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Ticket information, the luxury travel fair opens today at 10am, opening times .

Thursday 7 November | 10am - 5pm Friday 8 November | 10am - 5pm Saturday 9 November | 10am - 5pm Sunday 10 November | 10am - 4.30pm

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If you have a disability that restricts your ability to attend the Fair on your own, to the extent where a helper is needed, then a carer can be admitted free of charge to assist you and claim their ticket upon arrival at the Box Office.

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The Best Luxury Travel Trade Shows in 2022/23 That Are Actually Worth Attending

In 2021, we were ecstatic about the return to in-person events in the luxury travel industry. Long-forgotten outfits were unearthed from our wardrobes, hands were shaken and cheeks were kissed, LinkedIn connections multiplied, and the dark days of the pandemic started to fade from our memories.

Sure, there were also some invite-only trade shows that maybe should have spent 2020 reconsidering the value of their events in a post-COVID landscape, but we’ve already shared our thoughts on THAT particular issue .

We’ve been seeing some significant changes in the last year or so in both the travel and recruitment industry, as company values, purpose and mission become much more of a priority for customers and employees. We’re living in increasingly turbulent times, and anyone refusing to acknowledge this runs the risk of being forgotten about in favour of competitors that are passionate about highlighting inequality or bringing about change.

So this time around, when it comes to choosing which travel events to attend we’re not only considering the value of the trade show, but also whether our attendance will benefit an organisation that deserves our support.

In particular, we want to highlight the shows that are taking place in LGBTQ+ safe destinations. Despite the progress being made for this community, it’s still a scary (and sometimes illegal) time to be an LGBTQ+ individual in plenty of countries around the world, and if an event is held in a location that isn’t safe for everyone to attend, we don’t want to know about it.

We also want to shine a light on the luxury travel trade shows that are led by companies and (some of our favourite) influential industry figures that actually walk the walk when it comes to purpose, values and making a positive difference in their industry sector.

Forget about trying to sift through long-winded lists of every single luxury travel trade show happening in the next 12 months. Here’s our guide to the events that are actually worth attending (and are safe for everyone to do so!) in 2022/23.

Proud Experiences 2023

When: 5th - 7th June 2023

Where: Los Angeles, California

Proud Experiences is one of the best and most-loved LGBTQ+ events in the travel industry, directed by industry icon Simon Mayle who also directs several other ILTM events and is an out and proud member of the community. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with other LGBTQ+ people in the travel industry, discuss and learn about the kinds of issues faced by this demographic in travel and beyond, and network with businesses seeking to embrace and elevate the LGBTQ+ community.

In 2023, Proud Experiences will be taking place at the start of June in Los Angeles at the Fairmont Century Plaza, consisting of three days of exhibits, workshops, masterclasses and talks from a variety of exciting names and organisations. It’s an incredibly safe and inclusive LGBTQ+ space, and we can’t recommend it enough if you’re looking for a travel trade show that is proud to show off its true colours.

IGLTA Global Convention

When: 26th - 29th October 2022

Where: Milan, Italy

Founded in 1983, IGLTA is a world-leading organisation that organises trips and events for its huge network of LGBT-welcoming tourism businesses. Not only do they organise a wide range of conferences, networking events and activities that are queer-friendly, but they also work hard to promote safe and equal tourism and travel opportunities for LGBTQ+ people and share plenty of free resources to help make this happen.

The IGLTA Global Convention is a classic event in the LGBTQ+ travel community calendar that we’ll always recommend, not only because we’re friends with its wonderful South Africa Membership Organiser, Martina Barth . The 38th edition of this event is taking place in the fabulous Italian city of Milan and promises a fantastic schedule of networking lunches, education sessions and a buyer/supplier marketplace.

Did we mention that the opening reception is held in a 15th-century mediaeval castle? Count us in!

Connections

If you’re looking for luxury travel events in particular then the ones organised by  Connections  are your best place to start. Organised for an exclusive group of members working in this industry sector, Connections was founded in 2014 to develop a new and meaningful approach to networking by facilitating memorable and enjoyable experiences to spark real connection and conversation.

We’re incredibly excited about the fact that Gregory Reeves is now at the helm of these events after the departure of Micaela Giacobbe, as well as the fact that one of our favourites, Sam Blundsdon , has returned as a business development manager. The team and the events they organise are all with purpose and have strong values at their core, which we love to see in a market that is often saturated with visibly glamorous events without any kind of substance.

It’s worth noting however that some Connections events are held in countries that aren’t LGBTQ-friendly. However, their commitment to diversity as a team and an MD who truly gives a sh*t and is keen to see change in the industry puts them as THE luxury invite shows to invest in, ahead of companies like This is Beyond. Below are several shows that we’d highly recommend attending.

Connections Luxury London

When:  25th - 29th September 2022

Where:  London, UK

Connections Luxury London is a brilliant UK-based event for those in the luxury travel industry that consists of the classic Connections agenda of meetings and experiences. It’s being held this September as part of Jacobs Media Group’s Global Travel Week, and applications are still open if you want to attend.

Connections Luxury Tokyo

When: 13th - 16th November 2022

Where: Tokyo, Japan

Connections Luxury Tokyo  is going to be the first B2B luxury travel event that has been held in the city since the pandemic, so it is bound to be an exciting occasion with plenty of opportunities. The immersive experiences that make Connections’ events so special will all be based around sampling elements of Japanese culture, so this is truly not a luxury event to be missing out on.

Connections Luxury Europe

When:  4th - 7th June 2023

Where:  Barcelona, Spain

Connections Luxury Europe is one of this organisation’s largest flagship events, so if you want to experience meeting buyers from all over the world, this is certainly the occasion to do so. It’s an exclusive event for members with a handpicked selection of attendees and businesses along with some seriously special experiences on offer.

Connections Luxury Adventure Madeira

When: 3rd - 6th September 2023

Where: Funchal, Portugal

Connections Luxury Adventure  took place for the first time in 2022, and was so successful that a 2023 event is already being organised. This event focuses on connecting buyers with suppliers that offer adventure travel experiences, all of the same luxury standard that you can expect from any Connections event.

Amour Global 2022  

When: 19th - 22nd October 2022

Where: Cascais, Portugal

Amour Global 2022  is hosted by the team at Private Luxury Events, and whilst we can’t recommend their sister luxury travel show TFest due to its location in anti-LGBTQ+ Dubai, we’re big fans of the work of people like  Emily Brooks  and  Christy Kuplic  are doing in organising valuable and inspiring luxury travel shows and we are actively liaising with them on how to make their events more inclusive. Amour is a brand that specialises in luxury romance travel, and Amour Global 2022 brings together over 110 global buyers for three days of meetings and connection, this year in the beautiful setting of Cascais on the Portuguese coast.

No list of the best travel trade shows would be complete without  L.E/Miami . This event encapsulates everything we love about the travel industry, and we’re a massive fan of its director  Zahava Abend  for organising such an impactful and enjoyable event in the high-end travel sector.

The 2022 event has just taken place, and whilst dates have not yet been announced for next year’s gathering, we’re still including it on our list as a stand-out example of an inclusive event with strong values. L.E/Miami is invite-only, which creates a fantastic environment for business opportunities and discussion amongst a carefully curated group of individuals and organisations.

Their message is also to  “celebrate the people and brands that rebel against convention”  which we obviously support wholeheartedly!

Experience Africa

If you’ve been looking for an event specialising in African travel then stop what you’re doing right now. The search is over -  Experience Africa  is THE Africa trade show to attend, above all others. The 2022 event has just been and gone, but we’re already excited for what next year will bring.

