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Tailor-make your dream escape | 7-10 November 2024

The Luxury Travel Fair is the ultimate destination to unlock some of the most iconic corners of the world. Start your journey with over 80 brands, from luxury tour operators, exclusive resorts and boutique boltholes, safari specialists and a host of original once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.

Whether you’re dreaming of island-hopping in the Bahamas, adventuring through the rainforests of Australia, watching whales splash in the Pacific, indulge your travelling fantasies with us. Meet with the widest selection of travel experts and specialists face-to-face to help you tailor-make your next dream escape.

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Safari & Wildlife

Private Tours

City Breaks

Cultural Adventures

Wedding & Honeymoon

Spa & Relaxation

Bespoke Experiences

TRAVELLERS PERSONALITIES & EXPERT SPEAKERS

Be inspired by our knowledgeable travel experts as they share their travel experiences and offer advice for the discerning traveller. 

Explore our 2023 speakers including foreign correspondent, Clive Myrie, Wildlife Biologist and Presenter, Lizzie Daly, Sarah Allard and many more. 2024 to be announced soon...

View Speakers & Timetable

EXHIBITOR LIST

Discover a hand-picked selection of leading travel experts. From luxury cruises and exclusive winter expeditions to safari specialists and private tours.

Meet the specialists face-to-face to tailor-make your dream escape.

View More >

LOUIS ROEDERER CHAMPAGNE BAR

Relax in our champagne bar and enjoy a glass or two of Louis Roederer Champagne.

Take in the atmosphere of the fair as you plan your next luxury break.

Has there ever been a time when travelling was so exciting - and yet so confusing and tiring at the same time?

The Luxury Travel Fair is the answer to all the questions you might have: Where do you go for perfect weather and delicious food without encountering over tourism? What cruise ship feels adventurous yet elegant? Where can I find a villa that's luxurious but discreet? Is this the right time to finally go back to Asia? 

The Luxury Travel Fair is a must-visit, bringing you so many new ideas and possibilities, along with in-person insights and expertise that take away all the second-guessing and stress. Don’t miss the 2024 edition!’

Divia Thani, Global Editorial Director, CONDÉ NAST TRAVELLER

JOSÈ PIZARRO RESTAURANT

Join us for a delightful journey into the world of Spanish flavours, guided by the one and only José Pizarro. Don't miss this opportunity to savour his culinary delights and experience the essence of Spanish cuisine.

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS FAIR

Co-located next to The Luxury Travel Fair, enjoy complimentary access to the Spirit of Christmas Fair 2024, in association with House & Garden offering you the chance to get ahead on your Christmas shopping.  View More 

WINTER ART & ANTIQUES FAIR 

The Winter Art & Antiques Fair 2024 is a premier showcase of the finest, established and knowledgeable art and antique dealers, offering a wide range of high-quality objects worldwide and spanning centuries at Olympia London.

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The Best Luxury Travel Trade Shows in 2022/23 That Are Actually Worth Attending

In 2021, we were ecstatic about the return to in-person events in the luxury travel industry. Long-forgotten outfits were unearthed from our wardrobes, hands were shaken and cheeks were kissed, LinkedIn connections multiplied, and the dark days of the pandemic started to fade from our memories.

Sure, there were also some invite-only trade shows that maybe should have spent 2020 reconsidering the value of their events in a post-COVID landscape, but we’ve already shared our thoughts on THAT particular issue .

We’ve been seeing some significant changes in the last year or so in both the travel and recruitment industry, as company values, purpose and mission become much more of a priority for customers and employees. We’re living in increasingly turbulent times, and anyone refusing to acknowledge this runs the risk of being forgotten about in favour of competitors that are passionate about highlighting inequality or bringing about change.

So this time around, when it comes to choosing which travel events to attend we’re not only considering the value of the trade show, but also whether our attendance will benefit an organisation that deserves our support.

In particular, we want to highlight the shows that are taking place in LGBTQ+ safe destinations. Despite the progress being made for this community, it’s still a scary (and sometimes illegal) time to be an LGBTQ+ individual in plenty of countries around the world, and if an event is held in a location that isn’t safe for everyone to attend, we don’t want to know about it.

We also want to shine a light on the luxury travel trade shows that are led by companies and (some of our favourite) influential industry figures that actually walk the walk when it comes to purpose, values and making a positive difference in their industry sector.

Forget about trying to sift through long-winded lists of every single luxury travel trade show happening in the next 12 months. Here’s our guide to the events that are actually worth attending (and are safe for everyone to do so!) in 2022/23.

Proud Experiences 2023

When: 5th - 7th June 2023

Where: Los Angeles, California

Proud Experiences is one of the best and most-loved LGBTQ+ events in the travel industry, directed by industry icon Simon Mayle who also directs several other ILTM events and is an out and proud member of the community. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with other LGBTQ+ people in the travel industry, discuss and learn about the kinds of issues faced by this demographic in travel and beyond, and network with businesses seeking to embrace and elevate the LGBTQ+ community.

In 2023, Proud Experiences will be taking place at the start of June in Los Angeles at the Fairmont Century Plaza, consisting of three days of exhibits, workshops, masterclasses and talks from a variety of exciting names and organisations. It’s an incredibly safe and inclusive LGBTQ+ space, and we can’t recommend it enough if you’re looking for a travel trade show that is proud to show off its true colours.

IGLTA Global Convention

When: 26th - 29th October 2022

Where: Milan, Italy

Founded in 1983, IGLTA is a world-leading organisation that organises trips and events for its huge network of LGBT-welcoming tourism businesses. Not only do they organise a wide range of conferences, networking events and activities that are queer-friendly, but they also work hard to promote safe and equal tourism and travel opportunities for LGBTQ+ people and share plenty of free resources to help make this happen.

The IGLTA Global Convention is a classic event in the LGBTQ+ travel community calendar that we’ll always recommend, not only because we’re friends with its wonderful South Africa Membership Organiser, Martina Barth . The 38th edition of this event is taking place in the fabulous Italian city of Milan and promises a fantastic schedule of networking lunches, education sessions and a buyer/supplier marketplace.

Did we mention that the opening reception is held in a 15th-century mediaeval castle? Count us in!

Connections

If you’re looking for luxury travel events in particular then the ones organised by  Connections  are your best place to start. Organised for an exclusive group of members working in this industry sector, Connections was founded in 2014 to develop a new and meaningful approach to networking by facilitating memorable and enjoyable experiences to spark real connection and conversation.

We’re incredibly excited about the fact that Gregory Reeves is now at the helm of these events after the departure of Micaela Giacobbe, as well as the fact that one of our favourites, Sam Blundsdon , has returned as a business development manager. The team and the events they organise are all with purpose and have strong values at their core, which we love to see in a market that is often saturated with visibly glamorous events without any kind of substance.

It’s worth noting however that some Connections events are held in countries that aren’t LGBTQ-friendly. However, their commitment to diversity as a team and an MD who truly gives a sh*t and is keen to see change in the industry puts them as THE luxury invite shows to invest in, ahead of companies like This is Beyond. Below are several shows that we’d highly recommend attending.

Connections Luxury London

When:  25th - 29th September 2022

Where:  London, UK

Connections Luxury London is a brilliant UK-based event for those in the luxury travel industry that consists of the classic Connections agenda of meetings and experiences. It’s being held this September as part of Jacobs Media Group’s Global Travel Week, and applications are still open if you want to attend.

Connections Luxury Tokyo

When: 13th - 16th November 2022

Where: Tokyo, Japan

Connections Luxury Tokyo  is going to be the first B2B luxury travel event that has been held in the city since the pandemic, so it is bound to be an exciting occasion with plenty of opportunities. The immersive experiences that make Connections’ events so special will all be based around sampling elements of Japanese culture, so this is truly not a luxury event to be missing out on.

Connections Luxury Europe

When:  4th - 7th June 2023

Where:  Barcelona, Spain

Connections Luxury Europe is one of this organisation’s largest flagship events, so if you want to experience meeting buyers from all over the world, this is certainly the occasion to do so. It’s an exclusive event for members with a handpicked selection of attendees and businesses along with some seriously special experiences on offer.

Connections Luxury Adventure Madeira

When: 3rd - 6th September 2023

Where: Funchal, Portugal

Connections Luxury Adventure  took place for the first time in 2022, and was so successful that a 2023 event is already being organised. This event focuses on connecting buyers with suppliers that offer adventure travel experiences, all of the same luxury standard that you can expect from any Connections event.

Amour Global 2022  

When: 19th - 22nd October 2022

Where: Cascais, Portugal

Amour Global 2022  is hosted by the team at Private Luxury Events, and whilst we can’t recommend their sister luxury travel show TFest due to its location in anti-LGBTQ+ Dubai, we’re big fans of the work of people like  Emily Brooks  and  Christy Kuplic  are doing in organising valuable and inspiring luxury travel shows and we are actively liaising with them on how to make their events more inclusive. Amour is a brand that specialises in luxury romance travel, and Amour Global 2022 brings together over 110 global buyers for three days of meetings and connection, this year in the beautiful setting of Cascais on the Portuguese coast.

No list of the best travel trade shows would be complete without  L.E/Miami . This event encapsulates everything we love about the travel industry, and we’re a massive fan of its director  Zahava Abend  for organising such an impactful and enjoyable event in the high-end travel sector.

