The Affluent Traveler Collection adds more agencies, partners as demand for luxury soars

With demand for both luxury travel experiences and travel advisors rising, invitation-only luxury marketing group The Affluent Traveler Collection has accepted new high-quality agencies and prestigious partners to stay ahead of the preferences of upscale consumers.

ATC is now 361 agencies strong, with 26 new additions this year – a seven per cent growth rate. As the affluent travel market continues to expand, more agencies are developing a luxury specialty and meeting ATC’s requirements for acceptance. All agencies affiliated with TRAVELSAVERS Canada are also able to promote and sell the upscale suppliers that are part of The Affluent Traveler Collection.

Luxury travel expansion

The global luxury travel market size was estimated at $1.38 trillion last year, according to Grand View Research. It is expected to grow at a rate of 7.9 per cent from 2024 to 2030, when it reaches $2.33 trillion. While high-net-worth individuals with assets between $1 million and $30 million dominate the luxury travel space, there is notable growth among travellers with net worths between $100,000 and $1 million.

According to McKinsey, these aspiring luxury travellers are now 35 per cent of the market and are increasingly spending on upscale trips. As the luxury travel market increases, so does the pool of affluent consumers who want to partner with a travel advisor.

A Flywire survey reports that 92 per cent of luxury travellers have used (or will likely use) a travel advisor for trips in the next 18 months.

“Discerning travellers understand the exceptional value they get from working with a professional advisor,” said Jane Clementino, senior vice-president and general manager of TRAVELSAVERS Canada. “With our expanded tools and exclusive offerings, The Affluent Traveler Collection is the top choice for travellers seeking luxury experiences. Our advisors offer more than just bookings – they provide unparalleled service, unique insights, and peace of mind, creating lasting relationships that earn client loyalty and trust.”

Luxury supplier growth

The portfolio of luxury-focused preferred suppliers has expanded to accommodate demand for authentic experiences in less-discovered locales. The network has added two upscale cruise lines: Crystal and Scenic Group. The intimate small-ship and yacht experiences offered by these lines align with affluent client preferences today.

To provide more personalized, immersive experiences, the network’s OnLocation program has added 19 Abercrombie & Kent DMCs around the world. The OnLocation program now features 49 partners covering more than 100 destinations, bringing their expertise, knowledge and connections to ATC advisors and their clients.

Micato Safaris is another notable addition to the supplier collection. Micato has set the industry standard for luxury, service and philanthropy for nearly five decades in East Africa, Southern Africa and India.

ATC Hotel Collection

The ATC hotels and resorts portfolio has expanded strategically this year, focusing on quality over quantity. The collection now stands at 1,200 hotels, 24 per cent larger than last year’s figure. Two new portfolio subsections include villas and residences along with wellbeing.

This year, ATC has accepted properties in up-and-coming locations such as Grenada and Oman, as well as affluent favourites including New York, London and Venice. New additions include properties from luxury hoteliers such as Raffles, Six Senses and Waldorf Astoria. The Radisson Collection is ATC’s newest brand-level partnership, in addition to Marriott STARS & Luminous
and IHG Luxury & Lifestyle.

ATC hotel amenities have been enhanced for 2024, with daily breakfast and a value-add feature now applicable per bedroom, not per reservation. The amenities are worth an average of $1,000 per stay and offer:

• Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
• A local value-add amenity worth $100 per bedroom
• One category room upgrade if available
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Early check-in/late check-out if available
• Personalized welcome note from the general manager

For more information about ATC, visit www.theaffluenttraveler.com.