Human wants are infinite as the desire for reverence and tribute has remained the key driver of several conquests, discoveries and what not. However, the channels to fulfil such desire have continued to shift from time to time, with the current generation finding mental solace in enhancing their social media popularity with exclusive travel experiences.
Thanks to the increasing disposable income, emotionally appealing promotions and hedonic consumption patterns, the past couple of years saw accelerated growth in the demand for luxury tourism services.
And then, a pandemic shook us all!
Like most other travel areas, luxury tourism has been gravely impacted by the COVID-19 induced travel restrictions. Nevertheless, the world has moved forward, and the optimistic signs are already present in the form of vaccination rollouts, subdued infection and recovering economies.
Meanwhile, the transforming trends indicate price tags and ritz will no longer be the only qualifying criteria, as diversity in consumer choices is anticipated to take a flight to a new level.
Let us look at what we can expect in luxury tourism settings.
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Domestic alternatives for luxury staycations
The international border restrictions have confined the travel boundaries, highlighting the anticipated shift in the demand, and meaning of luxury travel. Australian borders are to remain shut until June 2021. Meanwhile, many other nations have also shown reluctance to open their borders at least till May 2021.
With the vagueness of the prevailing situation, the travellers are more likely to prefer domestic travel options instead of the last moment cancelled trips. Rising above the standard benchmark of exclusivity, luxury travel in the domestic settings would be centred around staycations in posh resorts, with personalised services remaining the key differentiating factor.
Trusted travel services to drive consumer decisions
Brand recognition and reputation have been known to be the main pillars of selling any luxury product or services. When it comes to travel where each experience is unique, the element of trust is not just limited to the end-service providers but also the intermediaries that assist us at some part or through the travel journey.
The lurking fear of COVID-19 infection and the diversity of rules across nations has made it impertinent for many to take the expertise of travel advisors. Thus, reputation both on open platforms as well as through word of mouth and past personal experience will determine the review process for decision-making.
A quality travel to incorporate travel and safety
Luxury travel relies not just on brand reputation but also on understanding the shift in consumer behaviour, which seems to have gotten quite complex following the pandemic. Thus, providing the quality travel that authenticates consumer perception must consider several other relevant factors such as travel and safety in the pandemic epoch.
Many top-end luxury travel providers have incorporated several tech-aided developments that allow contactless delivery of services, mitigating infection transmission risk. The quality travel plans might also include private travel to ensure quality travel without compromising social distancing measures.
Luxury tourism has assumed a vital space in the travel sector as it allows the globetrotters to have a realistic feel to the imageries that they come across virtually or cognitively. From the travel providers’ aspect, the high margin of the associated services can help fast track the recovery process. However,
Source: Kalkine Media