The 2022 event has just taken place, and whilst dates have not yet been announced for next year’s gathering, we’re still including it on our list as a stand-out example of an inclusive event with strong values. L.E/Miami is invite-only, which creates a fantastic environment for business opportunities and discussion amongst a carefully curated group of individuals and organisations.

Their message is also to  “celebrate the people and brands that rebel against convention”  which we obviously support wholeheartedly!

Experience Africa

If you’ve been looking for an event specialising in African travel then stop what you’re doing right now. The search is over -  Experience Africa  is THE Africa trade show to attend, above all others. The 2022 event has just been and gone, but we’re already excited for what next year will bring.

Experience Africa is organised by The African Travel and Tourism Association, of which our friend Chris Mears is Executive Director, and offers fantastic bang for your buck, connecting buyers from across Europe and the UK with a wide range of African travel products and experiences. The offering is wonderfully diverse and there’s no other destination-specific show offering quite the same level of opportunities and seminars over several days.

We also wanted to give a shout-out to these legends for making their 2022 event happen in London despite it taking place during the biggest rail strike in the UK. Talk about an impressive organisation!

The International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum

When:  22nd June 2023

The  International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum  is organised by Women in Travel; a UK-based organisation that is dedicated to empowering those who identify as women through travel experiences, tourism and hospitality. Their annual forum may not be a specialist luxury event and it’s not invitation only, but we wanted to include it on our list as it’s a social enterprise with some seriously epic values. The 2022 summer event took place a few months ago, but the dates have already been released for next year’s event. 

When:  2nd - 4th November 2022

Where:  New Orleans, Louisiana

SET is an invitation-only event that caters for business in the entertainment travel industry, running for the first time this November. We’re already big fans of SET because  Zahava Abend and industry icon Marine Rolland are behind it. 

Perhaps the most exciting aspect is that it’s held in the vibrant city of New Orleans - yep, you heard that right! Not only can attendees enjoy meeting with 120 exhibitors and 130 buyers, but you also get to enjoy the hospitality of one of Louisiana’s most famous destinations.

Loop isn’t a single annual event. In fact, it prides itself on being more of a community that organises multiple different gatherings throughout the year that facilitate connections between buyers and businesses in the travel sector. It’s the only travel fair offering luxury and high-end business opportunities in the German-speaking and Central and Eastern European markets, making this a fantastic option if your company specialises in relevant destinations.

ILTM Cannes

When: 5th - 8th December 2022

Where: Cannes, France

ILTM Cannes  is a classic luxury travel event that we had to include on this list for its reputation and the impressive number of attendees. One of many ILTM events happening around the world, (some of which do not take place in LGBTQ+ friendly destinations…) ILTM is a great opportunity for anyone in luxury travel to meet with like-minded people, develop new business partnerships and enjoy spending several days in one of France’s most glamorous cities.

GBTA Convention

The Global Business Travel Association is an organisation connecting companies in the business travel sector, and their  annual convention  has been taking place for over 50 years and is a fantastic choice for anyone working in this area. The 2022 event has just taken place, so keep your eyes peeled for the 2023 dates, as this is a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into what the future holds for business travel.

Virtuoso Travel Week

Virtuoso Travel Week is an annual global travel community event and one of the world’s biggest luxury travel conferences. The extended length of this event means that attendees are given more than enough time to arrange meetings and enjoy fruitful networking opportunities, leaving the event with a host of new ideas and business connections to build on in the following months.

The most recent Virtuoso Travel Week took place in the summer of 2022, but as such an influential and popular event in luxury travel, we’d recommend you start planning to attend the 2023 show already. This year a virtual event was also held, which is great news in terms of making the occasion more accessible for everybody.

Final Thoughts

We’re absolutely loving how many industry names and events are committing to promoting strong values and championing inclusion, as this list demonstrates. Many events still have a way to go in improving accessibility and ensuring that any ‘elite’ status associated with luxury travel doesn’t stop a diverse range of attendees, but the names we’ve highlighted in this post are proof that there is some really inspiring progress being made.

And as for the popular events that you’re not seeing on this list… We’re ready and waiting to see if they will make the necessary changes to make the cut next year.

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Thea Bardot

19th September

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Find out where you should go on holiday next at The Luxury Travel Fair 2023

The Luxury Travel Fair returns to the Olympia National Gallery Level for 2023. In previous years guests kayaked down one of South America's most epic rivers, took to the skies in a helicopter and descended a dangerous volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At least, they did vicariously, through the stories of adventurers including Pip Stewart, Tommy Clarke and Aldo Kane – three of the experts who assembled to share their intrepid experiences and answer questions from the floor.

This year, the fair will introduce a different line-up of adventurers and explorers, as well as celebrities and journalists – including Clive Myrie, Dan O’Neill and Lizzie Daly – leading on-stage conversations. Hear their accounts, ask them your questions and find a deep well of information at your fingertips.

Alongside the big names, the Luxury Travel Fair offers the inside track on the smartest new hotels , exclusive destinations and top tour operators. Whether you fancy extreme sports in Switzerland or family-friendly indulgence on a tropical island, this is the place to discuss and plan bespoke trips and tailor-made travel experiences.

Date:  Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 November 2023 Time:  10am-5pm; 10am – 4.30pm Address:  Olympia National Entrance, Olympia London, Kensington, W14 8UX Website:   luxurytravelfair.com Special ticket offer:  Readers are exclusively eligible to enjoy two complimentary* tickets, subject to booking fee only. Quote code ‘ WEBLTF ’ at  luxurytravelfair.com

Complimentary ticket offer is subject to £2.50 booking fee per ticket. Maximum 2 tickets per order. Advance box office closes 11.59pm, 1 November 2023.

Where contemporary travel is reimagined.

For over a decade, L.E/Miami has been at the forefront of contemporary travel innovation. With our signature blend of sass, sensational extracurriculars and the sexiest collective of lifestyle-led suppliers and buyers on the planet, we’re a travel trade event – but not like you’ve ever experienced.

Why L.E/Miami?

HANG WITH THE IN-CROWD

L.E/Miami is a four-day event; but we spend 361 days meticulously vetting applications to make sure only the most forward-thinking minds in high-end contemporary travel make the cut.

BRING IN BIG BUSINESS

A personalised appointment diary brings you (business) matches made in heaven. Based on your preferences, you’ll have up to 45 prescheduled meetings with the handpicked buyers or suppliers most relevant to you.

GET DEEPER CONNECTIONS

From morning workout sessions to iconic poolside soirées, you’ll leave every L.E/ event with long-lasting relationships to benefit your biz, long-term. Your little (pink) book will be brimming with new contacts.

DISCOVER FRESH INSIGHTS

Dive into incisive speaker sessions and immersive experiences on-tap at Open House by L.E/Miami – a full-day festival that kick-starts the show experience.

PUT YOUR BRAND ON THE MAP

Attending L.E/Miami places your biz at the cutting-edge of contemporary travel. Plus, we’ve got plenty of ways to double-down on your exposure before and during the show.

Who Attends?

Members of the L.E/Miami collective

Design & lifestyle-led hotel & travel brands

High-end travel designers, entertainment & corporate travel managers

International travel & lifestyle media

Think you're limited edition?

I’m an exhibitor.

A design and lifestyle-led hotel or travel brand.

I’m a buyer

A private travel designer or in-house travel manager for a creative company.

A senior storyteller at a world leading travel or lifestyle outlet.

Want to reach our curated crowd?

Collab with L.E/Miami and get 1,800 influential eyes on your brand.

Day 1 MONDAY

Day 2 tuesday, day 3 wednesday, day 4 thursday.

We also offer specialised programmes for contemporary travel's senior leaders (GMs, MDs and agency owners) at L.E/Master Pass, and for in-house PR directors at L.E/PR Access.

– Sam Russell, Global Director of Sales & Events - The Twenty Two

L.E/Miami for me is the pinnacle of a luxury trade show – the business opportunities are exponential and the best buyers in high end luxury travel are present, yet it still feels intimate. Attending is just as important for our business now as an established brand as it was when we first attended back in 2017 – and were bringing a completely new brand to the marketplace.

– Jenna Wilson, Regional Director of Sales - Aman

Between the incredible selection of well-versed buyers, personalised appointments, and endless curated celebrations, we always leave with strong connections and promising leads.

– Carolyn Roome, Vice President & Manager - BCD Media & Entertainment Travel

L.E/Miami has always been such a pivotal show – you absolutely want to be on the all-important invite list. From a networking perspective it is second to none – the best high-end contemporary exhibitors and buyers from across the leisure, entertainment and creative sectors.

– Zach Wolf, Chief Business Development Officer - Ascot Travel Services

Even with all the hype and excitement, I was truly overwhelmed – not just by the gorgeous spectacle of it all, but also the environment L.E/Miami created to allow new relationships to flourish. I formed new and successful business relationships due to the meetings and appointments organized by the L.E/Miami team.

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27 - 30 OCTOBER 2024 MAYAKOBA, MEXICO

27-30 october 2024, fairmont mayakoba, mexico, a movement to put the human experience first. this is the new age of trade shows.

The unmissable event for luxury travel

We bring together the world’s most influential buyers and exhibitors in luxury travel to meet and inspire each other, and be a catalyst for the future. Connect, explore and create authentic relationships in a vibrant atmosphere.

It’s a transformative journey

We do what we do to create a more connected world, where genuine and lasting relationships can be formed in a truly joyful environment. TFest is a journey of transformation, calling us to be bold and work together to achieve our purpose.

