Australian travellers in 2020 are seizing the day and prioritising trips now, powered by the belief that customised experiences are the best investment of their money and time, according to the latest Virtuoso Luxe Report.

While summer and winter remain the most popular seasons to visit Switzerland, autumn also gains its fair share of interest. A season far too short, Switzerland Tourism says this is, however, the most ideal time for a sensory indulgence.

LATTE has this week joined a group of Scenic’s top-selling travel advisors from Australia and New Zealand who are hard at work at the moment, road testing Scenic Eclipse on her inaugural voyage through the Caribbean.

Los Angeles is on the move and that’s good news for visitors who want a luxury experience with no less than nine big name hotels due to open in the next few years, along with a slew of new cultural and dining options and a major upgrading of LAX that promises shorter queues and faster entry through Customs and Immigration.

Boutique travel specialist, Italy Culture Trails, has released a series of seven-night packages to showcase some of Italy’s most popular tourist hot spots including Umbria, Tuscany and the Lakes district. Designed for small groups of up to 12 guests, the packages are centred around stays at hand-picked luxury villas in each region and include daily sightseeing and activities, fine dining, private wine tastings and more.

The uncertainty of whether clients will follow a travel advisor across from a traditional agency to a smaller, niche organisation has been pinpointed as one of the primary concerns weighing on the minds of luxury travel advisors.

Boutique Sydney-based wholesaler Greece & Mediterranean Travel Centre (GMTC) has tasked travel advisors to better qualify the luxury needs of their clients in order to deliver on expectation.

US-based B2B travel company Island Destinations Travel Group has expanded its core program of upmarket hotels branded under the IDx moniker, to include packaged itineraries, dubbed ID Ultimate Itineraries. In operation for 35 years, the business features a portfolio of luxury hotels in “sand and sun” locales around the world, including the Caribbean, Mexico, the Maldives, French Polynesia, Hawaii and Asia.

The Travel Corporation (TTC) and Express Travel Group (ETG), in partnership with Emirates and Dubai Tourism, have collaborated to offer a new initiative for member agencies. Dubbed ‘TTC Escapes with Express Travel Group’, the new venture between TTC and ETG is likely to be offered to travel agents on an annual basis.

Tuesday saw the launch of the Brand USA and Air New Zealand MegaFam incentive where Australian travel agents have the chance to win an exciting music-themed ticket to seven fabulous nights in the USA.

“Through this MegaFam, we have the unique privilege of showcasing all that our nation has to offer, as well as immersing our visitors in the USA’s various musical themes, which are an essential part of the American experience. We look forward to welcoming this esteemed group of travel professionals and taking them to, through and beyond America’s gateways,” Thompson said.

Frontline travel sellers can win a pre-game meet and greet with the coaches and players, reserved seating at the game, and an exclusive after game experience on the ice with the coaches and players.