While Europe continues to trend with travellers worldwide, there’s a new destination in vogue with upscale globetrotters. Luxury travel agency network Virtuoso reveals that Paris is now the number-one city among discerning leisure travellers worldwide, pipping London at the top.
Analysing the data from more than USD$63.6 billion in transactions, Virtuoso found that Paris was the network’s most-booked European city in 2022 for luxury travellers, surpassing Rome and London.
While New York City was the most-booked city overall in 2022, Paris tops all destinations in 2023, currently pacing at 96 per cent ahead of last year.
Additionally, the number of trips booked to Paris in 2022 was 44 per cent higher than in 2019 and Virtuoso hotel analytics predict this trend will continue into 2023.
Proving that money is no object when it comes to luxury experiences, Paris is currently the most expensive travel option out of the top three European cities.
On average, hotel rates in Paris have been 30 per cent higher than in Rome and 21 per cent higher than in London.
Average daily rates for 2023 leisure travel bookings at Virtuoso hotels in Paris are also 33 per cent higher than in 2019.
This finding echoes a recent Virtuoso report that found Australian luxury travellers are willing to spend up to 37 per cent for daily rates overseas compared to 2019 prices.
Europe is also a firm favourite with Australian luxe globetrotters. Italy was the clear winner, followed by France, Greek Islands, Spain and the UK in the top five however Switzerland is tipped to overtake Spain in popularity in 2023.
Virtuoso’s top 10 most-booked cities for leisure travel in 2023 (to date):
- Paris
- London
- New York City
- Las Vegas
- Nassau (Bahamas)
- Rome
- Miami
- Santa Monica
- Washington, D.C
- Venice
To find out more, visit virtuoso.com/travel
