Affluent Clients Are Still Traveling Europe

Oct 23, 2016

What:
Travel Leaders Group’s Fall Luxury Travel Trends report identifies the top destinations for luxury travel within the next year. The report finds Italy to be the No. 1 top booked or inquired destination, followed by Europe river cruises, the U.S., Mediterranean cruises, Australia, Mexico, Ireland, Caribbean cruises, France, England/Iceland, South Africa, New Zealand, Jamaica, Costa Rica and Cuba.

Why It Matters:
Based on 785 responses from the group’s luxury travel agents in the U.S., the report shows that luxury travelers are not letting perceived threats of terrorism and Zika get in the way of their travel. Indeed, during times when unclear and threatening information is disseminated in the mainstream media, folks who don’t have an expert to turn to might resort to fear. But the survey — which shows that luxury bookings are up for 39 percent of respondents — suggests that travel agents are doing their job of keeping clients calm and curious about the world.

Fast Facts:
- Forty-five percent of respondents said that bookings are even.

- Travel Leaders’ Group’s luxury travel findings is part of the larger 2016 Fall Travel Trends Survey conducted from July 28 – Aug. 24.

What They Are Saying:
“The allure of Italy is stronger than ever, particularly with affluent travelers who are seeking authentic, enriching experiences paired with a multitude of very high-end accommodations. Add to that the favorable exchange rate, and Italy is a huge magnet within the luxury sphere for American travelers,” said Ninan Chacko, CEO of Travel Leaders Group. “There are so many culturally and geographically intriguing destinations that made our list — from Cuba and South Africa to New Zealand and Iceland, and even the U.S., which has a rich diversity of top drawer, discreet destinations for VIP travelers.”