It’s a growing community

A community of the best buyers and exhibitors in luxury travel. Pioneers of travel trends and creators who are unafraid to challenge old paradigms and usher in the new. These are like-minded visionaries who inspire one another to move boldly into the future with innovation, passion, and authenticity. 250 Global luxury buyers 240 Global exhibitors 10 Press and media 40 Meetings 20K Connections 85K Our luxury community

THE MOVEMENT CONTINUES

27-30 october 2024 fairmont mayakoba, mexico.

It’s the most desirable luxury travel show in the industry! Don’t miss the next Chapter of TFest - the movement continues.

2 - 6 October 2022 Atlantis, the Palm, Dubai

TFest: Calling invites you to look inward, connect more deeply, and begin a time of transformation. Will you answer the call?

7-11 May 2023 Fairmont Mayakoba, Mexico

Stay connected, © 2024 tfest , private luxury , and amour are part of ple , a division of worldwide events group ltd , 27 furnival st, london ec4a 1jq‍ white label travel ltd.

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Luxury travel in 2023: What to expect this year

Based on our unique insight into the luxury travel industry, we explore what’s trending for 2023, from positive impact travel to ‘set jetters’ and destination dining. 

2022 saw the travel industry bounce back following a turbulent few years, and 2023 is set to see travel come back like never before. Despite the costs of living crisis, Britons are still prioritising travel as a must for next year but are making conscious changes to the way they travel.

Positive impact travel 

Travellers are increasingly committed to purposeful travel, and not just in a strictly ecological sense. They’re also seeking out companies and experiences that focus on benefitting local people and the economy, whilst preserving natural and cultural heritage.

Stats:  In a recent survey conducted by global travel network  Virtuoso , 74 per cent of travellers said they’re willing to pay more to travel sustainably if they know where their money is going and 70 per cent agreed that travelling sustainably actually enhances their holiday experience. An American Express survey found that 59 per cent agree that they are interested in ‘philantourism’, the act of choosing vacation or experience in order to support a destination through tourism.

Where to go :  Thanda Island , the world’s only exclusive-use island in a marine reserve, strives to preserve the natural environment and give back to the local community. Through its various marine life and environment preservation initiatives, sustainability strategies, community, education and entrepreneurship programmes, Thanda Island makes a positive impact on the planet.

On the other side of the Indian Ocean, luxury resort  Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi  is also on a mission to clean up paradise. The resort’s newly launched Sustainability Lab turns plastic waste collected from the ocean and surrounding islands into bespoke souvenirs and unique products, educating guests and empowering local communities to care for the delicate underwater environment.

Off the beaten track

After many holidaymakers were choosing to ease their way back into post-pandemic travel by playing it safe, whether with a staycation or a familiar destination, the urge to now visit somewhere new, different and off the beaten track is bigger than ever before.

Stats:  According to a Booking.com poll of more than 24,000 people, 58 per cent of travellers want to get ‘out of their comfort zone’ next year. The data also showed that 47 per cent of travellers will seek out a destination with completely different cultural experiences and languages to their home country, while 24 per cent want to visit lesser-known cities off the beaten track.

Where to go : Book a trip with bespoke luxury tour operator  EnVogue Travel  who leverage a handpicked network of premium brands, to a curate fully personalised, off the beaten track itineraries, tailored to suit the most discerning travellers’ requirements, from retracing the legendary caravan routes of the Silk Road to a heliskiing adventure in Greenland. Discover Bhutan’s culture like never before with  COMO Hotels and Resorts’  six-night Historical Odysseys itinerary which deeply immerses guests into the country’s Buddhist culture.

Destination dining

Hotels are a serious draw to some locations and travellers are looking for hotels that have it all, especially when it comes to dining options. Dining plans are as important (if not more!) than activities – with tastes becoming more diversified and adventurous and food ecosystems are increasingly critical to enticing new travellers and sustaining returning ones. With this in mind, hotels and resorts with exceptional dining offerings are set to increase in popularity next year.

Stats : According to a survey from Bidfood, 45 per cent of consumers consider eating out a fundamental activity in their lives and 64 per cent said despite the cost-of-living crisis, they would find it difficult to stop eating and drinking out. Seven in 10 people say eating and drinking out is still the treat they most look forward to.

Where to go : Head to  Ibiza Gran Hotel,  the foodie hub of Ibiza and best gastronomic hotel of 2022, for a culinary delight. With its very own Michelin-starred flagship restaurant, La Gaia by Óscar Molina, Downtown Ibiza by Cipriani, world-renowned Zuma, and locally inspired ASAL, driven by the two-star Michelin chef, Mario Sandoval, Ibiza Gran Hotel has it all.

A one-stop destination for world-class dining,  Caesars Palace Dubai  offers an impressive variety of culinary experiences to cater to all palates. From a signature beef wellington at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen to 14-day aged slow roast duck at Demon Duck by Alvin Leung, each of the hotel’s bars and restaurants immerses diners with culinary challenges and tableside theatre.

Set jetters

Forget jet setting and instead become a ‘set jetter’ next year. More and more people are choosing to get off their sofas and experience their favourite TV shows and films first-hand and embark on TV-inspired itineraries and experiences. Destinations are creating immersive trips to the places where binge-worthy series were filmed so travellers can live out their favourite shows.

Stats : Expedia reports that 40 per cent of their travellers find inspiration for where to go next from TV shows and movies. Hotels.com saw a spike in British interest to travel to Paris by 50 per cent following the release of Emily in Paris. HuffPost reported in March, there was a 500 per cent increase in daily traffic to the La Mamounia hotel in Marrakech on Tripadvisor following the release of Inventing Anna.

Examples : Follow in Anna Delvy’s footsteps with  Cenizaro Hotels and Resorts  and discover the vibrant colours and scents of Marrakech with a stay at  La Maison Arabe .

Or have your own Emily in Paris experience and discover boutique luxury at  Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain . Situated on the French capital’s Left Bank, the hotel’s concierge has mapped out a walking route for guests to discover some of the most iconic locations from the show, before returning to enjoy the culinary delights of Les Parisiens, by the hotel’s own ‘hot chef’, Thibault Sombardier.

Splendid isolation

Privacy has become the ultimate form of luxury travel, while freedom, flexibility and sustainability will all help drive bookings in the luxury travel industry next year. A permanent pandemic hangover is the desire among high-end travellers to stay somewhere in utter privacy.

Stat : American Express report that privacy is described as the new ultimate luxury with three-quarters of respondents (75 per cent) agreeing that experiences that offer ultimate privacy are becoming a key sought-after feature of luxury travel.

Where to go : For ultimate seclusion, the Mediterranean’s new stylish sanctuary,  Yazz Collective  is set within a private bay in Fethiye, Turkey, boasting an unrivalled location which is only accessible by sea. All rooms at  CAYO Resort and Spa  feature private outdoor pools, set on spacious terraces overlooking the ocean, while the unique stacked architecture ensures none of the rooms are overlooked, allowing guests to feel a satisfying sense of seclusion despite being in one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations.

Greece is the word

The UK has topped the list of overseas visitors in Greece this year, with over three million British travellers, and these records are set to continue into next year. Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias is in discussions with UK market professionals to enable the expansion of flights to Greece until the end of November to increase their season further. Greece is also growing from strength to strength as a growth market for HNW travellers, with evenly distributed interest across global travellers from all markets.

Stats:  According to data from the Bank of Greece, in January-August 2022, the number of inbound travellers from the United Kingdom to Greece rose by 316 per cent to over three million year-on-year and a recent Virtuoso study conducted with YouGov found that 32 per cent of travellers plan to visit Greece next year.

Where to go : Set on a secluded bay overlooking the glistening Ionian see,  Parga Beach Resort  invites guests to discover Greece’s unspoiled territories away from the crowds. Famed for its exotic beaches, charming natural landscapes and traditional architecture, Parga is the perfect option for a multi-generational escape in 2023.

For a sexier Greek stay set head and shoulders above the competition Nobu Santorini  offers heartfelt Nobu service, the brand’s understated luxury flair, as well as a new mesmerising, sea-facing dining destination in the form of the country’s very first Nobu Restaurant.

Exclusive all-inclusive

All-inclusive holidays are set to be the go-to option to help people control their travel spend and take that sacrosanct holiday next year. Acknowledging this, many of the world’s high-end resorts are redesigning the all-inclusive concept, but with a new level of style. No longer a dirty word, all-inclusive has become exclusive and not just a budget break.

Stat:  This year’s ABTA Report found that 29 per cent of Britons plan to take an all-inclusive holiday in 2023 to help manage finances.

Examples : This year  Lindos Village Resort and Spa  re-launched a brand new deluxe all-inclusive concept and is one of the few resorts in Rhodes to offer this elevated experience to adults only.  The Residence Falhumaafushi  and its sister property,  The Residence Dhigurah  allow guests of both resorts to travel freely between the two via its 1km private bridge, and the new all-inclusive offering includes unique dining experiences and a myriad of activities.

Trends included stem from Fox Communications ’ team of travel experts as well as April Hutchinson, Editor of TTG Luxury’s ‘Going Further’ travel trends contribution to our luxury sector, Fox Quarterly .

6 Luxury Travel Trends That Will Be Huge in 2023

From hot new destinations to putting art ahead of food (really!), welcome to a fabulous new year of journeys near and far.

