Iceland, Botswana And Japan: Virtuoso® Luxe Report Discovers Canadian Families Seek Bonding Experiences In Unusual Destinations

TORONTO, May 9, 2018 /CNW/ -- As the busy summer travel season approaches, global luxury travel network Virtuoso® reveals that families are roaming the world in search of experiences that create closer bonds and lasting memories. Hailed as an industry trend forecaster, the 2018 Virtuoso Luxe Report surveyed its affiliated travel advisors to discover the leading destinations and developments that impact how families are travelling this year. Multigenerational travel and family travel both placed in the top five trends among Canadians in this year's Luxe Report, and connecting with family through travel is one of 2018's must-have experiences. 

Generation Z: The iGeneration Is Coming On Strong
Consisting of young people born between the mid-1990s and mid-2010s (now approximately 3 to 23 years old), Generation Z accounts for 22 percent of the Canadian population (Statistics Canada). The Canadian Marketing Association reports that Gen Z has a buying power of $44 billion, and will account for 40 percent of consumers by 2020. The Virtuoso Luxe Report found that this tech-savvy group, while still quite young, influences family travel decisions, according to 92 percent of advisors polled.

Top 5 Ways Gen Z Influences Family Travel

1. Involve themselves in planning trips

2. Influence other's travel choices via word of mouth, social media and reviews

3. Crave active experiences

4. Seek unusual destinations

5. Look for visual destinations and experiences for social media

Virtuoso Analysis: Gen Zs seek authentic, unique experiences such as adventures they can have only in a particular destination. They have seen much of the world already, and therefore travel with a global mindset. As digital natives, their actions and decisions are influenced by peers on social media, as well as the visual appeal that destinations and activities hold for online sharing.

Top 10 Family Travel Trends

1. Beach resort stays	6. Ocean cruising
2. Active or adventure trips	7. Educational trips
3. Celebration travel	8. Cultural immersion
4. Mother/daughter or father/son trips	9. Group travel
5. Touring (guided or private)	10. Relaxation and seclusion

Virtuoso Analysis: While sun-and-sand trips rise to first place from second in 2017, these are not the traditional fly-and-flop vacations. Families seek beach resorts with plenty of activities to keep the entire group engaged. Adventure travel is the second most popular trend, continuing the niche's recent boom. With today's fast pace of life, travel is a perfect way to gather loved ones together for a landmark celebration, or carve out time for parent/child bonding. Today's families view travel as an important educational tool, immersing them in different cultures, bringing classroom lessons alive, and shaping global citizens.

Top 10 Hottest Family Destinations

1.      Italy/Mexico (tie)	6. Costa Rica
2.      Orlando, FL	7. Australia
3.      Jamaica	8. England
4.      Dominican Republic	9. Vancouver
5.      Hawaii	10. France/Toronto (tie)

Virtuoso Analysis: Mexico's appeal to families continues; it finishes as the top destination again this year, now tied with Italy. While Europe still charms, with England and France also in the top 10, families are venturing to all corners of the globe. Orlando, with its theme parks and favourable climate, remains in the number-two slot it held last year. Warm-weather destinations such as Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Hawaii beckon those in search of relaxation. Adventurous families are voyaging to destinations such as Costa Rica. And while Canadians will travel far, they will also explore their own backyard: Vancouver and Toronto, with their diversity of urban experiences, offer family fun without crossing borders.

Top 10 Unconventional Family Destinations

1. Iceland	6. Japan
2. South Africa	7. The Arctic
3. Galapagos Islands	8. United Arab Emirates
4. Antarctica	9. Vietnam
5. Botswana/Mongolia (tie)	10. French Polynesia

Virtuoso Analysis: Driven by Gen Z's quest to experience new destinations, families are heading beyond the tried and true locales. The desire for authentic experiences figures into many of the unconventional spots, as travellers head for places with unspoiled appeal such as Iceland, Antarctica, the Arctic and the Galapagos Islands. As well-travelled families have already explored North America and Europe, they are focusing on African and Asian destinations. South Africa, Botswana, Mongolia, Japan, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam all make the list this year.

The above findings stem from responses provided by Virtuoso travel advisors in Canada to the 2018 Luxe Report survey, providing insights into the year's hottest trends. To find a family travel specialist to plan your next trip, visit Virtuoso.com.

About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the leading international travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,000 travel agency partners with 17,500 elite travel advisors in more than 45 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with 1,700 of the world's best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientèle with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. More than CD$30.5 billion in annual travel sales makes Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.

SOURCE Virtuoso

Related Links

http://www.virtuoso.com