Search Travel Market Report

ALGV
silversea
silversea
mainlogo
  • News
  • Tours & Packages
  • Cruise
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Destinations
  • Retail Strategies
  • Niche & Luxury
  • Well-Being Travel
  • Training
  • Who We Are
    • Anne Marie Moebes
    • Barbara Peterson
    • Brian Israel
    • Daine Taylor
    • Dan McCarthy
    • Denise Caiazzo
    • Jessica Montevago
    • Marilee Crocker
    • Mary Gostelow
    • Paul M. Ruden
    • Steve Gillick
Sponsored By NCL
Sponsored By NCL

Agents Talk About Emerging Luxury Travel Trends for 2019

by Jessica Montevago / December 21, 2018
Agents Talk About Emerging Luxury Travel Trends for 2019

Cruising is the number one pick among travel advisors for 2019, with 41 percent of respondents selecting river cruising as the vacation experience they believe to be most requested in the New Year. Photo: Shutterstock 


Travelers are willing to spend more to gain access to the personalization that travel advisors provide, according to a survey of more than 500 travel advisors within The Affluent Traveler Collection (ATC).

“More than fifty percent of respondents have seen an uptick in their clients’ budgets for next year; and nearly sixty percent charge a fee for their knowledge, time and service in creating meaningful, curated itineraries,” said Nicole Mazza, chief marketing officer of ATC. ATC is owned by American Marketing Group, which also operates Travel Market Report.

“As we see the shift from agent to advisor – particularly in the luxury market – we’re delighted to see that the expertise of the ATC advisors continues to be recognized and rewarded.”

As 2019 nears, here are the latest trends, according to The Affluent Traveler Collection:

Cruising into the New Year
A consistent trend, cruising is the number one pick among travel advisors for 2019, with 41 percent of respondents selecting river cruising as the vacation experience they believe to be most requested in the New Year. 

Highlighting its popularity, two lines will debut new ships. Uniworld’s S.S. Bon Voyage is set to debut in April on the Dordogne and Garonne rivers in France; and AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna will depart on her maiden voyage in May on the Danube.

Meanwhile, nearly 15 percent of survey respondents chose ocean cruising as the most requested travel option for the new year. “Cruising is a perennial favorite, and 2019 will be an exciting year in the industry, with new ships and a rise in exotic ports of call – from Egypt to South America,” said Mazza. 

Seeking sustainability
Nearly 50 percent of advisors have seen a shift in clients seeking travel opportunities with sustainable brands.

“From the brands under The Travel Corporation, and resorts like Barcelo Maya Palace to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, travel companies are becoming more attuned to their place as leaders within the sustainability movement. It is no longer an afterthought, but instead, a priority as travelers look to not only explore the world, but also preserve it for future generations,” Mazza said.

Connecting to culture
With more than 75 percent of respondents noting their clients “have done their own research” prior to contacting them, ATC advisors agree that consumers seek their expertise to create experiences connecting them to the wonder of each destination.

Mazza noted that it’s the “small moments with a memorable impact” that are often most important on a trip. More than 60 percent of advisors view items such as a meal with a local family, early access to a museum, or the discovery of a new neighborhood, as the most requested part of an itinerary.

Going guided
Although FIT continues to be popular, with 20 percent of advisors noting it as a trend for 2019, more than 50 percent have seen an increase in guided vacation experiences for the New Year.

“Part of the joy of a guide is that it allows clients the freedom to be in the moment, without thinking ‘what’s next,’” said Mazza. “As we continue to see a demand for exotic locations and off-the-beaten path adventures, we’ll continue seeing this as a trend on the rise.”

Venturing to new and old favorites
Advisors also weighed in on the most popular destinations among their clients. The top five ranked for 2019 are: Iceland, South Africa, Japan, Croatia, and Italy.

  1
  0
Related Articles
10 Food and Beverage Trends to Know for 2020
More Than Half of Travelers Would Pay More for Personalized Itineraries
Four Trends to Watch in British Luxury Hospitality
Key Trends That Are Changing Luxury Travel
10 Top Cruise Trends For Travel Planners To Watch
Five Hotel Food And Beverage Trends For 2017
Six Luxury Hotel Trends
Agents Say Summer Travel To Europe Remains Strong, But Caribbean Cools Down
Travel Professionals Identify 15 Luxury Travel Trends For 2016 And Beyond
What’s in Your Paycheck?