Japan, Italy, and Other Trending Destinations

“Japan!” says Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner at New York-based Embark Beyond , when he considers 2023’s hottest destinations. “Pre-COVID it was on one of the steepest growth trajectories; now people are clamoring to return,” he says, adding that one of the world’s hottest ski destinations for 2023 is Niseko on the country’s north island of Hokkaido.

Also hot: “Italy beyond the obvious,” he says: “Look at the regions of Piedmont, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna to pop up as the new Tuscany, fueled by great new properties like Casa di Langa .” Ezon also names Montenegro back on the hot list, thanks to the new One&Only Portonovi drawing eyes (and yachts) to this corner of the Med, Peru trending for foodies and outdoor adventurers, Tanzania topping safari destinations, and the beautiful new Kisawa Sanctuary pulling focus to Mozambique as “the post-safari retreat du jour.”

The Rise of Solo Travel

When it comes to grown-up luxury travelers, the allure of going solo has never been greater. Virtuoso recently reported that among its travelers aged 65+, interest in single travel went from 4 percent in 2019 to 18 percent in 2022. And the offerings for solo explorers just get better and better, whether it’s the Solo Package (literally!) at Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives or a regenerative weekend of yoga, sound baths, hydro therapies, spa treatments, and more at Shou Sugi Ban House in the Hamptons .

Private Yachts Seas the Day

While a boat of one’s own (even if for only a week) has always been a hallmark of luxury travel, the world of private yacht excursions has never been more creative—or alluring. Cases in point: Kontiki Expeditions’ superyacht plying the Ecuador coast , and EYOS Expeditions , which offers superyacht excursions in Antarctica.

“Many people just didn’t realize it was possible to go to Antarctica via a private yacht,” says EYOS CEO Ben Lyons, “but it has travelers thinking how they can experience a destination in new ways,” including a fully customized experience and a boatload—as it were—of privacy.

For those who prefer their adventure in a glass, Belmond will debut Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne in May 2023: a restored river barge plying the region’s waterways in partnership with Maison Ruinart, the world’s oldest Champagne house. On offer: a weeklong private charter starting at €82,000 (approximately $79,500).

Embracing the Off Season

After the pandemic travel pause, the surge in luxury travel to beloved destinations like the Amalfi Coast and Greece pushed demand into the shoulder seasons like never before, and hotels responded by opening earlier in the spring and welcoming guests often all the way to Christmas—a move that seems to be sticking.

“At first, travelers were so anxious to get back out there as soon as destinations were opening up, they were ready to go right away, even if it wasn’t the typical season for that destination,” says travel advisor Beth Washington, founder of Washington, D.C.-based travel agency Getaway Guild .

Washington points also to African safaris now stretching beyond classic seasons of winter for South Africa and July through October travel for East Africa: “Travelers can have wonderful game viewing on safari most of the year if you work with a safari specialist,” she says. If the pandemic taught us anything, Washington says, “it’s that the ability to travel is not promised, and there is no time like the present to take that dream trip rather than wait for peak season.”

Art Is the New Food

Travel centered around art is poised to replace culinary travel as a leading luxury travel trend, says Jack Ezon, who points to Arles, Berlin, Havana, Paris, Milan, Miami, Mexico City, Marfa, Cape Town, and Marrakech as top destinations.

And the hotels! Airelles Le Grand Contrôle recently opened in the heart of France’s Château de Versailles and offers private tours and exclusive access to the Domaine de Trianon and the gardens. In the Scottish highlands, the Swiss gallerists Manuela and Iwan Wirth have created a stunning hotel-gallery hybrid at The Fife Arms (including more than 14,000 works including high-impact Picassos, Freuds, and Richters). In Marrakesh, Royal Mansour offers guests complimentary tickets to the stunning Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech . And creative art partnerships are the new Michelin-starred chef: In Italy, Belmond has joined with acclaimed Galleria Continua to create MITICO , four garden-based art installations (including Cameroonian artist Pascale Marthine Tayou’s stunning Les Routes du Paradis at Grand Hotel Timeo on Sicily) that will return anew in 2023. “Whether it’s cities with art festivals, cities with an art scene, or art shopping trips,” sums Ezon, “art is definitely the new food.”

Traveling to Gather

While solo travel is surging, particularly for the 65+ set, creative getaways for groups is top of mind at myriad luxury destinations, particularly among younger travelers (according to Virtuoso, solo travel interest among the 18-34 set dropped from 12 percent in 2019 to 6 percent in 2022).

“Beyond multi-gen trips, people are flocking around the world in groups,” says Ezon. “Groups of ladies. Groups of guys. Groups of a half dozen couples. Friends who like botany, fitness instructors bringing their fans to some remote place for fitness. Divorced ladies out for revenge. You name the affinity; people are traveling together. We are even seeing five and six families traveling together.” With a surge in villa offerings at hotels and resorts as well as private yacht charters, it’s never been more easier—or more fabulous—to gather together, the world over.

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Slow and sustainable: The expectations of the luxury traveler in 2023 and beyond

Luxury travel in 2023 is set to be slow, sustainable and immersive. From extended train journeys to memorable encounters with nature and spending longer at each destination, luxury holidaymakers are seeking a more meaningful escape. Research shows that sustainable travel experiences, connecting to the local culture and leaving a positive impact on the places you visit are all high on the travel agenda. We take a look at this gratifying travel trend and show you how our Luxury Gold limited-edition tours can help you tick these boxes.

A new rationale for travel

Travelling slowly, immersively and sustainably is an absolute expectation for luxury travel in 2023. The most recent American Express Global Travel Trends Report revealed widespread changes in the rationale of travelers. 81% of respondents want to visit destinations where they can immerse themselves in the local culture. 78% of respondents expressed a desire to have a positive impact on the community they were visiting. While 62% agreed they wanted to be more thoughtful about where and how they travel.

While travelers are spending on immersive experiences and longer holidays, the luxury traveler is doing so with an increasingly eco-conscious mindset.

Read more: 5 common misconceptions about luxury travel (and why they are wrong)

Slow and immersive with Luxury Gold

From timeless train journeys to luxury safaris, there are many ways to enjoy slow and immersive travel on our limited-edition journeys. Defining luxury travel in 2023, picture multi-night stays in magnificent hotels that enable you to unwind and make your time more meaningful with friends a family. Private access to galleries and landmarks away from the crowds, enabling you as a VIP traveler to soak up culture at your own pace. And MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as you go, the ultimate in immersive responsible travel experiences. Here you can connect to the communities you visit, exchange stories with locals, make a positive impact and create lasting memories.

Read more: 5 benefits of visiting iconic tourist hotspots out of hours

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Sustainable travel has long been at the heart of Luxury Gold. And this is brought to life through our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, included on most of our limited-edition tours. Thoughtfully chosen, these experiences offer the chance to immerse yourself deeper in your destination, through its people, nature and wildlife. If you are looking to make time and travel more meaningful, this is a unique opportunity for new learnings. To make lasting connections and leave a positive legacy.

Aligned to the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development, each MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience is carefully selected and assessed for its positive, and long-term impact. Even though the experience might be for just a couple of hours, the memory that you leave with, this feeling of having contributed, stays with you forever.

Read more: How your travels with Luxury Gold help conserve nature for future generations

If traveling slowly, immersively and sustainably sounds like you, then to whet your appetite further here are three of our limited-edition tours, defining luxury travel in 2023.

Majesty of the Rockies

Meet the Warrior Women and travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer: On the stunning limited-edition tour Majesty of the Rockies we invite you to explore Western Canada’s treasures. Travel through the majestic Rocky Mountains, spending two luxurious days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service. Here lose yourself in the most spectacular scenery and take time to reset, admiring nature at its most sublime. The tour also offers a plethora of immersive nature experiences. Including setting foot on a glacier and gentle canyon hikes. Multiple-night stays in the most luxurious mountain retreats allow time to enjoy the amenities, such as golf clubs and spas. This is the ultimate opportunity to relax and absorb the true magnificence of your surroundings, and reflect on the curated experiences you’ve been enjoying.

Read more: Rustic luxury: why Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the ultimate mountain escape

In the stunning setting of Jasper National Park, an exclusive invitation and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience awaits. Here you will meet the First Nations Cree Warrior Women from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, over an intimate fireside meal with a spectacular view of Pyramid Mountain. Learn about Indigenous spirituality, music and drumming as you engage in a fascinating conversation about the aboriginal culture of Canada. Leave enthralled and enlightened with some amazing stories to share with family and friends.

Read more: Uncovering Indigenous history with Canada’s Warrior Women

Discover this on: Majesty of the Rockies

Spectacular South Africa

Bask in nature on a three-day safari and support local youth: Experience the magic and wonder of South Africa on Spectacular South Africa . This nine-day luxury tour features an extended stay at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town. And a three-day safari with a stay in a memorable bush lodge. Enjoy spectacular sunsets over Cape Town and view the city from atop Table Mountain. In Kruger National Park, adventure out on a private open-air safari in search of some of the earth’s most magnificent beasts. Led by professional trackers, this once-in-a-lifetime experience unfolds the largest game reserve in South Africa.

Read more: Where the wilderness and luxury combine: step inside the Lion Sands Game Reserve

On the UNESCO World Heritage site of Robben Island, enjoy the opportunity to connect to the young people of the area as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Amy Foundation. Here you will meet people from the foundation and see first-hand how the lives of vulnerable young people are being transformed through a variety of empowering programs. This is a unique opportunity to see the area through a different lens. And, through your visit, contribute to the important work taking place and give something back.

