As we bid farewell and reflect on 2024, we asked the Karryon Luxury Advisory Board to share their forecasts and business goals for the year ahead as all eyes turn towards ‘25. Here’s what they had to say….
David Brandon, Managing Director at Savenio
“In 2024, the Savenio advisor network has gone from strength to strength, cementing its reputation as a leader in luxury travel. With more than 50 exceptional advisors across the country, our network continues to deliver personalised, high-touch service that meets the evolving demands of today’s luxury travellers. Each advisor brings a unique specialty, from luxury cruising to bespoke land journeys, ensuring that every client’s experience is tailored to perfection.
Being part of the Virtuoso network has further enhanced our ability to offer exclusive access and benefits to our clients, creating extraordinary travel experiences that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere.
This year, the growth in luxury cruising has been a particular highlight for our advisors, with the introduction of innovative new cruise lines like The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Explora Journeys generating excitement among our clients.
Looking ahead, the arrival of Four Seasons Yachts, Bulgari Yachts, and Orient Express Corinthian Yachts promises to redefine the boundaries of luxury travel, offering even more bespoke and intimate voyages. The Savenio network has been at the forefront of connecting travellers with these elevated experiences, showcasing our ability to adapt to new trends and provide cutting-edge solutions.
As we look ahead to 2025, the focus remains on expanding the Savenio network and equipping our advisors with the tools and knowledge to stay ahead in the competitive luxury travel landscape. Together, we’re committed to redefining luxury travel, one unforgettable journey at a time.”
Danielle Galloway, Global Managing Director of Luxury & Independent Brands at Flight Centre Travel Group and Founder and Chairperson at Link Travel Group
“As luxury travel evolves in 2025, technology will undoubtedly transform the industry, but the core of the experience will always be human connection. Travel advisors will use the latest AI and access data-driven tools to deliver hyper-personalised journeys, allowing them to deliver what the client desires with unparalleled precision. These advancements will not replace the advisor’s role but will empower them, freeing up valuable time to focus on what truly matters — building deep, meaningful relationships with clients.
With AI handling the behind-the-scenes logistics, advisors will have more time to listen, understand, and anticipate needs, ensuring that every journey goes beyond the expected. The future of luxury travel will see advisors as curators of unforgettable, tailored experiences where technology enhances personalisation, but the human touch remains central. It will be through this relationship that advisors can craft unique, transformative experiences—those that offer exclusive access, cultural immersion, and emotional connection.
Discerning travellers are already seeking more than just luxury – they crave human connection to ensure their journey is extraordinary. Whether it’s a personal recommendation, a bespoke itinerary, or the careful handling of every detail, the advisor’s ability to connect with clients on a personal level will remain the cornerstone of the luxury travel experience, ensuring that technology only enhances, not replaces, the human bond.
I’m fortunate enough to look after an outstanding collection of luxury travel brands that are consistently pushing the boundaries when it comes to crafting one-of-a-kind experiences. 2024 was a particularly special year as Travel Associates won NTIA’s Most Outstanding Branded Travel Agency, and Scott Dunn was named number one Specialist Tour Operator in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for the 12th year running. These accolades are a testament to the dedication of the expert advisor in creating extraordinary experiences that continue to set the bar for the future of luxury travel, blending technology and human connection.”
Anthony Goldman, Joint Managing Director at Goldman Group and Director at Link Travel Group
“2025 needs to be the year of talent. Fostering new and developing existing travel advisors in the premium and luxury travel space.
Developing and attracting new travel advisors in the travel industry requires a strategic approach that combines education and mentorship. The industry thrives on personal relationships and bespoke service, making it essential to cultivate advisors who excel in understanding and meeting the unique needs of clients.
Our industry is all our people, connections, and knowledge. It’s about forming relationships with our clients and supplier partners to curate wonderful travel experiences. It’s about harnessing all the wonderful offerings into a well-designed trip.
To develop talent, training programs focused on luxury travel trends, destinations, and personalised client experiences are crucial. Partnerships with luxury travel consortia and supplier partners provide advisors with the expertise and resources to curate unforgettable journeys. Offering mentorship opportunities (such as the TIME program) with seasoned professionals helps new advisors refine their skills and build confidence.