Experience Africa is organised by The African Travel and Tourism Association, of which our friend Chris Mears is Executive Director, and offers fantastic bang for your buck, connecting buyers from across Europe and the UK with a wide range of African travel products and experiences. The offering is wonderfully diverse and there’s no other destination-specific show offering quite the same level of opportunities and seminars over several days.

We also wanted to give a shout-out to these legends for making their 2022 event happen in London despite it taking place during the biggest rail strike in the UK. Talk about an impressive organisation!

The International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum

When:  22nd June 2023

The  International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum  is organised by Women in Travel; a UK-based organisation that is dedicated to empowering those who identify as women through travel experiences, tourism and hospitality. Their annual forum may not be a specialist luxury event and it’s not invitation only, but we wanted to include it on our list as it’s a social enterprise with some seriously epic values. The 2022 summer event took place a few months ago, but the dates have already been released for next year’s event. 

When:  2nd - 4th November 2022

Where:  New Orleans, Louisiana

SET is an invitation-only event that caters for business in the entertainment travel industry, running for the first time this November. We’re already big fans of SET because  Zahava Abend and industry icon Marine Rolland are behind it. 

Perhaps the most exciting aspect is that it’s held in the vibrant city of New Orleans - yep, you heard that right! Not only can attendees enjoy meeting with 120 exhibitors and 130 buyers, but you also get to enjoy the hospitality of one of Louisiana’s most famous destinations.

Loop isn’t a single annual event. In fact, it prides itself on being more of a community that organises multiple different gatherings throughout the year that facilitate connections between buyers and businesses in the travel sector. It’s the only travel fair offering luxury and high-end business opportunities in the German-speaking and Central and Eastern European markets, making this a fantastic option if your company specialises in relevant destinations.

ILTM Cannes

When: 5th - 8th December 2022

Where: Cannes, France

ILTM Cannes  is a classic luxury travel event that we had to include on this list for its reputation and the impressive number of attendees. One of many ILTM events happening around the world, (some of which do not take place in LGBTQ+ friendly destinations…) ILTM is a great opportunity for anyone in luxury travel to meet with like-minded people, develop new business partnerships and enjoy spending several days in one of France’s most glamorous cities.

GBTA Convention

The Global Business Travel Association is an organisation connecting companies in the business travel sector, and their  annual convention  has been taking place for over 50 years and is a fantastic choice for anyone working in this area. The 2022 event has just taken place, so keep your eyes peeled for the 2023 dates, as this is a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into what the future holds for business travel.

Virtuoso Travel Week

Virtuoso Travel Week is an annual global travel community event and one of the world’s biggest luxury travel conferences. The extended length of this event means that attendees are given more than enough time to arrange meetings and enjoy fruitful networking opportunities, leaving the event with a host of new ideas and business connections to build on in the following months.

The most recent Virtuoso Travel Week took place in the summer of 2022, but as such an influential and popular event in luxury travel, we’d recommend you start planning to attend the 2023 show already. This year a virtual event was also held, which is great news in terms of making the occasion more accessible for everybody.

Final Thoughts

We’re absolutely loving how many industry names and events are committing to promoting strong values and championing inclusion, as this list demonstrates. Many events still have a way to go in improving accessibility and ensuring that any ‘elite’ status associated with luxury travel doesn’t stop a diverse range of attendees, but the names we’ve highlighted in this post are proof that there is some really inspiring progress being made.

And as for the popular events that you’re not seeing on this list… We’re ready and waiting to see if they will make the necessary changes to make the cut next year.

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Thea Bardot

19th September

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Find out where you should go on holiday next at The Luxury Travel Fair 2023

By Condé Nast Traveller

The Luxury Travel Fair returns to the Olympia National Gallery Level for 2023. In previous years guests kayaked down one of South America's most epic rivers, took to the skies in a helicopter and descended a dangerous volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At least, they did vicariously, through the stories of adventurers including Pip Stewart, Tommy Clarke and Aldo Kane – three of the experts who assembled to share their intrepid experiences and answer questions from the floor.

This year, the fair will introduce a different line-up of adventurers and explorers, as well as celebrities and journalists – including Clive Myrie, Dan O’Neill and Lizzie Daly – leading on-stage conversations. Hear their accounts, ask them your questions and find a deep well of information at your fingertips.

Alongside the big names, the Luxury Travel Fair offers the inside track on the smartest new hotels , exclusive destinations and top tour operators. Whether you fancy extreme sports in Switzerland or family-friendly indulgence on a tropical island, this is the place to discuss and plan bespoke trips and tailor-made travel experiences.

Date:  Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 November 2023 Time:  10am-5pm; 10am – 4.30pm Address:  Olympia National Entrance, Olympia London, Kensington, W14 8UX Website:   luxurytravelfair.com Special ticket offer:  Readers are exclusively eligible to enjoy two complimentary* tickets, subject to booking fee only. Quote code ‘ WEBLTF ’ at  luxurytravelfair.com

Complimentary ticket offer is subject to £2.50 booking fee per ticket. Maximum 2 tickets per order. Advance box office closes 11.59pm, 1 November 2023.

Register your interest to attend the festival

Are you a buyer or exhibitor?

Are you interested in Chapter III or Chapter IV?

27 - 30 OCTOBER 2024 MAYAKOBA, MEXICO

27-30 october 2024, fairmont mayakoba, mexico, a movement to put the human experience first. this is the new age of trade shows.

The unmissable event for luxury travel

We bring together the world’s most influential buyers and exhibitors in luxury travel to meet and inspire each other, and be a catalyst for the future. Connect, explore and create authentic relationships in a vibrant festival atmosphere.

It’s a transformative journey

We do what we do to create a more connected world, where genuine and lasting relationships can be formed in a truly joyful environment. TFest is a journey of transformation, calling us to be bold and work together to achieve our purpose.

It’s a growing community

A community of the best buyers and exhibitors in luxury travel. Pioneers of travel trends and creators who are unafraid to challenge old paradigms and usher in the new. These are like-minded visionaries who inspire one another to move boldly into the future with innovation, passion, and authenticity. 250 Global luxury buyers 240 Global exhibitors 10 Press and media 40 Meetings 20K Connections 85K Our luxury community

THE MOVEMENT CONTINUES

27-30 october 2024 fairmont mayakoba, mexico.

It’s the most desirable luxury travel show in the industry! Don’t miss the next Chapter of TFest - the movement continues.

2 - 6 October 2022 Atlantis, the Palm, Dubai

TFest: Calling invites you to look inward, connect more deeply, and begin a time of transformation. Will you answer the call?

7-11 May 2023 Fairmont Mayakoba, Mexico

Stay connected, © 2024 tfest , amour , and private luxury are part of ple , a division of worldwide events group ltd , 27 furnival st, london ec4a 1jq ‍ © 2024 white label travel ltd, a worldwide events group ltd company.

Top Luxury Travel Trends for 2023

• November 24, 2022

As 2022 draws to close, global travel network Virtuoso ® has revealed how the affluent consumer will be traveling in 2023, gathering insights from its advisors, partners and HNW/UHNW clientele through surveys and booking data.

Sustainability Remains a Top Priority In a recent survey, 74 percent of Virtuoso travelers said they’re willing to pay more to travel sustainably if they know where their money is going. And 70 percent agreed that traveling sustainably actually enhances their vacation experience. Travelers are increasingly committed to purposeful travel, and not just in a strictly ecological sense. They’re also seeking out companies and experiences that focus on “benefitting local people and the economy” and “preserving natural and cultural heritage.”

