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What is luxury culinary tourism?&nbsp;World Food Travel Association defines food tourism, also referred to as gastrotourism, as travelling for a taste of place to get a sense of place. For luxury travellers, one of 2024’s top trends is luxury culinary tourism, for whom this type of travel experience is one of the key motivators behind exploring a destination, whether it's new or familiar.&nbsp;Cuisine is one of the best ways to truly be immersed in a culture, destination, or community, and given that there has been a notable shift towards experience-centric tourism for today's traveller, it comes as no surprise that food tourism is one of the most popular travel trends in recent years!&nbsp;A growing market, luxury culinary tourism refers to experiencing local gastronomy through the lens of luxury travel. For travellers interested in this trend, gastronomy and tourism go hand in hand — food is often the key driver behind travel activities.&nbsp;Who are the luxury culinary travellers?and what activities do they want?&nbsp;Between 2024 and 2030, food tourism is expected to be the fastest-growing segment of luxury travel, increasing at a CAGR of 7.6%. Appealing to travellers of all generations, luxury culinary travel includes trying out unique foods, visiting Michelin-starred restaurants, and attending food-related events such as cooking classes and festivals.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to surveys by Hilton, American Express, and Visa, travellers are prioritising local experiences, both in food travel and in general. Here are some statistics that stand out:81% of travellers are most excited about trying local foods and cuisines.79% of travellers like trying completely new food options while travelling.In 2023, over half of world travellers said their favourite culinary travel activity was visiting local restaurants. The next most popular activities were food festivals (46%), local food tours (41%), and wine tastings (39%). In 2024, Gen Z and Millennials expressed interest in discovering the local bar scene.Compared to other generations, Gen Z and Baby Boomers were expected to budget the highest amount of money for culinary experiences and experiential tourism.Chinese travellers are estimated to be the top spenders in the travel industry in 2025 with a travel spend of $255.4 billion, followed by American ($134.1 billion) and German ($96.7 billion) travellers.&nbsp;Top destinations for luxury culinary tourismFrom Michelin-starred restaurants, food festivals, to world-class wines, gastronomy experiences and more — these destinations have you covered when it comes to luxury food tourism.1. USA for high-end world cuisineIn the USA, large cities often have restaurants from all over the world. New York, in particular, is a favorite among luxury travellers. From Italian restaurants with regional pasta-tasting menus to Japanese omakase restaurants, the Big Apple is the place to be for high-end world cuisine. In 2023, the city received twelve new stars (8 One Stars, 2 Two Stars, and 2 Green Stars), diversifying its Michelin Guide selection. If your clients enjoy festivals, recommend the New York City Wine &amp; Food Festival, which includes chef-hosted dinners, cocktail-making master classes, and walk-around tastings.&nbsp;Another foodie hotspot is New Orleans, distinguished by its Cajun and Creole cuisine. The city has over 1,400 restaurants and a rich history, so consider booking a food tour or even a cocktail tour&nbsp;where your clients can discover the rich food culture and history of this diverse destination. It's worth noting that New Orleans has many family-owned restaurants, such as Antoine’s, operated by the fifth generation, and Café Du Monde, known for its New Orleans-style beignets.&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Mexico for authenticity and delicious cocktailsSince 2010, traditional Mexican cuisine has been a part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List. This is thanks to years of traditions related to farming, rituals, and culinary techniques. To start with Mexico’s fine dining scene, book a table at Pujol in Mexico City. At Pujol, chef Enrique Olvera aims to showcase Mexican gastronomy traditions with a modern twist, and has a signature dish called mole madre.&nbsp;For an unforgettable culinary travel experience why not offer an evening of entertainment with an exquisite tasting at Bellini Revolving restaurant, boasting a 360-degree vista of the city, followed by a colourful and evocative garibaldi performance at&nbsp;Garibaldi Plaza, the Plaza of the Mariachis.