On Robben Island, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit down with Christo Brand. As former prison guard to Nelson Mandela, you’ll be treated to fascinating stories about one of history’s most inspirational figures.

Read more: Meet Christo Brand, former prison guard to Nelson Mandela

Discover this on: Spectacular South Africa

Majestic Switzerland

Journey aboard the Glacier Express and discover sustainable transport : From St. Moritz to Zermatt and onto Geneva, Majestic Switzerland offers a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary across one of Europe’s most sustainable destinations. Take your first-class seat onboard the Glacier Express, a spectacular and sustainable way to travel through the Swiss Alps. Marvel at unrivaled views of snow-covered peaks, alpine villages and the Rhine Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. Ride Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel train to the summit of the mountain. Glimpse of some of Switzerland’s highest peaks, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn. Then take all the time you need to wander the art-filled halls of the Rosengart Collection on an after-hours private tour. Relax, reflect and enjoy this special time surrounded by the masterpieces of Chagall, Renoir, Kandinksy and Picasso.

Read more: Geneva’s Hotel D’Angleterre is a hotel committed to positive change

@verkehrshaus

An inspirational MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience lies in store at the Swiss Transport Museum . From luxe Monteverdi cars to alpine trains, discover Switzerland’s fascinating transportation and energy systems and innovations with your Local Expert. Learn about sustainable energy and fossil fuel alternatives. Chart the history of alternative transport methods, from horses and steam to electric and solar power. As well as a fascinating tour, this experience will leave you educated, and inquisitive to learn more.

Read more: Majestic Switzerland through the lens of a travel concierge

Discover this on: Majestic Switzerland

  If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury travel in 2023, take a look at the full Luxury Gold collection of limited-edition tours.

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Canada Unlocked: An Interview with Travelling Concierge Andrea Dionne

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Unlimited Travel Ideas | Expert Advice | Exclusive Offers

Be inspired by the UK's biggest choice of leading and specialist travel companies at Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, Olympia London.

• Over 600 brands offering unlimited travel ideas
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Book The Perfect Holiday For You Explore a huge selection of travel brands, tour operators and tourist boards. The show covers all types of travel to every part of the world, so you can book the perfect holiday for you.

• I spoke to a number of stands and gained an interest in visiting other parts of the world I had not considered, for example Israel, and driving overland in South America Visitor
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Top Luxury Travel Trends for 2023

• November 24, 2022

As 2022 draws to close, global travel network Virtuoso ® has revealed how the affluent consumer will be traveling in 2023, gathering insights from its advisors, partners and HNW/UHNW clientele through surveys and booking data.

Sustainability Remains a Top Priority In a recent survey, 74 percent of Virtuoso travelers said they’re willing to pay more to travel sustainably if they know where their money is going. And 70 percent agreed that traveling sustainably actually enhances their vacation experience. Travelers are increasingly committed to purposeful travel, and not just in a strictly ecological sense. They’re also seeking out companies and experiences that focus on “benefitting local people and the economy” and “preserving natural and cultural heritage.”

Travelers of All Ages Are Willing to Splurge on Value-Added Services – Like a Good Travel Advisor According to a recent Virtuoso survey, 76 percent of travelers have accepted that we’re living in a “new normal,” which explains the growing demand for – and increased value of – an expert advisor who can save travelers time, energy and the headache of sitting on the phone for hours with customer assistance. Even Millennials and Gen Zers are turning to travel advisors. “My daughter is 25 years old and she’s an advocate of using a travel professional,” said Virtuoso travel advisor Susan Bowman. “She tells everyone and her friends also agree. They appear to be a generation that gets it, and they’ve figured out that we add value.”Between navigating airport travel and handling trip logistics, many travelers are opting to work with a dedicated travel advisor. “One of the simplest definitions of luxury goes like this: ‘Of course I can do it myself. I don’t want to’,” said Matthew D. Upchurch, Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso. “Travelers want to find someone who really knows what they’re doing, has great connections, saves time and has their back.”

Travelers are Back to Planning Ahead With people hitting the road in record numbers, there’s never been so much frenzy around booking flights and hotels. In response to this pent-up demand, travelers are now booking their trips an average of 58 days in advance for domestic hotel stays, and 80 days for international trips (compared to 2019’s 44 and 60 days, respectively). “We’ve seen so much last-minute demand and literally the space is not there,” said Virtuoso advisor Beth Washington. “We’re seeing people now willing to think about things for 2023 instead of planning so last-minute.”

Off-Season Travel is Gaining Steam If it seemed like everyone was in Europe this summer that’s because they were. According to a Virtuoso poll, seven of the top ten international destinations this summer were in Europe, with Italy and France leading the way. The surge in bookings has some destinations, like Italy, concerned about the effects of overtourism. As a result, travel professionals in Italy – the second-most popular spot for fall travel – are urging travelers to visit in the off-season. It’s a win-win for destinations and for travelers who get to see beloved places without the crowds. In a recent survey, the majority of Virtuoso travelers said they’d be willing to visit a popular destination during the off-season. Virtuoso’s own editors suggest booking a room at Passalacqua, the new Lake Como villa from hotelier Valentina De Santis and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo team, which is open year-round – a rarity in the Lake Como region.

The Destinations to Watch Palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, island-hopping. No, we’re not talking about the Maldives, but India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located on the southeastern edge of the Bay of Bengal, the archipelago is known for its spectacular diving and bioluminescent waters, which travelers can experience with nighttime kayaking off Havelock Island.

About a 45-minute drive north of Cabo San Lucas is the East Cape, a relatively unknown stretch on the Sea of Cortés where a new Four Seasons resort has just landed. According to the tourism board, the destination is a nature lover’s dream, situated near the Cabo Puma National Marine Park, a UNESCO Marine World Heritage site.

All eyes are on Greenland! Silversea is set to launch new itineraries in the Arctic country—the world’s largest island—next year, with other cruise lines, including Quark and Lindblad, set to expand their offerings.

Virtuoso on-site tour connection Access Italy let Virtuoso in on one of their hidden gems: the beautifully preserved hilltop village of Civita di Bagnoregio. Located between Rome and Florence, the medieval town is only accessible by a pedestrian bridge. And as for right now, it remains blissfully under-the-radar.

More Insider News One of the best ways to plan for future travels is by creating a Wanderlist and sharing it with a Virtuoso advisor, who can make dreams of pearl harvesting in Australia or taking a private tour of Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio a reality. Virtuoso tapped into its worldwide network to find out what else was on the experiential horizon for its global citizens.

• A new camp inspired by astronauts is touching down in Antarctica in December. Echo, from super high-end tour operator White Desert, will comprise six futuristic sleeping pods and a common area inspired by a visit from Buzz Aldrin and co-founder Patrick Woodhead’s love of Star Wars. The experience runs $104,000 per person and includes an excursion to the South Pole and private flights to and from the ice landing strip on the property’s doorstep.

• Earlier this month, Auberge Resorts opened a relaxed surf retreat in Punta de Mita, on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Susurros del Corazón will feature 59 rooms and 30 villas clustered around a three-tier infinity-edge pool, which fronts a glorious white-sand beach. Activities include a “surf safari” that will take guests to lesser-known beaches with consistent breaks and little-to-no crowds.

• Fiuggi, Italy is the setting of The Ranch’s newest outpost. The wellness retreat will offer weeklong detoxes and hikes along ancient trade pilgrimage routes.

• Armendaris is the newest addition to Ted Turner Reserves, known for its sustainable wildlife preserves in the American Southwest. The four-bedroom hacienda is situated on 360,000 acres in New Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert and comes with a private chef plus experiences like nature photography workshops, wildlife tours and mountain biking.

• Iceland is due to get its first rooftop bar! Next spring, the Reykjavik Edition will debut a rooftop perch where guests can sip cocktails while taking in the Northern Lights

• This month, Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace will unveil six vegan suites, constructed without animal products and featuring vegan menus and amenities.

• Starting this season, guests of Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole can hop a private plane and discover a remote corner of Yellowstone National Park, where they’ll meet with an expert naturalist to learn about the area’s elusive gray wolves – and maybe even see a few up close.

• Safari operator Singita has created art galleries at its Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park Lodges. These spaces will showcase the work of pre-eminent and emerging African artists. The initiative is part of Singita’s overarching mission to celebrate and incorporate local culture into its offerings.

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What exactly is luxury travel in 2023 — and is it worth it?

What exactly is luxury travel? Ask any group of travelers what constitutes a luxury vacation, and chances are they'll all give you a different answer.

For some, a luxury escape means private jets, personalized pajamas and in-room massages. For others, it's about seeing rare wild animals in far-flung places or eating in the world's hardest-to-book restaurants. Depending who you ask, it may be less about location or logistics and more about how much cash you drop, for expensive equals luxe.

The point is: Luxury travel may seem obvious, but it's actually a slippery concept.

With the explosion of the so-called "experience economy," the true definition of luxury travel is becoming increasingly harder to pin down. Despite this, the estimated value of the global luxury travel sector is set to double in the next decade, from $1.3 trillion in 2022 to $2.7 trillion in 2032, according to market research company Market.us .

"The idea of luxury, as we understand it today, is a relatively new concept," Giorgio Riello said. Riello is professor of global history and culture at the University of Warwick and author of the book "Luxury: A Rich History."

"Once upon a time, it was only the rich bourgeois who could aim to own something better. [But now] there is more disposable income around than ever. And while being marketed products [and experiences] that promise to be better than average is not quite unprecedented, what is new is the scale at which it's done."

