Top Travel Trends in Luxury Travel for Travel Agents and Consultants
Luxury TTravel Trends is an increasingly important niche market for travel agents and consultants, whose clients are often the wealthiest and most demanding travelers in the world. As a result, it’s imperative that you understand the needs and desires of this segment so that you can successfully sell them your products.
The Demand for Experience-Based Luxury Travel Trends
Affluent consumers have moved from a desire for luxury goods to a new focus on experience. They’re looking for experiences that will help them feel more spiritually and emotionally fulfilled, as well as enhance their physical, mental and emotional health.
As a result, they’re willing to pay more for them, and that’s where luxury travel is all about. The following are some of the key trends that high-end travelers are interested in right now:
Authenticity and Social Media Influencers
When it comes to luxury travel, consumers want an authentic brand and experience. This is why it’s so important for travel brands to take social media into account when marketing their luxury products and services. Consumers will research your product through social media before making a decision to book with you, so it’s essential to be authentic and “Instagrammable” when advertising your products.
Providing a Personalized and Exquisite Experience
Luxury consumers want a personalized, exclusive experience. They expect to be able to make custom requests and have access to exclusive activities and tours, as well as special services such as private chauffeurs and villas.
Creating a bespoke luxury experience is key for any travel agent. It’s also vital for attracting and retaining high-end clients, as well as for boosting your online reputation as a trusted authority on luxury travel.
Incorporating Luxury Trains and Cruises into Their Private Tours
Affluent travelers are seeking to incorporate luxury trains and cruises into their private tours, particularly as part of a larger trip in Europe, South America or Southeast Asia. This can be a way to combine the luxury of a rail vacation with the comfort and convenience of a cruise, all in one experience.
Incorporating off-the-beaten-track destinations into their private tours is another trend for luxury travelers. This includes lesser-known locations like Georgia, Uzbekistan and Puglia in Europe and smaller cities and islands across the globe.
Family-based multi-generational private tours are in demand, especially highly customized luxurious trips hosted by grandparents who want to spoil their grandchildren with a trip of a lifetime.
Pent-up demand for closed destinations: Many destinations around the world remain shuttered after the outbreak of the Ebola virus in 2014, and this has created a huge pent-up desire among travelers to go there. Taking advantage of this opportunity to get away from the crowds, high-end travelers are booking extensive, over-the-top tours to these locations.
Infusing Culture into Their Tours: Affluent travelers are seeking to experience local cultures through their tours. This can include incorporating excursions into their itinerary to explore a region’s history, traditions and cuisine.
Increasingly, this is being done through customized itineraries and activities. Guests can choose from a selection of excursions, such as guided walks through the local community, visits to family farms and wineries, and opportunities for cultural exchange.