&nbsp;Making up one of Mexico's local dishes, mole is a sauce that is thought to originate from either Puebla or Oaxaca, and both cities are worth a visit for their food scenes. In Puebla, your clients can try the special mole poblano and go on a local market tour. In Oaxaca, the food capital of Mexico, you can book a chocolate-making workshop, a visit to a mezcal distillery, or a private cooking class. If your clients prefer tequila to mezcal, suggest a trip to the town of Tequila in Jalisco. Here, in the very city tequila comes from, they can visit tequila distilleries to learn more about the iconic beverage.&nbsp;Access&nbsp;experiences like this and more with our expansive global portfolio of experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up today or log in to curate the perfect getaway for your luxury travellers.&nbsp;3. France for fine dining in the city and countrysideFrance is the country with the most Michelin-starred restaurants. As of 2023, there are 625 restaurants with one, two, or three stars. Your clients’ gourmet experience starts in Paris with a luxury food tour, discovering French wine, cheese, and macarons.&nbsp;For another taste of the unique, why not offer a gastronomic experience with a celestial twist with a sumptuous gourmet food tasting under the stars? Around 90 miles east of Paris is France’s Champagne region, protected by an AOC (controlled designation of origin) label. This means that champagne can only be produced in this region, making it ideal to book a champagne tour to visit local producers and taste this special sparkling wine.&nbsp;&nbsp;France’s second city Lyon is known as its gastronomic capital. &nbsp;Home to late chef Paul Bocuse’s primary restaurant, L’Auberge, the city also has a gourmet food market called Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse&nbsp;which is a must-visit for foodies. Wine tours and wine-tasting events are also all around France, with exceptional wine regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Beaujolais scattered all around the country. For a truly authentic fine-dining experience, head to the restaurants in the countryside, where it’s possible to find Michelin-starred lunch menus for less than €50.&nbsp;4. Italy for wine and luxury cooking classesIn a survey by World Population Review, Italian food was crowned as the best cuisine in the world. Recommend your clients a luxury cooking vacation, which is gaining popularity in the country. In these holidays, visitors experience Italian cuisine to its core, picking vegetables in the garden, having cooking classes with chefs, touring vineyards, and dining in Michelin-starred restaurants. And for travellers who enjoy a taste of authenticity, why not suggest they enjoy a four-course meal cooked by local experts?&nbsp;Besides cooking vacations, check out wine-tasting tours in Tuscany, especially in the famous Chianti region. Not only does this region offer excellent vineyards and distilleries to visit, but your clients can also visit olive oil producers, and have Tuscan snacks in the region. All around Italy, you can find a wide range of pasta-making classes, usually including a complimentary drink, be it an Aperol Spritz or Italian wine.&nbsp;5. Japan for culinary variety&nbsp;Tokyo is a city with one of the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, with over 200 one-, two-, or three-starred restaurants, making it a perfect starting point when exploring Japan for food tourism enthusiasts. Book your clients a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant to do the city justice — Sushi Marufuku for example, has a unique way of preparing dry-aged sushi with vacuum technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Kyoto, book a tea ceremony to experience a 400-year-old tradition, one that is spiritual and awakening at the same time. Many of these ceremonies last for one to two hours, and often have an English-speaking guide, allowing travellers to feel rejuvenated by the selection of traditional teas and snacks. There are also usually options to rent a kimono to take beautiful commemorative photos. Japan is not short of interesting foods to try — seafood lovers would enjoy Okinawa’s distinct cuisine featuring green caviar and tiger prawns. For those who enjoy the highest quality steak, there’s Kobe, the city of the world-famous Kobe beef.&nbsp;6. Singapore for hotels and innovative restaurantsIn Hilton’s 2024 survey, 82% of respondents said they wanted to have a good restaurant in their hotel. This puts the spotlight on Singapore’s high-quality hotel restaurants and daycation packages. For example, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay is a hotel that has both — it’s home to award-winning Chinese restaurant Peach Blossoms and 11-hour daycation packages offering access to restaurants along with other facilities for those who may not have itinerary space to stay overnight.&nbsp;Singapore’s food scene is influenced by Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European cuisines, making it a great destination to try out fusion restaurants. The country has a total of 55 Michelin-starred restaurants featuring 30 different cuisine types. All these restaurants stand out as innovative eateries, combining techniques from diverse world cuisines. For a night to remember, book a sky dining experience, a 90-minute dinner on the Singapore Flyer, overlooking the city’s skyline.