reports
Maldives tops the list for Australian honeymooners – Virtuoso Luxe Report
Maldives is the top of the list for Australian honeymooners according to the 2017 Virtuoso Luxe Report Australia. The findings are based on the luxury trends being seen by the network’s Australian based advisors for the coming year.
The annual report, which for the first time included a breakdown from the Australian market, is a trend predictor for luxury and experiential travel globally. Also for the first time, the report looks at destinations which are rapidly changing or at risk of disappearing in the coming decade.
Here are Virtuoso’s travel recommendations for 2017:
- Head now for destinations with a sense of urgency: ones that are changing rapidly or even disappearing. Cuba tops the list as both an emerging destination and one in danger of losing its distinctive character. The Arctic is another must-see, with melting glaciers impacting the region’s unique wildlife. Closer to home, the Great Barrier Reef ranks second in the list of most endangered.
- Seek out active journeys, as adventure travel soars even higher this year as a dominant trend. Virtuoso’s Australian advisors are rating South African safaris, exploring Vietnam and the Galapagos Islands, and New Zealand as a closer adventure option.
- Take the opportunity to live like a local by with a cooking class, perusing the markets, hunting for truffles or even opting for a private, in-home dining experience.
- Pack the bathers as island destinations are the top-tip for honeymooners. The Maldives offers the No.1 romantic get away and Fiji provides a destination closer to home for Australian newly weds.
“We are starting to see movement outside of the mainstream travel agenda with people taking the current global turbulence as a prompt to look all the way down their bucket list,” Virtuoso Asia Pacific Managing Director, Michael Londregan said of the report.
“Instead of sticking with their tried and true destinations, people are looking at some options further down the list, and that’s why we are seeing other less common options gaining momentum.”
“Lets face it, there is no point having a bucket list if you don’t look beyond your top three destinations.”
Another trend identified in the report is a move towards longer international holidays and shorter domestic trips.
“People are starting to think about their holidays in really distinct blocks because their asset is not the money they have in the bank, it’s how many days they have off each year.”
“People are taking their 20 days of holiday and planning out their year with a two week adventure, three long weekends, and a family get away for example – we are seeing people thinking more strategically about investing their travel time.”
“No longer are we looking for what’s on special or just going where we normally go, people want to be more imaginative – the world is their oyster and we no longer just live in one corner of it.”
Some of the key findings are
Most popular honeymoons
- Maldives
- Fiji
- Italy
- Bali
- Thailand
Top Endangered/Changing Destinations
- Cuba
- Great Barrier Reef
- Antarctica
- Venice
- Maldives
Biggest trends for 2017
- Family and multigenerational
- Active and adventure / Luxury cruise
- Celebration
Length of trip with increased demand for in 2017
- 2 + weeks international
- 3-5 day domestic
- Week long international
.
Photo courtesy Club Med
Maldives has soared into the top 5 most popular babymoon destinations according to a new study by My 1st Years.
Babymoons, pre-baby getaways for expecting parents, have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. The UK alone has witnessed a staggering 128% increase in searches for “best babymoon destinations” in just the past three months.
To understand expectant parents’ travel dreams, My 1st Years analyzed Google search data for hundreds of destinations worldwide. The Maldives secured the coveted fourth place, surpassing Italy, Australia, and Portugal.
This tropical paradise offers the perfect escape for parents-to-be seeking relaxation and rejuvenation before welcoming their new arrival. Imagine soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or indulging in pampering spa treatments – pure bliss!
For expectant couples seeking a luxurious and unforgettable babymoon experience, the Maldives offers a truly idyllic setting.
Maldives is setting its sights on welcoming a record-breaking 2.01 million tourists in 2024, a 7.9% increase compared to anticipated arrivals this year. This optimistic forecast, released by the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), paints a vibrant picture of tourism industry thriving next year.
Several key factors are driving this projected surge:
- The Resurgent Chinese Market: With borders reopening and travel restrictions easing, Chinese tourists are expected to flock back to the Maldives in droves, injecting significant energy into the sector.
