In conversation with WTE Daily, Ignacio Maza shares key trends in luxury travel and offers a preview of his keynote today

The luxury travel expert, who is Senior Advisor at Signature Travel Network, and Principal at WANDERMAZA, outlines the importance of developing a robust portfolio of on-location destination specialists.

As a Senior Advisor at Signature Travel Network, you have vast experience in the travel industry. What trends are you seeing in luxury and bespoke travel?
I would argue that luxury travel has changed more in the last few years than in the previous fifty, and there are a few noteworthy trends. Among those trends is the fact that travel has become the number-one priority of the affluent. Other trends include consumers’ tendency to upgrade, the move towards off-season travel, an increase in solo travel, and the growing importance of wellness, as well as active and adventure travel. Additional trends are the search for authenticity, a renewed focus on socially responsible travel, and the desire for new horizons.

Your keynote at WTE Miami will focus on the future of luxury travel. Can you give us a preview of what attendees can expect from your session? 
I will set the stage with an update on what luxury travel is today. It is important to understand how the concept of luxury has changed in the past few years, and where it is headed. I will go over major trends in the luxury travel market, and the mindset of the consumer. I will also cover what I think is the right approach for today’s market, from the point of view of the travel advisor or travel provider. I will talk about what works, and what all of us need to focus on to be successful. No matter what happens in the world, there will always be a market for luxury travel. We must keep learning and improving in a continuous quest for excellence, so we can exceed the elevated expectations of sophisticated travelers. 

With the rise of personalized experiences, how do you see travel agencies and advisors evolving to meet the growing demand for unique and tailor-made journeys?
To meet the growing demand for bespoke travel and unique experiences, it is essential for agencies and advisors to have a robust portfolio of relationships with destination management companies, worldwide. A great destination specialist on location can open doors, deliver exceptional itineraries, create unforgettable experiences, and provide unmatched intelligence from being on the ground, year-round. Being part of a network that has quality destination specialists all over the world has never been more important. 

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in travel. How can travel professionals balance luxury with eco-conscious practices?
Travel advisors need to know their clients well, so they can understand what truly matters to them, and how much of a priority sustainability is. If it is important, it means booking hotels, cruises, and resorts that are really committed to sustainability in word and deed – not just empty slogans and buzzwords. It means collaborating with partners dedicated to being socially responsible that can deliver an experience that aligns with the values of the traveler. I believe that sustainability will be a growing priority – especially for younger affluents. 

Adapting to an ever-changing industry

“The only constant in the travel business is change,” Mr Maza asserts. “Now more than ever, it is essential that travel professionals sharpen their skills, network, broaden their knowledge, and strengthen business relationships and partnerships.” In the luxury travel expert’s view, WTE Miami is an ideal forum “to learn from and connect with travel colleagues from countries all over the world.”

Keynote on Luxury Travel
Luxury Travel Session
Today, Wednesday, October 23
9:30 -10:15am
General session