Travelers of All Ages Are Willing to Splurge on Value-Added Services – Like a Good Travel Advisor According to a recent Virtuoso survey, 76 percent of travelers have accepted that we’re living in a “new normal,” which explains the growing demand for – and increased value of – an expert advisor who can save travelers time, energy and the headache of sitting on the phone for hours with customer assistance. Even Millennials and Gen Zers are turning to travel advisors. “My daughter is 25 years old and she’s an advocate of using a travel professional,” said Virtuoso travel advisor Susan Bowman. “She tells everyone and her friends also agree. They appear to be a generation that gets it, and they’ve figured out that we add value.”Between navigating airport travel and handling trip logistics, many travelers are opting to work with a dedicated travel advisor. “One of the simplest definitions of luxury goes like this: ‘Of course I can do it myself. I don’t want to’,” said Matthew D. Upchurch, Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso. “Travelers want to find someone who really knows what they’re doing, has great connections, saves time and has their back.”

Travelers are Back to Planning Ahead With people hitting the road in record numbers, there’s never been so much frenzy around booking flights and hotels. In response to this pent-up demand, travelers are now booking their trips an average of 58 days in advance for domestic hotel stays, and 80 days for international trips (compared to 2019’s 44 and 60 days, respectively). “We’ve seen so much last-minute demand and literally the space is not there,” said Virtuoso advisor Beth Washington. “We’re seeing people now willing to think about things for 2023 instead of planning so last-minute.”

Off-Season Travel is Gaining Steam If it seemed like everyone was in Europe this summer that’s because they were. According to a Virtuoso poll, seven of the top ten international destinations this summer were in Europe, with Italy and France leading the way. The surge in bookings has some destinations, like Italy, concerned about the effects of overtourism. As a result, travel professionals in Italy – the second-most popular spot for fall travel – are urging travelers to visit in the off-season. It’s a win-win for destinations and for travelers who get to see beloved places without the crowds. In a recent survey, the majority of Virtuoso travelers said they’d be willing to visit a popular destination during the off-season. Virtuoso’s own editors suggest booking a room at Passalacqua, the new Lake Como villa from hotelier Valentina De Santis and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo team, which is open year-round – a rarity in the Lake Como region.

The Destinations to Watch Palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, island-hopping. No, we’re not talking about the Maldives, but India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located on the southeastern edge of the Bay of Bengal, the archipelago is known for its spectacular diving and bioluminescent waters, which travelers can experience with nighttime kayaking off Havelock Island.

About a 45-minute drive north of Cabo San Lucas is the East Cape, a relatively unknown stretch on the Sea of Cortés where a new Four Seasons resort has just landed. According to the tourism board, the destination is a nature lover’s dream, situated near the Cabo Puma National Marine Park, a UNESCO Marine World Heritage site.

All eyes are on Greenland! Silversea is set to launch new itineraries in the Arctic country—the world’s largest island—next year, with other cruise lines, including Quark and Lindblad, set to expand their offerings.

Virtuoso on-site tour connection Access Italy let Virtuoso in on one of their hidden gems: the beautifully preserved hilltop village of Civita di Bagnoregio. Located between Rome and Florence, the medieval town is only accessible by a pedestrian bridge. And as for right now, it remains blissfully under-the-radar.

More Insider News One of the best ways to plan for future travels is by creating a Wanderlist and sharing it with a Virtuoso advisor, who can make dreams of pearl harvesting in Australia or taking a private tour of Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio a reality. Virtuoso tapped into its worldwide network to find out what else was on the experiential horizon for its global citizens.

• A new camp inspired by astronauts is touching down in Antarctica in December. Echo, from super high-end tour operator White Desert, will comprise six futuristic sleeping pods and a common area inspired by a visit from Buzz Aldrin and co-founder Patrick Woodhead’s love of Star Wars. The experience runs $104,000 per person and includes an excursion to the South Pole and private flights to and from the ice landing strip on the property’s doorstep.

• Earlier this month, Auberge Resorts opened a relaxed surf retreat in Punta de Mita, on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Susurros del Corazón will feature 59 rooms and 30 villas clustered around a three-tier infinity-edge pool, which fronts a glorious white-sand beach. Activities include a “surf safari” that will take guests to lesser-known beaches with consistent breaks and little-to-no crowds.

• Fiuggi, Italy is the setting of The Ranch’s newest outpost. The wellness retreat will offer weeklong detoxes and hikes along ancient trade pilgrimage routes.

• Armendaris is the newest addition to Ted Turner Reserves, known for its sustainable wildlife preserves in the American Southwest. The four-bedroom hacienda is situated on 360,000 acres in New Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert and comes with a private chef plus experiences like nature photography workshops, wildlife tours and mountain biking.

• Iceland is due to get its first rooftop bar! Next spring, the Reykjavik Edition will debut a rooftop perch where guests can sip cocktails while taking in the Northern Lights

• This month, Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace will unveil six vegan suites, constructed without animal products and featuring vegan menus and amenities.

• Starting this season, guests of Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole can hop a private plane and discover a remote corner of Yellowstone National Park, where they’ll meet with an expert naturalist to learn about the area’s elusive gray wolves – and maybe even see a few up close.

• Safari operator Singita has created art galleries at its Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park Lodges. These spaces will showcase the work of pre-eminent and emerging African artists. The initiative is part of Singita’s overarching mission to celebrate and incorporate local culture into its offerings.

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6 Luxury Travel Trends That Will Be Huge in 2023

From hot new destinations to putting art ahead of food (really!), welcome to a fabulous new year of journeys near and far.

Japan, Italy, and Other Trending Destinations

“Japan!” says Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner at New York-based Embark Beyond , when he considers 2023’s hottest destinations. “Pre-COVID it was on one of the steepest growth trajectories; now people are clamoring to return,” he says, adding that one of the world’s hottest ski destinations for 2023 is Niseko on the country’s north island of Hokkaido.

Also hot: “Italy beyond the obvious,” he says: “Look at the regions of Piedmont, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna to pop up as the new Tuscany, fueled by great new properties like Casa di Langa .” Ezon also names Montenegro back on the hot list, thanks to the new One&Only Portonovi drawing eyes (and yachts) to this corner of the Med, Peru trending for foodies and outdoor adventurers, Tanzania topping safari destinations, and the beautiful new Kisawa Sanctuary pulling focus to Mozambique as “the post-safari retreat du jour.”

The Rise of Solo Travel

When it comes to grown-up luxury travelers, the allure of going solo has never been greater. Virtuoso recently reported that among its travelers aged 65+, interest in single travel went from 4 percent in 2019 to 18 percent in 2022. And the offerings for solo explorers just get better and better, whether it’s the Solo Package (literally!) at Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives or a regenerative weekend of yoga, sound baths, hydro therapies, spa treatments, and more at Shou Sugi Ban House in the Hamptons .

Private Yachts Seas the Day

While a boat of one’s own (even if for only a week) has always been a hallmark of luxury travel, the world of private yacht excursions has never been more creative—or alluring. Cases in point: Kontiki Expeditions’ superyacht plying the Ecuador coast , and EYOS Expeditions , which offers superyacht excursions in Antarctica.

“Many people just didn’t realize it was possible to go to Antarctica via a private yacht,” says EYOS CEO Ben Lyons, “but it has travelers thinking how they can experience a destination in new ways,” including a fully customized experience and a boatload—as it were—of privacy.

For those who prefer their adventure in a glass, Belmond will debut Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne in May 2023: a restored river barge plying the region’s waterways in partnership with Maison Ruinart, the world’s oldest Champagne house. On offer: a weeklong private charter starting at €82,000 (approximately $79,500).

