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CONVERSATIONS

WE ASKED : ARE YOU SEEING ANY PROMINENT TRAVEL TRENDS AMONG YOUR CLIENTS ?

Sarah Kline
PRESIDENT OF TIME FOR TRAVEL
WEBSITE timefortravel . com
INSTAGRAM instagram . com / timefortravelltd
Syreeta R Grose
CO-OWNER / CEO OF GROSE TRAVEL SERVICES MEETINGS AND EVENTS
VICE PRESIDENT OF VENDOR RELATIONS AND AGENT DEVELOPMENT AT TRAVMANITY INC
Jay Islam
OWNER / CEO OF GRAND TRAVEL AND CRUISE
WEBSITE grandtravelcruise . com
INSTAGRAM instagram . com / vacationjay
Blake Burkhart
OWNER & ADVISOR AT HAUS TRAVEL
WEBSITE haus-travel . com
INSTAGRAM instagram . com / haustravel
“ Despite a growing travel trend towards Europe , Africa and Asia , the persistent global uncertainties and financial considerations have led many to stick with familiar choices such as the Caribbean and Mexico . Surprisingly , there ’ s been a decline in demand for Mexico , previously a hot destination for 2022 / 23 , with a noticeable shift towards smaller Caribbean and more intimate locales . A striking trend is the escalating demand for luxury experiences , with a focus on top-notch service and premium food and beverage offerings . Additionally , there ’ s a notable surge in the prioritization of self-care and wellness , as clients actively seek resorts equipped with spas , gyms and health-conscious dining options to ensure a holistic and rejuvenating travel experience .”
FACEBOOK facebook . com / grosetravelservices
“ I can say while the pandemic was extremely detrimental to our industry , it also laid the groundwork for trends today and the future . More and more consumers are now reaching out to travel advisors for assistance . They have come to realize having a peace of mind that someone will take care of their needs is a necessity . Also , we are seeing the planning of more trips in the 9-15 months range and luxury travel . Clients are starting to see that last-minute vacations are no more and also are wanting to be pampered . Flights are full , and resorts are sold out . Bucket list long haul destinations such as Australia , Maldives , Bali and Ghana are on the rise also as the thought for some are they need to create experiences as you never know when it can all be taken away again .”
“ Every year since COVID , there is a continuous change in trend . More and more clients want to go for a longer time and with family / friends ! Group travel is definitely seeing more demand . Destination weddings are through the roof ; most weekends in 2024 are already booked up for weddings . Also , Europe and cruise are on fire . I do see a little slowdown due to the global crisis and recession looming in the U . S ., but as travel advisors , we have to educate and guide our clients so they can have the best time in life going on vacation . Some of my clients don ’ t want to go over their vacation budget , but I tell them politely that ‘ Vacation is a treat , so treat yourself , don ’ t cheat yourself ! Spend extra bucks and have a grand time !’”
“ At Haus Travel , we ’ re excited about a travel trend that we see gaining momentum : our clients are increasingly embracing ‘ slow travel .’ This approach moves away from rushing to tick off items on typical ‘ Top 20 things to do ’ lists . Instead of the once-popular requests for itineraries covering five or six European locations , we ’ re now seeing a preference for more focused trips with just two or three stops . This shift in travel style enables us as travel advisors to create value by crafting vacations that not only resonate with our clients ’ personalities but also allow them to gain a deeper appreciation of each destination . Our commitment at Haus Travel is to create memorable , individualized travel experiences that align with this trend , embodying the principle that less really is more .”
18 / THE COMPASS / SPRING 2024 vaxvacationaccess . com / thecompass