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VIETNAM, AUTHENTICITY AND BABIES! ANDAVO TRAVEL REVEALS TOP TRENDS FROM THE 2011 VIRTUOSO® LUXE REPORT

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Host Agency News

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO (Wed Mar 09, 2011) — The year of 2011 may mark the end of the “staycation” as travelers once again embrace the opportunity to explore the world. Andavo Travel is a member of leading luxury travel network, Virtuoso®, which released findings from its 2011 Virtuoso Luxe Report. Virtuoso says its network’s clientele increased their travel purchases by 36% from 2009 to 2010, with luxury international leisure trips being the dominant choice. More than 90 percent of Virtuoso’s elite travel host agency membership, including Andavo Travel, lent their insight to the annual survey, which tracks trends in travel destinations, comparisons to travel in 2010, and above all, forecasts the travel decisions and motivating factors of some of the most upscale travelers in the United States and Canada.

This year’s report shows international travel is slated to be the most popular type of trip in 2011, with 57% of respondents reporting clients reserving international trips of eight days or longer. To where will these international travelers be venturing? Italy, France and South Africa nabbed the three most popular international destinations for travelers in 2011, followed by Australia and Mexico. Vietnam took the front-running spot as the most popular emerging destination – a position previously occupied by India, which instead became the second most popular emerging destination; followed by China, the Galapagos Islands and Morocco.

For families traveling in 2011, Europe is also in position to be the most popular destination to tote family and loved ones, continuing to support data that international travel is on the rise. Italy and England were ranked the two most popular family travel destinations for this year. Also included were sunny trips to Hawaii and Costa Rica, followed by a northern trip to Alaska.

Interestingly, the survey reported that family and multi-generational travel is the biggest emerging travel trend for 2011. Additionally, the survey found that more and more travelers are including infants and toddlers in their trip planning. Of those booking travel, the top three motives influencing travel choices included: seeking authentic experiences in new destinations; rest and relaxation; and spending time or reconnecting with loved ones – further supporting the increase of family travel.

The Luxe Report also affirms the value that high-end travelers place on working with a professional travel advisor, such as those at Andavo Travel. When booking vacations, the Virtuoso survey found that the largest influences on consumers’ travel decisions are their travel consultant’s advice, word of mouth and travel publications. In this era of on-line marginalization, experience, knowledge and personalized service still emerge as the very things travelers value.

“The Luxe Report findings reflect what we’re seeing from our own clientele this year,” said Mike Cameron, President of Andavo Travel. “At Andavo, we’ve seen a strong return to international travel and an increase in families traveling together, both of which indicate a certain level of economic recovery. Our clients turn to us to manage their most precious asset – their free time – and create memorable experiences with their loved ones through travel.”

Key findings from the 2011 Virtuoso Luxe Report are outlined below:

What are the five biggest travel trends emerging for 2011?

Family and multi-generational travel Luxury cruises Active or adventure trips Guided or private touring Beach resort stays What are the five most popular international destinations for travelers in 2011?

Italy France South Africa Australia Mexico What are the top five U.S. destinations where you expect to send travelers in 2011?

Maui New York City Las Vegas Napa Valley/Sonoma Orlando What are the five most popular “emerging destinations,” meaning those on the cusp of becoming popular, either for the first time or all over again in 2011?

Vietnam India China Galapagos Islands Morocco What do you anticipate are the top five most popular destinations for family travel in 2011?

Italy England Hawaii Costa Rica Alaska What are the five most popular cruise itineraries for 2011?

Mediterranean Alaska Caribbean European River Greek Isles What are the five most popular destinations for romantic getaways in 2011?

Italy French Polynesia France Maui Napa Valley/Sonoma What are the five most popular destinations for adventure travel in 2011?

Costa Rica South Africa Galapagos Islands New Zealand Australia What are the top reasons clients are traveling in 2011?

Seeking authentic experiences in new destinations Rest & Relaxation Spending time or reconnecting with loved ones Personal enrichment (e.g. voluntourism, cultural experience, learning, etc.) Discovering new experiences in previously visited (or more familiar) destinations Seeking adventure Rank the most important determining factors for your clients’ when choosing a vacation:

The right destination Value for money paid Once-in-a-lifetime experiences The activities available Price Advisors from Virtuoso member travel agencies were invited to take the survey in December 2010 and January 2011. Results were tabulated from more than 250 responses from the United States and Canada. For more insight on these findings, please contact Andavo Travel at 801-327-7600

A digital version of the full survey results can be found here: http://www.virtuoso.com/thecompany/luxereport2011/


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