&nbsp;So there you have it. Some incredible destinations offer truly unforgettable food travel experiences for travellers with a keen preference for luxury culinary tourism. From cooking classes to being immersed in local culture, to dining in the very best restaurants, luxury has come to mean so many different things to all travellers, so make sure to explore what luxury means to your clients, and curate a one-of-a-kind experience perfectly tailored to their needs.&nbsp;Sign up with Hotelbeds today, or log in to offer the best luxury food tourism experiences to your customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Travel Trends: Luxury Culinary Tourism

&nbsp;The word retailtainment combines two words: retail and entertainment. From visiting VR exhibits in Asian tech hubs to touring 19th-century shopping centres in France, many world destinations are embracing this trend.Why is retail tourism important?According to 2019 data, retail tourism accounted for 6% of Travel &amp; Tourism's GDP. This is true post-pandemic as well. “Retail tourism is no longer just about buying souvenirs; it's a driving force behind the recovery of the Travel &amp; Tourism sector,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC CEO and president.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To curate retail experiences intertwined with the local culture, check out our Booking Engine with 23,000+ experiences — choose between Dubai’s luxury malls, Seoul’s beauty haven, New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue, and more. With the right destination, you can offer:&nbsp;Enhanced shopping experiences: From visits to shopping streets to personal stylist appointments, shopping can be the highlight of the trip.Cultural immersion: In many destinations, travellers can learn about the local culture through shopping. For example, visiting a beauty bar in South Korea can help understand the country’s beauty traditions.More travel activities: From shopping festivals to creative workshops, retail tourism unlocks new travel activities.&nbsp;Top destinations for retail tourismHere are the 7 best destinations for shopping, all presenting their own unique retail experiences.&nbsp;1. For beauty and skincare: Seoul, South KoreaWith the rise of K-beauty and K-dramas, South Korea’s beauty industry is under the spotlight. Olive Young, known as the Korean Sephora, has over 1,000 stores in the country. Its Myeongdong Flagship Store in particular is set to be a part of tourists’ Seoul itinerary. In 2023, the store reported an 840% growth in non-Korean customer sales and expanded its online store to shoppers from 150 different countries. Visitors enjoy the variety of products, the store’s layout and design, and foreign language options — the staff speaks English, Japanese, and Chinese, besides Korean.&nbsp;&nbsp;A beauty hack used by Korean politicians and CEOs, Personal Colour Analysis is gaining popularity among tourists. This trend includes working with a consultant to find out about the right colours that fit a person’s facial features and skin tone. Consider booking a Personal Colour Analysis for your clients first, so they know what colours to look for in beauty stores.&nbsp;2. For luxury shopping: Dubai, United Arab Emirates&nbsp;From rooftop bars to opera centres, luxury brands to in-mall chauffeur services, Dubai’s malls are where luxury shopping and entertainment meet. With over 90 malls all with their own charm, the city’s options seem endless.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dubai Shopping Festival takes place every year between December and January. In 2023, the festival hosted 45 live concerts from celebrities like Sting and Sean Paul. Visitors got a sneak peek of upcoming launches by worldwide brands, including Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, which offered product testers. With entertainment came deals, discounts, and prizes, exclusive to participants. The Dubai Shopping Festival will start on 13 December this year, and continue until 19 January, just in time for a New Year’s Eve holiday.&nbsp;&nbsp;3. For Instagrammable malls: Bangkok, ThailandBangkok is picturesque all around — street markets for the outdoors, Instagrammable malls for the indoors. In Terminal 21 Mall, there is inspiration from eight destinations: the Caribbean, Rome, Paris, Tokyo, London, Istanbul, San Francisco, and Hollywood. On each of its floors, you’ll find decorations from one of these places.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Ratchaprasong area is where art, shopping, and panoramic views meet. Gaysorn Village, a mall in the area, features Thai designer brands and curated art shows. One minute from Gaysorn Village is the famous pedestrian bridge, Ratchaprasong SkyWalk. Crossing the bridge exposes elevated Bangkok views, another Instagram-worthy scene. It also connects to other shopping centres, CentralWorld and Erawan Bangkok.&nbsp;&nbsp;Culture-lovers will also appreciate the sights and sounds of Bangkok's Damnoen Saduak&nbsp;Floating Markets, for a quieter but no less Instagrammable experience of some of the best local produce and an intimate look at everyday life - bookable through our Booking Engine.&nbsp;4. For the best flagship stores: New York City, United StatesStretching 10 km from Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, Fifth Avenue is one of the most iconic shopping streets in New York City.&nbsp;&nbsp;Book a table at The Blue Box Café by Daniel Boulud, located inside The Landmark, Tiffany’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue. Boulud is a Michelin-starred chef originally from France, now residing in New York. He has won many awards, including the “World's Best Restaurateur.” Besides the classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” he also offers Afternoon Tea, an à la carte selection, and dining options at The Blue Box Café.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nike’s House of Innovation provides some of the best brand experiences, including showrooms, customised trainers, and in-house experts giving style advice. Macy's Herald Square is another NYC classic with a world-class customer experience. You can book Macy’s history tours, &nbsp;enjoy fine dining in the store, or get advice from a personal stylist for free.&nbsp;5. For art and fashion: ParisWith its glass Coupole rising 43 metres high up, Galeries Lafayette is an iconic Art-Nouveau building as well as a historic shopping centre in Paris. Today, it hosts well-known French brands including Chanel, Christian Dior, Guerlain, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitors can learn more about the 19th-century building by booking a guided heritage tour. To make the experience even more unforgettable, book the Parisian Shopping Experience, in which Galeries Lafayette experts take visitors shopping and give fashion advice. Alternatively, there is the Macaron Bakery Class, a group bakery class to learn how to make macarons. To end the day, go up to the 8th floor of Galeries Lafayette — the terrace overlooks the whole city of Paris, with views of Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Cœur, and Notre Dame.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Golden Triangle between Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne, and Avenue George V is a shopping classic for high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent. For concept stores, suggest Le Marais neighbourhood, which is home to Merci and other department stores. End the day in one of Merci’s cafés, Le Used Book Café or Le Café de Non Merci, and people-watch like a true Parisian.&nbsp;6. For a hint of Hollywood glamour: Los AngelesJewellery, local boutiques, and world-famous brands: welcome to the Hollywood glamour of Los Angeles.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Check out the Beverly Wilshire Hotel’s Pretty Woman for a Day Package — it’s the very hotel in the 1991 film “Pretty Woman.” With this package, your clients will get a VIP shopping experience. It includes a round trip with a Mercedes Sedan, visits to the backstages of Rodeo Drive boutiques, and fashion advice from a personal stylist.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To complete the Pretty Woman experience, check out Jewellery District, home to some of the best jewellery in the world. Consider booking a luxury tour — Jewellery District tours include visiting showrooms, meeting designers, and going to private exhibitions.&nbsp;7. For high-tech meets kawaii: TokyoIn Japan, there is one vending machine per 30 people, selling everything from ramen to burgers. The Japanese capital Tokyo appeals to many kinds of shoppers, including budget travellers, tech enthusiasts, and Japanese culture lovers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Located in the shopping district of Harajuku, Galaxy Harajuku hosts Samsung Galaxy’s brand exhibitions. By showing their Samsung smartphones, visitors can access virtual reality exhibitions, photo booths, and lounges with the latest Galaxy technologies. The district has all types of malls, from the mirror glass-covered kaleidoscopic entrance of Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku Shopping Mall to the cute shops in Laforet Mall. A short walk away from the mall is Takeshita Street, full of brightly-coloured shops, offering photo and shopping opportunities in Japanese kawaii fashion.&nbsp;&nbsp;Let your clients know of the Japan Shopping Festival, where over 500 participating brands give out exclusive promotions and discounts. There are also cultural activities as part of the festival, such as rice ball making classes or earring and piercing workshops.&nbsp;&nbsp;Have you seen somewhere travellers would like? Register with&nbsp;Hotelbeds today&nbsp;or Log in to offer travellers different types of retailtainment experiences, no matter if they're a luxury shopper, culture-lovers or deal-seekers.&nbsp;

