BUYER INTERVIEW
Brent Wallace, Director, Fairflights Pty Ltd Travel Family
Q: WITH THE STRENGTH OF THE AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR, AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLERS ARE IN DEMAND BY LUXURY TRAVEL SUPPLIERS. WHICH DESTINATIONS ARE POPULAR NOW AND WHY?
Australians love to travel and explore, it’s in their blood. Our remote location from the rest of the world inspires us to look further afield for unique travel experiences. The United States is strong for us now along with all parts of Europe but there is no denying that luxury resorts throughout Asia are a real draw. With the strength of our dollar, the near location of these destinations, for example Bali and Thailand, make them ideal week escapes.
Q: WHAT ARE THE KEY TRENDS AND CHALLENGES IN THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBOUND LUXURY TRAVEL INDUSTRY? The value of our dollar is the greatest inspiration to Australian luxury travellers. Indeed, we are noticing more clients travelling more often and doing it in greater style. This has changed the frequency that our clients are travelling. They now take more than one major luxury holiday per year whereas previously it may have been yearly.
Q: HOW POPULAR ARE HEALTH/WELLNESS AND ACTIVE TRAVEL HOLIDAYS FOR AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLERS? ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR EXPERIENCES THEY LOOK FOR IN THIS AREA? Spa destinations that help redefine the luxury wellness experience are all popular: Chiva Som in Thailand, The Farm in The Philippines and Six Senses Resorts throughout Asia are all popular. I also sent a couple to a ‘Bikini Boot Camp’ in Hawaii run by a new luxury hotel where their days were filled with surf lessons and jungle hikes to Maunawili Falls and then back to the resort for some pampering spa treatments. All that physical pain doesn’t come cheap, but what bikini body does?! Anything adventurous and out of the ordinary with a ‘feel good’ result is popular.
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Q: HOW IMPORTANT ARE OTHER LUXURY TRAVEL TRENDS SUCH AS GASTRONOMY, AUTHENTIC AND EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES FOR YOUR CLIENTS?
In Australia we are blessed with some of the best food and wine in the world, our culinary palate is varied and we are willing to experience new food sensations when we travel. Gastronomically speaking, Italy would stand out for Australians. The awe-inspiring countryside combined with good food and wine along with such generous warm-hearted hospitality makes Italy number one in my book. From a farmhouse in Fiesole to a café in Como, Italy truly delivers.
In Asia too, we love to travel to eat. From Singapore night stalls to Shanghai noodle bars and sushi…Australians will travel the end of the earth to find great food and push the limits of their culinary experiences.
Q: WHAT DO AUSTRALIAN LUXURY TRAVELLERS LOOK FOR IN THEIR ACCOMMODATION CHOICES WHILST TRAVELLING?
Australians want quality and style combined with ‘top notch’ service. Good locations are important as quite often we are on the move and like to have everything close at hand. We like a warm welcome and a hotel that feels like home. We like to be ahead of the pack and are willing to try new hotels and experiences. I think hotel brands such as Firmdale and AmanResorts fill this brief beautifully. They are chic, understated and they understand the exacting demands of our luxury clients perfectly.
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