AMERICAN EXPRESS PLATINUM TRAVEL SERVICE UNVEILS NEW TRENDS IN PRIVATE YACHT, VILLA AND JET BOOKINGS
Source: American Express
Oct 19, 2007 - 5:16:16 AM
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Travel Specialists Report Increase in First-Time
Yacht, Villa and Jet Travelers Seeking the Ultimate in Customized and Private
Luxury Vacations
NEW YORK, October 18,
2007 -- A growing number of affluent travelers are seeking private, luxurious
getaways, booking more private yachts, villas and jets than ever before,
according to the Platinum Travel Service team of specialists who are dedicated
to these categories of travel, and exclusively service American Express Platinum
Card® members. Due to the growth in customer interest and demand, these
specialists, who possess in-depth knowledge and distinct expertise in each area,
were brought together to form an established team that is dedicated full-time to
planning and booking these vacations. Specialists reported that there has been a
significant increase in first-time customers who are seeking more customized and
enriching travel experiences with friends and family, in addition to frequent
bookings by travelers who rent yachts and villas numerous times per year. These
travelers are looking to spend less time planning, packing, and transporting,
specialists say, and more time indulging and immersing in the destinations and
experiences with loved ones.
“Now, more than ever, affluent travelers
want luxurious experiences tailored to their own specific needs, filled with
special amenities and services that enhance and add value to the vacation
experience,” said Audrey Hendley, vice president of American Express Travel.
“Whether our specialists are customizing private yacht charters in the Caribbean
or booking private villas in the South of France, we are delivering unique
experiences for our customers that are personal and
unforgettable.”
Trends in Villas: The Dream Home Away from
Home
Platinum Travel Service villa specialists report that the requests
for private villas are at an all-time high, especially from multi-generational
families or groups of friends looking for privacy, space and a “home away from
home” with additional comforts. These include personal gourmet chefs and
housekeeping staff; private pool and beach areas; extra space for family and
friends; and close proximity to a nearby town or city where they can enjoy the
local shopping and dining scene, as well as the local culture by way of
culinary/wine tours and historical experiences.
Specialists report that
Italy, France and the Caribbean – particularly St. Barts – are among the most
popular destinations for private villa vacations, which, like private yachts,
are often six-night/seven-day vacations booked six to nine months in advance. A
broad selection of private houses and villa rentals appeal to these travelers,
ranging from three-bedroom cottages to a 42-room mansion, depending on the
travelers' needs. Increasingly, specialists are also making plans for travelers'
pets, arranging their transport to the destination and ensuring their comfort at
the villa itself.
Floating Oases: Trends in Yacht
Vacations
According to Platinum Travel yacht specialists, the Caribbean,
France and Italy are among the top port areas for yacht vacations, which are
often six-night/seven-day getaways and booked six to nine months in advance.
These private yacht charters are becoming increasingly popular especially among
couples of all ages looking for romantic and peaceful escapes. Groups of friends
and multi-generational families are also booking more than ever before, looking
to reconnect and spend quality time doing the things they love to do. One
specialist recently arranged a yacht vacation in the Western Riviera for an
extended family of 24 starting in Monte Carlo, stopping and ending in Lucca,
Italy, where the family spent a week in a private villa.
According to the
specialists, these travelers are looking to escape with their friends and family
to an environment that offers the utmost in comfort, privacy, and caters to
their every need and desire. Repeat customers often have a favorite yacht or
yachts that they prefer booking on a consistent basis, which is often determined
by size and the benefits and services available on the yacht, such as on-board
chefs, butlers and housekeeping. Often, these travelers bring their own private
chefs, nannies or assistants to add to their comfort and
relaxation.
Trends in Jet-Setting Experiences
Platinum Travel
Service jet specialists are seeing an increase in private jet travel for purely
leisure vacations and these travelers are younger in age than they were in the
past. They also continue to book jets for business travelers seeking greater
convenience and flexibility, especially when tacking on personal vacation time
following a business trip.
Private jets are becoming central to the vacation itself, especially for
families. Jet specialists are increasingly booking private jet charters for
customers to hop from city to city within European countries and Asia. One
family recently booked a private jet charter within China to experience a 12-day
private tour of four cities during the trip. For on-land activities during these
jet tours, specialists are coordinating private viewings, private dinners, and
private art gallery tours, enabling the families to enrich their travel
experiences in a close and personal manner.
American Express Travel's
Private Jet Services, Private Yacht and Platinum Villa Programs
American
Express Travel has private jet, yacht and villa programs available exclusively
to American Express Platinum. When Card members book a private jet, yacht or
villa through dedicated American Express Travel Service specialists, they
receive additional travel benefits and amenities valued at up to $500 or more
for Platinum Card members. Amenities vary based on the length and type of
vacation booked. The specialists have strong relationships with the industry's
leading yacht, villa, and jet providers and provide convenience and flexibility
when planning personalized vacation experiences.
About American
Express Travel
American Express entered the travel agency business in
1915 and today is one of the world's largest travel agency networks. The
company has more than 2,200 Travel and Foreign Exchange Services locations
worldwide in more than 140 countries.
American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global
payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.
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