Travel agents predict what’s going to be hot in 2017

By Daisy Melwani

There’s all sorts of reports coming out of the woodwork on where’s the next best place to holiday, and what’s going to be on everyone’s travel list in 2017.

Luxury travel group Virtuoso are no different, revealing the results of its annual 2017 Virtuoso Luxe Report Australia based on trends being seen by the network’s Australian advisors for the coming year.

The annual report, which for the first time included a breakdown from the Australian market, is the leading trend predictor for luxury and experiential travel globally. Also for the first time, the report looks at destinations which are rapidly changing or at risk of disappearing in the coming decade.

According to them, Australian’s are heading to Cuba and Iceland, looking for adventure in Antarctica and South Africa and honeymooning in the Maldives.

“We are starting to see movement outside of the mainstream travel agenda with people taking the current global turbulence as a prompt to look all the way down their bucket list,” Virtuoso Asia Pacific Managing Director, Michael Londregan said of the report.

“Instead of sticking with their tried and true destinations, people are looking at some options further down the list, and that’s why we are seeing other less common options gaining momentum.

“Lets face it, there is no point having a bucket list if you don’t look beyond your top three destinations.”

So what’s Virtuoso’s travel recommendations for 2017?

Head now for destinations with a sense of urgency: ones that are changing rapidly or even disappearing. Cuba tops the list as both an emerging destination and one in danger of losing its distinctive character. The Arctic is another must-see, with melting glaciers impacting the region’s unique wildlife. Closer to home, the Great Barrier Reef ranks second in the list of most endangered.
Seek out active journeys, as adventure travel soars even higher this year as a dominant trend. Virtuoso’s Australian advisors are rating South African safaris, exploring Vietnam and the Galapagos Islands, and New Zealand as a closer adventure option.
Multi-generational travel remains hot, and families are looking to relax in Fiji, Hawaii and Thailand or explore the US or Italy. Take the opportunity to live like a local by with a cooking class, perusing the markets, hunting for truffles or even opting for a private, in-home dining experience.
Pack the bathers as island destinations are the top-tip for honeymooners. The Maldives offers the No.1 romantic get away and Fiji provides a destination closer to home for Australian newly weds.

Another trend the group identified is a move towards longer international holidays and shorter domestic trips.

“People are starting to think about their holidays in really distinct blocks because their asset is not the money they have in the bank, it’s how many days they have off each year,” Londregan said.

“People are taking their 20 days of holiday and planning out their year with a two week adventure, three long weekends, and a family get away for example – we are seeing people thinking more strategically about investing their travel time.

“No longer are we looking for what’s on special or just going where we normally go, people want to be more imaginative – the world is their oyster and we no longer just live in one corner of it.”

Key findings from the 2017 Virtuoso Luxe Report:

Top five “emerging destinations” for 2017

•   Cuba
•   Iceland
•   Japan
•   Sri Lanka
•   Myanmar/Burma

Most popular international leisure destinations

•   Italy
•   United States
•   France
•   Spain
•   Canada

Most popular destinations for family travel

•   Fiji
•   United States
•   Thailand
•   Italy
•   Hawaii

Most popular adventure destinations

•   Antarctica
•   South Africa
•   Vietnam and New Zealand
•   Galapagos Islands

Most popular honeymoons

•   Maldives
•   Fiji
•   Italy
•   Bali
•   Thailand

Top Endangered/Changing Destinations

•   Cuba
•   Great Barrier Reef
•   Antarctica
•   Venice
•   Maldives

Biggest trends for 2017

•   Family and multigenerational
•   Active and adventure / Luxury cruise
•   Celebration

Length of trip with increased demand for in 2017

•   2 + weeks international
•   3-5 day domestic
•   Week long international

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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