Luxury travel refers to indulgent, high-end, lavish travel experiences that often come with a hefty price tag. While it may seem frivolous to some, many people find that the benefits of a luxury trip are worth the extra expense.
In order to attract and retain luxury travellers, the best way is to create a bespoke experience. This is particularly important for leisure travellers, who are used to a certain level of comfort and want the feeling that their vacation is “made for them”. This also gives you a competitive edge over more mass-produced offerings.
Moreover, luxury travelers are looking for more authentic and cultural experiences. For example, they’re keen to see how locals live and work, as well as visit a remote destination or tick off a bucket list item. This reprioritisation has changed the modern gold standard for luxury travel, as glossy finishes and white glove service no longer hold the patent. Instead, the luxury experience is more about authenticity, personalisation, and wellness incorporated into itineraries.
One of the biggest challenges in luxury travel is making sure the experience lives up to expectations once it’s over. This is where a travel agency can come in handy. By working closely with hotels and cruise lines to build a trusted relationship, the best travel companies are able to secure valuable upgrades for their clients. They can also offer a more personalised experience for each individual client by offering tailored itineraries and arranging specialised activities.
For example, one of our top travel agencies can arrange a mother-daughter high tea with a duchess or an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the Louvre Museum. These experiences give travellers an insight into the local culture and history that they can’t get from a guide book or online.
It’s also increasingly common for luxury travellers to turn to influencers for travel recommendations. In fact, a survey by Statista found that almost half of luxury travellers have purchased travel based on an influencer’s recommendation. And with the rise of platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat, this trend is only set to grow.
Luxury travellers are also seeking less hassle and friction in their trips. This includes streamlined booking processes, pre-check in and a mobile app for all travel-related tasks. It’s also about providing a seamless and consistent experience from start to finish, including transport options. For instance, we’re seeing a growing interest in Vietnam’s Viettage train which offers semi-private seating areas and three-course meals served onboard. And we’re seeing luxury trains such as the Rocky Mountaineer in the US reimagine their routes to include new itineraries and amenities that appeal to the luxury market.
As the definition of luxury continues to evolve, it’s essential for travel providers to understand the changes and make adjustments accordingly. By embracing these shifts, forward-thinking businesses can remain competitive and stay ahead of the game. So, if you’re looking for your next luxury adventure, contact an InteleTravel Advisor today! We have the experience, expertise and industry connections to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.