The luxury travel lanscape according to Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold

Jon Grutnzer, President of Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold talks to TravelMole publisher, Charles Kao about the current state of lay in the luxury travel market. How have their expectations changed in the era of Covid-19, and what destinations – domestic and international – are proving popular.

TravelMole: So what’s the new normal for luxury travel, looking ahead.

Jon Grutnzer: That’s a loaded question right now but I think that what is old is new again, and what we want to make sure, is that the guest is feeling comfortable in traveling. They are still looking for that same thing – that authentic, localized experience. They want exclusivity, they want experiential travel, and most importantly, they want to have human connections. They want to make sure that if they go into a destination, they’re going to be experiencing that destination and it’s not being sacrificed by some things that are going on because of Covid.

TravelMole: So as you anticipate what the new normal will be, what new products and experiences are you’ packaging for 2021?

Jon Grutnzer: One area that we’re really leading the industry in is providing wellbeing directors on our Insight Vacations product, as well as our Luxury Gold product. So, in addition to our travel directors and traveling concierge, there will be a person that has a primary task of making sure that we’re hearing local policies and also making sure that we have the very best policies for cleanliness and vetting.  What we’re seeing is a desire to have more small groups. That’s always something that’s been built into our insights and experiences.

We average about 10, less than our competitive set, as far as numbers on our trips. We’re also allowing guests to create a private bubble. So with the incredible in-destination experience, we’re trying to put some things in place to make people feel more comfortable when they travel.

TravelMole: What is the make-up of these small groups: family and friends, extended family?

Jon Grutnzer: It’s a combination of two things. One is family and friends, people want to travel in a little bubble with their family and it’s mostly multigenerational that we’re seeing with our guests, but also we’re seeing people that have maybe done an FIT trip, but they want to make sure that those things are pre-vetted before they go out and so they feel a little bit more comfortable with something with a packaged product from Red Carnation or Luxury Gold.

The second thing is people that may have previously traveled on their own, now want to have a guided element to their trip. It gives them another level of comfort, and they can do their own thing or through our Luxury Gold VIP program.

TravelMole: And which are the hot destinations right now for advanced bookings?

Jon Grutnzer: We’re seeing the UK and Ireland is doing very well for us. Obviously, we use Ashford Castle, which is owned and operated by TTC and the Tollman family. We’re also seeing Spain and Portugal doing well for us, as well as Central Europe. We have a Bohemian program, to Vienna, Budapest, and Prague which is doing well. One thing that hasn’t done well in the past, but is actually selling really well is domestic. We’ve seen a real uptick for trips in North America. So we’re excited about that.

TravelMole: That’s for domestic North American travelers?

Jon Grutnzer: Yes, people are not only just flocking to the National Parks due to the current situation. They’re also working on next year to do that with Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold. So that’s been a pleasant surprise, for us and again, something that we hope to build on.

TravelMole: What kind of itineraries are popular?

Jon Grutnzer: For example, Luxury Gold has a Ranches and Resorts of Colorado and New Mexico. It features the Ted Turner Ranch, which has massive herds of buffalo and bison, and is one of the largest private ranches in the world. So that’s an example of one that’s doing well. We’re also seeing our National Parks and our fall foliage programs for Insight doing exceptionally well.

TravelMole: What’s your advice now for travel agents in terms of how to discuss travel planning and destinations for Insight Vacations or Luxury Gold product with their clients?

Jon Grutnzer: Well, one of the areas that we’re seeing is probably the best value you’re going to get in travel and that’s not exclusive to Insight or Luxury Gold. We’re seeing that across the board before the middle of December, because that’s really when the best value is out in the marketplace. Now, with that being said, you can’t sell through fear. So you want to make sure that a guest is comfortable and understands that probably right now is the window that people are committing to 2021 as well as 2022.

We’re optimistic that we’re going to have a vaccine in the marketplace, and it’s going to be a safe time to travel moving forward. So my advice is book early, book often, because right now is really the best value in the marketplace.

TravelMole: Is the 2022 program released yet?

Jon Grutnzer: Yes, trips are open and ready for sale and that’s the earliest it’s ever been open for Insight and Luxury Gold. Again, I encourage you to go to our websites to see those different options, but again, the best value is right now, or the pay in full options that allow you some more flexibility with your booking.

TravelMole: Which seasons for 2021 are people booking now?

Jon Grutnzer: Right now we’re seeing a lot of Q2. Q3 is growing and so is the April through fall period. We have seen an uptick over the last few months that people are, are traveling. That’s for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, as well as Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold.

TravelMole: It seems quite optimistic?

Jon Grutnzer: Well, there’s no other way to be right now. It is like getting back to what we love, trying to get people out there. Again, it gives you hope and it gives you optimism as you move forward.

View interview here