before you even know what it is you want ,” he said . “ I think it ’ s the anticipation of the customer needs and the seamless delivery of those needs that really defines luxury .”
This anticipation of needs surely comes from a type of customer service that isn ’ t found everywhere . It ’ s an attention to detail that is taken one step further .
According to Fran Fishman , luxury travel advisor with Protravel International , there is a transformative aspect to this type of travel , where the experience is now just as important as the accommodation .
“ In my opinion , luxury travel is about being taken to an environment that is transformative in many ways ,” Fishman said . “ That includes staying in state-of-the-art accommodations as well as feeling a sense of heightened wellness in which the travelers ’ senses are touched in a uniquely memorable way .”
She ’ s noticed her luxury clients are looking for exceptional locations they can visit where they are not only comfortable but also have the opportunity to learn something new or take their wellness experience to the next level .
“ I think the change that has occurred in luxury travel the last several years is that the traveler wants to travel to a unique location where their sense of curiosity and knowledge is expanded as well as feeling pampered while indulging in wellness which could be physical experiences as well as those that touch the many senses ,” Fishman said . “ The food experience has been taken to another level as well as the availability of physicality and mindfulness .”
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MATCHING CLIENTS WITH LUXURY EXPERIENCES So , if luxury isn ’ t a cookie-cutter , one-sizefits-all type of travel , how can advisors match their clients with experiences that work for each individual ?
“ That ’ s the part of this industry that makes it challenging but also very exciting ,” Licea said . “ Because one , it changes , but two , it ’ s diversified , and so it makes it much more fun to sell .”
Now , this might take some work , but travel advisors can start by asking their clients the right questions . Ask which features of the vacation are important to them . Are they focused on the culinary aspect ? Is location significant ? Is having one of the most luxurious accommodations a must ? For some luxury clients , privacy and space might be the
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