Jetgala - MAR-MAY 2023

55 Our travel specialists always have a finger on the pulse of what’s trending: Croatia, for example, is a destination we predict will be particularly popular this year.Through our survey, we’ve learned that while Europe remains the top favourite region for our guests, they also, overwhelmingly, want to discover new places. Hence, Croatia – a place that’s often missed in favour of more popular spots in Europe – is a fantastic spot. Another destination we predict will be popular in 2023 is Cambodia. It’s an often overlooked travel spot in Southeast Asia but has tons to offer, especially to the luxury traveller. We have some incredible offerings in the area, like exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours of the amazing conservation work at the various temples — including visits to areas not open to the public and an amazing slate of properties that include the likes of Shinta ManiWild and Song Saa. For 2023, we are also looking to highlight and focus on itineraries and destinations revolving around wildlife and culinary adventures – themes which we noted were popular amongst our guests from our guest survey. The results of the survey have helped the intuitive team of travel experts at Scott Dunn shape and form their predictions for the year ahead, especially in the segment of luxury and ultra-high net worth travellers in the region.  Below are five destinations that are trending with Asian travellers for 2023 based on the guest survey, with several luxurious itinerary suggestions from the team at Scott Dunn.With dedicated travel experts and a team at your fingertips, you’ll always have support and help wherever you might journey to. SCOTT DUNN ANNUAL GUEST SURVEY 2022: KEY HIGHLIGHTS While Asia’s appetite for international travel has most certainly returned, there is still a notable portion of travellers that remain somewhat cautious. While close to half of all guests surveyed (46 per cent) say they cannot wait to get on a plane and go abroad, 31 per cent prefer to take a more measured approach to travel, remaining cautious about potential travel disruptions in the new year. On top of that, 19 per cent also wish to venture out, but not too far from home, reflecting a somewhat measured approach. • Travel confidence is definitely back, with all 100 per cent of respondents saying that they will take at least one trip next year, an 87 per cent increase from 2022.The majority of guests — 71 per cent — are looking to take a minimum of two trips next year, while 22 per cent of respondents wish to travel four or more times in 2023. It is safe to say that many are tired of pandemic-related travel restrictions and are looking forward to their long- awaited freedom to travel. • An emerging trend among the luxury guest segment serviced by Scott Dunn is slow travel:The highest preference among guests would be to take a 1 – 2 week vacation in a single destination, highlighting their preference to fully explore and discover a location.   • In descending order, the top three things that luxury travel segment guests are looking for while on holiday are cultural experiences, food and drink, and experiencing local life and people, reflecting a desire to truly connect with and discover the destinations that they’re visiting, rather than visiting as a more traditional and disconnected tourist. • Discovering a new destination took the top spot as a reason to venture out in 2023, followed by ticking off bucket list destinations in second place, and rediscovering favourite places in third. In contrast, ticking off bucket list destinations only came in fifth last year, behind rediscovering favourite places, signifying that more luxury travellers are truly looking to travel out of their comfort zone and visit new, unexplored places. L U X U R Y T R A V E L I N 2 0 2 3