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Travel Trends: What Travel Distributors Need To Know About 'Retailtainment'

&nbsp;Paris, Venice, and New York City often come to mind when talking about Valentine’s Day trip ideas. But what if your clients are expecting you to propose some more creative destinations this year? From African safari holidays to lantern-lit boat rides in Asia, we picked six romantic destinations across four continents that are beyond the tourist hot spots.&nbsp;Don't forget, you can take advantage of&nbsp;our global portfolio, including over 250,000 hotels in 170+ trending destinations worldwide. Not to mention 23,000+ experiences to enrich your clients' time in their destination of choice, to easily make their trip extra special.&nbsp;Sign up now&nbsp;or log in to your Hotelbeds account to access our global portfolio and delight travellers no matter their preferences.&nbsp;But for now, let's take a look at some of the best Valentine's Day destinations...&nbsp;Hoi An, VietnamVietnam experiences its dry season from December to May, so in February, you’re in for a sunny Valentine’s Day.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To make the most of the beautiful weather, book the half-day Hoi An Vespa tour. From meeting local farmers in rural Vietnam to seeing rice wine breweries, this tour unlocks an authentic experience. Back in the city, the UNESCO-preserved Hoi An Ancient Town has Chinese, Japanese, and European influences. The Japanese Covered Bridge, the Cantonese Assembly Hall, and the colonial building of Hoi An Museum of History and Culture are great examples of each style of architecture.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoi An truly shines at night, with thousands of lanterns lighting up the streets and the river. With an evening boat ride, visitors can experience this romantic atmosphere with their other half. Through this unique experience, they can ride boats, take colourful photos, and release lanterns into the water as a part of the monthly Hoi An Lantern Festival.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anthony Bourdain once described Hoi An’s bánh mì as a “symphony in a sandwich.” If food is your clients’ love language, tell them they’re in the right city, and suggest a cooking class or a half-day street food tour.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Santa Fe, USAFor a refreshing wellness retreat, look no further than Santa Fe, New Mexico. The city’s spiritual atmosphere combined with Native American wellness techniques will take couples on a relaxing journey.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Many premium spas, including Ojo Spa Resorts, Nidah Spa, or Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado offer couples packages including a romantic room, private hot tubs, wine, and chocolate - all of which can be booked in our Booking Engine! For the ultimate experience, book a couples massage and let your clients relax with the diverse massage techniques, essential oils, and Himalayan salt stones.&nbsp;&nbsp;While wellness is a major highlight, Santa Fe’s art and restaurant scenes are very much alive in February. As the first UNESCO Creative City in the US, Santa Fe hosts the Art + Sol Winter Festival in February, where visitors enjoy ballets, operas, and art galleries. Right after Valentine’s Day, the 19th of February marks the start of Santa Fe Restaurant Week, celebrating the city’s extensive dining options.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rovaniemi, FinlandAccording to experts, recent years are some of the best to see the Aurora Borealis as the solar activity has reached the 'solar maximum', with last year as one of the best for displays! The Aurora Borealis has also been seen as far south as Europe, suggesting that this magnificent phenomena is becoming more accessible. However, there's nothing quite like journeying to parts of the world where their true splendour can be enjoyed. The lights are best seen in winter months, so the odds are in your clients' favour to see the Northern Lights in Finland this Valentine’s Day.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Rovaniemi, the capital of the Lapland region in Finland, the Northern Lights are visible 150 nights a year until March. The best part? Couples can spot them from the comfort of a cosy glass igloo. Inside, guests get a 360-degree view of the sky, showcasing twinkling stars and the Northern Lights as they appear in green, purple, and pink hues.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Glass igloos are comfortable and warm but they won’t be enough for adventurous travellers. With the Arctic Circle – Northern Lights Hunting by Minibus or Aurora Borealis, Snowmobile Safari, and BBQ tours, crown the romantic moments in the igloo with exciting memories outside.