2025 Travel Trends: Insights From Virtuoso’s Regional Forum
Goldman Group were pleased to attend the recent 2025 Virtuoso Australia and New Zealand Forum in Perth/Boorloo at The Ritz-Carlton Perth on 24-26 February. The Goldman delegation was joined by more than 190 attendees, including owners and managers from Virtuoso’s travel agency members from Australia and New Zealand along with preferred partners from around the world.
In partnership with Tourism Western Australia, we were able to explore some of the incredible premium experiences available in the Perth region including a helicopter experience to Rottnest Island.
At the event’s opening session, we were privileged to hear from Virtuoso Chairman and CEO Matthew D. Upchurch who stressed the value of human interaction in the travel booking experience. At Goldman Group we firmly believe that our team are our greatest asset. From support and personalised attention to expert advice and the latest insider knowledge, our advisors are here to help make your business trip or holiday exceptional.
Travel Trends and Insights
We also heard a deep dive into the latest travel trends and insights globally and from an ANZ perspective, by Virtuoso’s Senior Vice President, Global Operations Michael Londregan. Firstly, he revealed that across the Virtuoso network, 2024 achieved record-breaking sales and exceeded 2019 numbers by 239 percent, significantly outpacing the average for the leisure travel industry which achieved a 125 percent increase in the same period. Further, the network’s total production in Australia and New Zealand also increased by over 17 percent in 2024 compared to 2023.
Data revealed that Virtuoso clients are booking their trips further in advance at 125 days pre-travel, particularly in Australia and New Zealand where the average booking window is 131 days prior to travel. Looking forward, leisure travel sales for 2025 and 2026 has increased by more than 30 percent. For travellers, this means that they need to be looking at booking their travel plans further in advance to get ahead of the pack and secure the accommodations, experiences and flights they prefer. This is particularly crucial for cruise travellers as booking periods are lengthening at a more rapid rate.
The results of the annual survey, 2025 Virtuoso Luxe Report: Australia and New Zealand which surveyed more than 200 advisors in the region, were revealed marking the top destinations, trends and itineraries for Australian and Kiwi travellers.
The top destinations for 2025 featured Italy, Japan and Greece in the top 3 spots as well as Aussie destination icons Fiji and Bali. The top emerging destinations take a cooler turn, with Antarctica, Norway, Iceland, The Arctic and Greenland all taking a slot in the top 10 as well as North African and South/East Asian destinations. While the timeless destinations continue to reign champion, Australians are clearly seeking experiences beyond the beaten track to avoid the crowds and cross off bucket list locations and experiences.
The motivations for travelling are also evolving, with adventure cruising being the top travel trend for 2025, followed by family and multigenerational travel and seeking authentic and cultural experiences in third. Antarctica leads the way for adventure travel, while Japan, the United States (particularly Hawaii) and Italy are the main destinations for Australian families.
Whether you’re looking to return to Paris after 20 years or plunging into the freezing waters of the Antarctic for the first time, Goldman Group have the expertise of all the latest travel trends and destination updates.
Additionally, the report reveals that travellers in 2025 are focused on maximising value without compromising quality, and while luxury travellers are willing to spend more, they are also mindful of rising costs and want to ensure their investment enhances their travels. As a Virtuoso member, Travelcall and Goldman Travel Corporation have access to exclusive offers and benefits including increased hotel credits and room upgrades, complimentary transfers and special pricing to guarantee maximum value for our clients.
On sustainable travel, just under 40 percent of respondents said climate change is causing their clients to behave differently and where they are altering their travel plans, it is typically to take advantage of better weather conditions and fewer crowds in shoulder or off-peak times. Avoiding over-touristed destinations leads the climate-friendly actions travellers are most likely to take alongside wildlife conservation activities and booking with companies that support local communities. As the world moves towards more sustainable travel experiences, it is good to keep in mind that simple actions like travelling outside of peak seasons and shopping locally can make a big difference.
Regional Virtuoso Awards
Excitingly, Goldman Travel Corporation were twice recognised at the regional Virtuoso Awards as Top Producers in the Hotels & Resorts and On-Site categories. These awards are highly competitive and reflect our commitment to and passion for leading the luxury travel advisory industry in Australia. Thanks are owed to Virtuoso, our partners and clients for their support.
