Top 10 Summer Destinations for Luxury Travelers
Top 10 Summer Destinations for Luxury Travelers
Virtuoso® Forecasts the Top 10 Places Where U.S. Travelers Will Venture During the Busy Summer Season
Each year, Virtuoso®, the leading international travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel, publishes its top 10 summer destination list taken from actual bookings made from its network of global travel agencies.
As Roaming Boomers Travel Services is fortunate to belong to this by-invitation-only network, we thought you might enjoy seeing where today’s luxury traveler is roaming.
Here’s a recent press release with the details:
NEW YORK (May 17, 2017) – International luxury travel network Virtuoso®, acknowledged as an influential trend predictor in the industry has mined its data warehouse of more than $39.7 billion in transactions to reveal the top choices for U.S. travelers during the upcoming 2017 summer getaway season. Upscale globetrotters are booking eternal European favorites this summer, with a couple of other international destinations rounding out the list.
The Virtuoso Top 10:
The most popular destinations for summer vacations based on future bookings.
Note: each of the destinations below is a clickable link to more information about that country’s travel options.
The Top 10 analysis:
It’s no surprise Americans are venturing far and wide: according to global travel market research company Phocuswright, seven in 10 travelers have a strong wanderlust to see the world. As is typical for summer travel, Europe dominates the list with eight of the 10 countries. Italy continues its reign atop the list, followed by the perennially popular U.K.,
Italy continues its reign atop the list, followed by the perennially popular U.K., France, and Spain. These four countries fit with a trend identified by Phocuswright; the desire to visit natural and cultural attractions is the top influencer for Americans when selecting destinations. The relative strength of the U.S. dollar against both the euro and British pound also makes the continent a particularly appealing destination for 2017.
South Africa bookings for summer travel continue to rise strongly, as adventurous travelers head there for bucket-list safaris, scenic beauty, and authentic experiences. Countries with strong ocean and river cruising appeal are benefiting from robust interest in those segments, as travelers extend their vacations with pre- and post-cruise stays in Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
Ireland continues to lure travelers enchanted by its historic charm and lively culture. Canada’s strong showing is due to its proximity to the U.S., the purchasing power Americans currently enjoy there, and heightened interest around its 150th anniversary.
Data is sourced from Virtuoso’s U.S.-based travel agency members and reflects future travel between the Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays in 2017. The findings were announced during the network’s annual Symposium, which recently took place in Vancouver, British Columbia.
About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the leading international travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 800 travel agency partners with more than 15,200 elite travel advisors in over 45 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with 1,700 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. More than (U.S.) $21.2 billion in annual travel sales makes Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry.
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Our Observations
This list rather accurately reflects our travelers’ destinations, with one caveat; we’ve seen a massive increase in ocean and river cruises this year over last. While luxury boomer travelers are more adventurous in their travel than perhaps the “greatest generation”, it seems that a great many prefer the ease of a cruise that offers them the ability to unpack once and travel in the relative safety of the cruise line’s supervision.
Regardless of your preferred mode of travel, with our connections and expertise, we can save you a lot of time, frustration, money, and very likely give you complimentary VIP perks to boot!
To learn more about we can help with your travel planning, call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
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Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40