In a world that increasingly craves extraordinary experiences and exclusive moments, the luxury travel segment is growing steadily.
This is particularly reflected in Airtours, a leading provider of luxury travel. With an expanded offering for winter 2024/25, including 200 new top hotels and strong growth in luxury cruises, Airtours is positioning itself as a pioneer for travel that goes far beyond everyday life and creates unforgettable memories.
"Luxury today means consciously enjoying moments that open up new perspectives far away from the everyday and enable a deep connection to the environment and oneself," explains Steffen Boehnke, Director of Airtours, when presenting the winter program. The trend is increasingly moving towards tailor-made experiences that are characterized by personal freedom, authenticity and sustainable offers.
Luxury cruises on growth path
The growth trend in the area of luxury cruises is particularly striking, with Airtours recording an increase of 20 percent. Sea voyages through Asia, especially cruises with stops in Japan, are currently enjoying great popularity. These cruises are quickly booked up, which underlines the increasing demand for exclusive experiences on the high seas. In addition to Asia, yacht experiences are also one of the hotspots in the Caribbean and sailing tours through the Antilles and Grenadines are among the most popular offers in the winter months.
By expanding its cruise portfolio through partnerships with renowned shipping companies such as The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Silversea and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Airtours offers its customers a wide range of luxurious trips. New to the program is the shipping company Explora Journeys and the expedition specialist Swan Hellenic, which offer intensive experiences at unique destinations. This development illustrates the growing desire of travelers for experiences that combine adventure, exclusivity and comfort.
Top destinations in winter 2024/25
Airtours' 2024/25 winter program offers a variety of exclusive destinations. Particularly popular are Bali, eastern and southern Africa, and destinations in the Indian Ocean such as the Maldives, Mauritius and Sri Lanka. These destinations not only offer breathtaking natural experiences, but also exceptional luxury resorts that meet the highest standards.
Africa remains a dream destination for many travelers looking for new and special experiences. Luxury safaris and private tours in exclusive lodges, such as the Mukwa River Lodge on the Zambezi in Zambia or the Matetsi Victoria Falls Lodge in Zimbabwe, are just some of the tailor-made offers that Airtours has in store for discerning adventurers.
Barefoot Islands: The epitome of luxury
An unbroken trend in luxury tourism is exotic barefoot islands that offer maximum relaxation and exclusivity. The Maldives are the most popular. New to the Airtours portfolio is the ultra-luxury resort The Nautilus Maldives in the UNESCO biosphere reserve of the Baa Atoll. Here, guests experience unlimited freedom and timeless luxury. Personal butler service and individually designed activities make the resort a refuge for discerning travelers who want to enjoy a relaxed bohemian lifestyle.
Mauritius is in second place among the most popular Airtours islands and impresses with its impressive nature and luxurious resorts. One up-and-comer is Bali, which has doubled its number of guests. In fourth place are the Seychelles, which score points with untouched nature and exclusive villas. The Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, which has been newly added to the program, offers guests private pools, culinary experiences and activities in the midst of tropical nature. The Thai island of Koh Samui rounds off the list - the Banyan Tree Samui attracts with Thai tradition, secluded villas and a wide range of leisure activities.
Luxury trends 2025: uniqueness and individuality
Luxury tourism is constantly evolving, and the trend towards unique, tailor-made experiences will continue in 2025. The "Airtours private travel" segment is growing disproportionately by 30 percent, confirming the desire for individualization in the luxury segment. Personally designed tours and luxury safaris that are tailored precisely to the travelers' wishes are becoming increasingly important.
An exclusive Africa trip that combines the destinations of Rwanda and Tanzania offers unforgettable experiences such as observing mountain gorillas in the cloud forests of Rwanda and safaris in the Serengeti. These trips combine luxury with adventure and at the same time offer deep insights into the fascinating animal world of Africa.
Sustainability as a new luxury: rewilding and conservation
Sustainable luxury is becoming increasingly important. Rewilding, the restoration of natural habitats, is a growing trend in the luxury travel segment. Lodges such as the Bisate Lodge in Rwanda focus on sustainable comfort that respects the natural environment while offering the highest level of luxury. Such projects, which are intensively committed to protecting the environment and supporting local communities, are shaping the future of luxury tourism.
Another megatrend in the luxury segment is longevity, the pursuit of a long and healthy life. Hotels such as the Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas in Crete or the One&Only One Za'abeel in Dubai offer innovative wellness concepts that enable guests to stay active and fit even in old age. These resorts rely on the latest findings in longevity research and integrate health programs that promote long-term well-being.
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