Investing in luxury travel is one of the year\u2019s most significant trends. That being said, it\u2019s important to note that 2019\u2019s definition of \u201cluxury\u201d differs from previous interpretations. Knowing this information will help you update your appeal to the luxury travel market. Here is a rundown of how travelers define \u201cluxury\u201d these days.<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s characteristics of luxury travel are divided into personalization, authenticity, unique experiences, and 5-star service. \n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nPeople are straying from doing “touristy things” in favor of experiences that fit their personality.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Personalization\/Customization<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Travelers want personalized itineraries that fit their exact interests rather than marking \u201ctouristy things\u201d off their Bucket List. While this commands more research and creativity on the travel agent\u2019s part, the demand for customized trips has also increased the demand for travel agents.<\/p>\n
Knowing your clients on a personal level is critical to designing a package that will earn you repeat business down the road. What piques their interests? Where do they find value in a vacation? Are they travel beginners or veterans? What kind of experience are they seeking? Dive deep when getting to know your clients. Then, pair your findings with your global knowledge to deliver the trip of their dreams.<\/p>\nAuthenticity is part of the luxury trend. Book clients for activities unique to the destinations culture.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Authenticity<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Have you noticed that the word \u201ctourist\u201d has been replaced with \u201ctraveler\u201d in travel blogs and text (including this one)? That\u2019s because the word \u201ctraveler\u201d suggests the person achieves a greater connection, understanding, and savvy with the destination they visit. People do this by seeking authenticity in regards to accommodations, cuisine, activities, and experiences that immerse them into the local culture.<\/p>\n
There are plenty of ways you can fulfill this desire and the key is learning how your clients identify authenticity: Would it be by participating in local tradition (like a Moroccan tea ceremony with a local family)? Learning to make a country\u2019s staple dishes in a hands-on cooking class (like the ones offered in Italy)? Attending a festival that embodies a place\u2019s history and culture (like the annual Oktoberfest held in Munich)? Even booking them in a boutique hotel is a way to ensure a more authentic experience.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nPeople want to do things that few others have done on vacation.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Unique Experiences<\/strong><\/h3>\n
In the spirit of venturing off-the-beaten-path, partaking in new, once-in-a-lifetime experiences is most sought after by Millennials (who are also giving travel agents more business than prior generations). People want to develop a lifetime of uncommon excursions unlike anything they\u2019ve done at home.<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re planning a trip for clients who want to experience something new, look for opportunities unique to the culture\/area (like a desert camel ride in Abu Dhabi). Prepare to do some digging to uncover something truly fascinating. If you don\u2019t know where to start, begin by identifying the area\u2019s main tourist attraction and work outward from there. For example, you can put visiting the Eiffel Tower in their itinerary, but you can take it a step further by making reservations for your clients at Le Jules Vernes<\/em>, a fancy restaurant located on the monument\u2019s second floor.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nQuality service is the root of luxury. Without it, the experience is severely impacted.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
5-Star Service<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Regardless of luxury\u2019s newest definitions, quality service is eternally at its root. To some, this may mean a private butler service. To others, it\u2019s as simple as feeling like the hotel staff treats them as a top priority. Service dramatically affects the level of luxury clients experience during a vacation. You can anticipate the quality by reading reviews before booking. Don\u2019t book a hotel just because it has bargain rates. Clients investing in luxury travel don\u2019t care that rooms are less than $100 per night if the staff is inattentive and the amenities are scanty.<\/p>\n
When locating hotels, look for locally operated hotels. In contrast to worldwide chains, these hotels are in a position to provide more personal attention to their guests because they aren\u2019t bombarded by the masses.<\/p>\n
![\"Luxury](\"https:\/\/blog.skybirdtravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/BLOGiStock-950474452-Woman-admiring-sunset-on-bike.jpg\")
![\"Luxury](\"https:\/\/blog.skybirdtravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/BLOGiStock-872858810-wine-tasting-italy.jpg\")
![\"Unique](\"https:\/\/blog.skybirdtravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/iStock-971053374-SUP-boarding-on-lake-among-mountains.jpg\")
![\"Waiter](\"https:\/\/blog.skybirdtravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/iStock-612400288-wine-service.jpg\")