94 LUXURY TRAVEL
VIRTUOSO ® LUXE REPORT REVEALS THE UNITED KINGDOM ’ S LUXURY TRAVELLERS ARE EMBOLDENED TO SPREAD THEIR WINGS IN 2024
desire to visit a place dreamed of during the pandemic , an under-theradar location recommended by an advisor or even the ambition of being “ first ” to a destination , luxury travellers are intrigued by the unexplored . The cultural richness of reemerging travel hotspots , such as Japan and Egypt , offer unique and exciting itineraries for those seeking a departure from the norm .
According to the 2024 Virtuoso ® Luxe Report , British travellers are increasingly comfortable venturing further afield , demonstrating a committed sense of adventure and urgency for once-in-alifetime experiences in farflung locations .
Global luxury and experiential travel network Virtuoso surveyed its industry-leading travel agency members , and their teams of professional travel advisors , to predict what lies ahead in the coming year . While the global survey spans more than 50 countries , Virtuoso was able to zero in on traveller preferences within the U . K . Virtuoso is a respected trend forecaster , and the annual Luxe Report illuminates consumer preferences for high-end luxury and experiential travel .
With the value of time – and the significance of how and with whom we spend it – now a focal point for many , Virtuoso travel advisors report their clients are more interested than ever in fulfilling their travel aspirations . Despite inflation and global unrest , they remain insatiably curious and willing to pay for new experiences . More than 60 percent of advisors surveyed expect travel demand and spend per trip to increase in 2024 .
The Luxe Report identified five key trends highlighting how upscale globetrotters are establishing their influence in the travel-sphere for 2024 .
1 . New Frontiers : Although many continue to find comfort in their past favourites , other experienced travellers are diverging from the usual European options and branching out to exotic locales and less-explored areas . Driven by the
2 . The Party Continues : Postpandemic travel saw many delayed celebrations realized , and the festivities continue with celebration travel making the list of top trends and motivations for 2024 . It ’ s no surprise travellers are sharing life ’ s most important moments with family – travel with immediate family tops the trends list . Whether commemorating a milestone or simply spending quality time together , travel remains an essential part of connecting with loved ones .
3 . Honouring the Earth : Extreme weather has shaped a traveller who is hyper-aware of the fragility of the world and eager to honour its majesty . Virtuoso advisors say their clients are pushing geographical boundaries to witness nature in its pristine form for fear it will diminish or become inaccessible . Greece , Morocco and Hawaii are also top-of-mind for travellers who want to support the economy of destinations recently impacted by disaster while remaining respectful of their recovery .
4 . Small Ships , Big Possibilities : With less crowded , more intimate settings in favour , small-vessel cruising is on the rise with new and experienced cruisers alike . Upscale voyagers in search of a more authentic experience are
THE ART OF LUXURY ISSUE 62 2024