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Virtuoso has surveyed its 1,200-strong network of Australian-based travel advisors to reveal where and why their luxury clientele are travelling for the rest of the year, releasing the results at the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas overnight.

Revered as the “Fashion Week” of luxury travel, Virtuoso Travel Week is taking place at Las Vegas’ Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel & Spa from 10-16 August.  It is the industry’s largest and most prestigious luxury travel event with more than 6,000 leading luminaries attending.

As the leading forecaster in the travel industry, Virtuoso’s list of hottest trends for Australian luxury travellers for the spring and Christmas/New Year period reveals:

Top International Destinations

  • Italy
  • United Kingdom
  • Japan
  • United States
  • Canada

Upscale Australian travellers are embracing Europe. Italy is of particular appeal, offering great food, authentic local experiences and the chance to discover lesser-known regions like Puglia and Sicily.  Australians also are seeking snow-filled Northern winters, compelling travellers to head to the ski fields of Japan, the U.S. and Canada for the holiday season.

Top Domestic Destinations

  • Tasmania
  • Noosa
  • Melbourne
  • Hamilton Island
  • Byron Bay

Weekends away filled with food and culture or romantic beachside destinations ideal for short breaks are seeing Australian travellers choosing getaway destinations as far apart as Noosa and Melbourne. Tasmania’s untamed wilderness is at the top of Virtuoso’s list, proving attractive for its mix of art, food and dramatic landscapes, while Hamilton Island’s tropical peace and the boho vibes of Byron Bay both offer the ultimate luxury escape.

Top Unusual Destinations

  • Antarctica
  • Bhutan
  • Mexico
  • Latvia
  • Scandinavia

Today’s luxury travel is readily defined by the exploration of new frontiers and this year’s list highlights more unusual destinations. Travellers are looking to the remoteness and wonder of Antarctica and Scandinavia, while the exotic kingdom of Bhutan and the Baltic nation of Latvia also piqued interest as upscale travellers look to broaden their itineraries.

Top Travel Trends

  • Beach destinations
  • Multigenerational travel
  • Family trips
  • Luxury cruises
  • Active and adventure trips

The summer holiday tempts Australian travellers to seek out beach destinations to unwind and befittingly multigenerational and family travel also feature strongly during the Christmas period.  With Australia’s love of cruising continuing unabated, it is no surprise luxury cruising comes into the top five along with active adventure trips for those seeking to embrace adrenaline as part of their time-out.

Top Travel Experiences

  • Experiences with local culture
  • Wellness, spa and relaxation
  • Food and beverage experiences
  • Soft adventure (hiking, bicycling)
  • Insider tours with locals

Local experiences are a top priority for luxury travellers who value feeling connected and learning about the culture of the destination they are visiting. Wellness programs, spa treatments and relaxation are also important at this time of year while insider tours, a specialty of Virtuoso advisors, are being sought by discerning clients.