Nowadays traveling represents an ability to explore, make memories and enjoy life. But when it comes to one particular group of travelers, they have special requirements and expectations and want a unique experience. So let’s see what luxury travelers want and need to make their traveling experiences memorable!
Relaxation, experiencing different and new things, and meeting new people and cultures are some ultimate requests that luxury travelers want when they are going on a vacation. Meeting their needs above their expectation will give them the ultimately memorable traveling experience that they are gladly willing to pay for.
In this industry, the needs and expectations of the luxury travelers can be represented by the 5 C’s, which are essential to be met on an adequate level by the luxury traveling industry when serving this group of customers.
The 5 C’s represent the following key principles:
• Culture – Meeting new cultures and tradition
• Cuisine- Preparing authentic local cuisine
• Community- Networking with new people with the same interests
• Content- Representing travel and social events through marketing
• Customisation- Allowing to customize the perfect vacation as per travelers’ needs
What are the trends of luxury traveling nowadays?
In the travel industry, it is crucial to be open to innovation, capable of satisfying all customers’ needs and build a reputation as a hotelier.
As a traveler that wants exquisite service and the ultimate experience, you should set up your goals when traveling according to the newest trends and abilities in the luxury travel industry.
Many pieces of research show that luxury travelers no longer seek infinity pools or hot tubs as part of their rooms. Also, welcoming them with the most expensive bottle of champagne is a standard procedure!
These services are now non-negotiable when
luxury travelers are taking a vacation and are already included in most hotels.
However, the newest trends show that luxury travelers are looking for authenticity, meeting new people, and visiting places they’ve never been before.
Those kinds of places and authentic experiences are safaris that cost more than $8,000 per person, visiting villages, or going on a cruise to an abandoned island with the tour guide all to themselves. An exquisite cuisine as a part of their trip could be one of the requirements they could ask for.
The newest trends show that meeting people as part of these trips and adventures, and experiencing the life of the local village people, as well as their everyday habits and regimen of life, is what gives the most value and inspiration to this group of travelers.
The 5 C’s of Luxury Travel
The 5 C’s represent a set of principles that must be followed and accomplished in the luxury travel industry. Reputable hotels should satisfy and pay attention to these principles when they welcome this sort of guest into their facilities.
Therefore, let us introduce you to the 5 C’s and give you an idea of what luxury travelers are looking for.
Culture
The main principle that should be adhered to is to allow luxury travelers to meet the culture and heritage of the country they visit. Also, the local culture and traditions are the primary motivation for this group to travel often and call themselves explorers of the world. When they’re given the chance to meet the culture and traditions of the country, purchasing some luxury goods from the market as souvenirs will make their holiday memorable and treasured.
Cuisine
Luxury travelers seek special culinary skills and experiences. This unique group of tourists often requires meals that satisfy their dietary habits, but they also want to try some new recipes or the local cuisine. Therefore, this principle is one of the most important and will provide authenticity and value to this group of tourists.
Community
Having a drink or two with other guests in the hotel may be a good tool for allowing luxury travelers to meet new people and share experiences. This way, they can feel that they have been given the opportunity to enjoy their vacation as they prefer, but also have the ability to network with people that share the same interests. The hotels can organize the networking by hosting a happy hour each night or creating short trips with a small group of people during the guest’s stay.
• Content – In the luxury travel industry, content means promotion through marketing where capabilities, travel programs, and events are represented. Within the content previously known by the customers, they can choose which activities are best for them faster and more efficiently.
Customisation
The strongest principle of all five is customization. This principle allows luxury travelers to choose and create their traveling experience as a unique and marvelous journey. Enabling travelers to select their next cruise and their meals and create customized relaxation packages for themselves could benefit some hotels. However, it could also be a challenge for the travel industry because, if the focus is to satisfy the needs of luxury travelers, all the packages created for non-luxury travelers will be compromised.
A successful vacation for luxury travelers is when these principles are adhered to and accordingly accomplished. When successfully accomplished, the 5 C’s will bring value to both sides: the hoteliers who want to expand their business and the travelers who will share their experience with their community. Within their shared experience, the luxury travelers will bring new customers to the hotels and will feel valued for their memorable vacation provided by the hoteliers.
Conclusion
Every customer is different, and every tourist has different needs. The distinction between travelers who want luxury and tourists enjoying their vacation without special requirements is reflected in the 5 C’s. However, these principles should represent the fundamental point when serving each customer group when traveling. Therefore, they should be customized to satisfy the needs and expectations of each group of travelers.
Luxury travelers enjoy experiencing new things, meeting new cultures, tasting different cuisines, and sharing their adventures with new people. In addition, they want to feel valued and appreciated by having their unique necessities fulfilled, which will give them an authentic, worthwhile experience.
References:
- What Luxury Travellers Want, and How to Attract Them
https://blog.guestrevu.com/what-luxury-travellers-want-and-how-to-attract-them - High-end Travelers Today Want to Make an Impact on the Places They Visit, According to a Luxury Safari Operator
https://www.businessinsider.com/luxury-travel-trends-authenticity-impact-inspiration-safari-2019-8 - Role of Motivations for Luxury Cruise Traveling, Satisfaction, and Involvement in Building Traveler Loyalty
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278431917305182 - The 5 C’s: A New Definition of Luxury Travel
https://hospitalityinsights.ehl.edu/new-definition-luxury-travel
