Agent Selling Tips: Luxury Travel
05-Mar-2026
Category: News Stories
PATA Executive Committee member & Travelbag Destination Manager, Helen Wheat, shares some insights on Luxury Travel in the Pacific Asia region.
"Over the past few years, the luxury segment has been steadily increasing with an ever expanding breadth of product at surprisingly reasonable rates. Gone are the days when over-water bungalows, private villas and personalised butler service are unobtainable, you can now find hidden gems that will leave your customers feeling like royalty.
Heritage properties such as the Aman’s and Mandarin Oriental’s are rubbing shoulders with newer and reimagined concepts such as the Capella Hotels that ooze elegance and style. The main thing all of these resorts have in common is their attention to detail, personalised service and a level of hospitality found nowhere else – remind your customers of this and spend more time with them going into the specifics of what they will expect from this elevated experience.
"Over the past few years, the luxury segment has been steadily increasing with an ever expanding breadth of product at surprisingly reasonable rates. Gone are the days when over-water bungalows, private villas and personalised butler service are unobtainable, you can now find hidden gems that will leave your customers feeling like royalty.
Heritage properties such as the Aman’s and Mandarin Oriental’s are rubbing shoulders with newer and reimagined concepts such as the Capella Hotels that ooze elegance and style. The main thing all of these resorts have in common is their attention to detail, personalised service and a level of hospitality found nowhere else – remind your customers of this and spend more time with them going into the specifics of what they will expect from this elevated experience.
Once upon a time, it may have been honeymooner couples looking to splurge out on a luxurious holiday for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but this segment of travel seems to be becoming much more accessible to a wider group with properties across Asia and Pacific producing incredible offers. Families, friends and multi-generational travellers can now experience 5* and 5*+ itineraries at affordable price, without having to compromise standard over budget. We’re seeing really good traction for smaller, boutique properties that are outside main gateways showing that along with luxury, customers are also looking for something different, something away from the crowds and something that really gives them that wow-factor.
Our prediction is that luxury is here to stay and once you’ve experienced a 5* itinerary, it’s very hard to go back. However, this may result in customers’ average length of stay decreasing or less trips being taken per year as not all budgets can stretch to this level of service at all times. Don’t be scared to offer your customers a higher room type and keep your eye out for properties offering free upgrades, stay pay offers and added bonuses."
