PLYMOUTH, MINN. - Travel Leaders Group released its top luxury travel trends for 2016 including the top up-and-coming destinations led by Cuba; the list also includes the United Arab Emirates, African Safaris, Iceland and Antarctica. In addition, more than 86% of those surveyed state that luxury travel bookings are higher than or on par with 2015, and the top international luxury travel destinations outside of North America are European river cruises, Italy, Mediterranean cruises, Australia, and England. Conducted November 17-December 8, 2015, these luxury travel trends are based on responses from 964 Travel Leaders Group's luxury travel agent experts.
"Today's luxury traveler is someone who seeks incredible, authentic and memorable experiences – not merely 5-star hotels and Michelin star restaurants. So it makes perfect sense that Cuba, Antarctica, and African safaris are among the top 'up-and-coming' luxury travel destinations according to our luxury travel agents throughout the United States," stated Travel Leaders Group CEO Ninan Chacko. "Nobody books more luxury travel than Travel Leaders Group agents and their expertise is second to none. Our travel agents take pride in their ongoing efforts to specialize in and experience destinations, firsthand, that appeal particularly to their affluent clientele. That's how they're able to confidently consult with and advise their clients – making sure each client's luxury vacation expectations are exceeded."
Luxury Travel Up-and-Coming Destinations
The top responses when asked, "What would you say is the top up-and-coming destination for your luxury travel clients?" were remarkable destinations such as: Cuba, United Arab Emirates, African Safaris, Iceland and Antarctica.
"Because Cuba will undoubtedly change rapidly in the coming years due to the influx of American tourists and business influences, a growing number of Protravel International's affluent clientele want to experience its captivating time-stands-still charm now," stated Patrick Fragale, President of Protravel International. "The proximity, the people and the culture are all part of the appeal. When Americans can freely travel to Cuba for any type of vacation – not just a cultural exchange – and more luxury accommodations become available, I see Cuba moving from our up-and-coming list to join our overall list of top international destinations for luxury travelers."
Top Luxury Travel Destinations (Outside) North America
1 CRUISE – Europe (River)
2 Italy
3 CRUISE – Europe (Mediterranean)
4 Australia
5 England
6 France
7 CRUISE – Europe (Baltic)
8 Ireland
9 South Africa
10 CRUISE – Australia/New Zealand
11 United Arab Emirates
12 Bora Bora
13 (tie) China
13 (tie) New Zealand
13 (tie) Spain
Top Luxury Travel Destinations (Within) North America
1 CRUISE – Caribbean
2 Mexico
3 Dominican Republic
4 Jamaica
5 Costa Rica
Luxury Travel Bookings in 2016
When Travel Leaders Group luxury travel agents were asked to compare their overall 2016 luxury travel bookings so far to their luxury travel bookings at this time last year, over 86% of those surveyed say bookings are higher than or on par with 2015.
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
| Bookings are Higher | 40.8% | 48.3% | 45.7% | 41.5% |
| Bookings are Even | 45.5% | 41.6% | 40.5% | 44.6% |
| Bookings are Lower | 13.7% | 10.1% | 13.8% | 13.9% |
"With Tzell's luxury clientele continuing to seek out unique experiences, we're buoyed by the survey results that confirm bookings for various segments of the luxury travel industry – from multi-generational vacations and river cruises to hotels and premium airline bookings – are strong," stated Tzell President and CEO Barry Liben. "For example, over 91% of survey participants state bookings for luxury multi-generational trips are higher than or on par with last year at this time, and nearly 89% state the same regarding luxury river cruises."
| Increase versus 2015 | Same as 2015 | ||
| Luxury Multi-generational Vacations | 36.0% | 55.1% | (91.1%) |
| Luxury River Cruise Bookings | 50.1% | 38.6% | (88.7%) |
| Luxury Tour Bookings | 35.2% | 53.2% | (88.4%) |
| Luxury Cruise Bookings | 39.7% | 48.3% | (88.0%) |
| Cruise Suite Bookings | 39.7% | 48.3% | (88.0%) |
| Luxury Hotel Bookings | 37.5% | 50.3% | (87.8%) |
| Premium Air (First/Business) Bookings | 39.7% | 48.0% | (87.7%) |
| Luxury Europe Customize Bookings | 33.9% | 50.2% | (84.1%) |
| Luxury Europe Tour Bookings | 29.0% | 53.3% | (82.3% |
