Thursday, November 28, 2024
Virtuoso®, the leading global network for luxury and experiential travel, has released its highly anticipated 2025 Luxe Report. The findings are based on a survey of more than 2,200 prominent travel advisors from 58 countries, including 200 leading advisors in Canada, and provide valuable insight into evolving travel preferences.
Importantly, it reveals the increasing influence of weather conditions on travel choices. The report reveals that 44% of Canadian travel advisors have seen their clients change their plans to minimize the effects of climate change. Specifically, 80 percent of advisors report that their clients are increasingly choosing destinations with milder, milder climates, and 74 percent are traveling during off-peak periods when temperatures tend to be more moderate. is selected.
Sustainability also emerged as an important factor in traveler decision-making. According to the survey, 26% of advisors say their clients are making a conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint, and many advisors support carbon offset efforts. The 2024 Virtuoso Brand & Travel Tracker survey, a joint research project with YouGov, further highlights this trend. The study found that Canadian travelers prioritize weather and climate (80%), destination safety (79%) and ease of travel (64%) when planning a trip. has become clear.
The survey also shows that there is a growing willingness among travelers to pay a premium for sustainable and responsible tourism practices. Approximately 38% of Canadian travelers are willing to pay more for companies that benefit local communities and economies, and 37% value companies that help preserve natural and cultural heritage. Additionally, 31% of travelers are attracted to companies that use environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.
As the travel landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that environmental factors, along with a growing sense of responsibility, are shaping the future of luxury travel.
“As travelers become more aware of the impact their choices have on the world, Virtuoso is here to help lead this positive change,” said Virtuoso’s Vice President of Sustainability. says Javier Arredondo. “Our partners go above and beyond to serve the communities in which they operate, so that both travelers and the communities they visit can benefit. We help our clients choose experiences that align with their values and ensure that doing well is not at odds with doing well.”
For over 13 years, Virtuoso has been at the forefront of promoting responsible tourism, with a strong commitment to the three pillars of sustainability: protecting the planet, celebrating and respecting cultures, and supporting local economies. Together with our global network of preferred partners, Virtuoso continues to demonstrate how travel can have a positive impact. This year, the company is launching its annual campaign in Canada, which aims to highlight the outstanding efforts its partners are making to promote sustainable tourism practices. Some of the standout initiatives are listed below.
protect the earth
Virtuoso’s commitment to protecting the environment is demonstrated through a variety of innovative initiatives.
Big Five Tours & Expeditions is making a significant impact on ecosystem recovery through replanting red mangrove saplings in South America and rejuvenating seagrass along the west coast of Sri Lanka. Mangroves are known to produce far more oxygen than other trees, while seagrass acts as an important natural filter, preventing sedimentation and protecting marine life. PONANT advances sustainable travel with its groundbreaking Swap2Zero project for carbon-neutral transoceanic travel. PONANT is leading the way in decarbonizing the cruise industry with a ship that generates 50% of its propulsion energy through sail power and a specially designed hull.
celebrate and respect culture
Virtuoso’s partners are deeply invested in promoting cultural understanding and preserving local traditions.
Colette incorporates cultural experiences into her tours, with a particular focus on indigenous communities. The journey will take you to cultural hubs, educational museums, and cultural heritage centers such as Dreamtime Southern X, an Australian Aboriginal-owned non-profit that creates economic opportunities for Indigenous communities. Sea Cloud Cruises focuses on preserving culture through music and cuisine. , we invite local musicians to perform onboard and source fresh ingredients directly from local markets. This approach not only supports the local economy, but also ensures guests experience an authentic cultural moment.
Supporting the local economy
Virtuoso’s partners are dedicated to improving the livelihoods of their communities and creating positive economic impact.
AmaWaterways improves living conditions in villages along the Chobe River in Namibia by funding essential infrastructure projects. Their support has facilitated the installation of wells for clean water and solar panels for renewable energy, making a lasting impact on local communities. Mikato Safaris has partnered with Full International, an organization that supports Africa’s most vulnerable girls, to provide them with period kits to help them maintain their periods. school. With around 400,000 girls in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda receiving these essential kits, Mikato has helped break the chains of poverty and gender inequality, allowing girls to continue their education uninterrupted. .
Through these exciting initiatives, Virtuoso and its partners are not only reimagining the travel experience, but also leading the way towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.
