AG Boutique Journey, the DMC and incoming tour operator part of the AG Group, reports that luxury knows no crisis.
Italy is attracting a hi-end clientele
The operator reports on the overall positive picture for foreign tourism flows to Italy in the high-end segment. In the current scenario of geopolitical tensions and conflicting scenarios and taking into account that last year benefited from the extraordinary boost of the Jubilee, demand remains solid. This confirms Italy's ability to attract an international clientele with high purchasing power, oriented towards tailor-made travel, exclusive services, and high-end stays.
Italy is considered safe, stable, and desirable
"The data we consider most significant concerns the resilience of demand in the high-end segment, which continues to prove robust even in an international context marked by geopolitical tensions. Talking with clients and partners what emerges is a very strong perception of Italy as a safe, stable, and consistently desirable destination. This contributes concretely to supporting tourist flows and confirms the country's ability to remain a reference point for high-end tourism,“ says Salvatore Gioiosa, chief commercial officer AG Boutique Journey.
The Americas are 65% of total bookings
The Americas remain the main target market representing approximately 65% of total bookings. Canada accounts for some 30% and remains stable. The United States and Mexico are posting increases estimated between 10% and 20%. Bookings in Latin America are also positive, growing around 15%, with significant performances recorded by Brazil and Argentina and encouraging signs across the entire region. Europe and Asia both stand at around 15%.
Art cities but also "deep Italy" in demand
The Grand Tour of Italy, with 12-14 to day itineraries to Rome, Florence, and Venice, often complemented by Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, are among the most requested and offer private access and exclusive experiences. At the same time, the "deep Italy" trend is also growing, with itineraries that extend from Rome toward the South as well as Puglia and Matera, and lesser-known destinations. These are highly personalized trips, and overall stays average 12-14 days and are often multi-destination, while the demand for packages with an average stay of around nine days is also growing. Demand is increasingly shifting toward unique and non-replicable bespoke experiences that combine exclusivity, privacy, and emotional value, such as private openings of historic buildings with Michelin dining, after-hours visits to iconic wineries with the owners, helicopter transfers between destinations and private yacht:
