Trip Planning
New Report Reveals Shift in Asia Pacific Luxury Travel Trends
- Wellness plays key role in destination choice, with 90% of travelers considering it a top booking priority
- 72% of travelers plan to increase luxury travel spending
- New destinations including Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Cambodia gaining ground on list of top 10 destinations
- Nature escapes and countryside retreats surge, with interest in safaris up to 30%
SINGAPORE – A new era of luxury travel is taking shape across Asia Pacific, defined by purpose, personalization, and profound lifestyle shifts. According to a new study from the Luxury Group by Marriott International, high-net-worth (HNW) travelers in the region are recalibrating how, where, and why they travel – prioritizing wellbeing, immersive experiences, emotional value, and intentional design over volume and extravagance.
The new report surveyed 1,75 0 of Asia Pacific’s most affluent travelers across Australia, Singapore, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand, revealing a luxury travel mindset marked by deeper cultural engagement, increased precision in itinerary planning, and rising expectations from brands and experiences.
Luxury travelers are now more intentional than ever before. They are seeking journeys that align with their values, enhance wellbeing, and deliver deep personal meaning. For Marriott International, this represents an opportunity to evolve luxury hospitality into something more transformational, curated, and emotionally resonant. Oriol Montal, Regional Vice President, Luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International
Wellness Takes Center Stage
Wellbeing has become a cornerstone of luxury travel. In 2025, 90% of travelers cite wellness experiences as a key factor in their booking decisions, up from 80% the year prior. Beyond traditional spa retreats, luxury travelers are embracing holistic wellness experiences – from forest immersions and nutrition programs to sound healing and sleep therapies. Asia is the top destination for wellness journeys (67%), where 26% of travelers are planning a dedicated wellness or spa retreat.
Spending More, Expecting More
Luxury travelers are approaching their journeys with both confidence and discernment, as 72% plan to increase their spending on high-end travel in the coming year. This growth is led by travelers in Australia (85%), Indonesia (81%), and Singapore (80%), who are showing the strongest intent to invest more in premium experiences. Among all travel types, family travel stands out as the top priority for spending, with 47% of affluent travelers most willing to splurge when journeying with their immediate families.
Brand trust is also on the rise – recognized luxury hotel brands now rank higher than independent villas or private retreats, reflecting a desire for consistency, curated experiences, and elevated service.
A Return to Familiarity – Plus a New Luxury Trail
A striking 93% of high-net-worth travelers in the region prefer to return to destinations they already love, with 89% saying they’re more likely to revisit places where they feel a meaningful connection. These aren’t just repeat trips – they’re purposeful returns, often planned to delve deeper into a destination, reconnect with local communities, or relive special moments with family and friends.
At the same time, while many HNW travelers continue to favor familiar destinations, new markets with convenient regional access are rapidly gaining traction: Bangladesh (26%), New Zealand (24%), and Cambodia (23%) are emerging as top choices for 2025, rising alongside established travel favorites, such as Australia, Japan, and Mainland China to secure spots in the year’s top 10 most planned destinations.
The Rise of the Intentional Itinerary
Today’s luxury travelers are booking fewer trips but with greater depth and deliberation. The average short stay has increased from 3 to 4 nights, and itineraries are meticulously planned, often months in advance. For longer trips, bookings are typically made 2-3 months ahead, while short trips are locked in 1-2 months in advance. 93% expect a personalized travel experience, while 62% plan every detail ahead of time.
Nature is an Emerging Travel Priority
While gastronomy remains the top driver of travel, nature-driven experiences are now an emerging pillar of luxury travel. Countryside getaways are gaining momentum, with 28% of high-net-worth travelers planning rural escapes – up from 19% last year – while 30% are booking wildlife safaris. A remarkable 92% say being close to nature is a key travel priority, reflecting a growing desire for immersive, outdoor experiences. Further, these travelers are planners at heart, with the majority booking their long trips 2 to 6 months in advance, with some booking as far as 9 to 12 months out.
Changing Travel Dynamics: Who We Travel With
HNW travelers are redefining traditional travel groups as new dynamics emerge.
Guardian Trailsetters
Once a niche category, solo parents traveling with their kid(s) has grown from 15% to 24% in just a year. When traveling as a solo parent, they show a preference for enriching itineraries that offer invaluable experiences for their children, including religious events (41%), educational trips (38%), and safaris or extreme adventures (both at 35%).
Impact Explorers
Gen Z travelers are gravitating toward destinations like Australia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand – choices that reflect their strong appetite for nature, culture, and adventure. Far from the leisure-seeker stereotype, this generation is driven by purposeful, active experiences: 47% prioritize being close to nature, 45% are eager to encounter wildlife, and 43% are drawn to active sporting holidays. Solo travel appeals to 31% as a means of independence and self-discovery, though small group trips of fewer than five people remain their preferred way to explore.
Venture Travelist
First introduced in the 2024 New Luxe Landscapes report, the Venture Travelist segment has seen significant growth in 2025. 86% of HNW travelers now say they explore business or investment opportunities while traveling – up from 69% the previous year.
The full report is available to download.
About Luxury Group by Marriott International
With an unrivalled portfolio of eight dynamic luxury brands, Marriott International is creating authentic, rare, and enriching experiences sought by today’s global luxurian. Spanning all corners of the world, Marriott International’s Luxury Group offers a boundless network of more than 530 landmark hotels and resorts in over 70 countries and territories through The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels. From the world’s most iconic destinations to the ultimate undiscovered gems, the international hospitality leader’s collection of luxury brands is focused on elevating travel with highly contextualized, nuanced brand experiences that signal the future of luxury by allowing guests to indulge their passions while sparking personal growth. For more information, please visit Luxury.Marriott.com.
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,100 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 142 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.
About Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel programme and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 31 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalisation and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enrol for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
Trip Planning
Conrad Hotels & Resorts Launches 1/3/5 Program to Inspire Meaningful Travel Experiences
- Designed For The Discerning Traveler, The New Program Offers Bespoke One-, Three-, And Five-Hour Itineraries At Conrad Destinations Worldwide, Including Conrad In Pune and Conrad Bengaluru.
Mumbai, INDIA – July 14, 2025 – Conrad Hotels & Resorts announces the launch of Conrad 1/3/5, a signature brand program designed to encourage fresh perspectives through immersive, thoughtfully curated experiences for the modern traveler. Inspired by the legacy of founder Barron Hilton, the program offers time-tailored itineraries – built around 1, 3, or 5 hours long duration – inviting guests to discover each destination through the lens of bold design, local culture and meaningful connections.
Whether guests have a single hour or an entire afternoon, Conrad Hotels & Resorts provide tailored experiences unique to each destination – taking into account individual tastes, preferences, and available time, helping them uncover the soul of a place through its people, culture, and local stories. Reflecting the growing desire among luxury travelers to invest in itinerary-driven experiences, the program blends comfort with discovery through seamless, itinerary-led adventures. According to Hilton’s recent Trends Report, nearly 70% of global travelers enjoy being active on their trips, and over 75% prioritize hotels offering diverse, immersive adventures. Each 1/3/5 itinerary will be crafted by and bookable through the Conrad Concierge and will provide a highly localized activity meant to make a lasting impact – all without compromising on luxury or ease.
“At Conrad Hotels & Resorts, we believe that luxury travel is about how you experience a destination throughout your stay,” said Dino Michael, SVP & global head, Hilton Luxury Brands. “With the launch of Conrad 1/3/5, we’re empowering our guests to discover new perspectives through curated, time-tailored experiences that go beyond the expected. Whether guests want to enjoy a quick tour or embark on a full afternoon of local discovery, this program reflects our commitment to offering meaningful, memorable experiences that connect them more deeply to the world around them.”
Conrad 1/3/5 will be introduced across Conrad properties globally, ensuring guests around the world can connect more meaningfully with their destination. Available at the Concierge desk, the program will be thoughtfully localized by each property, allowing every hotel to bring the concept to life in its own distinctive and culturally relevant way.
Experiences in Asia Pacific Conrad Pune
1 Hour
· Visit to Aga Khan Palace: Stroll through colonial architecture and lush gardens at this historic site tied to India’s Independence movement. Guests can explore solo or opt for a guided visit with serene morning prayers.
3 Hours
· Spiritual and Market Trail: Guests can explore Pune’s spiritual heritage and street culture, beginning with visit to the revered Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple and Pataleshwar Cave Temple.
· End with a stroll through the vibrant markets of Tulshi Baug and Laxmi Road for a mix of sacred heritage and local life.
5 Hours
· Sinhagad Fort Trek and Spa: Start with a 2.7km trek to the historic Sinhagad Fort for sweeping views of the Western Ghats, sweeping with Maratha legacy.
· After the climb, unwind at Conrad Pune with a 90-minute Signature Spa treatment – a restorative ritual that rewards both body and spirit.
Conrad Bengaluru
1 Hour
· Sambar Masterclass: Learn the art of making South India’s iconic dish with regional variations, while exploring culinary heritage across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
3 Hours
· Pottery and Honey Tasting Experience: The itinerary begins with a hands-on pottery session. From there, guests meet Apoorva BV, the ‘Beeman’ of India, whose work with native honeybees intertwines ecological wisdom. The experience concludes with a honey-themed high tea.
5 Hours
· Old Bengaluru Heritage Walk: Explore vintage bookstores, jasmine-scented streets, and temple corridors. Take home a sensory keepsake featuring filter coffee and dried jasmine. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
1 Hour
· Undersea Dining at Ithaa: Dine beneath the sea at the world’s first undersea restaurant, surrounded by panoramic views of vibrant marine life, OR
· Jet Lagoon Tour: Cruise across crystal-clear waters by jet boat while spotting reef sharks, rays, and coral beds. Led by an expert guide, the journey blends ocean adventure with marine storytelling.
3 Hours
· Manta Talk and Snorkel: For those with an open afternoon, embark on a thrilling search for Mantas in the South Ari Atoll led by the resident Marine Biologists.
5 Hours
· Extended Manta and Reef Experience: Venture further into the atolls for multiple snorkelling sessions and rich marine exploration. Enjoy personalized insights from s residen Marine Biologist and a refreshment break onboard. Conrad Tokyo
1 hour
● Omakase Coffee Experience by Lonich: Meticulously curated using rare beans from exclusive farms and global auctions, each pour showcases bold flavour profiles, refined aromas, and impeccable technique.
● A Premium Sake Journey: Crafted by Yaegaki Sake & Spirits — a house with over 350 years of brewing heritage — pairs five elegant expressions of Hasegawa Eiga with a seasonal dish by a master chef in a traditional tatami room.
3 hours
● The Ukiyo-e Masterclass, from Hokusai to the World: Watch The Great Wave come to life from washi paper as a Certified Master of Traditional Craft recreates Hokusai’s iconic print. Gain deeper insight through a private lecture with Yukiko Takahashi, a living legend of Japanese art.
● The Onigiri Workshop: Experience traditional flavors at Shinbashi Tamakiya, a historic shop founded in 1782 and now run by its 10th-generation owner. Learn about the legacy of this centuries-old establishment, sample its signature tsukudani (preserved seafood) made with a secret sauce, and enjoy crafting your own onigiri rice balls. Guests may also take home a Tamakiya
product of their choice as a souvenir. This experience is offered by Wabunka, operated by J-CAT Inc.
5 hours
● Tokyo OCHA (Tea) Night: The experience starts at a neighbourhood izakaya for traditional tea pairings, before shifting to a contemporary tea bar where brews are given a modern twist.
● Samurai Spirit: Sword Making: Witness a master swordsmith in action, then forge tamahagane steel with your own hands — a rare honour and rite of passage into Japan’s warrior heritage.
Conrad Bali
1 hour
● Sway Sleep Journey: Guests are wrapped in a weighted blanket and provided with a heated eye pillow then gently cocooned in a swing-style aerial hammock to mimic the comfort of resting on a fluffy cloud or the warm darkness of the womb – inviting the bliss of deep sleep.
● Crystal Sound Healing & Chakra Balancing: This deeply restorative experience with resident healder Ayu Mas uses sound vibrations and crystal energy to harmonize the body’s seven chakra centers.
3 hours
● Full Moon (Purnama) Celebration: Held every 28 days, this experience begins with traditional Canangsari and Tridatu-making activities, followed by a sacred ritual at the resort’s temple. As the moon rises, guests participate in a calming beachside meditation, culminating in a Melukat spiritual purification ceremony – a traditional cleansing of body and soul.
● Nawa Sanga Yantra Art Therapy: This immersive session blends colour, shape, and intention to foster self-expression, healing, and personal insight, all under the guidance of a skilled practitioner.
5 hours
● Foraging & Forest Bathing: Experience Forest bathing (shinrin yoku) on a full-day guided journey through Bali’s diverse landscapes. Travel by vintage off-road vehicle and jukung kayak to the Bedugul rainforest, then trek under towering Rasamala trees. The day ends with a peaceful lunch by a waterfall before returning to the resort.
● Scenic Cooking Journey: In an immersive culinary journey into the heart of Balinese culture, choose between a guided tour of the Astungkara Way Regenerative Farm or the Amed Salt Panning Farm, each offering a hands-on glimpse into Balinese food traditions. Then, learn to cook one of two traditional Balinese dishes in a chef-led session using your harvested ingredients.
Trip Planning
TTANDʻs latest tech innovation: TripBuilder
TORONTO — The Travel Agent Next Door has launched what it calls its newest innovation: TripBuilder, an itinerary builder tool.
Says TTANDʻs Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Element: “The powerful tool allows our agent partners to create smart, fully branded, and shareable itineraries in minutes. Tailored for today’s travel professional, this launch is setting a bold new standard in how host agencies equip their agents for success.”
TripBuilder is fully integrated with TTAND’s CRM, eliminating the need for manual data entry and instantly pulling in client and booking information.
The functionality turns a once time-consuming task into a seamless, professional experience, says Element.
“This is more than just an itinerary tool, it’s a strategic advantage for our agent partners. We’ve taken everything a modern travel advisor needs and built it into one elegant solution that enhances both efficiency and client satisfaction,” he notes.
Trip Planning
TTAND Launches Trip-Builder, a New Itinerary Tool
The Travel Agent Next Door has launched its newest innovation –TripBuilder – an itinerary builder tool.
“The powerful tool our agent partners to create smart, fully branded, and shareable itineraries in minutes,” said Jeff Element, TTAND COO. “ Tailored for today’s travel professional, this launch is setting a bold new standard in how host agencies equip their agents for success.”
Fully integrated with TTAND’s CRM, TripBuilder eliminates the need for manual data entry and instantly pulls in client and booking information, turning a once time-consuming task into a seamless, professional experience.
“This is more than just an itinerary tool, it’s a strategic advantage for our agent partners,” said Element. “We’ve taken everything a modern travel advisor needs and built it into one elegant solution that enhances both efficiency and client satisfaction.”
Highlights of TTAND’s TripBuilder:
- CRM-Integrated Automation: Booking and client data imports directly into the itinerary, no duplication, no friction.
- AI-Powered Content Generation: Create dynamic daily plans, destination highlights, and custom touches with intelligent suggestions.
- Google Maps Integration: Help clients visualize their journey with live, interactive mapping built right in.
- 250+ Curated City Guides: Enrich itineraries with expertly written local insights, cultural tips, and top recommendations.
- Mobile-Optimized & Client-Friendly: Deliver sleek, interactive itineraries that look perfect on any device, shared via secure links or PDFs.
- Fully Branded to Each Agent: Agents can personalize every itinerary with their logo, colors, and messaging, keeping your brand front and center.
- Preloaded Itineraries from Select Vendors: Quickly adapt and customize existing tour packages.
- Live Flight Alert Integration: Clients stay informed with real-time notifications on flight delays and changes.
- Attach Documents & Collect Approvals: Include travel docs, invoices, waivers, and allow for seamless client review and approval in one place.
This launch follows the debut of TTAND’s All-Inclusive Booking Engine and continues the company’s momentum as a leading innovator among host agencies in North America. Together, these tools provide agent partners with the kind of streamlined, modern workflows and elevated client experiences once reserved only for large-scale travel corporations.
Already in use by hundreds of agent partners across the TTAND network, TripBuilder is proving to be a platform that powers professionalism, productivity, and growth.
“I really like how TTAND’s new itinerary builder makes it so easy for me to put together clean, professional itineraries for my clients. It saves me a ton of time, and my clients love having everything laid out in one spot. And there’s no additional cost to me. More than anything, it shows how serious TTAND is about giving us the tools we need to keep getting better and growing our businesses. They’re not just keeping up, they’re pushing ahead,” said Frances Gertsch, TTAND Agent Partner, Charlottetown, PEI.
TTAND is actively expanding the platform with cruise itinerary integrations, more land supplier content, and deeper AI personalization, ensuring its agent partners stay at the forefront of travel planning and presentation.
-
The Travel Revolution of Our Era3 weeks ago
‘AI is undeniably reshaping the core structure of the hospitality ecosystem’: Venu G Somineni
-
Brand Stories7 days ago
The Smart Way to Stay: How CheQin.AI Is Flipping Hotel Booking in Your Favor
-
Brand Stories2 weeks ago
Voice AI Startup ElevenLabs Plans to Add Hubs Around the World
-
Mergers & Acquisitions6 days ago
How Elon Musk’s rogue Grok chatbot became a cautionary AI tale
-
Mergers & Acquisitions1 week ago
Amazon weighs further investment in Anthropic to deepen AI alliance
-
Asia Travel Pulse2 weeks ago
Looking For Adventure In Asia? Here Are 7 Epic Destinations You Need To Experience At Least Once – Zee News
-
Mergers & Acquisitions1 week ago
UK crime agency arrests 4 people over cyber attacks on retailers
-
AI in Travel2 weeks ago
‘Will AI take my job?’ A trip to a Beijing fortune-telling bar to see what lies ahead | China
-
Mergers & Acquisitions2 weeks ago
ChatGPT — the last of the great romantics
-
Mergers & Acquisitions1 week ago
EU pushes ahead with AI code of practice