Attracting new talent requires showcasing the industry’s dynamic and rewarding nature. Highlighting the earning potential and the ability to create meaningful experiences for clients can appeal to professionals with a passion for travel and service.
Additionally, fostering an inclusive and innovative work environment is essential for attracting younger generations. Leveraging technology for itinerary planning and client communication appeals to tech-savvy professionals while enhancing the advisor’s ability to deliver exceptional service in a competitive luxury travel market.
2025: let’s continue to attract the next generation!”
Michael Gazal, Executive General Manager at TravelManagers
“Our partnership with Signature Travel Network has been vital to our success in the luxury travel market in 2024. We were proud to have a record seven Personal Travel Managers (PTMs) attend the Las Vegas conference alongside three of us from the National Partnership Office (NPO).
Signature’s growing commitment to the Australian market, now strengthened by Lisa Harrison’s appointment, demonstrates their intent to build a stronger presence here. TravelManagers has benefited as a result of our attendance at the annual Signature conference in Las Vegas, as have the Personal Travel Managers (PTMs) who joined us.
Signature CEO Alex Sharpe shared some of their impressive statistics: a 15 per cent year-on-year growth from 2023, which was already a record year, 117 new hotels and resorts added to their portfolio, and an increase in Destination Management Companies (DMCs) from 96 to 120.
On our side, we’ve seen a 57 per cent increase in bookings via Signature this year (January to September). The luxury program’s value-added benefits, like early check-in, late check-out, and a USD$500 room credit for a two-night stay, continue to resonate with PTMs’ clients.
We’re also witnessing exciting trends in the luxury travel sector, including the rise of experiential travel and the growing demand for bespoke itineraries. High-end hotel groups are expanding their offerings, with luxury yachts like Ritz-Carlton’s collection leading the way, alongside the rapid growth of ultra-luxury cruise ships launching every 18 to 24 months.
Finally our PTM network is embracing the luxury space with ongoing uptake in Signature membership, we’ve seen a 10 per cent increase in PTM memberships with Signature; alongside industry recognition as such our ‘Most Outstanding Mobile Advisor Network’ at the 2024 NTIA awards for the third time since 2019.
Our presence at key luxury trade events, including ILTM Singapore, North America and Cannes invitations, reinforces our dedication to giving PTMs access to the best opportunities in the luxury market as we move into 2025.”
Steve Labroski, CEO at itravel
“In 2025, personalisation will be the heartbeat of luxury travel. Luxury is not all about five-star hotels or iconic landmarks—it’s about understanding what truly matters to each client and designing experiences that reflect their unique values and desires.
Today’s luxury travellers define ‘luxury’ on their own terms. For some, it’s exclusivity—finding solace in a private villa or a remote village untouched by mass tourism. For others, it’s about connection—authentic cultural experiences, intimate group journeys, or creating memories with loved ones in meaningful ways.
Our focus is on curating journeys that reflect what clients value most, whether it’s privacy, authenticity, sustainability, or bespoke service — not necessarily the destination or amenities. This philosophy allows us to craft travel experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
As one of our LUXE by itravel agents, Geoff Currie, explains: “This year, I’ve tailored many of my European itineraries to focus on real and regional experiences because that’s what clients value most. For one family, it meant staying in small, family-run hotels and connecting with locals through private culinary workshops. For another, it was about creating moments they’ll never forget, like a private tour of a hidden vineyard or ticking off a new bucket list item in an untouched coastal village. Being immersed in the authentic taste, touch, and feel of a destination is the new black, not necessarily the traditional sights and stays.”
That’s the level of personalised luxury we’re offering—where every detail is thoughtfully crafted to reflect what matters most to each client. By leveraging technology like AI, we’re able to anticipate and fulfill client needs, ensuring every itinerary is flawlessly tailored to their unique preferences.
In 2025, luxury will shift from being about indulgence to creating meaningful, deeply resonant experiences that reflect the traveller’s values and desires.”
