Too busy processing 2019 to get a head start on 2020? We’ve got just the thing.
The travel-savvy folk over at Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) have let us in on the key things they learned in 2019 and what they’re projecting for the year ahead.
Last year, the luxe travel gurus noted a particular interest in personalised journeys, with bespoke, tailor-made itineraries showing an enormous 40 per cent growth. Small group journeys with a maximum of 10 guests also showed growth compared with last year, proving that travellers craved personal attention over the anonymity of a large group tour.
Almost all destinations in A&K’s portfolio showed growth, but off-the-beaten-track destinations performed particularly well, including Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Armenia.
Egypt also stood out, continuing its comeback with a rise in bookings of almost 150 per cent compared with 2018.
Travellers also planned further ahead in 2019 with tailor-made bookings being made on average six months before travel. Luxury Expedition Cruise and Group journeys showed longer lead times of up to 12 months.
Looking ahead, A&K has released its 2020 Hot List which predicted the destinations and experiences that discerning travellers will be considering. Whether it’s hard-core adventure, a cultural exchange, a far-flung expedition cruise or an unforgettable wildlife encounter, the list has something for first time and seasoned traveller alike. Here’s what made the list: Azerbaijan; Benin; Eastern Indonesia; Finland; Malta; Jordan; Namibia; South Korea. Wukalina Walk Tasmania; Zimbabwe.
The company is also offering more departures on Group Journeys than ever before with ongoing strong interest for Egypt and Morocco in particular and renewed interested in Ethiopia.
Forward sales for 2020 are strong with tailor-made travel up 40 per cent again and destinations such as India, Tanzania, Japan, Italy, Morocco and Argentina showing the strongest growth.