Embracing the Off Season

After the pandemic travel pause, the surge in luxury travel to beloved destinations like the Amalfi Coast and Greece pushed demand into the shoulder seasons like never before, and hotels responded by opening earlier in the spring and welcoming guests often all the way to Christmas—a move that seems to be sticking.

“At first, travelers were so anxious to get back out there as soon as destinations were opening up, they were ready to go right away, even if it wasn’t the typical season for that destination,” says travel advisor Beth Washington, founder of Washington, D.C.-based travel agency Getaway Guild .

Washington points also to African safaris now stretching beyond classic seasons of winter for South Africa and July through October travel for East Africa: “Travelers can have wonderful game viewing on safari most of the year if you work with a safari specialist,” she says. If the pandemic taught us anything, Washington says, “it’s that the ability to travel is not promised, and there is no time like the present to take that dream trip rather than wait for peak season.”

Art Is the New Food

Travel centered around art is poised to replace culinary travel as a leading luxury travel trend, says Jack Ezon, who points to Arles, Berlin, Havana, Paris, Milan, Miami, Mexico City, Marfa, Cape Town, and Marrakech as top destinations.

And the hotels! Airelles Le Grand Contrôle recently opened in the heart of France’s Château de Versailles and offers private tours and exclusive access to the Domaine de Trianon and the gardens. In the Scottish highlands, the Swiss gallerists Manuela and Iwan Wirth have created a stunning hotel-gallery hybrid at The Fife Arms (including more than 14,000 works including high-impact Picassos, Freuds, and Richters). In Marrakesh, Royal Mansour offers guests complimentary tickets to the stunning Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech . And creative art partnerships are the new Michelin-starred chef: In Italy, Belmond has joined with acclaimed Galleria Continua to create MITICO , four garden-based art installations (including Cameroonian artist Pascale Marthine Tayou’s stunning Les Routes du Paradis at Grand Hotel Timeo on Sicily) that will return anew in 2023. “Whether it’s cities with art festivals, cities with an art scene, or art shopping trips,” sums Ezon, “art is definitely the new food.”

Traveling to Gather

While solo travel is surging, particularly for the 65+ set, creative getaways for groups is top of mind at myriad luxury destinations, particularly among younger travelers (according to Virtuoso, solo travel interest among the 18-34 set dropped from 12 percent in 2019 to 6 percent in 2022).

“Beyond multi-gen trips, people are flocking around the world in groups,” says Ezon. “Groups of ladies. Groups of guys. Groups of a half dozen couples. Friends who like botany, fitness instructors bringing their fans to some remote place for fitness. Divorced ladies out for revenge. You name the affinity; people are traveling together. We are even seeing five and six families traveling together.” With a surge in villa offerings at hotels and resorts as well as private yacht charters, it’s never been more easier—or more fabulous—to gather together, the world over.

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The Luxury Travel Show 2023

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What exactly is luxury travel in 2023 — and is it worth it?

What exactly is luxury travel? Ask any group of travelers what constitutes a luxury vacation, and chances are they'll all give you a different answer.

For some, a luxury escape means private jets, personalized pajamas and in-room massages. For others, it's about seeing rare wild animals in far-flung places or eating in the world's hardest-to-book restaurants. Depending who you ask, it may be less about location or logistics and more about how much cash you drop, for expensive equals luxe.

The point is: Luxury travel may seem obvious, but it's actually a slippery concept.

With the explosion of the so-called "experience economy," the true definition of luxury travel is becoming increasingly harder to pin down. Despite this, the estimated value of the global luxury travel sector is set to double in the next decade, from $1.3 trillion in 2022 to $2.7 trillion in 2032, according to market research company Market.us .

"The idea of luxury, as we understand it today, is a relatively new concept," Giorgio Riello said. Riello is professor of global history and culture at the University of Warwick and author of the book "Luxury: A Rich History."

"Once upon a time, it was only the rich bourgeois who could aim to own something better. [But now] there is more disposable income around than ever. And while being marketed products [and experiences] that promise to be better than average is not quite unprecedented, what is new is the scale at which it's done."

Is this new brand of luxury travel still just about exorbitantly high prices and the type of Champagne in the minibar or is it something much more ethereal? And, crucially, is it worth the inevitably high asking price or are we being sold a Tinkerbell-esque ideal by savvy marketers that will only survive and prosper for as long as we truly believe in it?

The hunt for external life

"Luxury has become a very overused word [in the travel business]," says publicist Jo Vickers, one of the best-known names in the world of exclusive travel and lifestyle PR. "The meaning of luxury has become so confusing, so simply throwing buzzwords at consumers no longer cuts it."

That's why Vickers primarily uses the word "exclusive" when describing her clients. Her company, JV Public Relations, looks after some of the world's most prestigious hotels, resorts and spas around the globe; this includes The Mark Hotel in New York, The Brando in Tahiti, Palazzo Avino on Italy's Amalfi Coast and D Maris Bay in Turkey.

For Vickers, a truly luxurious hotel stay is based on a spectrum of factors including "timeless value, craftsmanship, exclusivity, rarity, quality, heritage, aesthetic, responsibility and innovation." But on top of that, says Vickers, "I think the equation of luxury is a feeling, a belief, a lifestyle and above all an experience we desire."

Ten Lifestyle Group , one of the world's leading luxury lifestyle services, is perhaps better placed than most to shed light on the extravagant experiences we most desire. With annual memberships starting at 4,500 British pounds ($5,680), Ten prides itself on its ability to open doors that its ultra-wealthy clients cannot; it serves as a kind of gatekeeper to spectacular opportunities. For CEO Alex Cheatle, the kind of luxury his clients long for is divided into two distinct strands: internal and external.

Related: Inside the bonkers world of luxury holiday fixing for the super-rich

"Internal luxury is how something makes you feel," he tells TPG. "When you feel complete, content and 'in the moment' because of an extraordinary view looking down on Machu Picchu as you come over the final pass, as you taste the amuse bouche cooked for you by a top chef or when you feel the crisp Egyptian cotton sheets as you collapse onto the bed of a wonderful hotel after a long flight."

External luxury, on the other hand, is "how something allows you to socially compete."

"It's reserving the table at the restaurant that everyone is trying to book but can't get," according to Cheatle. "It's being recognized and upgraded at the hotel because of who you are. It's about having the best seats at a sold-out show that others wanted to see but couldn't. It's about arriving by helicopter at the Grand Prix and avoiding the awful traffic you can see from the air."

Of course, there is a relationship between internal and external luxury but which one comes first, he explains, often depends on whom you're justifying it to. "We use the language of inner luxury, even when our desire is driven by the social cachet of outer luxury." Put simply says Cheatle, " Most of us say we went to the restaurant [just] to try the food."

The experience era

In 2023, the seas are changing.

Luxury travel is no longer exclusively for celebrities, tycoons and heirs to multimillion-dollar dog food empires. With a rise in disposable incomes for some and a shift in priorities for others, the luxe market is swiftly becoming more and more attainable to those who aspire or splurge for it.

Millennials are 23% more interested in exploring the world than older generations, and they make up 20% of all international tourists, according to research by Boston Consulting Group . Right behind millennials is a whole new generation even hungrier to see the world. This age group was raised on individualism, independence and Instagram, and for them, authenticity and shareability are key to a meaningful life.

"In the younger market — the Gen Z's and millennials — they've grown up with everything," explains Vickers. "Whether they've got money or not, they've had exposure to [the idea of luxury] through the media for most of their lives, and their relationship with the concept of luxury is very different to that of older generations."

This new set of big spenders is not splashing out on art or beautiful furniture. Instead, Vickers says they're spending on experiences, "Their money is going to go on a great holiday rather than collectible items because they're too busy chasing experiences and something interesting to do with their lives."

