North America travellers spend up to three times more on sustainably focussed, high end products.
With the US accounting for 51% of the world’s high net worth population (Investopedia October 2018) record numbers of the world’s luxury travel brands and experiences will gather for ILTM North America in Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico in September. They will meet with agents who curate personal travel itineraries for their private clients – North America’s high net worth travellers. Recent research by Virtuoso reveals that these travellers not only spend more on their travels, but they are increasingly conscious of the impact of their journeys, spending three times more than the average on sustainability focussed, high end products.
Simon Mayle Exhibition Director, ILTM North America comments: “ Recognising the changes we are seeing in luxury travel itineraries that match the growing global concern for the world’s oceans and eco systems, we too will be showing respect for the beauty of our location for ILTM North America in Mayakoba. This year we are mindful of a fact that is resonating with all of us – by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans. Every year eight tons of plastics leak into the ocean. That’s equivalent to dumping the contents of one garbage truck into the ocean every minute.
“Paying homage to our coastal home we will celebrate the beauty and mysteries of the ocean that is at our doorstep. From activities designed to calm the flow of your mind, to chances to dive deep into the mind-set of the new North American luxury traveller, ILTM North America provides the perfect backdrop for all our guests to connect with nature, the industry and each other.”
Recognising the shifts in traveller’s mind sets exhibitors at this year’s event confirm what the exclusive private individuals want from their experiences
Penny Raffety, Global Premium Manager, Tourism Australia commented: ”North America comprises 50% of our international premium and luxury guests and for the Luxury Lodges of Australia, guest numbers from this market have more than tripled over the past 5 years. They seek our diverse natural landscapes, unique wildlife, easy yet sophisticated way of life, often made truly luxurious by the exclusivity of access to landscapes, people, places and experiences. They also spend between 4 times and up to 60 times the average high value traveller to Australia.”
Andrew Coombs of Fukushima City Tourism and Convention Association said: “Travellers from North America show a high level of concern for global social issues and a strong tendency for positive action. ILTM North America is the perfect platform to promote our relatively untapped region of Japan to high-net-worth travellers who in turn are very influential on the world stage of luxury travel.”
Ursula Beamish-Mader of Switzerland Tourism also commented on the luxury traveller from North America’s interest in authentic experiences and their high spending power. “Overnights from US have been growing for 10 years in a row, from Canada even longer. The broad range of outdoor activities offered – from river cruises to hiking to city tours – means the U.S. in particular is now the strongest foreign market for the Swiss Deluxe Hotels. North American visitors also continue to spend considerably above average compared to other markets.”
“ILTM North America has become the international event for the region’s luxury travel agents and planners to seek out the experiences that they know their clients want from their leisure time whilst getting inspiration and ideas that they can share to benefit the environment and local communities – its all about sharing the need to leave the world a better place after all of our travels” added Simon Mayle
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
