Florence, Italy.
Australian travellers say ‘ciao’ to Italy.
LAS VEGAS – Virtuoso has surveyed its 1,200-strong network of Australian-based travel advisors to reveal where and why their luxury clientele are travelling for the rest of the year, releasing the results at the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas overnight.
Revered as the “Fashion Week” of luxury travel, Virtuoso Travel Week is taking place at Las Vegas’ Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel & Spa from 10-16 August. It is the industry’s largest and most prestigious luxury travel event with more than 6,000 leading luminaries attending.
As the leading forecaster in the travel industry, Virtuoso’s list of hottest trends for Australian luxury travellers for the spring and Christmas/New Year period reveals:
Top International Destinations
- Italy
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- United States
- Canada
Upscale Australian travellers are embracing Europe. Italy is of particular appeal, offering great food, authentic local experiences and the chance to discover lesser-known regions like Puglia and Sicily. Australians also are seeking snow-filled Northern winters, compelling travellers to head to the ski fields of Japan, the U.S. and Canada for the holiday season.
Top Domestic Destinations
- Tasmania
- Noosa
- Melbourne
- Hamilton Island
- Byron Bay
Weekends away filled with food and culture or romantic beachside destinations ideal for short breaks are seeing Australian travellers choosing getaway destinations as far apart as Noosa and Melbourne. Tasmania’s untamed wilderness is at the top of Virtuoso’s list, proving attractive for its mix of art, food and dramatic landscapes, while Hamilton Island’s tropical peace and the boho vibes of Byron Bay both offer the ultimate luxury escape.
Top Unusual Destinations
- Antarctica
- Bhutan
- Mexico
- Latvia
- Scandinavia
Today’s luxury travel is readily defined by the exploration of new frontiers and this year’s list highlights more unusual destinations. Travellers are looking to the remoteness and wonder of Antarctica and Scandinavia, while the exotic kingdom of Bhutan and the Baltic nation of Latvia also piqued interest as upscale travellers look to broaden their itineraries.
Top Travel Trends
- Beach destinations
- Multigenerational travel
- Family trips
- Luxury cruises
- Active and adventure trips
The summer holiday tempts Australian travellers to seek out beach destinations to unwind and befittingly multigenerational and family travel also feature strongly during the Christmas period. With Australia’s love of cruising continuing unabated, it is no surprise luxury cruising comes into the top five along with active adventure trips for those seeking to embrace adrenaline as part of their time-out.
Top Travel Experiences
- Experiences with local culture
- Wellness, spa and relaxation
- Food and beverage experiences
- Soft adventure (hiking, bicycling)
- Insider tours with locals
Local experiences are a top priority for luxury travellers who value feeling connected and learning about the culture of the destination they are visiting. Wellness programs, spa treatments and relaxation are also important at this time of year while insider tours, a specialty of Virtuoso advisors, are being sought by discerning clients.
Also, Virtuoso took the opportunity last week to fete 18 outstanding destination, cruise and lifestyle partners with awards for their exceptional products and service as well as their strong collaboration with network member agencies. Winners were announced at two events taking place during the 31st annual Virtuoso Travel Week.
Virtuoso’s Destination Showcase Dinner, held August 12 at Bellagio before an audience of more than 1,800 of luxury travel’s finest, saw 10 awards presented to suppliers who embody the term “partnership” when it comes to working with Virtuoso advisors to deliver client experiences that exceed expectations:
- Best Tour Partner: Belmond Trains & Cruises
- Destinations & Experiences Ambassador of the Year: Javier Echecopar, Abercrombie & Kent USA
- Destinations & Experiences Partner of the Year: Made for Spain & Portugal
- Best Multi-Generational Program – Cruise: Royal Caribbean International
- Best Culinary Experience – Cruise: Oceania Cruises
- Most Luxurious Guest Experience – Cruise: Crystal Cruises
- Best River Cruise Line: AmaWaterways
- Best Expedition Cruise Line: Silversea Expeditions
- Best On-Site Partner: Calvados Club Luxury Travel – Croatia
- Tourism Board of the Year: Switzerland Tourism
The Alliance Partner Awards took place during an August 11 luncheon, also at Bellagio, and recognised eight exceptional preferred destinations and lifestyle partners:
- Most Engaged Tourism Board – US/Canada: Tourism Australia
- Most Engaged Tourism Board – Global: Visit California
- Most Innovative Alliances Partner: El Corte Ingles
- Most Comprehensive Advisor Program: Austrian Tourist Office
- Hottest Destination of the Year: Slovenian Tourist Board
- Top Destination of the Year: Italian National Tourist Board
- Virtuoso Alliances Ambassador of the Year: Elisabeth Hakim, PromPeru
- Lifestyle Partner of the Year: Galeries Lafayette Paris
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