For evidence, take the rise of the luxury travel influencer. In recent years, the #luxurytravel market has grown exponentially across social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok house a growing circle of influencers jet-setting around the world to take selfies on yachts or in high-end hotels while extolling the sweet joys of the #highlife.

"Before [luxury travel] may have felt unreachable to some," Laura Picken, director of loyalty and brand partnerships at luxury hotel group Hyatt , said. "But through social [media], we see travelers of all ages, cultures and backgrounds staying at all levels of hotels and being able to unlock experiences that were previously thought unattainable."

In 2021, a Statista survey found that 84% of U.S. adults consulted travel influencers for trip recommendations.

"We're seeing more travel influencers showcasing luxury experiences to their audiences," Jade Broadus, vice president of influencer marketing agency Travel Mindset , said. "[That means] the experiences, the hotels, the adventures that are luxury now have a much bigger audience and shouldn't be reserved for only a select group of people."

The 'storification' of travel

It isn't just social-savvy youngsters splashing out.

"We have a lot of clients who are young at heart. And they are increasingly asking for incredible bucket-list experiences as much as glamorous hotel stays," says Emma de Vadder, the U.K PR director for Black Tomato — one of an expanding legion of luxury tour operators.

De Vadder said she has noticed a marked shift in recent years in what people want from luxury holidays.

"Luxury travel is no longer just about being able to brag that you stayed in a five-star hotel," she said. "It's about telling people about an amazing person that you met, or that you got involved in a community project, or you've had a really special animal encounter, or seen a natural phenomenon."

Related: Luxury travel agent reveals 7 tips for traveling in style without it costing the earth

Black Tomato is at the vanguard of this exploding "experience market", which it says has seen a boom in what the company refers to as the "storification" of luxury travel.

"With 'storification,' we're seeing more travelers embracing characters and narratives as they explore the world, immersing themselves in sprawling imaginative worlds plucked from the silver screen or the pages of their favorite novel," the company's founder Tom Marchant said.

One of Black Tomato's latest showcase packages, for example, is a 60,000 pounds ($75,730) per person, 12-night adventure called "The Assignment: Europe," curated in partnership with James Bond overlords Eon Productions.

This bespoke package includes a speedboat ride down London's River Thames with a stuntwoman from "The World Is Not Enough,"; dinner at the top of the Eiffel Tower with 1980s Bond actress ​​Carole Ashby; a poker lesson from the Texas Hold'em consultant used for "Casino Royale" at Casino de Monte-Carlo; water skiing on Italy's Lake Como; and a private yacht tour of the Venetian Lagoon in Venice, Italy.

"We've seen a 30% increase in interest in these narrativized approaches to the world," Marchant said. "Blending fact and fiction, this is travel with all the drama and intrigue of the world's most enduring movies, novels, myths and legends."

Other Black Tomato experience packages include a "globe-crossing adventure inspired by the life and travels of Agatha Christie;" a "Jungle-Book"-inspired family holiday to India; a "Karate Kid"-inspired martial arts itinerary in Japan; and a series of low-carbon-footprint "slow travel" trips on trains, horses, boats or hot air balloons in remote parts of the world.

Is a 12-night getaway in 007 heavens worth shelling out $75,730? You could quite feasibly create a similar itinerary (minus the impressive movie connections) for much less, but as de Vadder points out, that misses the point.

"Part of a luxury experience is having somebody else take care of everything for you," she said. "It's attention to detail and, above all, personalization. We know that a lot of our clients work very hard, so their holiday should not feel like work of any kind."

Related: Travel company Elsewhere is making authentic and local travel easier than ever

Responsible riches

If luxury travelers choose experiences over glamorous hotel stays, as de Vadder suggests, what are luxury hotels doing to keep up?

Hyatt and Marriott are two of the world's largest luxury hotel brands, and both are working hard to stay relevant in this fast-changing world.

"Research tells us that luxury is increasingly about conscious consumption as opposed to conspicuous consumption," Picken said. "This shift means our guests are making decisions not based on the cost or the cache of a luxury brand, but on whether it fulfills their aspirational needs."

As a result, Hyatt has diversified its offerings to cater to a range of luxury tastes.

"[All our luxury brands] are distinct and differentiated, built on insights on what luxury means to our guests: from the classic and timeless luxury espoused by Park Hyatt — with its focus on culinary excellence, art and architecture — to Alila, where 'bare-foot luxury' means a focus on being in harmony with the natural environment and the local community," Picken added.

Related: Hyatt is doubling down on luxury while its competitors focus on budget hotels

Neal Jones, chief sales and marketing officer for Marriott International, tells TPG that today's luxury consumers seek experiences that "allow for the pursuit of one's passions, help spark personal growth, and have a purpose beyond comfort and pampering."

"Luxury is entering a new era of regeneration, driven by a maturing set of desires, tastes, and aspirations," says Jones. "Guests want to foster a deeper connection to the places they visit, getting to know people, history, food, and the culture of a place, in addition to seeking out experiences that focus on holistic well-being as well as those that emphasize relationship building. These are things that are valuable beyond a price point."

Marriott International, for its part, has recently launched its ​​first luxury safari resort, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge , which donates a percentage of its nightly rate to several local community wildlife conservation programs. In turn, those programs offer all kinds of experiences to guests, including guided safaris in search of the Big Five: lions, leopards, black rhinos, African bush elephants and African buffaloes.

The Kenyan lodge is home to 20 private tents, including one presidential canvas-topped pavilion and two interconnecting canopied suites. It also has a restaurant, a lounge, a bar, a spa and a large outdoor terrace with fire pits. All-inclusive rates start at $1,450 per night and climb to around $3,800 during peak season.

The aesthetic of aspiration

None of this means how a luxury hotel looks isn't important.

According to Katherine Pooley , one of the world's most revered interior designers, aesthetic beauty will always be a key component of a luxury setting.

"The most truly luxurious objects, homes or experiences are unusual, one-of-a-kind, and memorably beautiful," she said. "To stand the test of time, true luxury needs to be crafted with great care, created from the highest quality components, have an original viewpoint, and most importantly of all — it must be beautiful."

Pooley's projects range in scale and style, from hotels and luxury spas to beach villas, ski chalets, palaces and castles. Recently, she completed the motorsport-themed Cachet Boutique Zhejiang Racetrack Hotel in China (which has its own private racetrack), where she commissioned a coffee table carved out of a crashed racing car.

For Pooley, the thing that elevates an interior from the ordinary to the luxurious is "intricate joinery, bespoke hand-crafted pieces of furniture, commissioned and curated artworks and sculptors, and rare, beautiful finishes."

The same ethos is apparent in modern private jets , where design increasingly focuses on ensuring a luxury holiday begins the second you step on board.

"We often refer to our aviation projects as flying homes," Greig Jolly, aviation partner at Winch design studio, said. "Increasingly, our clients wish to create a seamless experience between their home, car, yacht, jet, etc. Not a repeat environment, but a consistency of quality, service and experience. So an 'apartment in the sky' — rather than simply a means of transportation — is absolutely the expectation."

Look at the aviation portfolio page of Winch's website, and you'll see what he means: neon-lit black marble bathrooms, mohair seat lining, leather sofas, bronze-like leopard sculptures and enough mirrors to make Narcissus blush. The studio's designs look more like something you'd find in an Upper East Side Manhattan penthouse than a plane cabin.

But does a luxurious experience actually cost more to make? Of course it does, but that's not what makes it luxurious, according to Carla El-Samra, managing director at VIP aviation design agency F/List Middle East.

