NEW YORK - Virtuoso, the international network of luxury travel agencies, has unveiled its 2015 Virtuoso Luxe Report, the results of which are based on an annual survey of its elite travel advisors. Recognized throughout the industry as an authoritative trend-predictor, the report forecasts luxury travel trends and favored destinations while offering insight into the patterns and decisions of the world's wealthiest travelers.
For the first time in five years, river cruising trumped multigenerational travel as the number one trend and Croatia secured the top spot in the "Emerging Destinations" category (the country didn't make the "top 10" in 2014). Iceland is on the rise while Cuba, Myanmar, and Bhutan continue to be favored emerging destinations. "Adventure travel" surfaced as a dominant trend for 2015 with Costa Rica and South Africa sweeping the top two spots, respectively, proving travelers are less interested in sitting still.
The love affair with Italy continues as it reigned supreme for the "Top International Destination" as well as the favorite country for family travel and honeymoons. France, Mexico, South Africa, and Australia follow as top international locales, respectively. Within the U.S., New York City maintained its top spot, followed by Maui, Napa Valley/Sonoma, and Las Vegas. Miami/South Beach climbed three places to reach the "top 5," bumping Hawaii's Big Island to ninth place.
Honeymooners showed they are seeking romance at tried and true favorites, as well as some more exotic locales. The most popular honeymoon destinations included Italy, Maui, French Polynesia, France, and the Maldives.
Exploring new destinations, seeking authentic experiences, rest and relaxation, and spending time or reconnecting with loved ones prove to be the key motivators behind high-end travel.
Key findings from the 2015 Virtuoso Luxe Report:
Top Travel Trends
- River cruising
- Multigenerational travel
- Active or adventure trips
- Celebration travel
- Family travel (immediate)
Top Domestic Destinations
- New York, NY
- Maui, HI
- Napa Valley/Sonoma, CA
- Las Vegas, NV
- Miami/South Beach, FL
Top International Destinations
- Italy
- France
- Mexico
- South Africa
- Australia
- Top Family Travel Destinations
- Italy
- Orlando, FL
- Mexico
- Hawaii
- England
Top Adventure Destinations
- Costa Rica
- South Africa
- Galapagos Islands
- New Zealand
- Peru
- Top Honeymoon Destinations
- Italy
- Maui, HI
- French Polynesia
- France
- Maldives
A record breaking total of 599 travel advisors from Virtuoso member agencies in 25 countries throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific and Europe participated in the survey.
