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Trend Analysis

Data-led reports on where luxury demand is going next, and what it means for the pitch.

11 stories Updated October 9, 2026
Photograph · AmaWaterways
Rouen US

River Cruising Is Getting Younger

At least 25 new river ships arrive in 2027, and Celebrity and Explora are entering the market. A large US agency says the clients calling are younger.

Trend Analysis · Fort Lauderdale

Princess Sails Into the Chatbot

Princess Cruises put live pricing and availability inside ChatGPT on 28 September and Claude on 5 October. Discovery is moving into chat; advisors still close nine in 10 US cruises.

Trend Analysis · Gothenburg

Sweden Sells the Silence

Visit Sweden's Introvert Travel Agency treats privacy and personal space as a product. Its survey says 53% of travellers would pay more for that.

Trend Analysis · Hội An

The Exchange-Rate Itinerary

Virtuoso's advisors say luxury clients now open with a budget, not a place. Vietnam, Egypt and Turkey win the swap, but the currency maths needs checking first.

Trend Analysis · Antarctic Peninsula

The Rise of the Gen-XYZ-pedition

Multigenerational travel is Virtuoso's No. 1 trend and expedition cruising No. 3; where they meet, the sale becomes a whole ship or lodge, not a cabin.

Trend Analysis · Kyoto

Japan Takes the Crown

Virtuoso advisors rank Japan No. 1 for 2027, ahead of Italy for the first time. Price Kyoto's new hotel tax into quotes and book spring now.

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