"The high price of luxury means skilled craftsmen and the extra care that goes into each finish," she said. "But yes, it is something more; it's about the sensory and tactile feel of each surface and the overall smell of entering a space. A silk carpet will look and feel softer and more luxurious than a 100% wool carpet. But then again, maybe the customer just prefers wool?"

Memory is the new luxe

So, what is the future of luxury travel?

For almost everyone TPG spoke to, the idea of luxury is no longer focused on overt displays of wealth and extravagance. Rather, it is about evaluating what truly brings people happiness — and providing the 24-carat version of whatever that means. The catalyst that thrust this notion most sharply into focus will come as no surprise: the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Being stuck at home for nearly two years brought back the burning desire to travel and create meaningful experiences and unforgettable memories," says Lucia Penrod, CEO of Nikki Beach, a global lifestyle hospitality company with beach clubs, hotels and resorts in such places as Miami Beach, Florida; Dubai; Ibiza, Spain; and Monte Carlo, Monaco. "Now, [luxury travelers want] boutique hotels in stunning locations, excellent service with a smile, and unique and unforgettable experiences that will be remembered for a lifetime."

This feeling emanated in a boom of so-called "revenge travel" — traveling to make up for lost time.

"Young people want more business- and first-class flights, more five-star hotels. They want to fly less but farther, and stay away for longer," Vickers said. "Young people [are] more aware of climate change and environmental decline, they take nothing for granted."

Related: 8 women influencing luxury travel tell us what's hot for 2023

Memory — no doubt ideally captured on Instagram or TikTok — is the future of luxury travel. After all, in today's world of frenzied consumer choice and material success, perhaps there is only one commodity left that money still cannot buy: time.

While you may not be able to buy a longer life, you can buy a better one with the right resources.

"Time is the one thing we cannot buy more of," Riello said. "But we have invented the notion of quality time, which can be bought and sold. So I think that out of the 'experiential luxury' market, what will become more important in the future are ways to capture those 'events' into memories to treasure in the future. I think memory will be one area in which luxury brands will exist in the future."

Is luxury travel worth it?

Of course, industry experts will tell you what they're selling is well worth the money. Truthfully, though, value is as ambiguous a concept as luxury.

A product is only worth what people are prepared to shell out for it. The better a brand's marketing can tap into ideas around value, aspiration, freedom and happiness, the more likely a target audience will buy it.

"The trick of luxury, to me, is that both the consumer and the seller know that you don't need this," Riello said. "Nobody is making a strong argument that you need a bag that costs 3,000 pounds. I know I don't need it, and you know you don't need it. But it's fine because I have the 3,000 pounds and I simply like the bag."

The same goes for a movie-inspired tour of Europe that costs more than $75,000 per person or a $1,450-per-night tent in the Masai Mara. If your pockets are deep enough to absorb it, why not enjoy the experience?

Like Coco Chanel once said: "The best things in life are free. The second best things are very, very expensive."

And as far as we are concerned, at least some of the best luxury experiences still take points .

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Connecting luxury travel in Europe

Access luxury travel show (alts) is a highly curated workshop connecting outbound travel professionals and the luxury travel sector from different regions..

For over 10 years, we have been operating in Europe’s most exciting capitals, facilitating strong business relationships and developing business from the region to your destinations. We have been successfully implementing match-made live events as well as innovative digital workshops and roadshows. ALTS team works individually with each exhibitor, creating the pre-scheduled meetings according to parterns' preferences at each workshop. As these markets can be new for many exhibitors, we are able to provide valuable insights into the profile of all travel trade partners and make sure you meet the right partners to get the most ROI. With 10 years of running events and an over 85% return rate, we must be doing it right!

Who will you meet

Luxury tour operators, concierge companies, wedding and honeymoon agencies, mice agencies, private travel advisors, our upcoming events, alts central & eastern europe in warsaw, our participants' reviews.

“Recently, we had the opportunity to participate in a unique industry event organised by Access Luxury Travel Show. We would like to thank all the partners with whom we had the opportunity to meet in these exceptional circumstances. We have been participating in #ALTS events for many years, thanks to which we have the opportunity to develop strong relationships with leading pioneers in the luxury tourism industry. Thank you!”

Mr. Krzysztof Zapletal

“It was a superb event, we learned so much and met so many great contacts that I hope we will be able to work with in the future. Special thanks to Anastasia for arranging the flights and being available to help at all times, even very late at night when my flight was cancelled, and the entire team who helped the event run so smoothly. Pestana Palace Hotel was a perfect venue and the gala dinner at Valle Flor Restaurant was a superb memorable evening. Once again thanks to the entire team”

Ms. Liz Engel

“It was a great event with great buyes, really interested in getting to know the different exhibitors and different products. I think a lot of good business will come out of this fair and I hope to come back next year with more news from Madeira Island”

Mr. Filipe Fraga

A Seychelles delegation attended the Access Luxury Travel Show (ALTS) workshop in Prague on March 15th to 16th… “Two years ago, this ALTS workshop was the last event we attended as the Covid-19 virus rapidly crept upon us. A few days after that edition, most of Europe went into lockdown. Therefore, it felt good to be back, to see the dedicated partners again and to start discussing business.

Mrs. Lena Hoareau

“ALTS Prague 2022 was beautifully organized; it was attended by many Tour Operators and Travel Agents genuinely interested and selling the products showcased. The location and the organization were also very in line with the Luxury vibe of the partners exhibiting. The team also did an amazing job assisting us, exhibitors, day-by-day to ensure we made the most of our time.”

Mrs Serena Di Fiore

“The Access Luxury Travel Show team is characterized by personal, competent and efficient support from the very first contact to the post event follow-up. Exhibitors and participants are carefully chosen and well known in the luxury travel industry. Thanks to ALTS we were able to establish valuable partnerships all over Eastern Europe.”

Mrs Ronja Saul

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Discover a world of adventure and endless travel possibilities at the UK’s leading and longest-running travel event.

Dig out your passport and dust off your suitcase as travel is officially back. Returning for its 28th year, Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show in association with The Times & The Sunday Times, is the place to be for all your much-needed travel inspiration.

Explore new destinations, uncover out-of-this-world experiences, and discover new ways to travel, as this event brings together over 600 of the leading and best independent travel brands. From 70+ global tourist boards and operators to hoteliers, airlines and travel photographers, acquire unrivalled expertise that will be sure to spark your imagination for your next adventure.

Take advantage of exclusive show-only offers, discounts, and upgrades and have your taste buds tantalised with global flavours in the daily cookery demonstrations. Hear from leading industry experts as they take to the stage in a line-up of talks, interviews and panel discussions. Plus, find out how to take the perfect holiday photo at the Travel Photography Masterclasses.

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Slow and sustainable: The expectations of the luxury traveler in 2023 and beyond

Luxury travel in 2023 is set to be slow, sustainable and immersive. From extended train journeys to memorable encounters with nature and spending longer at each destination, luxury holidaymakers are seeking a more meaningful escape. Research shows that sustainable travel experiences, connecting to the local culture and leaving a positive impact on the places you visit are all high on the travel agenda. We take a look at this gratifying travel trend and show you how our Luxury Gold limited-edition tours can help you tick these boxes.

A new rationale for travel

Travelling slowly, immersively and sustainably is an absolute expectation for luxury travel in 2023. The most recent American Express Global Travel Trends Report revealed widespread changes in the rationale of travelers. 81% of respondents want to visit destinations where they can immerse themselves in the local culture. 78% of respondents expressed a desire to have a positive impact on the community they were visiting. While 62% agreed they wanted to be more thoughtful about where and how they travel.