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Besides the Northern Lights, Finland is also known for its traditional sauna experience with special rituals, which has been a part of UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage List since 2020. Book a sauna day for your clients to discover if this is the secret of the world’s happiest country.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dolomites, ItalyThe Dolomites boost a rich wine scene, delicious food, and romantic experiences like other Italian destinations, minus the tourist crowds.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Start the trip with Bolzano, the capital city of the South Tyrol region. Overlooking the majestic Alpine landscapes, this charming city blends Italian and Austrian cultures. Your clients will see it first-hand in the Bolzano Private Walking Tour as they visit landmarks like Piazza Walther and the Dome of Bolzano.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Less than an hour away from Bolzano, there are 49 Michelin-recommended restaurants for couples to have a romantic dinner on Valentine’s Day. Besides regional cuisine, you can find a wide range of Alpine restaurants, seafood places, and contemporary eateries.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For the next few days, we recommend renting a car and heading north toward Brunico, while making some stops along the way. A visit to the Neustift Abbey is a must — active since 1142, this place hosts one of the oldest wineries in the world. After tasting the historical wines of the region, suggest Chiusa for a blend of art and nature, and end the trip at a ski resort at Brunico.&nbsp;&nbsp;Okinawa, JapanWinter months are considered off-season in Okinawa but the beautiful archipelago is still worth a visit, especially for its romantic sunsets, beautiful nature, and laid-back atmosphere.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cherry blossoms start in early February, adding a pink touch to historical sites such as Nakijin Castle Ruins. Although an off-season for tourism, February is the peak season for an experience like no other: whale watching. Book a boat trip to Kerama Islands where your clients will see humpback whales jumping high up the water.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Okinawa has picture-perfect sunsets, no matter what season it may be. Consider organising a romantic sunset tour for your clients to take in the beautiful atmosphere. Over the next few days, book a cooking class or a food tour to uncover Okinawa’s traditional food. Dating back to the Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawan cuisine has Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences, different from what you would have in mainland Japan. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Serengeti National Park, TanzaniaSafari in the Serengeti National Park is on the bucket list of many travellers. For Valentine’s Day, couples can make this dream come true and treat themselves with the park’s luxury accommodation options.&nbsp;&nbsp;Between January and February, visitors get to see the Great Migration and calving, which makes the safari even more special. For accommodation, consider a luxury safari lodge, overlooking the vast landscape of Serengeti. On some days, your clients might be able to spot the Big 5 (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and African buffalos) roaming right outside their lodge!&nbsp;&nbsp;Alternatively, booking a campsite or a tent offers a true connection with nature, as couples sleep underneath the twinkling stars. Besides the Big 5, there’s a high chance of seeing zebras, birds, and wildebeest during the safari. Remind your clients to pack their cameras, as they’re about to make some of the most special memories of their lives. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The pristine beaches of Zanzibar are only a short flight away from Kilimanjaro International Airport near Serengeti. Let your clients know that Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to end after the safari, and offer to book some flights.&nbsp;&nbsp;Have you seen somewhere your clients would like?&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up to become one of Hotelbeds' valuable partners, or log in to your Hotelbeds account now and offer them the best Valentine’s Day yet.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Paris, Venice, and New York City often come to mind when talking about Valentine’s Day trip ideas. But what if your clients are expecting you to propose some more creative destinations this year? From African safari holidays to lantern-lit boat rides in Asia, we picked six romantic destinations across four continents that are beyond the tourist hot spots.

