TravTalk India Online Magazine
The idea about luxury travel has rapidly changed from an emphasis on ‘things’ to ‘experiences’. TRAVTALK seeks to explore this evolving concept through the eyes of travel advisors and how their luxury clients want to holiday now.
Hazel Jain
Luxury travel has long been synonymous with opulence, extravagance, and exclusivity. However, the concept of luxury travel is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and the growing desire for unique experiences.
Jay Bhatia, Managing Director, Tulsidas Khimji Holidays, says, “The definition of luxury is certainly changing for today’s travellers. With disposable and double incomes, couple and families want to travel on their holiday in luxury. This is not only seen in travellers from metros but also from those in tier II and III cities. In fact, a lot of senior citizens and retired persons are wanting to travel in luxury and visit unexplored destinations.”
He adds that luxury travel is now based on lesser points of destination to cover in a relaxed manner. “Travellers want to spend a few hours sightseeing and the balance in enjoying the facilities of the hotel/ resort and indulge in culinary delights of the location. For most travellers desirous of travelling in luxury, the primary point is business class air travel. Requirement of larger rooms of minimum 60-75 sqmt, butler services, spa facilities in the hotel, multiple multicuisine restaurants in and around their stay, private transfers/ chauffer drives, sightseeing on private basis, skip the line sightseeing and many more. Almost all destinations in India or overseas where luxury accommodations are available travellers are seeking to visit. Of course, destinations like Vietnam, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are the new destinations where five-star luxury hotels are available at the price of four-star,” Bhatia adds.
From materialism to meaning
One category of luxury travellers Jay Kantawala, Chairman, Western Region, TAFI and Founder, WIYO Travel, caters to requests for comprehensive services where the travellers desire a dedicated person to accompany them throughout their journey, overseeing every detail, such as suites at hotels, private transfers, luxury vehicles, and even charter planes.
“These clients are willing to pay for such service. Another category focuses on luxury vacations where clients seek the finest hotels, private transfers, curated sightseeing tours, restaurant reservations, and opportunities to experience local cuisine and culture,” he says.
Philip Logan, Chief Operating Officer, Royal Orchid Hotels, says, “Luxury is not just about lavish amenities but also about delivering moments of genuine hospitality. Our commitment to sustainability and community engagement also ensures that our guests enjoy a responsible stay. Our clients seek luxury experiences that blend sophistication with personalised touches. They look for exclusive and immersive experiences, such as private dining with bespoke menus, rejuvenating spa treatments tailored to individual preferences, and curated local excursions that offer a deep dive into the region’s culture and heritage. Additionally, they value seamless and intuitive service, where their needs are anticipated and met with utmost care. Our guests also appreciate the luxury of space and tranquillity.”
Rajiv K Vij, Chairman & Managing Director, Carzonrent India, shares that his clients seek luxury experiences that combine sophistication with practicality. “They appreciate the ease of seamless and personalised travel arrangements, the comfort of premium vehicles, and the reliability of professional, verified and well-trained chauffeurs. Whether it is for business travel or personal getaways, they value experiences that allow them to maximise productivity, and enjoy stress-free journeys without compromising on safety. These travellers are gravitating towards destinations like Udaipur for its royal heritage, spa resorts in Rishikesh, Goa and Daman for their upscale beach resorts, and hill stations like Kashmir, Manali, Dehradun and Wayanad for their adventurous yet exclusive experiences,” he adds.
Abbas Moiz, National General Secretary, TAFI, believes that luxury travel was earlier defined as traveling by either First or Business Class, meet and greets, staying in suites in iconic hotels, butler, and concierge services. “There is now a thin line between luxury and experiential travel. Experiential travel is now what we can define as luxury in different forms at various levels. Experiential travel in our country started in a small way with the millennials, was nurtured by the Gen Z, and has been the norm for the Gen Alpha. The need to have a fully immersive experience, identify with the destination, and create a bond with the destination.