While travelers are spending on immersive experiences and longer holidays, the luxury traveler is doing so with an increasingly eco-conscious mindset.

Read more: 5 common misconceptions about luxury travel (and why they are wrong)

Slow and immersive with Luxury Gold

From timeless train journeys to luxury safaris, there are many ways to enjoy slow and immersive travel on our limited-edition journeys. Defining luxury travel in 2023, picture multi-night stays in magnificent hotels that enable you to unwind and make your time more meaningful with friends a family. Private access to galleries and landmarks away from the crowds, enabling you as a VIP traveler to soak up culture at your own pace. And MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as you go, the ultimate in immersive responsible travel experiences. Here you can connect to the communities you visit, exchange stories with locals, make a positive impact and create lasting memories.

Read more: 5 benefits of visiting iconic tourist hotspots out of hours

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Sustainable travel has long been at the heart of Luxury Gold. And this is brought to life through our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, included on most of our limited-edition tours. Thoughtfully chosen, these experiences offer the chance to immerse yourself deeper in your destination, through its people, nature and wildlife. If you are looking to make time and travel more meaningful, this is a unique opportunity for new learnings. To make lasting connections and leave a positive legacy.

Aligned to the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development, each MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience is carefully selected and assessed for its positive, and long-term impact. Even though the experience might be for just a couple of hours, the memory that you leave with, this feeling of having contributed, stays with you forever.

Read more: How your travels with Luxury Gold help conserve nature for future generations

If traveling slowly, immersively and sustainably sounds like you, then to whet your appetite further here are three of our limited-edition tours, defining luxury travel in 2023.

Majesty of the Rockies

Meet the Warrior Women and travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer: On the stunning limited-edition tour Majesty of the Rockies we invite you to explore Western Canada’s treasures. Travel through the majestic Rocky Mountains, spending two luxurious days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service. Here lose yourself in the most spectacular scenery and take time to reset, admiring nature at its most sublime. The tour also offers a plethora of immersive nature experiences. Including setting foot on a glacier and gentle canyon hikes. Multiple-night stays in the most luxurious mountain retreats allow time to enjoy the amenities, such as golf clubs and spas. This is the ultimate opportunity to relax and absorb the true magnificence of your surroundings, and reflect on the curated experiences you’ve been enjoying.

Read more: Rustic luxury: why Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the ultimate mountain escape

In the stunning setting of Jasper National Park, an exclusive invitation and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience awaits. Here you will meet the First Nations Cree Warrior Women from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, over an intimate fireside meal with a spectacular view of Pyramid Mountain. Learn about Indigenous spirituality, music and drumming as you engage in a fascinating conversation about the aboriginal culture of Canada. Leave enthralled and enlightened with some amazing stories to share with family and friends.

Read more: Uncovering Indigenous history with Canada’s Warrior Women

Discover this on: Majesty of the Rockies

Spectacular South Africa

Bask in nature on a three-day safari and support local youth: Experience the magic and wonder of South Africa on Spectacular South Africa . This nine-day luxury tour features an extended stay at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town. And a three-day safari with a stay in a memorable bush lodge. Enjoy spectacular sunsets over Cape Town and view the city from atop Table Mountain. In Kruger National Park, adventure out on a private open-air safari in search of some of the earth’s most magnificent beasts. Led by professional trackers, this once-in-a-lifetime experience unfolds the largest game reserve in South Africa.

Read more: Where the wilderness and luxury combine: step inside the Lion Sands Game Reserve

On the UNESCO World Heritage site of Robben Island, enjoy the opportunity to connect to the young people of the area as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Amy Foundation. Here you will meet people from the foundation and see first-hand how the lives of vulnerable young people are being transformed through a variety of empowering programs. This is a unique opportunity to see the area through a different lens. And, through your visit, contribute to the important work taking place and give something back.

On Robben Island, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit down with Christo Brand. As former prison guard to Nelson Mandela, you’ll be treated to fascinating stories about one of history’s most inspirational figures.

Read more: Meet Christo Brand, former prison guard to Nelson Mandela

Discover this on: Spectacular South Africa

Majestic Switzerland

Journey aboard the Glacier Express and discover sustainable transport : From St. Moritz to Zermatt and onto Geneva, Majestic Switzerland offers a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary across one of Europe’s most sustainable destinations. Take your first-class seat onboard the Glacier Express, a spectacular and sustainable way to travel through the Swiss Alps. Marvel at unrivaled views of snow-covered peaks, alpine villages and the Rhine Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. Ride Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel train to the summit of the mountain. Glimpse of some of Switzerland’s highest peaks, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn. Then take all the time you need to wander the art-filled halls of the Rosengart Collection on an after-hours private tour. Relax, reflect and enjoy this special time surrounded by the masterpieces of Chagall, Renoir, Kandinksy and Picasso.

Read more: Geneva’s Hotel D’Angleterre is a hotel committed to positive change

@verkehrshaus

An inspirational MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience lies in store at the Swiss Transport Museum . From luxe Monteverdi cars to alpine trains, discover Switzerland’s fascinating transportation and energy systems and innovations with your Local Expert. Learn about sustainable energy and fossil fuel alternatives. Chart the history of alternative transport methods, from horses and steam to electric and solar power. As well as a fascinating tour, this experience will leave you educated, and inquisitive to learn more.

Read more: Majestic Switzerland through the lens of a travel concierge

Discover this on: Majestic Switzerland

  If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury travel in 2023, take a look at the full Luxury Gold collection of limited-edition tours.

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Welcome to ‘Revolutionizing Your Journey: Travel With Points & Miles, with DeAndre Coke, brought to you by BoldlyGo. Beyond being the founder of BoldlyGo, DeAndre has a deep expertise in financial planning through owning his own financial planning firm. This finance background has provided him with unique insights, enabling him to navigate the travel landscape with ease and maximize the value of travel for himself and his clients through the use of points and miles to experience luxury travel for nearly free. On this podcast, we're all about assisting adventurous travelers and budding explorers in tackling their travel hurdles, teaching the best strategies using points and miles, and highlighting the busy professionals that still find time and ways to get away. Expect travel tips, unforgettable destination stories, and guidance on maximizing your rewards points. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting out, join us in exploring the best of global travel, and learn how to experience nearly free luxury travel around the world yourself.

Revolutionizing Your Journey: Travel With Points & Miles DeAndre Coke

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How a Family of Seven Travels the World For (Nearly) Free with Points and Miles (Ep. 19)

Imagine surprising your family with a business class flight to Europe, but skipping the hefty price tag.  In this episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey,” hosted by DeAndre Coke, travel aficionado Rob Dulgarian of @travelpointsrob shares his journey from his first Chase Sapphire Reserve card to a lifestyle of global family adventures. Experience stories from lavish … Read More Read More

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Smart Swiping: Navigating Advanced Points & Miles Strategies for Maximum Rewards with Adam Garrettt (Ep. 18)

What if your next luxury vacation could be nearly free? Join Adam Garrett on the “Revolutionizing Your Journey” podcast, hosted by DeAndre Coke. From his early exposure to credit card rewards as a child to his current prowess in leveraging points for both his real estate business and personal trips, Adam shares his comprehensive mastery. … Read More Read More

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Ever wondered what it takes to leave everything behind and explore the world? Meet Lieke, a 22-year-old Dutch adventurer, as she recounts her thrilling exploration of 35 countries on BoldlyGo’s “Revolutionizing Your Journey” podcast, hosted by DeAndre Coke. Beginning her odyssey with a solo trip to the Caribbean in 2019, Lieke shares the essence of … Read More Read More

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Cathay Pacific’s traffic figures for March 2024 show strong demand for travel

Cathay Pacific released its traffic figures for March 2024, which showed strong demand for travel from Hong Kong driven by the Easter holiday period, and travel to Hong Kong supported by the various exhibitions and events held in the city.