Is this new brand of luxury travel still just about exorbitantly high prices and the type of Champagne in the minibar or is it something much more ethereal? And, crucially, is it worth the inevitably high asking price or are we being sold a Tinkerbell-esque ideal by savvy marketers that will only survive and prosper for as long as we truly believe in it?

The hunt for external life

"Luxury has become a very overused word [in the travel business]," says publicist Jo Vickers, one of the best-known names in the world of exclusive travel and lifestyle PR. "The meaning of luxury has become so confusing, so simply throwing buzzwords at consumers no longer cuts it."

That's why Vickers primarily uses the word "exclusive" when describing her clients. Her company, JV Public Relations, looks after some of the world's most prestigious hotels, resorts and spas around the globe; this includes The Mark Hotel in New York, The Brando in Tahiti, Palazzo Avino on Italy's Amalfi Coast and D Maris Bay in Turkey.

For Vickers, a truly luxurious hotel stay is based on a spectrum of factors including "timeless value, craftsmanship, exclusivity, rarity, quality, heritage, aesthetic, responsibility and innovation." But on top of that, says Vickers, "I think the equation of luxury is a feeling, a belief, a lifestyle and above all an experience we desire."

Ten Lifestyle Group , one of the world's leading luxury lifestyle services, is perhaps better placed than most to shed light on the extravagant experiences we most desire. With annual memberships starting at 4,500 British pounds ($5,680), Ten prides itself on its ability to open doors that its ultra-wealthy clients cannot; it serves as a kind of gatekeeper to spectacular opportunities. For CEO Alex Cheatle, the kind of luxury his clients long for is divided into two distinct strands: internal and external.

Related: Inside the bonkers world of luxury holiday fixing for the super-rich

"Internal luxury is how something makes you feel," he tells TPG. "When you feel complete, content and 'in the moment' because of an extraordinary view looking down on Machu Picchu as you come over the final pass, as you taste the amuse bouche cooked for you by a top chef or when you feel the crisp Egyptian cotton sheets as you collapse onto the bed of a wonderful hotel after a long flight."

External luxury, on the other hand, is "how something allows you to socially compete."

"It's reserving the table at the restaurant that everyone is trying to book but can't get," according to Cheatle. "It's being recognized and upgraded at the hotel because of who you are. It's about having the best seats at a sold-out show that others wanted to see but couldn't. It's about arriving by helicopter at the Grand Prix and avoiding the awful traffic you can see from the air."

Of course, there is a relationship between internal and external luxury but which one comes first, he explains, often depends on whom you're justifying it to. "We use the language of inner luxury, even when our desire is driven by the social cachet of outer luxury." Put simply says Cheatle, " Most of us say we went to the restaurant [just] to try the food."

The experience era

In 2023, the seas are changing.

Luxury travel is no longer exclusively for celebrities, tycoons and heirs to multimillion-dollar dog food empires. With a rise in disposable incomes for some and a shift in priorities for others, the luxe market is swiftly becoming more and more attainable to those who aspire or splurge for it.

Millennials are 23% more interested in exploring the world than older generations, and they make up 20% of all international tourists, according to research by Boston Consulting Group . Right behind millennials is a whole new generation even hungrier to see the world. This age group was raised on individualism, independence and Instagram, and for them, authenticity and shareability are key to a meaningful life.

"In the younger market — the Gen Z's and millennials — they've grown up with everything," explains Vickers. "Whether they've got money or not, they've had exposure to [the idea of luxury] through the media for most of their lives, and their relationship with the concept of luxury is very different to that of older generations."

This new set of big spenders is not splashing out on art or beautiful furniture. Instead, Vickers says they're spending on experiences, "Their money is going to go on a great holiday rather than collectible items because they're too busy chasing experiences and something interesting to do with their lives."

For evidence, take the rise of the luxury travel influencer. In recent years, the #luxurytravel market has grown exponentially across social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok house a growing circle of influencers jet-setting around the world to take selfies on yachts or in high-end hotels while extolling the sweet joys of the #highlife.

"Before [luxury travel] may have felt unreachable to some," Laura Picken, director of loyalty and brand partnerships at luxury hotel group Hyatt , said. "But through social [media], we see travelers of all ages, cultures and backgrounds staying at all levels of hotels and being able to unlock experiences that were previously thought unattainable."

In 2021, a Statista survey found that 84% of U.S. adults consulted travel influencers for trip recommendations.

"We're seeing more travel influencers showcasing luxury experiences to their audiences," Jade Broadus, vice president of influencer marketing agency Travel Mindset , said. "[That means] the experiences, the hotels, the adventures that are luxury now have a much bigger audience and shouldn't be reserved for only a select group of people."

The 'storification' of travel

It isn't just social-savvy youngsters splashing out.

"We have a lot of clients who are young at heart. And they are increasingly asking for incredible bucket-list experiences as much as glamorous hotel stays," says Emma de Vadder, the U.K PR director for Black Tomato — one of an expanding legion of luxury tour operators.

De Vadder said she has noticed a marked shift in recent years in what people want from luxury holidays.

"Luxury travel is no longer just about being able to brag that you stayed in a five-star hotel," she said. "It's about telling people about an amazing person that you met, or that you got involved in a community project, or you've had a really special animal encounter, or seen a natural phenomenon."

Related: Luxury travel agent reveals 7 tips for traveling in style without it costing the earth

Black Tomato is at the vanguard of this exploding "experience market", which it says has seen a boom in what the company refers to as the "storification" of luxury travel.

"With 'storification,' we're seeing more travelers embracing characters and narratives as they explore the world, immersing themselves in sprawling imaginative worlds plucked from the silver screen or the pages of their favorite novel," the company's founder Tom Marchant said.

One of Black Tomato's latest showcase packages, for example, is a 60,000 pounds ($75,730) per person, 12-night adventure called "The Assignment: Europe," curated in partnership with James Bond overlords Eon Productions.

This bespoke package includes a speedboat ride down London's River Thames with a stuntwoman from "The World Is Not Enough,"; dinner at the top of the Eiffel Tower with 1980s Bond actress ​​Carole Ashby; a poker lesson from the Texas Hold'em consultant used for "Casino Royale" at Casino de Monte-Carlo; water skiing on Italy's Lake Como; and a private yacht tour of the Venetian Lagoon in Venice, Italy.

"We've seen a 30% increase in interest in these narrativized approaches to the world," Marchant said. "Blending fact and fiction, this is travel with all the drama and intrigue of the world's most enduring movies, novels, myths and legends."

Other Black Tomato experience packages include a "globe-crossing adventure inspired by the life and travels of Agatha Christie;" a "Jungle-Book"-inspired family holiday to India; a "Karate Kid"-inspired martial arts itinerary in Japan; and a series of low-carbon-footprint "slow travel" trips on trains, horses, boats or hot air balloons in remote parts of the world.

Is a 12-night getaway in 007 heavens worth shelling out $75,730? You could quite feasibly create a similar itinerary (minus the impressive movie connections) for much less, but as de Vadder points out, that misses the point.

"Part of a luxury experience is having somebody else take care of everything for you," she said. "It's attention to detail and, above all, personalization. We know that a lot of our clients work very hard, so their holiday should not feel like work of any kind."

Related: Travel company Elsewhere is making authentic and local travel easier than ever

Responsible riches

If luxury travelers choose experiences over glamorous hotel stays, as de Vadder suggests, what are luxury hotels doing to keep up?

Hyatt and Marriott are two of the world's largest luxury hotel brands, and both are working hard to stay relevant in this fast-changing world.

"Research tells us that luxury is increasingly about conscious consumption as opposed to conspicuous consumption," Picken said. "This shift means our guests are making decisions not based on the cost or the cache of a luxury brand, but on whether it fulfills their aspirational needs."

As a result, Hyatt has diversified its offerings to cater to a range of luxury tastes.

"[All our luxury brands] are distinct and differentiated, built on insights on what luxury means to our guests: from the classic and timeless luxury espoused by Park Hyatt — with its focus on culinary excellence, art and architecture — to Alila, where 'bare-foot luxury' means a focus on being in harmony with the natural environment and the local community," Picken added.

Related: Hyatt is doubling down on luxury while its competitors focus on budget hotels

Neal Jones, chief sales and marketing officer for Marriott International, tells TPG that today's luxury consumers seek experiences that "allow for the pursuit of one's passions, help spark personal growth, and have a purpose beyond comfort and pampering."

"Luxury is entering a new era of regeneration, driven by a maturing set of desires, tastes, and aspirations," says Jones. "Guests want to foster a deeper connection to the places they visit, getting to know people, history, food, and the culture of a place, in addition to seeking out experiences that focus on holistic well-being as well as those that emphasize relationship building. These are things that are valuable beyond a price point."

Marriott International, for its part, has recently launched its ​​first luxury safari resort, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge , which donates a percentage of its nightly rate to several local community wildlife conservation programs. In turn, those programs offer all kinds of experiences to guests, including guided safaris in search of the Big Five: lions, leopards, black rhinos, African bush elephants and African buffaloes.

The Kenyan lodge is home to 20 private tents, including one presidential canvas-topped pavilion and two interconnecting canopied suites. It also has a restaurant, a lounge, a bar, a spa and a large outdoor terrace with fire pits. All-inclusive rates start at $1,450 per night and climb to around $3,800 during peak season.

The aesthetic of aspiration

None of this means how a luxury hotel looks isn't important.