MOST VIEWED

Brought To You By
  1. U.S. Will Require Negative COVID-19 Tests for All International Visitors
  2. Thailand Introduces New Tourist Tax for International Travelers
  3. Op-ed: Five Travel Predictions for 2021
  4. Marriott to Open Seven EDITION HOTELS in 2021
  5. Kauai Reopens to Tourists with New Travel Rules in Place
  6. Caribbean Destinations, Hotels Work to Meet to New CDC Requirements

MOST EMAILED

Brought To You By
  1. U.S. Will Require Negative COVID-19 Tests for All International Visitors
  2. Caribbean Destinations, Hotels Work to Meet to New CDC Requirements
  3. Kauai Reopens to Tourists with New Travel Rules in Place
  4. ASTA: CDC Testing Requirement ‘Threatens to Create a Logistical Crisis’
  5. What Advisors Need to Know About the Latest COVID-19 Relief Package
  6. American Airlines Launches Health Passport to Help Passengers with COVID Test Requirements
Tip of the Day

I think being in contact with [my clients] gave them more confidence in me and the suggestions I offer.

Linda Kinsey, Custom Travel & Cruise

 Share...
Daily Top List
Brought To You By

5 Things Every Travel Agency Should Do To Boost Business

1. Specialize
2. Give a personal touch
3. Find your niche and sell an experience
4. Maintain a high standard of quality
5. Become a salesman…but inspire trust

Source: Azavista.com

 Share...
Previous Daily Top List
Top Stories
Quark Expeditions Bullish on Possible May Restart with Universal COVID-19 Testing
Quark Expeditions Bullish on Possible May Restart with Universal COVID-19 Testing

A May restart would include the debut of its newest ship Ultramarine.

Read...
Royal Caribbean Group Sells Azamara in $200 Million Deal
Royal Caribbean Group Sells Azamara in $200 Million Deal

The deal includes the entire Azamara three-ship fleet along with all of its associated intellectual property.

Read...
Silversea Offering Bonus Travel Advisor Commission
Silversea Offering Bonus Travel Advisor Commission

Silversea Cruises is offering travel advisors the chance to earn bonus commission for new bookings made before the end of February.  

Read...
Adventures by Disney Announces First-Ever Dedicated Expedition Cruises
Adventures by Disney Announces First-Ever Dedicated Expedition Cruises

Another major name is getting into the expedition cruise business.

Read...
Luxury Travelers Are Eager to Get Back on the Road Traveling, Survey Says
Luxury Travelers Are Eager to Get Back on the Road Traveling, Survey Says

According to the survey, 70% of luxury travelers have taken a trip since lockdowns began in March of last year.

Read...
The Five Best Destinations for Expedition Cruises, According to the Experts
The Five Best Destinations for Expedition Cruises, According to the Experts

Hear what travel advisors have to say about expedition cruising. 

Read...
News Briefs
  • The Retreat Costa Rica’s Ups Travel Advisor Commission
  • Aman Announces Phased Reopening of Resorts
  • Arch Waldorf Astoria London Launches Free Rides for Healthcare
  • Ponant Issues New Payment and Cancellation Policy
  • Regent Seven Seas Launches 48-Hour Cancellations
  • Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine Open for Booking
TMR Outlooks
Expedition 2020
Wellness Outlook
Distribution Outlook
View All
Advertiser's Voice
https://img.youtube.com/vi/-C65Uqm5evk/0.jpg
Video: Why Consumers Should Use a Travel Agent in 2021
About Travel Market Report Mission Editorial Staff Advisory Board Advertise
TMR Resources Webinars Calendar of Events
Subscribe to TMR
Select Language
Do You Have an Idea Email
editor@travelmarketreport.com
Give Us a Call
1-(516) 730-3097
Drop Us a Note
Travel Market Report
243 South Street, OysterBay, NY, 11771
News|Leisure Travel|Land Vacations|Cruise|Canada Retail Strategies|Well-Being|Luxury|Training
© 2005 - 2021 Travel Market Report, an American Marketing Group Inc. Company All Rights Reserved | 243 South Street, Oyster Bay, NY, 11771 USA | Telephone (516) 730-3097| Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy