A Very Simple Thing We Rarely Do

Travel Industry News & Trends

Travel Advisors Report Mixed Booking Trends Amid Economic Uncertainty

A recent Travel Weekly survey reveals that 57.7% of travel advisors are experiencing a decline in bookings for 2025, while 31.3% report an increase, indicating a polarized market. Advisors attribute the downturn to factors like economic uncertainty, a weaker U.S. dollar, and clients delaying travel plans in hopes of better deals. Conversely, those seeing growth often specialize in niche markets or have adapted to changing consumer behaviors. TRAVEL WEEKLY

Insight: The travel industry's current landscape is a tale of two markets — those adapting to new client expectations and those awaiting a return to pre-pandemic norms.

Silversea Completes 136-Day World Cruise, Unveils 2028 Itinerary

Silversea has successfully concluded its 136-day world cruise aboard the Silver Dawn, marking a significant milestone in luxury expedition travel. The journey covered 59 destinations across 30 countries, offering guests an immersive blend of culture, comfort, and curiosity.

What’s next? The just-announced 2028 World Cruise will sail from Miami (Jan 5) to Nice (May 16), visiting 29 countries along the way — a testament to the brand’s continued investment in ultra-long-form luxury travel.

Insight: Longer, deeper, richer: extended voyages are back, and advisors who can package cultural immersion into seamless itineraries will be in high demand.

The real flex in luxury travel isn’t how far you go, it’s how long you stay gone.

La Liste Unveils Top 10 Hotels for 2025

La Liste, renowned for its annual Restaurant Rankings, has released its 2025 list of the world's top 10 hotels. The selection spans Europe, Asia, and the Americas, highlighting properties that excel in service, design, and personalized experiences. Notably, The Peninsula Chicago is the sole U.S. representative, while Rosewood Mayakoba in Mexico also earns a spot. Paris and London each boast two entries, underscoring their status as luxury travel hubs.

1. La Réserve, Paris

2. The Connaught, London

3. The Savoy, London

4. Cheval Blanc, Paris

5. Il San Pietro di Positano, Italy

6. J.K. Place Capri, Italy

7. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

8. The Peninsula, Shanghai

9. The Peninsula, Chicago

10. Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico

It turns out that the best hotel in the world might just be whichever one knows your name before you walk in and your drink order before you sit down.

Destination Experts | Andorra

Small Country. Big Potential.

Andorra tends to slip under the radar, and that’s exactly why you should have it in your toolkit.

Tucked in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, it’s a winter haven with boutique chalets, heli-ski potential, and surprisingly refined wellness options.

Whether your clients are coming from Barcelona or looking for something quieter than Courchevel, this alpine enclave has serious niche appeal.

Here are the local experts worth having on speed dial:

Andorra Travel Service

A well-rounded DMC with deep experience in FITs, ski logistics, and highland culture. They shine with mid- to high-end travelers looking for private transfers, curated ski weeks, and add-on day trips from Barcelona. You won’t get over-the-top extravagance here, but you will get a reliable team, direct access to property managers, and smart seasonal programming that feels customized. Strong local footprint, responsive in English, and easy to brief. ANDORRA TRAVEL SERVICE 

Best For:
Advisors planning Andorra as a winter extension for Spain/France itineraries.
Great for families, active couples, and boutique-level luxury.

Andorra Selected

This is where the VIP side starts to show. Andorra Selected curates high-end ski and wellness experiences, but goes further: exclusive venue buyouts, Michelin-starred tasting menus, off-hours access, and direct relationships with resort execs. Think: private ski instructors, event styling in remote mountain lodges, and concierge-led itineraries that feel one-on-one. They’re also tuned into the corporate luxury retreat market, but they understand FIT rhythm. ANDORRA SELECTED

Best For:
HNWIs who expect refinement and discretion, not crowds or chaos.
Also a strong partner for branded incentive or small-group high-touch experiences.

Jet Consult (Bonus Pick)

Technically based in Barcelona, Jet Consult bridges the gap between gateway city and mountain escape. They specialize in private aviation, elite ground services, and on-demand concierge — meaning they can land your client at BCN and have them skiing in Andorra before the sunset hits the peaks. Also notable for special events, VIP security, and fast-track handling. Not a DMC in the traditional sense, but a powerful enhancement to any Andorra plan. JET CONSULT

Best For:
Ultra-luxury travelers who want things handled before they ask.
Pair with Andorra Selected or Travel Service for full itinerary control.

💬 Have a partner you trust in Andorra? Hit reply and let us know — we’re building this directory one vetted pro at a time.

Sponsored by dos:deux

The Expert’s Guild Marketing Corner

“Sometimes, the best strategy is shutting up.”

Springsteen’s anthem got misread because people heard the sound, not the message.

Your marketing might be suffering the same fate.

Before you write another post, caption, or campaign… pause.

Here’s where smart luxury pros are listening first:

5 Places to Actually Listen (This Week):

1. Your own comments section – What’s being misunderstood? That’s a messaging problem.

2. DMs & emails – Repeat questions = unmet content needs.

3. Competitor comments – Look where people aren’t satisfied.

4. Client reviews – Steal their words. That’s your real voice.

5. Ad replies – Even trolls reveal something useful.

Pro Tip: If you keep getting asked the same question, it’s not annoying. It’s a gift.

Here’s your in-depth “Listening Prompt Cheat Sheet”, tailored specifically for luxury travel professionals who want to turn feedback into smart marketing, with the help of AI.