Kimpton Hotels is capitalizing on the rising trend of “tattourism” by offering guests a unique and permanent way to commemorate their travels. Through a new collaboration with Tiny Zaps, a micro-tattoo studio, Kimpton is introducing pop-up tattoo residencies at select properties across the United States. Starting this month, the partnership brings the art of tiny tattoos to five Kimpton locations, offering guests the chance to receive small, free tattoos inspired by the cities they visit, creating one-of-a-kind souvenirs etched into their skin.
The rotating tattoo residencies will take place at Kimpton hotels in Nashville, New Orleans, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, DC, with each city offering design options that reflect its distinctive culture and character. For example, guests in New Orleans may choose from designs like a trumpet or a shrimp tail, while those in New York could opt for a water tower or a theater ticket. These tattoos are designed to encapsulate the essence of each location, making them deeply personal and symbolic reminders of the travel experience.
Kimpton’s tattoo residencies are part of a broader movement in the travel industry that celebrates self-expression through body art. The monthly events, which will run through June 2025, allow guests to receive tattoos placed by a local artist from Tiny Zaps’ network, making the experience more intimate and authentic. The program is free to hotel guests, allowing them to engage with the art form without additional cost.
This collaboration reflects a shift in how people view travel memorabilia. Traditionally, travelers may have collected souvenirs like postcards, keychains, or trinkets to remember their trips. Now, tattoos offer a permanent and deeply personal way to mark their adventures. This idea ties into the long-standing tradition of sailors and travelers getting tattoos to commemorate significant journeys, a practice that dates back centuries. By partnering with Tiny Zaps, Kimpton taps into this historical connection while offering a modern twist that blends travel, self-expression, and art.
In addition to offering a fun and unique way to capture memories, this collaboration also gives travelers an opportunity to explore a different aspect of the local culture. The tattoo artists, who are sourced from Tiny Zaps’ network, bring their own flair and expertise to the designs, ensuring that each piece is not only meaningful but also artistically distinctive.
Kimpton’s partnership with Tiny Zaps ultimately offers a fresh alternative to traditional souvenirs, allowing travelers to engage with their destinations on a deeper level. By offering free tattoos, the hotel chain provides a unique experience that enhances the sense of connection between the guest, the city, and the journey itself. With monthly events lasting through mid-2025, this collaboration is sure to attract adventurous travelers eager to leave their mark—literally—on the places they visit.
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