What 38 Relatives Taught Me About Lasting Luxury

Travel Industry News & Trends

🇯🇵 Japan’s Tourism Boom Is Officially on Fire

Tourism in Japan is back and booming. By the end of March 2025, Japan welcomed over 10 million international visitors, its fastest climb to this milestone ever. In March alone, 3.5 million people arrived. Lured by cherry blossom season, cultural events, and a yen so weak it's practically a clearance sale.

Tourism is now the country’s second-largest export, generating a staggering 2.27 trillion yen ($16 billion) in Q1 alone. REUTERS

Hotels and guides: brace yourselves.

🌍 Arabian Travel Market 2025 Highlights Luxury Personalization

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 is highlighting the evolution of luxury travel, with a focus on hyper-personalization and retaining high-net-worth travelers. Sessions led by industry leaders from Fairmont, Minor Hotels, Kempinski, and Banyan Tree discuss tailoring experiences to generational preferences and redesigning luxury offerings to meet evolving expectations. LUXE GULF

In luxury travel, one-size-fits-all is out; bespoke experiences are in vogue.

🌿 Sustainable Luxury: Eco-Friendly Travel Gains Momentum

In 2025, sustainable travel trends are transforming luxury exploration with eco-conscious experiences at the forefront. Green resorts in the Caribbean and scenic, eco-friendly train rides offer travelers the chance to indulge in luxury while minimizing environmental impact, blending indulgence with responsibility for a more purposeful journey. TTW

Luxury travelers are trading opulence for eco-consciousness—green is the new gold.

💼 Ultra-Luxury Travelers Prioritize Wellness and Personalization

A Flywire survey reveals that ultra-luxury travelers are increasing their spending in 2025, with a strong emphasis on wellness and personalized experiences. Approximately 92% value access to authentic experiences over exclusive accommodations, and 96% rely on travel advisors to curate bespoke journeys. ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Nothing says luxury like having a travel advisor and a private sound bath therapist on speed dial.

🇦🇺 Australia Courts Chinese Luxury Travelers with Authentic Experiences

Australia is actively engaging with Chinese luxury travelers, emphasizing authentic and personalized experiences. At a recent showcase in Shanghai, Australian tourism representatives highlighted offerings such as Aboriginal cultural tours, luxury lodges, and exclusive winery experiences. This initiative reflects a broader trend among affluent Chinese tourists, who seek immersive journeys that go beyond traditional sightseeing, favoring meaningful connections and unique cultural insights. TTW

When it comes to luxury travel, kangaroos and culture beat out crowded tourist traps every time.

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Create Memories That Last a Lifetime: Family Adventures in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria

Spring flowers are blooming, and summer sunshine is on the horizon—what better time to gather the family for an adventure you'll talk about for years to come?

The beautiful regions of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria are brimming with experiences that will delight everyone from grandparents to little ones, blending fun with culture in ways that feel magical rather than educational.

Here are three experiences your family won't soon forget:

Twist, Fold, and Bite: Munich's Pretzel Workshop

There's something irresistibly fun about getting your hands covered in flour!

In this laughter-filled Munich workshop, your family will learn the secrets behind those perfectly twisted Bavarian pretzels.

You'll experience the authentic tradition as you learn to loop and twist the dough just right, then watch as the special lye bath transforms your creation into that distinctive golden-brown treasure.

The moment when everyone bites into their warm, freshly baked pretzels? Pure joy on every face.

Even the teenagers who "didn't want to come" will be smiling with pride at their delicious handiwork.

Chocolate Dreams Come True in Switzerland

Imagine your children's eyes widening as they step into a real Swiss chocolate factory, where the air itself seems sweet enough to taste.

Watch master chocolatiers work their magic, transforming simple ingredients into the world-famous chocolate that makes Switzerland a sweet-tooth's paradise.

The highlight comes when your family gets to design personal chocolate masterpieces.

Will your daughter add colorful sprinkles?

Will your son create a chocolate dinosaur?

The only certainty is that these edible souvenirs probably won't survive the trip back to your hotel; they're simply too delicious to resist!

Underground Wonder: Salzburg's Salt Mine Adventure

"Mom, we're really going underground?"

The Salt Mine Adventure transforms your family into explorers as you venture deep beneath Salzburg's mountains.

Feel the excitement build as you put on miners' outfits, then hold your breath during the thrilling wooden slide ride that carries you deeper into the mountain's secrets.

The underground salt lake boat ride feels like something out of a movie, gliding silently across crystal-clear waters while colorful lights dance on the ancient rock walls.

At the Celtic Village reconstruction, history comes alive in ways textbooks never could. Even your history-hating teen will be fascinated by tales of salt, once so valuable it was called "white gold."

From pretzel-twisting laughter in Germany to chocolate-covered fingers in Switzerland and wide-eyed wonder in Austria's salt mines, these experiences create the kinds of memories that bind families together across years and distances.

The greatest souvenir from any family trip isn't what you buy—it's the shared stories you'll tell for decades to come.

"Remember when Dad's pretzel looked like a weird octopus?"

"Remember how quiet we all got when we tasted that fresh chocolate?"

These are the moments that make family travel priceless.

Introducing The Savvy Traveler Guide

The Secret Weapon in Your Travel Design & Hospitality Toolkit

When your clients say, "We’ve been there, done that," hand them what they didn’t know they were missing.

The Savvy Traveler Guides are curated, off-the-beaten-path luxury itineraries for repeat travelers who crave deeper, smarter, and more meaningful experiences beyond the top 10 must-sees.

Each guide is research-rich, expertly structured, and perfectly suited for you to enhance, personalize, and awe your clients.

Current Editions:
📍 Barcelona | Next Up:📍 Paris | Coming Soon: Bali, Lisbon, Kyoto…

And many more coming weekly — yes, weekly.

🛒 Explore the guides:
(or ask your client to bring it to you... We won’t tell it helps us pay the rent.)