During the 30th annual Virtuoso Travel Week, taking place this week at Las Vegas’ Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel & Spa, the top destinations for fall and holiday travel among upscale Americans was revealed.
Virtuoso examined data from its warehouse of more than $40.7 billion in transactions to unveil the most in-demand places for the coming fall and festive holiday season. The findings were divided into two lists—”The Virtuoso Top 10″ (based on future bookings) and “The Virtuoso Hot 10” (countries that have seen the largest percentage of growth in year-over-year bookings among U.S. travelers).
Italy tops the Top 10 list, although it was noted at the press conference that this European destination was not as dominant as it was last year. Italy is followed by France and South Africa, and coming in at number 4 is Israel, which indicates that the Middle East is seeing a comeback among affluent consumers of travel, especially when you consider that Turkey, Egypt and Morocco grabbed the number 1, 2 and 3 spots, respectively, in the Hot 10 List, with Israel coming in at 7.
In addition to Israel making both lists, Greece and Switzerland also made it to the top 10 on both lists. That said, when we heard from the travel advisor panel during the press conference at Virtuoso, Josh Alexander of NY-based Protravel International, mentioned, “Kenya is huge; and also St. Barths, now that it’s up and running again.” Wendy David of Toronto-based Zebrano Travel, pointed to “Portugal, for its design focus, food and culture.”
More Virtuoso updates will follow both online and in the September print issue. For more information on Virtuoso, click here.
