Calling All ‘Tattourists’: Kimpton Teams Up with Tiny Zaps for Exclusive Tattoo Pop-Up Series

Kimpton x Tiny Zaps Tattoo Pop-Up

Kimpton, which is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' portfolio, has announced a new partnership with Tiny Zaps, a tattoo studio specializing in small tattoos. This collaboration aims to introduce the trend of "tattourism” – which celebrates and commemorates travel through meaningful tattoos – directly to guests at select Kimpton hotels.

Beginning in April, this distinct offering will be showcased at pop-up events in five Kimpton properties throughout the U.S. Tiny Zaps will create complimentary, exclusive ink designs, providing guests aged 18 and up with a personal and artistic way to commemorate their visits. Each month, these events will highlight a specially curated tattoo collection from Kimpton x Tiny Zaps that captures the local culture of the city. For instance, guests in New York can select from various motifs inspired by the Theater District (view here), while those in New Orleans can pick designs that pay homage to the famous Bourbon Street (view here). The events will occur at each participating hotel monthly from April to June.

Although the idea of tattourism has roots in ancient times, when sailors recorded their voyages through tattoos, it has transformed into a contemporary movement that combines travel, personal expression, and narrative. Today, numerous Gen-Z and Millennial travelers are at the forefront of this cultural shift, choosing meaningful tattoos as their favored mementos instead of conventional souvenirs.

“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’ vast 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 following hotels:

• 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

“People get tattoos for the same reasons they travel – to create and commemorate life experiences,” said Sam Kelly, Co-Founder, Tiny Zaps.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Kimpton to create these innovative travel experiences catered to traveling tattoo collectors. Having unique design collections centered around each city adds a fun, passport stamp-like feature providing travelers with a lifetime of memories.”