- New Tourist Delights: The Maldives is steadily expanding its offerings, with new resorts, attractions, and experiences emerging to cater to a wider range of visitors.
- Smoother Skies Ahead: The completion of the Velana International Airport’s new terminal will boost capacity, making it easier for more tourists to reach the paradise islands.
- Luxury’s Enduring Allure: The Maldives’ reputation as a premier luxury destination remains undimmed, attracting high-spending travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.
- Weddings and Honeymoons in Paradise: The Maldives’ romantic charm is drawing ever-increasing numbers of couples seeking picture-perfect wedding and honeymoon destinations.
Looking geographically, Asia is expected to dominate the tourist influx, accounting for 60% of arrivals. Europe, America, and other regions are also projected to contribute significantly, highlighting the Maldives’ diverse appeal.
MATATO’s forecast is based on a meticulous analysis of data from various sources, including past tourism trends, industry forecasts, consumer sentiment surveys, and even cutting-edge AI technology.
MATATO acknowledges potential risks that could affect the rosy outlook. A global economic downturn, rising travel costs, and political instability are factors to be monitored closely.
With its stunning natural beauty, luxurious offerings, and strategic initiatives, the islands are poised to welcome a record number of visitors, reaffirming its status as a dream destination for discerning travelers.
The Maldives has secured its place among the most sought-after “old money” destinations in the world, ranking an impressive fourth in a recent analysis conducted by SlotTracker.com. With over 12 million Instagram hashtags (12,777,931), the Maldives has emerged as a paradise for those seeking a luxurious and refined getaway.
Renowned for its exclusive resorts, pristine beaches, and private water villas, the Maldives offers an ideal setting for indulging in opulence and tranquillity. The timeless natural beauty of the archipelago, coupled with high-end accommodations and a variety of water-based activities, further adds to its allure, attracting discerning travelers in search of sophistication.
The concept of “old money” or “quiet luxury” has gained significant attention in recent times, with TikTok’s latest trend garnering over 2.5 billion views for the hashtag #oldmoneyaesthetic. This trend embodies a sense of understated elegance, free from overt displays of wealth, and draws inspiration from the refined style of celebrities like Sophia Richie and the hit TV show “Succession.”
Driven by curiosity about this trend, SlotTracker.com conducted a thorough analysis of more than 400 million Instagram hashtags to identify the destinations that epitomize refinement and elegance. From enchanting European cities to exotic havens in the Caribbean, their findings unveiled the most popular “old money” destinations worldwide, captivating travelers with unparalleled experiences of luxury and exclusivity.
The Maldives’ fourth-place ranking showcases the destination’s enduring appeal and its ability to deliver a quintessential “old money” experience. The abundance of Instagram hashtags dedicated to the Maldives indicates its popularity among influencers and travelers seeking to showcase their elegant retreats and experiences in this tropical paradise.
With its breathtaking turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, and idyllic private villas perched above the ocean, the Maldives offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The luxurious resorts scattered across the archipelago cater to the most discerning guests, providing personalized services, gourmet dining, and world-class amenities.
Whether it’s indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment, embarking on a romantic sunset cruise, or exploring the vibrant marine life through snorkeling or diving, the Maldives offers a range of activities that complement the serenity and sophistication of the destination.
As the Maldives continues to attract global attention as a premier “old money” destination, the local tourism industry is poised to benefit from the discerning travelers seeking luxurious experiences. The Maldivian government and tourism authorities can leverage this recognition to further enhance the destination’s offerings, promoting sustainable luxury tourism that preserves the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the islands.
The fourth-place ranking among the world’s most popular “old money” destinations reinforces the Maldives’ position as a leading luxury travel hotspot. Travelers from around the globe are enticed by the Maldives’ timeless charm, and the destination’s commitment to providing an extraordinary blend of tranquillity, sophistication, and exclusivity continues to set it apart in the world of luxury travel.
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