Canada | The Affluent Traveler Collection Expands as Luxury Travel Soars: New Agencies, Partners, and Elite Offerings
As demand for luxury travel skyrockets, The Affluent Traveler Collection (ATC) continues its rapid expansion. With new high-end travel agencies and prestigious partners joining the fold, ATC is set to deliver bespoke experiences for affluent consumers. The network’s recent growth underscores the importance of personalized service and immersive travel experiences, positioning ATC as a leader in the luxury travel market.
Luxury Travel Demand Fuels Expansion of The Affluent Traveler Collection
The Affluent Traveler Collection (ATC), an invitation-only luxury travel group, is seeing robust growth as the global demand for high-end travel surges. This year, the collection welcomed 26 new high-quality agencies, expanding its network to 361 agencies—an impressive 7% increase. With luxury travel continuing to evolve, these additions help ATC stay ahead of consumer preferences and provide more exclusive experiences for upscale travelers.
ATC, which collaborates with TRAVELSAVERS Canada, enables affiliated agencies to offer a vast array of luxury suppliers, enhancing the ability to serve discerning clients. As travel agencies continue to specialize in high-end travel, the criteria for being accepted into ATC are becoming more rigorous, reflecting the collection’s commitment to excellence.
Luxury Travel Market Growth: A Trillion-Dollar Industry
The global luxury travel market, estimated at $1.38 trillion in 2022, is poised for even greater expansion. By 2030, the market is expected to grow by 7.9% annually, reaching $2.33 trillion. While the core clientele continues to be high-net-worth individuals (with assets ranging from $1 million to $30 million), a significant shift is underway as aspiring luxury travelers—those with net worths between $100,000 and $1 million—make up 35% of the market.
According to McKinsey, these travelers are increasingly prioritizing upscale vacations, contributing to the rising demand for luxury travel advisors. A survey by Flywire confirms this trend, revealing that 92% of luxury travelers have either used or are likely to use a travel advisor for their next trips within the next 18 months. These affluent travelers seek more than just a standard booking—they want a highly curated experience backed by professional expertise.
Jane Clementino, senior vice-president and general manager of TRAVELSAVERS Canada, emphasized the value luxury travelers place on personal service: *“Discerning travelers understand the exceptional value they get from working with a professional advisor. ATC offers the tools, insights, and exclusive offerings that create meaningful and lasting relationships with clients.”*
Expanding Luxury Supplier Partnerships: Cruises, Safaris, and Immersive Experiences
To meet the growing demand for authentic and personalized travel experiences, The Affluent Traveler Collection has expanded its portfolio of preferred suppliers. ATC’s focus on small-ship and yacht-based travel has led to partnerships with two prestigious cruise lines—Crystal Cruises and Scenic Group. These intimate cruise experiences are tailored to align with the tastes of affluent clients seeking exclusive and luxurious travel.
In addition, ATC’s *OnLocation* program, known for providing immersive, in-depth destination knowledge, has added 19 new Abercrombie & Kent destination management companies (DMCs). The *OnLocation* program now includes 49 partners across more than 100 destinations worldwide, ensuring that ATC advisors can deliver rich, authentic experiences tailored to each client’s interests.
One of the standout new additions to the supplier list is Micato Safaris, a leader in luxury travel with a strong philanthropic ethos. Micato, renowned for its high level of service in East Africa, Southern Africa, and India, sets the bar for travel experiences that combine luxury with giving back to local communities.
ATC Hotel Collection: Growing Stronger in Quality and Quantity
ATC’s hotel and resort portfolio has grown significantly, with a 24% increase over last year’s figure, bringing the total to 1,200 elite properties. This expansion focuses on both quality and strategic growth, targeting trending destinations like Oman and Grenada, while continuing to offer properties in long-standing luxury travel hubs such as New York, London, and Venice.
Some of the newest additions to ATC’s hotel portfolio come from globally recognized luxury brands such as Raffles, Six Senses, and Waldorf Astoria. Moreover, the collection now features specialized categories like villas, residences, and wellbeing-focused properties, reflecting the growing trend toward more private, personalized accommodations.
ATC also secured new brand-level partnerships with Radisson Collection, Marriott STARS & Luminous, and IHG Luxury & Lifestyle, further enhancing the options available to luxury travelers. The expansion brings not only variety but also premium amenities, which have been upgraded for 2024. Guests now receive complimentary daily breakfast for two per bedroom, local amenities worth $100 per bedroom, complimentary Wi-Fi, and the possibility of room upgrades and early check-in or late check-out. The combined value of these perks averages around $1,000 per stay, providing significant value for travelers seeking upscale experiences.
A Bright Future for Luxury Travel
The Affluent Traveler Collection continues to set itself apart in the fast-growing luxury travel sector, combining its extensive network of travel advisors with a curated portfolio of top-tier suppliers. By providing personalized service, access to unique experiences, and value-added amenities, ATC ensures that affluent travelers receive unforgettable, bespoke travel experiences.
As more travelers, from high-net-worth individuals to the emerging affluent market, seek luxury vacations, the demand for expert guidance from trusted travel advisors will only increase. ATC’s forward-thinking approach positions it to meet this demand, offering both established and aspiring luxury travelers an unparalleled travel experience, driven by expertise, exclusivity, and exceptional service.
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