Luxury travel is thriving, according to exhibitors The Luxury Travel Fair that took place at Kensington Olympia. Compared to this time last year, initial indications show that whilst many bookings are comparatively last minute, travellers are once again committing to travel in 2010 and are willing to spend money on the perfect break away - whether at home or abroad.

Proper Planning...
Many exhibitors noted that visitors were more knowledgeable about the destinations than in previous years and were clearly experienced travellers. According to Geraldine Gamboshaw from Chia Laguna Resorts in South Sardinia: “The clientele is very high end with an excellent knowledge of travel. They are experienced, travelling on average at least 2/3 times per year.”

Albert Aird, National Training and Events Manager at Viking River Cruises that offers deluxe cruises to Europe, Russia and China, also found that visitors knew exactly what they wanted from a luxury break, but along with high expectations and a demand for personal service, came a willingness to spend. He notes: “Visitors have been very focused and well informed about river cruising. Rather than simply gathering information, we have had strong advanced bookings, very much defying the credit crunch.”

Indira Patel from Abercrombie & Kent agrees. She explains: “This show has been busy for us with many good quality leads. Overall business wise, we are still doing very well and it looks set to continue into 2010.”

Staycation here to stay?
Much has been made this year of the ‘staycation’, due in part to the strong Euro and of course, the recession. Recent research by title sponsor, Conde Nast Traveller, suggests luxury travellers are looking closer to home for new and unusual destinations, as well as more far flung, exotic locations. The survey found over the past 12 months, 80% of luxury travellers have taken a short break within Britain and over 51% of respondents said they were looking to holiday in the UK in the coming years.

The suggestion that luxury travellers are considering staying close to home and rediscovering local tourist gems is confirmed by Michelle Hancock from Pride of Britain Hotels. She notes: “Leisure short breaks are buoyant and we have definitely benefited from the trend to stay in the UK. We are seeing visitors who are genuinely interested in having a luxurious break in the UK.”

Lastminute.com Culture
Another trend that looks set to stay, is to book much nearer to the date of travel. Michelle Hancock explains: “There is a strong ‘lastminute.com culture’ where travellers believe they can get a discount if they book late. This may reverse in time, as they start to realise there are more savings to be made by planning ahead.“

Simon Trengove Jones, Senior Sales Manager for Six Senses Resorts and Spa has had a similar experience, seeing much shorter lead times. Simon explained that whereas traditionally long-term bookings were the norm, especially for expensive long-haul breaks, now people will just book 6-8 weeks in advance.

Dominic Hamilton, Head of International Communications for Quito Turismo also notes: “Generally we have seen bookings become much more last minute - even for big transatlantic trips to the Galapagos Islands. However, overall visitor numbers have not declined and we expect next year to pick up again.”

Whether near or far, it’s clear that travellers wish to be in the lap of luxury, even if they are only willing to commit relatively late in the day.

Overall, the mood at The Luxury Travel Fair was buoyant and many exhibitors were delighted with the level and quality of bookings and enquiries. Simon Trengrove Jones sums it up: “We have had over 10 bookings on Sunday alone and to be honest, we couldn’t deal with any more footfall – it has been a fantastic success.”