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The Best Destinations For Valentine's Day

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Key 2024 Events Calendar For Travel Distributors 

&nbsp;Within any sphere of travel it’s important to understand where audiences are looking to go, what they want from their experience, and how their needs are changing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To keep ahead of the curve, it’s important to re-evaluate what was once considered ‘luxury’ travel, as many of today’s travellers are moving away from purely exclusive resorts and disconnected retreats. And despite the fact that many countries are experiencing financial crises, the demand for luxury travel is anticipated to be ‘higher than ever’ in the next five years.&nbsp;What Luxury Travellers Want&nbsp;Here are just a couple of key insights into what luxury travellers are looking for from their trips include:&nbsp;&nbsp;To ‘get under the skin’ of a destination.An increasing focus on exploring hidden gems, activities, and neighbourhoods - what GlobeTrender calls ‘Gamma Destinations’&nbsp;With this in mind, we take a closer look at some of the most notable current and upcoming trends within the luxury travel sphere, what opportunities these present and how Hotelbeds are ideally positioned to offer hotels access to travellers within this segment.&nbsp;More Conscious LuxuryGiven that one of the prerequisites of luxury travel is a closer, ‘exclusive’ look at a destination of choice, there are many overlapping similarities between luxury travel and conscious travel. This intersection can be more clearly seen when we look at a few aspects of the ‘hierarchy of needs of the luxury traveller’:&nbsp;Indulgent Experience (meets/exceeds)Authentic Experience (cultural, not mass travel)&nbsp;This narrative shift towards conscious travel, where authenticity is becoming more highly priced than ‘pan-global luxury’ is apparent across the travel industry as a whole, however with regards to luxury travel and what travellers are looking for from their experience, there are key considerations for the hospitality industry - particularly, the need for green initiatives.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mostly, the importance of offering sustainable accommodation for consciously minded luxury travellers is never more apparent, in order to remain relevant within a market whose definition is rapidly changing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), at Hotelbeds we understand how critical it is to remain successful, but for the industry as a whole to shift towards conscious travel. Our Sustainable Hotels Programme and Plastic-Free initiative are just two of the ways that we’re responding to the very real demand from environmentally conscious travellers, offering simple and effective tools for our travel trade clients to not only make green choices in how they’re selling experiences and hotels to end travellers, but to make positive change within the industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up to join our network of thousands of travel distributors to help attract the right guest at the right time today.&nbsp;The Re-Emergence of China&nbsp;Even though it will take time for China to be fully reinstated into the world travel market, the growing wealth across the region is a promising sign for outbound travel growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;The reopening of China's tourism industry presents a wonderful opportunity for the growth of luxury travel. With the affluent demographics of Asia showing a strong demand for this style of travel, we can expect a massive outbound source market to emerge in the next few years.&nbsp;As a global travel partner with a vast network of travel distributors, as well as valuable ancillaries for end travellers to enrich their trips, we’re ideally positioned to not only increase the visibility of our partners’ hotel(s) through a non-competing distribution channel, but also to a group of guests who:&nbsp;Have longer lead times than other distribution channels.Cancel less often - for example, the cancellation rate for European hotels during FY22 was 31% when booked through our distribution channel, compared to the 65.5% seen in OTA bookings.Largely belong to long-haul markets.&nbsp;We offer all our clients access to fast-growing travel segments even in the most hard-to-reach spaces, while our cloud-based technology platforms provide fast, simple access to a network of global travel products to curate your clients’ bespoke travel plans. Put simply, working with us at Hotelbeds puts you in the right position to access some of the most valuable travel segments out there.&nbsp;Sign up today to join our Hotelbeds network and scale your offerings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pay Attention To Generation Alpha&nbsp;A recent study from Globetrender highlighted this trend, revealing that these families are not afraid to spend big and travel far. The study also predicted a substantial hike in family trips, estimating an increase of 185% between 2021 and 2022, which we anticipate will carry far beyond this year. As we look ahead to the next few years, it is safe to assume that luxury travel will see a sharp and sustained increase, particularly among wealthy families.&nbsp;And as a passive but young demographic, Gen Alpha is reliant on their Millennial parents to spend for them, which means:&nbsp;Millennial travellers will be looking to accommodate their children - an increasingly influential and young demographic accustomed to regular travel and the digital era.Luxury travel and luxury familial experiences may change as a result - from the rise of parent-child bonding trips to the increase in long-haul adventure trips, the way that luxury families go on holiday is changing.