Neil Robertson, Head of Product, MTA
“2024 was an interesting year for luxury travel as there were several factors that differentiated this year from the record-breaking year of 2023 with ‘revenge travel’ in the wake of the pandemic driving a renaissance in travel both domestic and international.
It is recognised that the luxury market is potentially immune or little affected by domestic economic pressures like interest rate increases. However, there were factors that did impact the luxury market, these included the recalcitrance of the Australian dollar; and price increases in both in the USA and Europe.
As an example, the price of popular hotels and accommodation, particularly in Southern Italy and Sicily, rose exponentially. Adding to the foregoing was the geo-political that caused instability in the Middle East, and also a factor was the mercurial nature of USA politics.
Such factors did require adaptation on the part of our advisors, who positioned attractive luxury products and experiences. Our advisors were savvy and saw opportunities with Spain and Portugal, where their clients could truly have memorable experiences and pricing for luxury travel was relatively competitive. Luxury cruising represented exceptional value, and due to the expertise of our advisors, we saw real growth in the luxury cruise market.
With a refocus on our marketing and education, including webinars, MTA realised sales into destinations like Japan and New Zealand, which do luxury well and where the Australian dollar has remained stable. Also, not to be undervalued was travel within Australia, which luxury travellers discovered during the pandemic.
In 2025, MTA plans to keep our eye on the luxury traveller and adapt our luxury product offering to meet their needs.”
Greg Treasure, General Manager at Virtuoso Australia and New Zealand
“As we close out 2024, the luxury travel industry has undergone significant transformations, driven by evolving perceptions of luxury and a heightened emphasis on quality. Virtuoso clients, in particular, have shown a strong preference for exploration and personalized experiences, a trend that is expected to persist and evolve in 2025.
Despite a willingness to invest more in their travel experiences, luxury travellers are increasingly focused on maximising value without compromising on quality. This careful balancing act underscores the continued importance of a trusted travel advisor who can navigate rising costs while delivering extraordinary, tailored travel experiences.
The term ‘luxury’ itself has seen a degree of cannibalisation within the industry. For some, luxury might mean opulent, five-star accommodations, while for others, it might mean unique, off-the-beaten-path adventures that prioritise authenticity and exclusivity. Regardless of the interpretation, the common denominator remains quality.
Looking ahead to 2025, Virtuoso is committed to maintaining its focus on quality and innovation. We will continue to collaborate with the best partners and members in the luxury travel industry. We will continue to deliver quality events and marketing, elevating Virtuoso and everyone within our community. And we will continue to place the Virtuoso customer at the centre of everything we do to ensure that they enjoy the most extraordinary travel experiences.
In conclusion, the future of luxury travel is poised to prioritise quality and value, with a strong focus on personalised and meaningful experiences. As we prepare for 2025, we are excited to continue our mission of enriching lives through human connection by delivering exceptional travel experiences that resonate with our discerning clientele.
Melissa Warren, Group General Manager – Marketing at Helloworld Travel Limited
The Helloworld Agent Network are seeing the ongoing demand for luxury products, and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
From the increasing trend in business class travel to intimate small group tours, high-end accommodation that offers a personal touch before you even realise you want it, to bespoke experiences that make each traveller feel like the moment was crafted especially for them – today’s traveller is seeking ‘wow’ moments that create a lifetime of incredible memories.
To meet the needs and expectations of the Australian traveller, we are working to expand our preferred partner portfolio, from the exclusive alliance with Ensemble boutique travel agency consortium providing access to its global luxury hotel program to expanding our product and destination range through new DMCs. We are also increasing our footprint in the luxury offering with expansion via our wholesale channels.
‘ULTIMATE JOURNEYS by VIVA HOLIDAYS’, which offers small group touring featuring unique experiences inaccessible to independent travellers, is expanding its itinerary range in 2025 to include Europe and North America. We recently announced ‘VIVA GOLD’, the new edition to the suite of brands that will specialise in luxury product offerings with a dedicated brochure to come in 2025.
We are also proud to support our agents even further by curating ‘Master Classes’, which focus on luxury offerings and showcase what is available, as well as how to sell high-end products and build them into a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.
