More and more adventurous travelers are foregoing traditional souvenirs in favor of something more personal and infinitely more permanent: tattoos. The rising trend of “tattourism” – celebrating and commemorating travel with meaningful tattoos — serves to forever remind globetrotters of the places they’ve been, people they’ve met, and experiences they’ve had.
The concept of tattourism dates back centuries when sailors marked their journeys around the world with tattoos, but lately it has evolved into a modern movement that blends travel, self-expression, and storytelling. Currently, many Gen-Z and Millennial travelers are driving this cultural trend, favoring meaningful ink as the preferred souvenir over traditional keepsakes.
Hotel guests can now opt for an inked memory as a complimentary amenity at select Kimpton properties. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts‘ Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, Kimpton is the latest hotel group to lean into the tattourism trend with a pop-up partnership with Tiny Zaps, an innovative tattoo studio specializing in tiny tats.
Now underway, this arty offering will be available at pop-up events at five Kimpton properties across the U.S., where Tiny Zaps will provide exclusive inked designs as a personal way for guests aged 18+ to memorialize their trips. The pop-ups will each feature a specially curated Kimpton x Tiny Zaps tattoo collection that reflects the unique culture of each city. For example, guests in New York can choose from an assortment of motifs inspired by the Theater District (see here) while those in New Orleans can select from designs with a nod to the iconic Bourbon Street (see here). Events will take place at each participating hotel through June.
“At Kimpton, we’re all about creating thoughtful, unexpected guest experiences that leave lasting impressions,” said Vicki Poulos, Head of Luxury & Lifestyle Brands Americas and Global Kimpton, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “Through our partnership with Tiny Zaps, we’re combining travel, art, and self-expression to offer a one-of-a-kind way for people to connect with the cities they visit and have a deep connection with. Our Kimpton x Tiny Zaps collection represents the ultimate travel souvenir: meaningful, personal, and a lasting celebration of exploration.”
Tiny Zaps’ network of talented local tattooers – renowned for their creativity and strong local followings – will provide complimentary Tiny Zaps tattoos on a limited basis at the Kimpton Theta New York – Times Square in New York, NY (May 23, June 20); Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Washington, D.C. (May 17, June 7); Kimpton Everly Hotel in Los Angeles, CA (May 29, June 26); and Kimpton Hotel Fontenot in New Orleans, LA (May 15, June 12).
Photos Courtesy of Kimpton
