Celebrating Travel with Ink: The Kimpton x Tiny Zaps Tattoo Pop-Up Series
As travel continues to evolve, so does the way we commemorate our journeys. Enter "tattourism," a burgeoning trend that merges travel and self-expression through meaningful tattoos. In an exciting move, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a leader in the hospitality industry, has announced its partnership with Tiny Zaps, an innovative tattoo studio known for its whimsical and artistic tiny tattoo designs. Together, they are launching a captivating pop-up tattoo series that invites hotel guests to celebrate their travels through personalized ink.
Starting in April, this series will unfold at five select Kimpton properties across the United States. Tiny Zaps will provide complimentary, exclusive tattoo designs that guests aged 18 and older can choose from. Each month will showcase a unique tattoo collection that's inspired by the culture and essence of the location. For instance, visitors to New Orleans can select designs echoing the vibrance of Bourbon Street, while those in New York might opt for motifs inspired by the iconic Theater District.
A Modern Take on a Timeless Tradition
The tradition of marking travel experiences with tattoos dates back centuries, as sailors would often ink themselves to remember their journeys. However, the idea of celebrating travel through tattoos has gained substantial momentum among Gen-Z and Millennial travelers, who tend to prefer these profound mementos over typical souvenirs. This shift signals a broader cultural movement towards valuing personal experiences and storytelling.
Kimpton has always been about creating memorable and unexpected experiences for their guests. Vicki Poulos, Head of Luxury & Lifestyle Brands Americas and Global Kimpton at IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed excitement about this collaboration: "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. Our Kimpton x Tiny Zaps collection represents the ultimate travel souvenir — meaningful, personal, and a lasting celebration of exploration."
Pop-Up Schedule Details
The tattoo pop-up events will take place monthly from April through June at the following locations:
- - Kimpton Theta New York - Times Square in New York, NY: April 18, May 23, June 20
- - Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Washington, D.C.: April 5, May 17, June 7
- - Kimpton Everly Hotel in Los Angeles, CA: April 23, May 29, June 26
- - Kimpton Hotel Fontenot in New Orleans, LA: April 10, May 15, June 12
- - Kimpton Aertson Hotel in Nashville, TN: April 12, May 2, June 28
Guests are encouraged to use the IHG One Rewards app to reserve their stay and access exclusive events. This innovative approach not only enhances the travel experience but also offers guests an opportunity to create lasting memories in a tangible form.
Meaning Beyond Art
As Sam Kelly, Co-Founder of Tiny Zaps, notes, "People get tattoos for the same reasons they travel – to create and commemorate life experiences." This sentiment resonates deeply in today’s travel culture, where the notion of personalization and self-expression is increasingly celebrated.
Tiny Zaps, with its talented tattoo artists known for their creativity and strong local connections, will provide a generous variety of tattoo designs during the events, transforming each pop-up into a celebration of art and travel combined.
The collaboration aims not only to provide guests with a unique chance to remember their travels but also to support local tattoo artists and communities across different cities in the U.S.
For travel enthusiasts, tattoo lovers, and those seeking a deeper connection to their experiences, the Kimpton x Tiny Zaps pop-up series is a can't-miss event this spring. Keep an eye on their social media for updates and join in the conversation using #KimptonxTinyZaps.
For additional information about the tattoo series and to view the complete schedule, visit the Kimpton website.