Cathay Pacific carried a total of 1,883,404 passengers in March 2024, an increase of 42.4% compared with March 2023. The month’s revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) increased 38.1% year on year. Passenger load factor decreased by 6.6 percentage points to 83.8%, while available seat kilometres (ASKs) increased by 48.9% year on year. In the first three months of 2024, the number of passengers carried increased by 55.7% to a total of 5,401,778, against a 56.4% increase in ASKs and a 47.7% increase in RPKs, as compared with the same period for 2023.

The airline carried 134,551 tonnes of cargo in March 2024, an increase of 10.5% compared with March 2023. The month’s cargo revenue tonne kilometres (RFTKs) increased 4.1% year on year. The cargo load factor decreased by 4.3 percentage points to 62.7%, while available cargo tonne kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 11.2% year on year. In the first three months of 2024, the tonnage increased by 11.1% to a total of 356,380 tonnes, against a 15.2% increase in AFTKs and a 6.2% increase in RFTKs, as compared with the same period for 2023.

Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “Our travel business performed well in March with healthy demand across our services both leading up to and during the Easter holiday period. Student traffic from the United Kingdom was particularly strong ahead of Easter, and outbound and return traffic in general surged over the holidays.

“Demand in the premium cabins both to and from Hong Kong also remained strong. This was driven by the various exhibitions and trade shows that took place in the city in March, most notably the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and Art Basel. We were also pleased to resume our direct flights between Bangkok and Singapore in March, which have been popular with customers.

“Cargo demand was stronger in March, with our tonnage up by 26% compared with the previous month and up by 11% compared to March 2023. Cargo demand out of Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland picked up quickly after factories re-opened following the Chinese New Year holidays, and we observed an increase in e-commerce and express shipments due to the end-of-quarter rush.

“Looking ahead to the Chinese Mainland’s forthcoming Labour Day ‘Golden Week’ holiday period, we are seeing a healthy increase in travel demand from the Chinese Mainland to Hong Kong, as well as to regional destinations via the Hong Kong hub. We will be increasing our  Chinese Mainland frequencies to around 200 round-trip flights per week as a Group during the Golden Week to cater for this strong demand.

“In terms of cargo, we expect e-commerce demand to remain strong and for overall air cargo demand to be stable on long-haul routes.

“As the largest cargo operator at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), we also congratulate HKIA on once again being named the world’s busiest cargo airport in 2023 – a status it has held for 13 of the past 14 years. We are extremely proud to be part of this incredible success story, and remain committed to continuing to work together with all stakeholders to further grow Hong Kong as the world’s leading air cargo hub.”

The full March figures and glossary.

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Hot Oceans Worsened Dubai’s Dramatic Flooding, Scientists Say

An international team of researchers found that heavy rains had intensified in the region, though they couldn’t say for sure how much climate change was responsible.

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By Raymond Zhong

Scenes of flood-ravaged neighborhoods in one of the planet’s driest regions stunned the world this month. Heavy rains in the United Arab Emirates and Oman submerged cars, clogged highways and killed at least 21 people. Flights out of Dubai’s airport, a major global hub, were severely disrupted.

The downpours weren’t a total surprise — forecasters had anticipated the storms several days earlier and issued warnings. But they were certainly unusual.

Here’s what to know.

Heavy rain there is rare, but not unheard-of.

On average, the Arabian Peninsula receives a scant few inches of rain a year, although scientists have found that a sizable chunk of that precipitation falls in infrequent but severe bursts, not as periodic showers. These rains often come during El Niño conditions like the ones the world is experiencing now.

U.A.E. officials said the 24-hour rain total on April 16 was the country’s largest since records there began in 1949 . And parts of the nation had already experienced an earlier round of thunderstorms in March.

Oman, with its coastline on the Arabian Sea, is also vulnerable to tropical cyclones. Past storms there have brought torrential rain, powerful winds and mudslides, causing extensive damage.

Global warming is projected to intensify downpours.

Stronger storms are a key consequence of human-caused global warming. As the atmosphere gets hotter, it can hold more moisture, which can eventually make its way down to the earth as rain or snow.

But that doesn’t mean rainfall patterns are changing in precisely the same way across every part of the globe.

In their latest assessment of climate research , scientists convened by the United Nations found there wasn’t enough data to have firm conclusions about rainfall trends in the Arabian Peninsula and how climate change was affecting them. The researchers said, however, that if global warming were to be allowed to continue worsening in the coming decades, extreme downpours in the region would quite likely become more intense and more frequent.

Hot oceans are a big factor.

An international team of scientists has made a first attempt at estimating the extent to which climate change may have contributed to April’s storms. The researchers didn’t manage to pin down the connection precisely, though in their analysis, they did highlight one known driver of heavy rain in the region: above-normal ocean temperatures.

Large parts of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans have been hotter than usual recently, in part because of El Niño and other natural weather cycles, and in part because of human-induced warming .

When looking only at El Niño years, the scientists estimated that storm events as infrequent as this month’s delivered 10 percent to 40 percent more rain to the region than they would in a world that hadn’t been warmed by human activities. They cautioned, however, that these estimates were highly uncertain.

“Rainfall, in general, is getting more extreme,” said Mansour Almazroui, a climate scientist at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and one of the researchers who contributed to the analysis.

The analysis was conducted by scientists affiliated with World Weather Attribution, a research collaboration that studies extreme weather events shortly after they occur. Their findings about this month’s rains haven’t yet been peer reviewed, but are based on standardized methods .

The role of cloud seeding isn’t clear.

The U.A.E. has for decades worked to increase rainfall and boost water supplies by seeding clouds. Essentially, this involves shooting particles into clouds to encourage the moisture to gather into larger, heavier droplets, ones that are more likely to fall as rain or snow.

Cloud seeding and other rain-enhancement methods have been tried around the world, including in Australia, China, India, Israel, South Africa and the United States. Studies have found that these operations can, at best, affect precipitation modestly — enough to turn a downpour into a bigger downpour, but probably not a drizzle into a deluge.

Still, experts said pinning down how much seeding might have contributed to this month’s storms would require detailed study.

“In general, it is quite a challenge to assess the impact of seeding,” said Luca Delle Monache, a climate scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, Calif. Dr. Delle Monache has been leading efforts to use artificial intelligence to improve the U.A.E.’s rain-enhancement program.

An official with the U.A.E.’s National Center of Meteorology, Omar Al Yazeedi, told news outlets that the agency didn’t conduct any seeding during the latest storms. His statements didn’t make clear, however, whether that was also true in the hours or days before.

Mr. Al Yazeedi didn’t respond to emailed questions from The New York Times, and Adel Kamal, a spokesman for the center, didn’t have further comment.

Cities in dry places just aren’t designed for floods.

Wherever it happens, flooding isn’t just a matter of how much rain comes down. It’s also about what happens to all that water once it’s on the ground — most critically, in the places people live.

Cities in arid regions often aren’t designed to drain very effectively. In these areas, paved surfaces block rain from seeping into the earth below, forcing it into drainage systems that can easily become overwhelmed.

One recent study of Sharjah , the capital of the third-largest emirate in the U.A.E., found that the city’s rapid growth over the past half-century had made it vulnerable to flooding at far lower levels of rain than before.

Omnia Al Desoukie contributed reporting.

Raymond Zhong reports on climate and environmental issues for The Times. More about Raymond Zhong