionals.
The initiative aims to attract visitors with the unique cultural character of each city. Guests have the opportunity to interact closely with designers, artists, and curators in small groups, allowing them to see local creative processes and cultural trends with their own eyes. These experiences are crafted to offer guests a more meaningful insight into each destination, going beyond typical tourist activities.
“We’ve been hosting guests for almost 80 years in every corner of the world. Everything we’ve learnt along the way has given us a worldly understanding with insightful expertise that we love to pass on. With Doors Unlocked, we will place our guests at the centre of vibrant cultural conversations, leveraging our global expertise and local connections to create unforgettable experiences. Our team’s deep knowledge will ensure every guest feels truly ‘in the know’ from the moment they arrive."
Participants in the "Doors Unlocked" program will have the opportunity to attend key cultural events in cities around the world:
- London: private fashion shows and meetings with designers, including Ahluwalia
- New York: VIP screenings at the New York Film Festival with Q&A sessions with filmmakers
- Tokyo: attendance at the Tokyo International Film Festival opening ceremony and exclusive cocktail events
- Dubai: early access to Dubai Design Week and curated tours of art installations
- Sydney: dress rehearsals of The Sleeping Beauty at the Sydney Opera House and a floral art masterclass
- Phuket: visits to key Thailand Biennale installations and a painting workshop led by a local artist
The program provides access to venues and events that are often unavailable to the general public, allowing participants to interact with local creators and specialists. These activities are conducted in small, close-knit groups, allowing for personalized interaction and an up-close exploration of each location’s cultural highlights.
Doors Unlocked is an opportunity to get to know cities more deeply. Combining behind-the-scenes access with carefully curated cultural experiences, the program reflects a growing trend in tourism toward immersion, learning, and authentic encounters. This approach allows visitors to experience the essence of each place, broadening their understanding of local art, design, and cultural traditions.