&nbsp;It's essential to recognise the changing face of the modern family and adapt your offerings accordingly. For instance, in the UK, many families are led by single parents, around 90% of which are women. So, it's vital to question your preconceived notions about family travel and make sure your offerings meet the diverse needs of today's travellers. But what is clear is that there is no better time to cater for the elite and their younger generations.&nbsp;‘Premium’ Travel As One To Watch‘Premium’ travel has many names, but this segment can mostly be identified by where travellers sit on the plane - namely, those at the front. And while the premium segment may not be quite the same as luxury, the motivations, needs and travel styles are in a similar vein, so travel distributors would be remiss to discredit the growing opportunity that premium travellers present. Travel analytics companies like Forward Keys, in fact, have outlined premium travel as one to watch.&nbsp;Recent insights suggest that the premium travel segment is recovering much faster than the economy segment. Interestingly, premium travellers also:Travel more regularly than economy travellers.Spend more than average once in their destination of choice.Stay for longer durations in their chosen destinations each time.&nbsp;In fact, premium segment travellers in America had stayed 14% longer compared to 2019 levels, with particular growth within small groups and families.&nbsp;&nbsp;What opportunities does this present for hoteliers?This is a rapidly growing segment of travellers who are willing to spend more in-destination, stay longer, and travel more frequently than those in the economy segment. So this means that recovery, in terms of revenue, is happening faster than visitor numbers, which is great news for host destinations and also great news for hotel owners looking to make the most of a high-spend, high-frequency traveller.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Rise of High-Impact ConservationAs suggested in our article detailing some of the top travel trends for 2023, high-impact conservation remains another exciting opportunity within the luxury travel segment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pelorus, a provider of luxury trips, noted that many high-net-worth travellers are no longer impressed by the type of excess that ‘luxury travel’ used to once mean, and that luxury is becoming more about the privilege of contributing to preserving and protecting the world’s environments. From spending time with marine biologists to joining conservationist efforts in Africa, the ultra-wealthy are beginning to fund experiences that make a tangible difference to the climate crisis, and capitalising on this type of traveller could lead to a huge uplift in your success as a hotel owner.&nbsp;Partnering with in-destination organisations that offer a deeper experience than more ‘tokenistic’ give back schemes can be a key step for hotel owners looking to capture the interest of high-net worth clients looking to make a real difference. It’s critical to ensure that any partnerships offer tangible, real value to local communities and environments, in order to attract the calibre of luxury traveller looking to make an actual difference during their experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luxury Wellness TourismCNTraveller suggests that ‘mindful movement is the new buzzword’ when it comes to luxury wellness as one of the top travel trends for 2023 and beyond, and we’re inclined to agree - though mindful movement is certainly not new as a concept! From hypnotherapy and nutritional assessments to astrology, forest bathing or sound baths, the concept of holistic wellness as a mainstream driver for travel deserves a place on the radar.&nbsp;Marketing wellness experiences is therefore becoming a key factor in many luxury hotels’ strategies, and our Star Collection Programme offers the perfect platform to maximise visibility to the right guest, as part of our dedicated marketing solutions for hotels - available exclusively to our hotel partners!&nbsp;&nbsp;In order to remain relevant and keep up with demand, many hotels and hotel chains around the world have had to increase their wellness offerings by incorporating innovative, attractive experiences and facilities into their properties.&nbsp;&nbsp;In fact, some hotels are taking this one step further, incorporating high-tech medicine into wellness regimes and pushing the boundaries of what ‘wellness’ means - from hotels offering traditional Chinese medicines featuring nutrigenomics (the relationship between between diet and genes); on-site assessments that curate bespoke stress-relieving activities; or even offering clients treatments believed to increase ‘health span’ including stem-cell therapy, DNA analysis and customised immune-boosting.&nbsp;In fact, at Hotelbeds we have seen a significant increase in luxury bookings with many destinations experiencing growth exceeding 50% in the last couple of years as more travellers than ever prioritise mind and body wellness, and preventative care. This prompted an incredible opportunity to expand our portfolio with The Leading Hotels of the World Alliance, offering even greater access to the luxury travel segment and building our existing ability to connect luxury travellers with the right hotels and experiences.&nbsp;Sign up today, and maximise your success in the ever-changing travel industry.&nbsp;

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