Luxperience Buyers: These Things Impress Me

Ahead of the Luxperience 2013 travel show in Sydney in September, two bespoke up-market travel buyers, Elizabeth Clarke and Dennis Chan, share their latest lux travel industry forecasts. They also reveal which companies have impressed them recently.

Elizabeth Clarke, Cruise Master and ICCA Manager, Travel Concepts, Brisbane, Australia Elizabeth Clarke Cruise Master and ICCA Manager, Travel Concepts Download image here Q: Which product or service providers have impressed you recently? At Luxperience 2012 the Indian operators Peirce & Leslie were a standout. In addition to the services they provide as tour operators, the destination insights which they provided made for a more unique experience of India. Providing these insights or local 'hints' to our clients helps make a visit to India more memorable.  Q: Which airline impressed you of late? Emirates to Europe and Virgin Australia to the USA Q: Why? Emirates' European network is so comprehensive and offers us the opportunity to provide our clients more itinerary options. Virgin Australia's business class services to the USA are fantastic. Their onboard product is more comfortable than competitors. Our clients are often surprised by the value for money they offer. Q: Which accommodation provider has impressed you most recently? There is no single hotel, but the Asian hotels always provide outstanding service levels that can't be beaten. Q: What are the most over-used words or phrases in travel? I have found US suppliers use the terms "reaching out" and "moving forward" constantly. Q: What important things happened in 2012 that you think will have a big impact on 2013? In the Australian travel industry there have been a few things: the increase in appeal of cruising has been outstanding; the increase in charges for using the Sydney Cruise Facility may deter cruise ship companies coming into Sydney Harbour which will have a major impact on the cruise market to Australia, given the appeal of Sydney as a destination; and the demise of the Travel Compensation Fund. Opportunities for consumers booking direct or through agents are up. Consumers are assessing both options more intently for benefits. Q: How is consumer confidence at the moment?  Consumer confidence is stronger. It didn't really go away in Australia and the US market is defiantly coming back. We are feeling it because it is becoming harder to confirm accommodation and cruise berths. This is because the US market is stronger in these areas. There is less availability for Australians. Q: What are the luxury travel trends we'll see more of this year?  While the Australian dollar is high, high-end travel is more affordable and people are upgrading - staying more nights in five-star establishments than before. Clients are shopping for business class specials as opposed to just economy class or lead-in prices. Multi generational travel is more popular. Q: What are travellers increasingly looking for?  More personalised experiences and knowledge. Personal recommendations are important to clients. Travel agents' intimate knowledge of travel and destinations will keep clients away from internet. Q: What are you looking forward to this year? The greater acknowledgement of the professionalism of travel agents. These days experienced consultants are hard to come by. But those that do have the edge will stand out to consumers, particularly those looking for more high-end travel options. Q: What are the key trends to keep an eye on this year? Apps are becoming more important to customers. Customers are increasingly reliant on digital aids such as smart phones and iPads. Q: As a travel buyer, what's your philosophy?  More personal contact with suppliers. It is important that suppliers recognise the value of business provided by agents that supply high-end customers. Dennis Chan, Business Director, Leisure Far East, which specializes in personalized travel, often luxury car based activities, for customers mostly in Hong Kong and China Q: Which product or service providers have     impressed you recently?                                                         Dennis Cha                                                                                                                                                            Business Director, Leisure Far East                                                                                                                                                                 Download image here Luxury lodges in the jungle Q: Which airline has impressed of late?  Cathay Pacific -- the new 777 has more room and is comfortable Q: Which accommodation provider has impressed you most over the last few months? Bora Bora St. Regis -- good services and comfortable Q: What were the most over-used words or phrases in travel?  Luxurious Q: What important things have happened recently that will continue to impact the industry in 2013?  Low growth economies and unstable political countries Q: What are the luxury travel trends we'll see more of in 2013?  Unique experiences -- travellers want 'unique' and 'exclusive' experiences Q: As a travel buyer, what's your philosophy?  Good services and perfectly detailed plans Dennis Chan, Business Director, Leisure Far East, which specializes in personalized travel, often luxury car based activities, for customers mostly in Hong Kong and China Dennis Chan Business Director, Leisure Far East Download image here Q: Which product or service providers have impressed you recently?  Luxury lodges in the jungle Q: Which airline has impressed of late?  Cathay Pacific -- the new 777 has more room and is comfortable Q: Which accommodation provider has impressed you most over the last few months? Bora Bora St. Regis -- good services and comfortable Q: What were the most over-used words or phrases in travel?  Luxurious Q: What important things have happened recently that will continue to impact the industry in 2013?  Low growth economies and unstable political countries Q: What are the luxury travel trends we'll see more of in 2013?  Unique experiences -- travellers want 'unique' and 'exclusive' experiences Q: As a travel buyer, what's your philosophy?  Good services and perfectly detailed plans