As expected, 2019 has started in full force, and a good part of sales will happen in this first quarter. Staying up to date with the latest trends is what makes the difference between a good and a great travel agent. The stats are clear and the numbers have spoken, so here are the main takeaways:
Personalized travel continues to lead the trend chart
In 2019, customizable itineraries continue to be the golden word, and it just happens to be one of our specialties. More and more travelers are looking for the perfect itinerary, tailored to all their needs, instead of a premade, cookie cutter package. It is this customization aspect that contributes to a long lasting relationship, resulting in many repeat customers and referrals.
Travelers are spending MORE for 2019
We will experience an increased number of travelers for 2019, and the average booking duration is transitioning to a 7 to 8 day stay, compared to the previous 5 to 6 day vacations. The downside however, is that our favorite destinations will be fully booked even sooner. Now is the perfect time to be proactive and book ahead, as well as find valuable alternatives for those who are open to new experiences. Speaking of which:
It’s all about the experience
In 2019, travelers are looking for active and unique experiences, and we’ve also noticed an increase in adventure honeymoons. Whether it’s zip-lining through Costa Rica’s rainforests or husky sledding through Finland’s frozen tundra, people are becoming more inclined towards experiential travel. Culinary and wine travel is also experiencing a significant growth in popularity, and to be honest, nothing can beat a Loire Valley winery visit, or a traditional Pugliese dinner in a local home.
Green travel
By no means a new concept, the demand for ecological travel is steadily growing. and many businesses have been proactively working towards this goal. Many destinations in Asia and Latin America have already made commendable efforts to reduce their footprint on the environment, and we believe that it will become part of the norm in no time.
New destinations emerge
There is no doubt that countries such as France, China, and Italy will continue to run the show as the most popular destinations. With that being said, many more continue to emerge into the spotlight, following the changing of trends that we’ve mentioned above. Whether its reindeer sledding in Lapland, Amazon cruises in Latin America, or floating bungalows in Thailand, the bucket lists continue to expand and diversify.
The list carries on, and we will continue to expand on these topics in future articles, in hopes that this information will lead to a more fruitful booking season. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and as always, we wish you safe travels.