According to Katherine Pooley , one of the world's most revered interior designers, aesthetic beauty will always be a key component of a luxury setting.

"The most truly luxurious objects, homes or experiences are unusual, one-of-a-kind, and memorably beautiful," she said. "To stand the test of time, true luxury needs to be crafted with great care, created from the highest quality components, have an original viewpoint, and most importantly of all — it must be beautiful."

Pooley's projects range in scale and style, from hotels and luxury spas to beach villas, ski chalets, palaces and castles. Recently, she completed the motorsport-themed Cachet Boutique Zhejiang Racetrack Hotel in China (which has its own private racetrack), where she commissioned a coffee table carved out of a crashed racing car.

For Pooley, the thing that elevates an interior from the ordinary to the luxurious is "intricate joinery, bespoke hand-crafted pieces of furniture, commissioned and curated artworks and sculptors, and rare, beautiful finishes."

The same ethos is apparent in modern private jets , where design increasingly focuses on ensuring a luxury holiday begins the second you step on board.

"We often refer to our aviation projects as flying homes," Greig Jolly, aviation partner at Winch design studio, said. "Increasingly, our clients wish to create a seamless experience between their home, car, yacht, jet, etc. Not a repeat environment, but a consistency of quality, service and experience. So an 'apartment in the sky' — rather than simply a means of transportation — is absolutely the expectation."

Look at the aviation portfolio page of Winch's website, and you'll see what he means: neon-lit black marble bathrooms, mohair seat lining, leather sofas, bronze-like leopard sculptures and enough mirrors to make Narcissus blush. The studio's designs look more like something you'd find in an Upper East Side Manhattan penthouse than a plane cabin.

But does a luxurious experience actually cost more to make? Of course it does, but that's not what makes it luxurious, according to Carla El-Samra, managing director at VIP aviation design agency F/List Middle East.

"The high price of luxury means skilled craftsmen and the extra care that goes into each finish," she said. "But yes, it is something more; it's about the sensory and tactile feel of each surface and the overall smell of entering a space. A silk carpet will look and feel softer and more luxurious than a 100% wool carpet. But then again, maybe the customer just prefers wool?"

Memory is the new luxe

So, what is the future of luxury travel?

For almost everyone TPG spoke to, the idea of luxury is no longer focused on overt displays of wealth and extravagance. Rather, it is about evaluating what truly brings people happiness — and providing the 24-carat version of whatever that means. The catalyst that thrust this notion most sharply into focus will come as no surprise: the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Being stuck at home for nearly two years brought back the burning desire to travel and create meaningful experiences and unforgettable memories," says Lucia Penrod, CEO of Nikki Beach, a global lifestyle hospitality company with beach clubs, hotels and resorts in such places as Miami Beach, Florida; Dubai; Ibiza, Spain; and Monte Carlo, Monaco. "Now, [luxury travelers want] boutique hotels in stunning locations, excellent service with a smile, and unique and unforgettable experiences that will be remembered for a lifetime."

This feeling emanated in a boom of so-called "revenge travel" — traveling to make up for lost time.

"Young people want more business- and first-class flights, more five-star hotels. They want to fly less but farther, and stay away for longer," Vickers said. "Young people [are] more aware of climate change and environmental decline, they take nothing for granted."

Related: 8 women influencing luxury travel tell us what's hot for 2023

Memory — no doubt ideally captured on Instagram or TikTok — is the future of luxury travel. After all, in today's world of frenzied consumer choice and material success, perhaps there is only one commodity left that money still cannot buy: time.

While you may not be able to buy a longer life, you can buy a better one with the right resources.

"Time is the one thing we cannot buy more of," Riello said. "But we have invented the notion of quality time, which can be bought and sold. So I think that out of the 'experiential luxury' market, what will become more important in the future are ways to capture those 'events' into memories to treasure in the future. I think memory will be one area in which luxury brands will exist in the future."

Is luxury travel worth it?

Of course, industry experts will tell you what they're selling is well worth the money. Truthfully, though, value is as ambiguous a concept as luxury.

A product is only worth what people are prepared to shell out for it. The better a brand's marketing can tap into ideas around value, aspiration, freedom and happiness, the more likely a target audience will buy it.

"The trick of luxury, to me, is that both the consumer and the seller know that you don't need this," Riello said. "Nobody is making a strong argument that you need a bag that costs 3,000 pounds. I know I don't need it, and you know you don't need it. But it's fine because I have the 3,000 pounds and I simply like the bag."

The same goes for a movie-inspired tour of Europe that costs more than $75,000 per person or a $1,450-per-night tent in the Masai Mara. If your pockets are deep enough to absorb it, why not enjoy the experience?

Like Coco Chanel once said: "The best things in life are free. The second best things are very, very expensive."

And as far as we are concerned, at least some of the best luxury experiences still take points .

ACCESS LUXURY TRAVEL SHOW

stands out as an exclusive boutique event, highly curated to unit elite travel suppliers from around the globe with luxury travel buyers across Europe. ALTS is affiliated with Access.Marketing – an international premium travel representation company with 15+ years of exceptional experience in providing custom services of sales, marketing and PR across the markets of CEE, DACH, CIS and Turkey

ALTS EVENTS

Calendar 2024.

SEPTEMBER 22-24, 2024

Supreme networking bringing together the most influential buyers from Europe and exhibitors from all over the world in the enchanting city of Porto at the brand new Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel

PORTO, PORTUGAL

NOVEMBER 13-14, 2024

ALTS WARSAW

Top 70 CEE luxury travel buyers will connect with worldwide travel suppliers in the vibrant city of Warsaw

WARSAW, POLAND

OCTOBER 22-24, 2024

ALTS BALTICS ROADSHOW

An exclusive roadshow across three capital cities, offering high-end networking opportunities with agencies specializing in luxury leisure travel and premium incentive groups

VILNIUS, RIGA, TALLINN

EVENTS 2025

THE ALTS FAMILY

 is united by love for high-end travel and tourism. We are proud to have long-standing relationships with our partners

PARTNERS ABOUT US

“Recently, we had the opportunity to participate in a unique industry event organised by Access Luxury Travel Show. We would like to thank all the partners with whom we had the opportunity to meet in these exceptional circumstances. We have been participating in #ALTS events for many years, thanks to which we have the opportunity to develop strong relationships with leading pioneers in the luxury tourism industry. Thank you!”

Mr. Krzysztof Zapletal

“I attended ALTS Luxury Travel Show for the first time and really enjoyed the quality of the buyers who participated. The organization team was extremely kind and professional and the selection of agencies was great.I had a lovely time at ALTS.”

Mafalda de Bragança

“ALTS is an event that I always look forward to attending. It is a well-organized professional event held in beautiful venues and meeting rooms. The quality of the buyers is excellent as they are picked very carefully. As a result, you can find valuable new partners. The team is fantastic. They take care of every attendee with great care and sincerity, making it a great experience to attend any event with this team. To sum up, ALTS is a great event to participate in, both professionally and socially.”

Enes Talha Gürgen

Working with ALTS has been a fantastic experience. The events are well-organized, informative, and provide valuable networking opportunities. I’ve gained valuable insights and connections that have positively impacted our work.

Paweł Żurakowski

“Being with ALTS has been really an incredible journey. I had such interesting business meeting combined with outstanding activities to connect with people while visiting the destination. The organization has been perfect during the whole event, and the atmosphere has been really warm. Definitely a wonderful experience and event.”

Simone Urracci

“The Access Luxury Travel Show team is characterized by personal, competent and efficient support from the very first contact to the post event follow-up. Exhibitors and participants are carefully chosen and well known in the luxury travel industry. Thanks to ALTS we were able to establish valuable partnerships all over Eastern Europe.”

Ranking of the top 20 B2B travel fairs and exhibits in 2023. Download the list

September 19, 2022

minutes of reading

Faced with the large number of trade fairs dedicated to travel and tourism, we present you with our selection not to be missed 😉🤝🏼

Every year, tourism experts gather to take stock of the industry, discuss its future and discover the latest innovations. Whether you specialize in MICE, FIT, or group travel, there is bound to be a show you can, or should, attend. Not only can you exhibit your products or services, but they are also convenient events to gauge the competition, meet other travel experts and get inspired.

You'll probably come across a myriad of potentially interesting trade shows, which, let's be honest, can be a bit overwhelming... But fear not! We've created the ultimate list of tourism-related trade shows and events for you to attend.

Nevertheless, here are twenty that caught our attention...

ILTM North America

19 - 22 september 2022 fairmont mayakoba - playa del carmen, mexico 🙆🏽 60 countries exhibiting b2b luxe.

Whether North American travelers seeking luxury experiences are your current or potential clients, this exhibit based in Riviera Maya, Mexico is the perfect opportunity to promote and sell your products.

This event brings together the region's most exclusive and sought-after travel designers, luxury media and the world's best hospitality brands.

IFTM TOP RESA

20 - 22 september 2022 paris expo porte de versailles - paris, france 🙆🏽 1700 ehibitors, 3400 visitors b2b.

IFTM Top Resa is a multi-target tourism and travel trade show, covering all travel motives: Business, Leisure, Groups, MICE.

3 good reasons to visit the show: 

• Stay on top of the latest industry trends;
• Boost your business with the possibility to continue your networking on the IFTM Top Resa application;
• Expand your network and meet new suppliers.

TAVELEXPO - Borsa Globale Dei Turismi

22 - 25 september 2022 cds hotel terrasini - città del mare, palermo italia b2b (exclusive to tour-operators).

