Global luxury travel spending has reached $1.6 trillion and is projected to nearly double to $3 trillion by 2033, and sales figures from the Affluent Traveler Collection reflect that trajectory. The upscale marketing group reported double-digit sales gains across its portfolio during its annual Symposium, held Sept. 22-24 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa.
Luxury guided partner spending per guest rose 45 percent year over year, climbing from $14,300 to $20,800 per traveler. Ocean cruise sales increased 31 percent, river cruise sales rose 12 percent and overall cruise average price per day grew 10 percent. Luxury cruise suite bookings gained 33 percent, with associated suite revenue up 37 percent. Luxury room nights increased 44 percent and average daily rates climbed 20 percent.
“Affluent travelers today are looking for more than a vacation. They want experiences that are meaningful, transformative and tailored to their interests,” said Nicole Mazza, Affluent Traveler Collection chief marketing officer, in a press statement. “Whether it’s a multigenerational celebration, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure or a journey focused on wellness and rejuvenation, luxury travelers value expert guidance. That’s where our advisors play an indispensable role.”
“Luxury travel has become synonymous with customization. Sophisticated travelers expect more from a hotel than just a place to sleep.”
Projections for 2027 point to continued growth. Luxury land bookings are averaging 23 percent more per guest than 2026 bookings, ocean partners are pacing 40 percent ahead and river bookings are 84 percent ahead.
The gains track broader consumer behavior. Luxury travelers plan to take an average of eight leisure trips over the next year, and annual leisure travel spending among the top one percent of households climbed 55 percent since 2022, to $74,400. Among affluent travelers, 97 percent said professional guidance is the best way to create personalized experiences and 92 percent said working with an expert is the only way to achieve a truly luxury trip.
The hotel portfolio grew to more than 1,400 properties across 90 countries, an 11 percent increase over 2025, after 97 new properties joined this year. Guests receive complimentary amenities averaging $1,000 in value per stay.
Supplier growth included the OnLocation program, now covering 50 destination management companies across more than 100 countries. An expanded partnership with Abercrombie & Kent‘s DMC partners added destinations across Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and the Nordic region, while Live Life Safaris offers expertise across 12 African nations and the Indian Ocean islands. Luxury tour operator Audley Travel also joined the network, bringing tailor-made trip design built around individual traveler interests.
Marketing campaigns including Vacations of a Lifetime, Suite Life and Epicurean supported consumer outreach that included 5.6 million emails, a 47 percent increase over last year.
For more information, visit theaffluenttraveler.com.
