The Luxury Horizons: Unveiling 2024’s Travel Trends report showcases the seven key emerging trends to watch out for next year. Jenny Southan, editor, founder and chief executive of Globetrender, said the luxury sector leads the way when predicting the future of travel as it’s where “most of the innovation happens”. She added: “The signals are then reinterpreted at lower price points for mass market tourists.” 

Here are the report’s seven key trends to have on your radar for 2024: 

1. Longevity escapes

Elegant Resorts highlighted the booming medical spa market, which is projected to reach $49 billion by 2030, and notes how wellness resorts and retreats are investing in a wide range of treatments, programmes, and therapies to respond to the demand of “affluent consumers seeking to extend their lives”. Think IV infusions, cryotherapy and biohacking, available at medi-spas and clinics such as RAKxa in Thailand or the expanding Sha Wellness, due to open in Mexico in January.

2. Generational connections

While the report notes that multigeneration holidays have been on the rise for several years, the choice of a destination is not about having different activities for each generation, but finding destinations and resorts where the whole family can enjoy unforgettable times together. The report says: “A varied programme of cultural immersions, creative fun, sports and relaxation are the key to success and special shared memories.”

3. Cruise framing

Cruise clients are looking to bring destinations to life by organising itineraries pre- and post-voyage. The report notes: “Cruise lines usually organise excursions and stops along the way, however Elegant Resorts’ clients increasingly use the operator’s expertise to guide and advise on extensions where they can go deeper into some of the destinations visited while on board.”

4. Calendar creation

Elegant Resorts has noticed a growing trend towards organising holidays around key cultural events such as the Paleo di Siena in Italy or major festivals like Coachella in the USA or the Carnival in Rio or sports fixtures including F1. The report adds: “Access to VIP experiences such as exclusive backstage access or best seats in the house give perfect bragging rights.”

5. Zinfluence Travel

With access to information at their fingertips, Gen Z is an influential generation able to share holiday inspiration with their parents from platforms such as TikTok. As a result, Elegant Resorts is receiving more requests for resorts popular on social media channels including Ozen Bolifushi in the Maldives and its famed waterslides, or Dubai, a hotspot for digital content creators.

6. Enrichment Journeys

Transformational travel – where clients feel like they return from their trips a different or better person thanks to a variety of authentic and meaningful experiences organised along the way – is gaining momentum with affluent travellers. The report adds: “These can be encounters with locals sharing their culture and history, cooking lessons, observing wildlife in their habitat or art classes, they all contribute to enriching the soul while creating long lasting memories.”

7. Designer collaborations

“Popping up everywhere, luxury brand partnerships with the travel world provide kudos and appeal with clients and can be a key factor in whether they opt for one resort or hotel or another,” the report explains. Brands including Dior, Guerlain, Fendi and Missoni have all partnered with successful resorts recently. 

The operator revealed the report at its annual supplier awards ceremony, which was held at Raffles London at the OWO, and attended by more than 110 hoteliers, airline representatives and DMCs from around the world.

Elegant Resorts’ managing director Lisa Fitzell said: “The luxury traveller is discerning and has a thirst for new adventures. After the last few years, our clients want to make their holidays more meaningful; make the most of their time with their loved ones; look after themselves and be healthy for longer; and ensure every trip matters, enriches their souls and creates long lasting memories.”