Luxury travel advisors across Internova Travel Group’s portfolio of brands have revealed that ultra-privacy, access to exclusive experiences, and surprise and delight offers from hotels and resorts are at the top of the wish list for luxury travelers in 2024.
For the first time ever, Internova surveyed its top sellers of luxury travel across its collection of agencies including ALTOUR, Global Travel Collection, Nexion Travel Group and Travel Leaders Network. The “Internova Index: Luxury Advisor Insights” report showed that while Mexico is the No. 1 destination for American luxury travelers, three European countries are in the top five—the United Kingdom, Italy and France—along with Japan. South Africa, Australia, Turks and Caicos, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates round out the top 10 luxury travel destinations. In addition, 70 percent of luxury travel advisors said they will be booking more ocean and river cruises in 2024 than in 2023.
When it comes to the type of travel, 78 percent of advisors said travelers are interested in customized trips and private tours, as opposed to being part of a large group tour. More than 60 percent said that their clients want to visit multiple destinations and they’re asking about skip-the-line experiences, things that are difficult for them to get on their own, such as tickets to a sold-out concert.
Family travel, health and wellness, luxury sports travel and solo travel are also high on the list for clients. A quarter of advisors said that their clients are interested in ultra-private travel, which includes booking private villas, jets and yachts, as well as seeking out destinations that are off the beaten path in places such as Europe.
Cultural engagement is also a big draw for luxury travelers. Nearly half of the advisors surveyed said that their clients want immersive experiences, opportunities to connect with local communities and learn about a different way of life. Culinary travel, focusing on food and wine, is also in demand, along with travel for learning, which includes classes, workshops and acquiring new skills—from salsa dancing to surfing. About 12 percent said clients have expressed interest in responsible travel, with an emphasis on sustainability and being environmentally friendly. Nearly 8 percent have clients with an interest in LGBTQIA+ travel.
Not surprisingly, travelers have strong preferences when it comes to luxury hotels and resorts. Advisors were asked what’s most important to their clients, and nearly three-quarters responded that they love it when hotels surprise and delight their guests, providing welcome amenities and upgrades without the guests having to ask for them. Two-thirds of advisors said their clients believe it’s very important that the hotel know and accommodate their preferences. More than half agreed that a concierge service that includes access to exclusive or hard-to-get experiences is also very important to clients.
Forty-five percent of those surveyed said that their clients are planning to take more trips in 2024 and 52 percent said their clients plan to spend more on travel next year. About 70 percent expect that trip lengths will be similar, with most vacations lasting from eight to 10 or 10 to 14 days.
Travelers are also increasingly seeing the value of using a luxury travel advisor to plan their vacations. Respondents said about one-third of their clients are using a travel advisor for the first time, while 71 percent of advisors were able to save more than five hours of their clients’ time when planning an international trip.
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