Debauchery, the roaring 20’s & human service: Luxury Gold’s 2023 travel trends revealed
The lux life of travel is truly worth living, but it isn’t just all-inclusive resorts and excessive caviar consumption (well, maybe a little bit).
That’s what was revealed through Luxury Gold’s new in-depth report titled The New Golden Age of Travel that was discussed at a media event last night at Shell House in Sydney. Leading the evening was Anna Thairs, a travel trends expert from TBWA Sydney, accompanied by Toni Ambler, MD Luxury Gold, and Anna Burgdorf, global brand and marketing director – luxury, Travel Associates.
The evening looked at six emerging travel trends in the luxury space which include: Touring on Top, Regeneration Rising, Leave-To-Learn, Tangible Nostalgia, The New Roaring Twenties, and Specialist Stays.
Touring on Top
Lux travellers are looking away from DIY travel, with many happy to pay the professionals for their time and expertise. Whether it be agents who can organise the trip or master tour guides that take travellers along the way, luxury tourists want a holiday with the human touch. The report particularly highlighted how communal and personalised experiences are thriving in the post-pandemic world of travel.
“Post pandemic, we’ve seen a lot of change in the way Australians travel and why they are travelling,” Burgdorf said.
“The rise of the travel advisor is key to this, as clients want end to end experiences and touring is the perfect example.
“Instead of booking flights, accommodation, and activities on their own, more and more Australians want this process to be seamlessly managed and that means finding a trusted advisor that can undertake this process of collaboration with them.”
Regeneration Rising
It’s not just sustainable travel driving those with a taste for luxury, the report revealed, but an emphasis on regeneration. People want to know how their holiday can give back, rather than just sustain.
This encourages travellers to find a holiday that’s led by nature and makes sure they are connecting to the land through their travel. Amongst this is the drive to find authentic experiences that give back and has led many luxury travellers to find holiday spots that protect and fund heritages while contributing towards the community.
Leave-To-Learn
While many want the masterclass experience on their journeys, Luxury Gold’s report showed that many want to find the specialist that can provide a unique experience. Whether it be cooking classes, weaving workshops, or even archaeological digs, luxury consumers want to know that they’re getting a locally unique experience from the master.
Specialist Stays
It’s not just the destination pushing travellers to a destination but the literal time of their life. That’s right, lux tourists are heading to certain destinations if they’re experiencing menopause, postnatal depression or even post-menopause. Much of this is geared towards women going into a new stage of life and looking for a new community, which has also seen increased interest in women’s-only tours.
“Consumers are seeking a return to human connection rather than booking their experiences themselves,” Ambler said.
But Luxury Gold also revealed that travellers looking to fulfil a need or desire isn’t restricted to women transitioning through life. Many holidays are geared towards those with immersive interests looking to escape into another world. Whether they be escape rooms, movie-inspired hotels or renting the Hobbiton from The Lord of the Rings, travellers want to visit the fantasy lands they know and love.
Tangible Nostalgia
Many travellers are looking to experiences that leave them with physical artefacts of their travel, not just as a status symbol but an emotional driver. And this isn’t limited to travellers taking home polaroids, plane tickets or little knick-knacks from their travels, but multi-sensory mementos that trigger the memories of travel such as the smell of a perfume, a particular taste or a song.
This aim to collect souvenirs also comes with the responsibility of the traveller to collect in a way that does not disrespect the spot they visit or contribute to over-consumption.
The New Roaring Twenties
It’s all about pleasure, debauchery and hedonism as travellers look a century ago to relive the roaring 20’s (let’s just hope the dirty 30’s don’t follow).
Luxury Gold’s report predicted the rise of dopamine departures following the emotional and physical shutdown of the pandemic. The travel industry is looking to reinvent historical vices for the modern day – with caviar ‘bumps’ defining this hedonistic lifestyle, Luxury Gold reported. This drives travellers who are looking to celebrate and travel in a purely pleasure-focused way, as seen through 24-hour hotels (not the ones you’re thinking off) that focus on the senses and allow travellers to enjoy a taste of the glamorous life.
Find the full report here.
Featured Image: Guests with Harris hawks at Ashford Castle in County Mayo (Luxury Gold)
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
luxury gold The New Golden Age of Travel travel trendsLatest News
Agents chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
Fancy a free spot on an Intrepid Travel trip to Antarctica with key partnerships manager Leigh Reynolds? That extraordinary opportunity is up for grabs for any agent who books an Intrepid Travel Ocean Endeavour Antarctica 2024/2025 season departure during the incentive period. The lucky winners of the ‘Earn a Free Spot to Antarctica Incentive’ will […]
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
Trilogy Hotels and Panthers Group have signed a milestone agreement that will see Trilogy Hotels oversee operations of the five-star Pullman Sydney Penrith. Part of a $110m investment from Panthers Group, the 153-room hotel opened in August last year and is the first five-star offering in Penrith. Trilogy Hotels is a new name in the […]
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.
South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen
Bringing two of the world's most distinctive accents closer together, for good or for bad is yet to be determined.
My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse
Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse? ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.