Credit: 2024 Hattvika Lodge
“We have this phenomenon called ‘varyrhet,’ which is a feeling that you get having gone through the long, cold, dark winter, and everyone opens up and is happy,” Tronsvang said. “You have this huge contrast between the snow in the mountains and the blooming fjords. It’s a great time to come.”
Another Northern Europe destination gaining traction is Scotland. Data from VisitScotland indicates that U.S. travelers accounted for 21% of all overseas trips to the country in 2022. And while full 2023 figures are still to come, the latest quarterly numbers for July to September of last year show that Scotland was the only region in the United Kingdom to record an increase in visitors from North America.
What’s more, travelers are staying longer and spending more, according to Gwen Raez, global senior market development manager at VisitScotland.
“Whereas previously visitors might have done England, Ireland and Scotland in one trip, they may now just be doing Ireland and Scotland, or even just Scotland,” she explained.
Spending more time in the country is also encouraging clients to go beyond the traditional highlights, especially during the peak summer season. She notes that when travelers learn about the many options around the country, they usually prove very open to alternative experiences.
Scotland is seeing an uptick in visitors from the U.S.
Credit: 2024 VisitScotland
“What we’re finding is that people are exploring other parts of Scotland,” Raez said. “Skye isn’t the only island we have. There are Orkney and the Shetlands in the north, which are absolutely fabulous to visit during the summer [when there’s some pressure on Skye]. The Isle of Arran is known as ‘Scotland in miniature.’ You can do hill walking, whisky tasting, visit a castle and have that real Scotland island experience — with more availability and inventory.”
Think Outside of Europe
As wonderful and varied as Europe is, some advisors feel that it’s time for other parts of the world to shine.
“I think it’s important for us to consider that there is an entire world out there outside of Europe,” Get Out! Custom Travel’s Chu-Bermudez said. “And one of the things that I really want to at least bring up with my clients is spreading the love to other destinations, because there are such beautiful cultures and such beautiful people. And a lot of times, clients just don’t think about them because they’re not getting hit over the head with that destination.”
I think it’s important for us to consider that there is an entire world out there outside of Europe.
Thankfully, that’s where travel advisors shine. Chu-Bermudez, who sees South America becoming more popular — thanks, in part, to great pricing — loves surprising Europe-interested clients with suggestions like Buenos Aires, Argentina. Not only is the city known as the “Paris of South America” due to its similar architectural style, but the country’s amazing wine scene is another selling point that overlaps nicely with Europe.
Buenos Aires’ architecture has resulted in the city being called the “Paris of South America.”
Credit: 2024 Michelle/stock.adobe.com
Another great option for wine-loving clients is New Zealand, which is “at the top of the list” for Chu-Bermudez right now.
“A lot of people want to go to Europe because they want to try the wines,” she said. “Well, New Zealand has really amazing wines. They also have certain cities with a European feel, because they’re still considered a commonwealth of the U.K.”
Other factors that make the destination a standout include a strong U.S. dollar that currently provides great value for Americans, beautiful landscapes, amazing cultural experiences centered around the Indigenous Maori people and the ease of visiting an English-speaking country.
In a similar fashion, Biggs Bradley has been recommending that clients thinking of the Mediterranean perhaps consider Indonesia instead, where they can boat around the islands as an alternative to yachting in the Med, or visit less touristed islands like Sumba as a trade for beachy hot spots such as Capri, Italy.
Today’s traveler is much more sophisticated and much more open.
Both Chu-Bermudez and Biggs Bradley are also seeing increased interest in South Korea, in part because booming business in Japan is limiting availability and forcing travelers to look elsewhere in the region.
“South Korea is a really good alternative to Japan,” Chu-Bermudez said. “And I’ve been getting more requests for it, especially with the influx of K-pop and K-culture in the U.S. Plus, you can get good value and great food, and have the experience of seeing temples and cultural sites.”
South Korea is a good alternative to Japan, which is seeing high demand.
Credit: 2024 Kampon/stock.adobe.com
Also in Asia (but a bit more under the radar) is Laos, a favorite spot for Signature’s Maza.
“I’m a very big fan of Laos, which a lot of people miss because they’re thinking of Thailand or a Mekong River cruise,” he said. “To me, it’s an undiscovered gem that should be on sophisticated travelers’ radars not only for Luang Prabang — the country’s kind of ‘premier’ destination for visitors — but also Vientiane, which is a very charming capital city with a lot of history.”
And while demand still hasn’t returned for China following the pandemic, it’s a destination that Maza thinks the industry should be ready to see make a comeback, citing its high-speed rail, culture and history, active adventure opportunities and a hotel product that he says “has never been better.”
The bottom line, according to Maza, is that advisors shouldn’t be afraid to push themselves — and their clients — a little outside of their comfort zones.
“Today’s traveler is much more sophisticated and much more open,” he said. “We just have to understand the passion points of the client. Is it history? Is it shopping? Do they love adventure? Understanding what motivates them and finding that passion point in a new destination creates this sense of wonder with the customer — and, ultimately, the consumer will thank the advisor for it.”
Source link : https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Business-Features/best-places-to-travel-2024
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Publish date : 2024-03-11 07:00:00
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