It’s no secret that since the pandemic, the demand for travel has reached exceptionally high levels. What has taken many forecasters by surprise, however, is the rise in popularity of the luxury travel market. Not only is demand surpassing pre-pandemic levels but, in many instances, so too is average spend.
Values have shifted over the past couple of years as people choose to travel in a new way. With a newfound appreciation for life and time, today’s travellers are looking for new and more indulgent experiences. The desired ‘One day…’ has become ‘Today’. What’s important is sharing quality time with those they love, investing time and money in shared experiences with family groups now while they can, rather than leaving it behind. This is being reflected in the exponential growth we’re seeing in multi-generational travel. Rather than saving their money for a rainy day, families are choosing to spend time together, travelling, sharing enriching and extraordinary experiences and creating memories.
The destinations we’re seeing that are popular for multi-generational travel are Africa, Egypt and Antarctica. One option A&K offer for these types of travellers is on a Luxury Expedition Cruise. We even offer exclusive Holiday Voyage cruises that feature special family programming led by A&K Young Explorers Guides — a fantastic holiday option for family members both young and old. Our Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands: Holiday Voyage is one such cruise. Departing on 20 December 2023, guests will celebrate both Christmas and New Year’s Eve onboard with plenty of holiday festivities planned to create an unforgettable experience for all.
A&K’s Luxury Expedition Cruises offer an intimate cruising experience with no more than 199 guests onboard, irrespective of the exclusively chartered ship’s capacity. With all-balcony staterooms and suites, they are all-inclusive of meals, drinks and shore excursions. They’re renowned for their fascinating enrichment programmes and A&K’S own award-winning Expedition Team onboard, who will lead your clients through every memorable, adventure-packed day.
Something we’re all very proud of at A&K is A&K Philanthropy. Through A&K Philanthropy and long-time partner Bwindi Community Hospital, A&K recently joined forces with the Walkabout Foundation in Uganda to deliver 100 wheelchairs to people that desperately need them to become mobile. A&K’s Chief Tour Operating Officer Kerry Golds was recently in Uganda and had the opportunity to see our team’s efforts in action.
She shared “One 7-year-old boy told me how life-changing this was for him. Now he could go to school and learn. I was amazed by the achievements of Bwindi Community Hospital. Their dedication to the healthcare of the local communities and education of nurses through their nursing school and their immense hard work and passion left me truly humbled.”
I think that’s a good note to finish on! When travelling with A&K, you can rest assured you are supporting communities and philanthropic programs like this one all over the world, and that’s something I for one am extremely thrilled to be a part of. If you would like to know more about this project and others, you can do so at akphilanthropy.org.
Until next time.
Debra Fox
Managing Director for Tour Operations (outbound) Australia and New Zealand
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