Near, Far, and Everywhere in between for 2017: Amex Travel Unveils Destinations & Discoveries for the Global Traveler
December 12 2016 - 2:00PM
Business Wire
Experts Share Top Luxury Travel Trends for the
New Year
From a more concierge-like approach to travel servicing and an
increased focus on hotel design to the implications of a
post-Brexit surge, American Express Travel experts have uncovered
trends that will likely impact the state of luxury travel in 2017
based on qualitative, in-depth industry observations and internal
data analysis.
“Today, affluent consumers are more knowledgeable, are often in
control of their travel experiences and across all ages, are in
pursuit of curation, comfort and convenience,” says Claire Bennett,
executive vice president, American Express Travel. “Whether they
seek added value from a flight upgrade, a recommendation for the
best new restaurant in London or are traveling more often and for
longer stays, consumers know what they want, and are becoming
savvier about making their needs known to travel brands.”
According to American Express Travel experts, the following are
trends likely to continue into 2017:
TRAVEL AGENTS, THE NEW CONCIERGES
Personalization and streamlined service are key motivators for
today’s luxury traveler – who expect immediate, one-stop-shop,
customized travel experiences. “We’re seizing this growing demand
by cultivating a team of lifestyle experts with unparalleled
relationships and in-depth industry knowledge that can offer
today’s savvy global traveler elements of the trip beyond air and
hotel – from VIP access to local insights on the newest restaurants
to one-of-a-kind, extraordinary experiences,” says Bennett.
A MOVE TOWARDS THE FRONT
As increasing elements of the flying experience have become
revenue streams for airlines, from boarding times and seat
preferences to lounge access and baggage allowance, there has been
a significant uptick in first-class bookings, increasing 208% YOY.
“We’ve noticed that weary air travelers are opting for the
convenience and value of paying one first-class fare to get it all,
enhancing their overall experience and making first-class air
travel the new version of the luxury all-inclusive frontier,” says
Bennett.
EXTENDED EXPLORERS EMERGE
“Four times per year, for four nights – in and out – has been
the tried and true American travel pattern. Today, however, we’re
seeing a new American traveler emerge and a mélange of factors are
contributing to the trend,” says Bennett.
Although Boomers may have the time and the money to travel for
longer stays, they join travelers across generations who
increasingly seek extended, immersive journeys packed with
authentic, local experiences. American Express Travel booking data
indicates an average 26% YOY increase in length of stay for
advanced bookings among the top 20 international destinations. But
Bennett says age is not always a factor here. “As travel experts,
it is imperative that we start defining travelers by psychographics
and not solely demographics.”
“Technology and the ability to remain connected is a key factor
why this is possible; it enables all travelers to plug in on
location, making it easier to extend vacations, and business trips
into longer getaways. When you can work wherever you are, these
super explorers are saying: let’s go,” says Bennett.
HOTELS AS LIFESTYLE BRANDS
“Niche is nice. Lifestyle, fashion, fitness, culinary and design
brands are latching onto the growing demand of customized travel
and highly personalized experiences based on their founding product
and catering to fans of their brand aesthetic and promise in the
travel space,” says Bennett. Equinox, West Elm, Baccarat, Bulgari,
Nobu and Restoration Hardware are among the brands breaking new
ground in the travel and hospitality space to offer innovative ways
to further engage their customer base in an age of bespoke travel.
These companies join established hoteliers who have created their
own design-focused brands, such as Marriott’s Edition and Hyatt’s
Andaz. “According to American Express Travel booking data, we are
seeing a more than 30% spike in bookings for lifestyle-inspired,
design-focused hotels in the US for 2017.”
NEAR, FAR, AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN FOR 2017
From a post-Brexit surge to a centennial celebration, these are
the top trending destinations for the upcoming year according to
American Express Travel experts:
- Fogo Island, Newfoundland
About American Express
Travel
American Express Travel is a global full-service travel and
related lifestyle services provider. For over 100 years, American
Express has helped those who love to travel customize and elevate
their trip experience through world-class service, exclusive
programs and premium benefits. Customers have many options for
accessing these services and can travel with confidence by having
support from American Express whether booking online at
www.amextravel.com or speaking with travel and lifestyle experts on
the phone or in retail locations.
About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing
customers with access to products, insights and experiences that
enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at
americanexpress.com and connect with us on
facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress,
linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress,
and youtube.com/americanexpress.
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Charlotte FullerCharlotte.Fuller@aexp.com212-640-6841
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