The Affluent Traveler Collection Expands With 26 Top-tier Agencies, Forging Powerful Partnerships In The Booming Luxury Travel Sector

Published on September 30, 2024

The Affluent Traveler Collection expands with 26 prestigious agencies, meeting surging luxury travel demand and strengthening partnerships for exclusive experiences.

With a rising demand for luxury travel experiences and a growing reliance on travel advisors, The Affluent Traveler Collection (ATC), an exclusive marketing group, has welcomed new high-quality agencies and prestigious partners. This strategic expansion positions ATC to stay ahead of the shifting preferences of upscale consumers.

ATC’s network has grown to 361 agencies, with 26 new additions this year, representing a 7% growth rate. As the luxury travel market continues to expand, more agencies are specializing in high-end travel to meet ATC’s strict requirements for membership. These agencies, affiliated with the American Marketing Group (AMG) networks, are now able to promote and sell premium services offered by ATC’s upscale suppliers.

Global Growth in Luxury Travel

The global luxury travel market was valued at $1.38 trillion in 2023, according to a report by Grand View Research. This market is expected to grow at a rate of 7.9% annually, reaching $2.33 trillion by 2030. High-net-worth individuals, with assets ranging from $1 million to $30 million, dominate this sector. However, a new wave of affluent travelers with net worths between $100,000 and $1 million is emerging. McKinsey reports that these “aspiring luxury travelers” now account for 35% of the market, with an increasing focus on upscale travel experiences.

The luxury travel market’s expansion has increased the need for travel advisors. A recent survey by Flywire found that 92% of luxury travelers have used or plan to use travel advisors within the next 18 months, underscoring the growing importance of personalized travel planning.

Cryptocurrency as a Travel Payment Option

The ATC and other AMG networks have become pioneers in accepting cryptocurrency for vacation bookings. All ATC agencies can now process cryptocurrency payments through AMG’s proprietary tripXpress platform. This innovation is set to offer a competitive edge as the $2 trillion cryptocurrency market continues to grow, with over 220 million owners globally, including more than 172,000 crypto millionaires. The typical crypto user is an affluent millennial who frequently seeks luxurious vacation opportunities, aligning well with ATC’s target market.

Expanding Luxury Supplier Portfolio

To meet growing demand for exclusive and authentic travel experiences, ATC has broadened its portfolio of luxury suppliers. Two upscale cruise lines, Crystal and Scenic Group, have been added to the network, offering small-ship and yacht experiences that align with current affluent traveler preferences.

ATC has also strengthened its OnLocation program, adding 19 Abercrombie & Kent destination management companies (DMCs). The program now features 49 partners across more than 100 destinations, offering unparalleled expertise and personalized services for ATC advisors and their clients.

Micato Safaris, a luxury safari operator with nearly five decades of experience, is another key addition to ATC’s supplier roster, enhancing the options for travelers seeking high-end, philanthropic experiences in East and Southern Africa as well as India.

ATC Hotel Collection Expansion

The ATC hotel and resort portfolio has grown significantly this year, with a 24% increase in properties, bringing the total to 1,200. This expansion prioritizes quality over quantity, featuring new portfolio subsections such as villas, residences, and wellness-focused properties. Notable additions include luxury hotels in emerging destinations like Grenada and Oman, as well as well-known luxury hotspots like New York, London, and Venice. Prestigious brands such as Raffles, Six Senses, Waldorf Astoria, and the Radisson Collection are now part of the ATC family, along with the Marriott STARS & Luminous and IHG Luxury & Lifestyle brands.

New hotel amenities for 2024 include daily breakfast for two, a local value-add worth $100, room upgrades when available, complimentary Wi-Fi, early check-in/late check-out, and personalized welcome notes from hotel general managers. These perks, worth an average of $1,000 per stay, enhance the value offered to luxury travelers.

The Return of The Affluent Traveler Magazine

The Affluent Traveler, ATC’s biannual magazine, has resumed its print edition alongside its digital presence. Available at Delta Air Lines and United Airlines airport lounges, private jet terminals, and newsstands across North America, the magazine serves as a premium resource for luxury travelers.

Recognizing Excellence in Luxury Travel

The ATC Symposium, held from September 24-27 at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, featured an awards ceremony recognizing top agencies and partners. The ATC Chairman’s Award for outstanding agency sales was presented to Altair Travel (TRAVELSAVERS US) and Scott & Thomas Travel Personalized (NEST), while Polar Dream earned the ATC Soaring Eagle Award for exceptional sales growth.

Silversea Cruises received the ATC Chairman’s Award for excellence in building strong relationships and delivering innovative luxury experiences. Additional partner awards, chosen by ATC advisors, recognized the following:

• Luxury Cruise Partner of the Year – Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Luxury Specialty Cruise Partner of the Year – AmaWaterways
• Luxury Guided Tour Partner of the Year – Tauck
• Luxury FIT Partner of the Year – Classic Vacations
• Luxury OnLocation Partner of the Year – Travelive
• Luxury Destination Partner of the Year – Greece
• Luxury Hotel Partner of the Year – Marriott STARS & Luminous
• Luxury Resort & Spa Partner of the Year – The Boca Raton

The symposium brought together 270 agency owners, managers, advisors, top suppliers, and staff for sessions, meetings, and networking events. The valuable insights and connections made during the event are expected to propel these luxury travel businesses to even greater heights.