The only exhibition in Sicily dedicated exclusively to tourism operators, Travelexpo is the ideal opportunity to meet Sicilian travel experts ready to open their markets to enthusiasts from all over the world and conclude new partnerships.

Cannes International Tourism Fair 

8 - 9 october 2022 hotel martinez - cannes france b2c - free entrance.

The international tourism fair’s exhibitors will try to come to the rescue of tourists disappointed by their experience on the internet by offering them even more original and qualitative stays than the previous years.

DUCO France

‍ 10 - 14 october 2022 paris, france b2b luxe.

DUCO France brings together a selection of top-tier exhibitors from all over France. Luxury hotels make up the majority of exhibitors, followed by elite inbound tour operators, exclusive villa rental companies and regional tourism organizations offering a wide range of customized experiences focusing on one destination, at the destination (France). Sister show: DUCO Italia .

‍ 11 - 13 October 2022 Mandala Bay - Las Vegas USA 🙆🏽 2200+ Exhibitors, 3400 Visitors B2B MICE

IMEX America is the largest trade show in the United States for the global events and incentive travel industry.

This award-winning show brings together incentive professionals: from agents to buyers and suppliers. 

TTG Travel Experience

‍ 12 - 14 october 2022  rimini exhibition center - rimini, italia b2b.

Discover the latest trends in the travel industry on the Adriatic coast; meet professionals and experts from all over the world and develop your network and your business. A unique marketplace to promote your companies and products, and develop your contact list for those who wish to expand their business in Italy and abroad.

19 - 21 October 2022 Singapore Marina Bay Sands - Singapore 🙆🏽 1300 Exhibitors, 13 000 Visitors B2B

ITB Asia, the leading travel trade show in Asia, is an annual trade show and B2B convention for the travel industry. It is designed to be the premier event for the travel industry in the Asia Pacific region, just like its parent event, ITB Berlin .

It is the place where small and medium-sized emerging companies from the Asia-Pacific region meet key international buyers from the MICE, leisure, business travel and travel technology markets.

Condé Nast Traveller Luxury Travel Fair

3 - 6 november 2022 olympia london - london, united kingdom b2c.

It is the only show in the UK aimed at affluent consumers looking for unique travel experiences. The luxury travel show brings together celebrities, travelers and expedition leaders to share their stories and experiences with some of the country's top travel agents and specialists. 

7 - 9 November 2022 ExCel London - London, United Kingdom 🙆🏽 51k Visitors B2B

The World Travel Market (WTM) is the world's largest international travel market event, opening up business opportunities for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. This B2B event allows tourism companies from around the world to showcase their brand and exhibit alongside the industry's biggest names, leading airlines, destinations and attractions, and other providers of innovative travel technology.

Salon des Grands Voyages

18 - 19 november 2022 palais brongniart, place de la bourse - paris, france b2c.

The all-new Salon des Grands Voyages is a trade fair for high-end tourism dedicated to the general public. This unique Premium event offers a rigorous selection of expert professionals, renowned for the quality of their offer and the standing of their services. This new event will be a source of inspiration for discerning and demanding travelers looking for exceptional tailor-made holidays , mainly for winter and spring.

29 Nov. - 1 December 2022 Fira Barcelona Gran Via - Barcelona, SPAIN 🙆🏽 10 000 Visitors B2B MICE

IBTM World is the world's leading event for the meetings and events industry. Discover all the inspiration, business connections and content you need to create world-class events for your clients.

18 - 22 January 2023 IFEMA MADRID Recinto Ferial - Madrid, SPAIN 🙆🏽 82k Visitors B2B

FITUR is the global meeting point for tourism professionals and the leading trade show for inbound and outbound markets in Latin America. FITUR is an essential global reference event in the tourism sector. 

DESTINATIONS - The Holiday & Travel Show

2 - 5 february 2023 olympia london - london, uk 🙆🏽 83k visitors, 600 of leading travel brands b2c.

In association with The Times & The Sunday Times, DESTINATIONS is the UK's largest and longest-running travel event. From activity and adventure to culture, cruise and safari, Destinations' vast array of exhibitors and holiday types will inspire you to discover new destinations and adventures near and far. 

AIME - The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Events

13 - 15 february 2023 melbourne convention & exhibit centre - melbourne, australia b2b mice.

AIME is the leading trade event for the meetings and events industry in the Asia-Pacific region. It is the place where industry decision makers connect, create and do business. We bring together international and local buyers to access the best exhibitors from around the world.

7 - 9 March 2023 Messe Berlin - Berlin, GERMANY 🙆🏽 160k visitors, including 10k professionnals B2B

The exhibition, which takes place every year in March (except for the pandemic, of course), is primarily aimed at professionals in the tourism value chain, but also seeks to reach the general public. Experts from several sectors of activity attend: business travel, tourism technology, cultural tourism, low-cost accommodation, etc.

Salon Mondial du Tourisme

16 - 19 march 2023 paris expo porte de versailles - paris, france b2c.

Get a taste of the latest travel trends from the top experts. For an unforgettable holiday, the Salon Mondial du Tourisme (World Tourism Exhibition) in Paris is your best source of travel inspiration.

3 - 5 April 2023 CTICC - Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA 🙆🏽 100 countries represented, 180 speakers & 6549 pre-booked appointments B2B

World Travel Market Africa is the only event where you can simultaneously:

• Generate sales leads;
• Launch new products;
• Enter new markets;
• Increase brand awareness;
• Assess competition;
• Conduct market research;
• Attract press attention;
• Develop and maintain relationships.

WTM Africa offers a mix of buyers, media representatives, pre-scheduled meetings, networking, parties and invited visitors from the travel industry.

Arabian Travel Market

1 - 4 may 2023 dubai world trade center - dubai, uae 🙆🏽 1614 exhibitors b2b.

Arabian Travel Market is the world's leading event for the inbound and outbound travel industry in the Middle East. 

Taking place alongside this exhibit is the ATM Travel Tech , the event for cutting-edge technology for travel and hospitality.

Business Travel Show Europe

28 - 29 june 2023 excel - london, uk 🙆🏽 1, 700 members of the business travel community, over 450 buyers b2b.

It is the largest exhibition and conference for the European business travel community. Face-to-face meetings, education and networking have been at the heart of the Business Travel Show Europe. In addition to a dynamic conference programme filled with experts and a plethora of innovative suppliers for visitors to meet, the show will also feature a series of attractions to help you navigate the show and discover new ideas, solutions and connections. The Travel Tech Show is its sister show.

Here's an non-exhaustive list of the best B2B Travel fairs in 2023 .

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New to TTG?

The luxury travel booking trends for 2025 agents need to know.

Solo female travel, VIP access and China are all on the radar of luxury clients, according to Virtuoso’s latest insights report, revealed at its annual Travel Week event in Las Vegas. 

The global network of more than 20,000 travel advisors unveiled the findings of its insights report at its annual trade show and conference last week, revealing the trends that are set to define the industry in 2025 and beyond.

From exclusive access to remote destinations, Virtuoso said the expectations of high-net-worth travellers are only set to increase going forward. 

The research also showed a strong future for the trade, with demand for Virtuoso agents skyrocketing and sales from January to June 2024 surpassing those of the same timeframe last year. Here, we round up the key takeaways. 

1. Luxury advisors wanted 

The figures speak for themselves; Virtuoso has seen a 76% increase in the number of people seeking out a travel advisor in 2024. The in-depth report revealed that clients are drawn to agents for a number of reasons, including expertise, access and value for money. Other benefits noted were accountability and time-saving service. 

2. Ultra-lux requests  

The report revealed that demand for ultra-luxury travel is also on the rise, with 89% of advisors seeing an uptick in requests for “exclusive use, private or exceptionally high-end experiences”. The top ultra-luxury requests listed were VIP transportation services, such as multilingual chauffeurs and private vehicles, as well as rare experiences and exclusive access. 

As for the most popular type of ultra-luxury travel, high net-worth clients are most interested in expedition cruises, African safaris, and visiting “exotic locations” like the Maldives or Fiji, the report found. 

The top three motivations for these experiences were celebrations, such as birthdays and anniversaries, passion-point experiences, like a special sporting event or arts festival, and “trip-of-a-lifetime” holidays.

High-net-worth clients are most interested in expedition cruises, African safaris, and visiting “exotic locations”

3. Independent women 

Solo female travel is on the rise amongst Virtuoso clients, with women accounting for 71% of agents’ single party bookings. Of this demographic, 47% are either separated, divorced or widowed, and 40% said they are seeking a sense of belonging on their travels. 

4.  Destination watch   

The top autumn destination is easily China, according to the report, with advisors noting an increased interest of 146% in visiting the region this autumn. Japan, Iceland, and French Polynesia should also be on agents’ radar over the next few months as these are seeing increasing interest, along with Australia, the UK and Ireland. Looking further ahead, the festive season should see a pique in demand for travel to warmer countries, like Hawaii, Mexico, Anguilla, Costa Rica and St. Barths.

The top autumn destination is easily China, the report found

5. Informed sustainability 

The report found that while luxury travellers do care about sustainable travel, it’s crucial for them to understand the supplier’s initiatives before investing.

The report shows 66% of advisors said clients are prepared to spend more if they are informed about the supplier’s environmental policies, while 52% said their clients would splash out for natural and cultural heritage, and 44% said they’d pay more for local people and the economy.

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