Classic Vacations Unveils Bold 2026 Vision: Digital Innovation, Global Growth, and Advisor Empowerment for Luxury Travelers in the US and UK

Published on December 6, 2025

Classic Vacations, a leader in the luxury travel sector, has outlined a forward-thinking vision for 2026 under the leadership of CEO Melissa Krueger. The company plans to chart an ambitious course toward growth, innovation, and enhanced digital transformation. At the heart of this vision is a commitment to maintaining its advisor-first approach, expanding partnerships and destinations, advancing technology, and championing responsible tourism. By embracing these goals, Classic Vacations aims to solidify its position as a global leader in the luxury travel industry.

A Future Built on Technology and Advisor Support

As part of its vision for 2026, Classic Vacations is focusing on innovation that directly benefits travel advisors, the company’s core audience. The aim is to provide advisors with faster, smarter, and more intuitive tools that will make their workflow smoother and more efficient. The company will continue to integrate advanced technology, ensuring that these tools are both functional and user-friendly. At the same time, the personalized service and long-standing supplier relationships that have defined the company’s success will be preserved.

CEO Melissa Krueger’s Vision for Growth and Global Leadership

CEO Melissa Krueger stated that the goal of Classic Vacations is to become the undisputed leader in the global luxury travel market. This will be achieved by building on the company’s strong global advisor community and maintaining a commitment to sustainable growth through strong partnerships. According to Krueger, the focus will remain on the long-term success of both advisors and suppliers, with a collaborative approach to expanding the company’s reach and influence.

Expanding Advisor Capabilities and Resources

In line with its 2026 vision, Classic Vacations will continue investing in the development of its travel advisors. The company plans to provide a wealth of resources to enhance their knowledge, sharpen their skills, and offer them the educational tools necessary for success in the highly competitive luxury travel market. In particular, Classic Vacations will introduce improved advisor statements and itineraries designed to enhance advisor productivity and efficiency. These documents will not only be functional but will also serve to reflect the advisor’s brand, leaving a lasting impression on clients.

New Statement and Itinerary Designs to Empower Advisors

One of the most anticipated updates in the 2026 vision is the launch of redesigned statements and itineraries, which are set to roll out before the end of 2025. Sue Ferguson, the Vice President of Sales and Managing Director of Luxury at Classic Vacations, highlighted the importance of these new designs. The revamped documents will be stunning, functional, and tailored to meet both advisor and client needs. Advisors will now have tools that mirror the level of excellence they provide, ensuring that the travel experiences they design are accompanied by professionally crafted materials that reflect the luxury nature of their services.

Enhanced Digital Transformation and Advisor Feedback

Classic Vacations has already made significant strides in its digital transformation, with an improved online booking platform that launched in 2025. This new platform was developed based on feedback from travel advisors and has been designed to enhance the booking experience. Advisors now have access to real-time rates, multi-destination and multi-room capabilities, and easy-to-use payment systems, which streamline the booking process. Additionally, the platform offers real-time courtesy holds, enabling advisors to secure bookings with flexibility.

The digital transformation also includes ongoing support for advisors through 24/7/365 customer service and multichannel support, ensuring that advisors can access help via phone, email, text, or chat whenever needed. This robust support system allows advisors to maintain efficiency and flexibility as they serve their clients.

Classic Vacations’ Industry Recognition and Success in 2025

In 2025, Classic Vacations continued to demonstrate its leadership in the travel industry, earning multiple prestigious accolades. The company was recognized as Virtuoso’s Top U.S. Tour Producer for the third consecutive year, highlighting its exceptional performance and reputation in the luxury travel sector. Classic Vacations also took home the Travvy Award for Best Tour Operator (Packaged) in Europe for the third year in a row, as well as a WAVE Award for Best Tour Operator in Europe for the fourth consecutive year. Additionally, the company earned three Magellan Awards, underscoring its excellence in travel advisor support, technology solutions, and overall tour operator operations.

Expanding Global Destinations

Classic Vacations continues to grow its global portfolio, adding new destinations that offer unique and unforgettable travel experiences. In 2025, the company expanded its offerings to include destinations such as the Loire Valley, Malta, Ibiza, Australia, Big Sky, and New York City, as well as options across Scotland and Spain. As Classic Vacations looks toward 2026, further destination expansion is on the horizon, providing advisors with an even greater array of choices to offer their clients.

Commitment to Responsible Tourism

At the core of Classic Vacations’ 2026 vision is a commitment to responsible tourism. The company will continue working with hotels and partners that support local communities, protect ecosystems, and honor cultural heritage. Classic Vacations ensures that every travel experience it curates creates a positive and lasting impact on both the destinations and the people who call them home.

Deepening Partnerships for Sustainable Growth

As part of its 2026 strategy, Classic Vacations will continue to prioritize strong partnerships that foster sustainable growth. By collaborating with trusted suppliers and destinations that share its values, Classic Vacations will ensure that its travelers can enjoy deeply immersive and culturally rich experiences. Through these partnerships, the company will continue to enhance its product offerings, deepen its local insights, and refine its itineraries, empowering advisors to deliver exceptional journeys that go beyond the typical luxury experience.

Looking Ahead: A Reinvented Future for Classic Vacations

Under Melissa Krueger’s leadership, Classic Vacations is poised to continue its legacy of excellence while embracing reinvention and modernization. The company’s 2026 vision reflects its ongoing dedication to the growth and empowerment of its advisor-first community, the expansion of its global footprint, and the continued enhancement of its digital infrastructure. With a focus on strong partnerships, cutting-edge technology, and responsible tourism, Classic Vacations is well-positioned to remain a global leader in luxury travel for years to come.