From sustainability to an increased role for travel advisors, Virtuoso has identified several trends, and hot destinations, for 2023 and beyond when it comes to luxury travel.
The data was culled from a recent survey of Virtuoso clients emanating from its over 1,200 travel agency locations and 20,000 travel advisors in over 50 countries around the world.
Here are Virtuoso’s top trends for 2023:
Sustainability Remains a Top Priority
In the recent survey, 74% of Virtuoso travellers said they’re willing to pay more to travel sustainably if they know where their money is going. And 70% agreed that travelling sustainably actually enhances their vacation experience. 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” and “preserving natural and cultural heritage.”
Willing to Splurge on Value-Added Services – Like a Good Travel Advisor
76% of travellers 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 travellers 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 travellers 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. “Travellers want to find someone who really knows what they’re doing, has great connections, saves time and has their back.”
Travellers 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, travellers 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 (ahead) instead of planning so last-minute.”
Off-Season Travel
If it seemed like everyone was in Europe this summer that’s because they were. According to the Virtuoso poll, seven of the top 10 international destinations last 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 are urging travellers to visit in the off-season. It’s a win-win for destinations and for travellers who get to see beloved places without the crowds. A majority of survey respondents said they’d be willing to visit a popular destination during the off-season.
Destinations to Watch
Palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, island-hopping – India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located on the southeastern edge of the Bay of Bengal, are known for spectacular diving and bioluminescent waters, which travellers 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 the new Four Seasons Resort and Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas has recently landed. It’s a nature lover’s dream, situated near the Cabo Puma National Marine Park, a UNESCO Marine World Heritage site.
All eyes are on Greenland with Silversea is set to launch new itineraries in the Arctic country – the world’s largest island – this year, with other cruise lines, including Quark and Lindblad, also expanding their offerings.