Preferred Hotels & Resorts has released its first “Luxury Travel Report,” a luxury consumer trends study developed in partnership with The Harris Poll. The findings affirm that the desire for travel remains robust, with luxury travelers planning an average of eight leisure trips this year—including three international journeys—and over half expecting to spend more on travel than in 2024.
Research was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Preferred Hotels & Resorts from February to March 2025 among 500-plus affluent U.S. travelers. Respondents met criteria including an annual household income of more than $250,000, at least $1 million in total assets and a minimum spend of $10,000 on leisure travel annually. The report revealed that today’s affluent travelers are investing not just money but meaning into their journeys: luxury travelers seek immersive, curated experiences that feel personal and enduring—avoiding generic, mass-produced offerings in favor of authenticity and emotional connection.
The report identified “The Five Emerging Forces of Luxury Travel,” signaling a new era of expectations:
- The “beige-ification” of travel is the industry’s wake-up call – Luxury travelers are turning away from sameness in design, service and experience: nearly 70 percent say modern luxury hotels have lost their soul to standardization. The rise of “dupe culture” and algorithm-driven itineraries has fueled a wave of “destination disillusionment,” where cities and stays feel indistinguishable. Today’s affluent traveler craves the unrepeatable: places that excite, environments that surprise, and experiences rooted in individuality. Nearly three-quarters say they won’t pay for luxury accommodations that feel generic.
- Legacy moments are the new luxury currency – Luxury is less about accumulation and more about transformation. Today’s affluent travelers seek rare, authentic experiences that fundamentally shift their worldview and create lasting memories. More than four in five respondents say that insider connections unlock the most unforgettable travel moments and 64 percent prefer to navigate a destination with advice from locals rather than AI-driven concierge services and digital guides.
- Curation is the new standard of luxury – Curation is now as essential as five-star service. Over 90 percent of luxury travelers say the best journeys feel effortless yet are expertly crafted, with 89 percent expressing interest in seeing local charm reflected in hotels. Travel advisors are the new power brokers, with 84 percent of survey respondents agreeing that a trusted travel advisor is more valuable than unlimited internet research.
- Heritage is the new frontier – Luxury travelers don’t want to just observe history—they want to be part of it. Over 90 percent seek experiences that immerse them in history and culture, favoring heritage-rich stays. Additionally, with 71 percent planning multi-generational trips in 2025, demand continues to rise for spacious accommodations that foster connection to each other and their own family roots.
- Loyalty programs are lifelines to consistency and customization – Amid economic pressures and rising costs, loyalty has become more valuable than ever. For 82 percent of luxury travelers, loyalty programs are very important to ensuring hotel quality, while nearly two-thirds say a great past stay drives repeat bookings. Today’s loyalty isn’t transactional—it’s deeply personal, driven by human touch, customization and consistent excellence.
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