Over the past two years, the luxury travel industry has adapted to fluctuations in restrictions as well as passenger preferences and is “back” in many destinations.
Looking ahead, 2022 will continue to be about progress and evolution.
In many places across the globe, business and leisure travel has resumed. Factors including increased vaccination rates, an appetite for ‘revenge travel’ and continued easing of border restrictions are strong indications that the year ahead will be far easier for those wishing travel.
Instead of focusing on the past two years, the Jet Luxe concierge team has summarized the key trends we expect to see in the year ahead. Read on to see what Kamila Kicinska, Jet Luxe’s Customer Experience Manager has to say about luxury travel in 2022.
1: Ultra-personalized travel
Demand for luxury leisure travel remains strong with a focus on personalization. “For most travelers, voyages are happening less frequently, and therefor when they do materialize, those trips ought to tick all the boxes and exceed expectations”.
Travelers have a new-found appreciation for the art of travel and are seeking to explore with purpose and enthusiasm. This group is seeking unique, highly curated, authentic experiences in the most inspiring surroundings.
Travel in a post-pandemic world must balance a sense of novelty and adventure but also offer a sense of security and safety. “Fortunately, due to our connections and experience, Jet Luxe is able to navigate this uncertain era of ever-changing travel rules and border regulations with ease. The priority is safety and experience and with jet travel, both can be delivered. Our clients are looking for safe, bespoke, customized, small-group luxury travel experiences with minimal risk and maximum joy”.
Jet Luxe’s Fly Luxe global jet charter service enables travelers to indulge in their passions, however personalized these may be. Examples of specialist requests include wellness experiences, specialist tasting menus, children’s entertainment, virtual reality experiences, and even bespoke experiences for pets. “We take pride in exceeding expectations when it comes to special requests; we truly want our clients to experience the best.”
2: Conscious, community-centric, local travel
The pandemic has seen many make a greater effort to “support local”. In 2022, we expect to see travelers deepen this mindset and embrace discovery of their respective homelands. “A perfect example of this trend is the rise of domestic private jet travel in the United States and Latin America. Whilst international travel is somewhat challenged, we have seen a surge of interest in those looking to explore local destinations within the US.”
“Travelers have a greater awareness of the importance of community, sustainability, and cultural awareness. A behavioral trend for this demographic is a wish to experience the authenticity and character of local culture, wherever this may be. We expect to see an increased interest in being more “present” and immersed in the unique character of destination, supporting local communities that they visit, while pursuing personal, life-enhancing experiences. From a concierge perspective, this trend is exciting to embrace because we can introduce so many “hidden gems” to our clients whilst also supporting local communities”.
In parallel, business communities continue to utilize business aviation to get from A-to-B efficiently, safely, and in comfort. To meet local demand, Jet Luxe will launch in the USA, Canada, and Latin America in Q1 of 2022. Jet Luxe’s services in the US will offer a highly efficient, luxury and bespoke business travel solution across the region.
3: Demand for unique, unchartered experiences
Travel is a form of escapism and the appetite for experience has never been stronger. “We have experienced a fair amount of travel renaissance with demand for ‘off the beaten track’ experiences. Our clients are asking for unchartered, exotic experiences such as sports fishing in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and luxury trekking in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, taking a trip to the Vikings’ trail in Oslo or exploring new and unique experiences in the UAE”.
We expect to continue to see travelers seeking a range of experiences to satiate a variety of spiritual, intellectual, and cultural interests. Travelers that are unwilling to put off their bucket lists for much longer and are seeking out these once in a lifetime experiences.
There has also been a “buzz” around the Latin American, Central American and Caribbean destinations including Roatan Honduras, Aruba and Jamaica. These destinations are redefining their identities offering travelers a range of cultural experiences including galleries, carnivals, dining, hidden beaches and more.
At Jet Luxe, the most popular charter destinations include: The Maldives, Thailand, Santorini, and the Seychelles, however, we also receive requests for specially curated island and adventure trips including Antarctica and the Sahara Desert.
4: Concierge and travel advisory services
Travel and destination landscapes have changed drastically over the last couple of years. Whilst travel is “back” for many destinations, it remains highly regulated and challenging to organize. This is where specialist concierge and advisory comes in.
Jet Luxe’s concierge team and travel advisors have access to bespoke, local insights often inaccessible to retail tourists. Jet Luxe’s concierge desk can help curate unique travel, hotel, dining and travel experiences, while being a trusted partner to ensure the cautious traveler is up to date with the ever-changing travel regulations.
5: Self-care and wellness travel
Living through the pandemic has made many of us acutely mindful of health and wellbeing. Global interest in wellness has skyrocketed and it’s no surprise that it has carried over into the luxury travel industry. Fitness, healthy eating, mindfulness and meditation have become a way of life for many. “Wellness travel now takes many forms and is highly personalized. This niche form of travel includes: a digital detox, vitamin IV drips and shots, healthier food options, sleep coaching, and beauty services. There is no limit to what we can arrange for our clients”. For its health-conscious clients, Jet Luxe plans luxurious, private wellness experiences and proven restorative programs that are perfect for a post-pandemic reset.
6: Family-friendly multi-generational holidays
With families and extended families separated for extended periods of time, we expect to see an increase in family and multi-generational leisure travel. Luxury hotels in the Maldives, as an example, have increased their supply of luxury family villas with spacious bedrooms, inviting communal spaces, and private pools and gardens offering plenty of space for groups to reconnect while offering a range of activities for various age groups.
7: Pet-friendly wellness experiences
Pet ownership has served as antidote to lockdowns during long periods of isolation and has been on the rise globally since the onset of the pandemic. In 2021, Jet Luxe flew clients and their pets around the world and in 2022, we expect to see an increased demand for pet-friendly jet travel and “pet charter” flights. Catching on to the trend, our hotels partners have introduced wellness programs for pet owners and their furry friends alike. The Looking to fly with a pet? Get in touch to find out more about our pet charter service.
Revenge Travel – The Time is Now!
In summary, we expect to see a huge resumption of luxury travel in 2022. The concept of “revenge travel” is on the rise with so many eager to make up for “lost time”. At Jet Luxe, we have supported our clients through the pandemic by keeping businesses moving forward, arranging medical flights, repatriation, and leisure trips. In 2022, we are here to provide a whole new world of experiences and opportunities to our clients.
Get in touch at fly@jetluxe.com to find out more about our global concierge service or connect with Kamila Kicinska.