Travel to Cuba, themed travel and merging travel with technology have been named among the top 10 trends for this year…
According to Cruise Planners, an American Express travel representative, travel is back in a big way and consumers are booking much further ahead in terms of time scale.
The top travel trends identified for 2016 are…
More inventory
There are more cruise ships than ever before on the rivers and oceans, so the competition is heating up.
Each cruise line is responding differently from exploring exotic itineraries to offering more value for clients and from building huge mega ships to introducing new, intimate river cruise ships—there truly is something for everyone.
Overall, cruise lines are working hard to market to new-to-cruise travellers to experience their products and new ships are being built and announced often—so there will be even more cruise products to experience.
Selling Early
Cruise lines are filling ships further out. From the business perspective, this means they are not doing deep discounts for last-minute cruises, but rather incentivising travellers to book ahead with richer deals for a longer lead time.
Travel Agents Offer Best Value
Since there are so many cruise ship products with each one having its own personality, it’s best to work with a travel agent who knows what products are available and can help pair a traveller with the best cruise ship to meet their needs.
Also, a travel agent has access to the best deals and value possible, doesn’t cost the client any additional money and is a constant client advocate throughout the booking and travel process—it’s a true win/win.
Younger Demographics are Travelling
Millennials are travelling more and more and travel and cruise companies are taking notice.
For example, river cruise lines are expanding to seasonally focus on families/multi-generational guests with triple occupancy cabins. One example of this is how AmaWaterways partnered with Disney to attract families and is marketing to a broader and younger range of travellers.
Merging Technology with Travel
Travel is technology—from using mobile travel apps to wristband room key access and travellers demanding advanced Wi-Fi connections to robotic bartenders and even using live GoPro video content to help promote travel to consumers; technology and travel are forever fused.
Luxury Expansions
With the evolution of Crystal Cruises’ luxury portfolio expanding into the luxury river cruise market, yachting and air market, high-end travellers will expect more well-rounded inclusions from their holidsays.
Additional Offerings
Today, there are more all-inclusive sailings, more experiences and cultural excursions for clients. Finding the right adventure or excursion is the best way to create travel memories.
Impact of Cuba
Travel to Cuba is being explored and it comes with international impacts. Many American travellers are interested in seeing it. Some want to go before it gets too “Americanized” while others are waiting until it has more offerings in line with American tourists.
Social Impact Travel
More and more travellers are looking for a culturally immersive experience—from helping a local charity to meeting local artisans and children—travellers are looking to give back in a big way.
Brands such as Fathom are offering an opportunity for travellers to visit a destination and give back.
Themed Travel
There are more themed trips and cruises such as wine maker tours, beer cruises, Christmas markets, golf themed trips, music focused vacations, giving travel agents the opportunity to create their own groups and themed events.
Which emerging trends do you agree with or see yourself doing?
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