United States Luxury Travel Market

United States Luxury Travel Market Size and Share:

The United States luxury travel market size was valued at USD 402.4 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 832.7 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.42% from 2025-2033. The United States luxury travel market is driven by increasing disposable income, a growing desire for unique, personalized experiences, and a rise in high-net-worth individuals. Additionally, ongoing advancements in digital platforms enable easy booking of exclusive, tailored vacations, while safety concerns and health-consciousness also shape travel preferences.

One of the main factors fueling the luxury travel market has been the growth in disposable income in the United States. There is more potential to spend money on premium experiences as individuals and households have been experiencing higher earnings. Such freedom opens up an avenue for investment in exclusive resorts, private tours, luxury cruises, and bespoke services. More affluent travelers focus on luxury, with comfort and convenience being most important. With increases in disposable income, this customer segment is growing, and high-spending consumers seek tailored, exclusive travel experiences. Additionally, per capita disposable personal income nationwide for 2023stood at about $61,296, compared with $56,492 in 2022.

Apart from this, the demand for exclusive, customized travel experiences is growing, which fuels the U.S. luxury travel market. Luxury travel is the search for exclusive, customized, and adventurous travel options by high-net-worth individuals. This change from mass tourism to customized travel experiences is a quest for vacations that are more than just a destination; it is a time for personal growth, relaxation, and distinctive experiences. Whether it's a private yacht charter, an immersive cultural tour, or personalized concierge services, these travelers favor individuality and often seek out experiences that are rare or unavailable previously, thus aiding the U.S. luxury travel market growth.

United States Luxury Travel Market Trends:

Experiential Travel

A prominent trend in the United States luxury travel market is the shift towards experiential travel, where consumers prioritize unique, immersive experiences over traditional luxury accommodations. Affluent travelers are moving away from conventional luxury hotel stays and seeking adventure, cultural immersion, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. This includes private tours to remote locations, custom-designed itineraries, and hands-on activities like cooking classes with local chefs or private art viewings. Additionally, 59% of American travelers participated in outdoor adventure activities during trips taken in 2023, indicating a strong preference for adventure and nature-based experience. As travelers look for deeper connections with their destinations, luxury travel companies are increasingly offering bespoke services tailored to individual preferences, such as exclusive access to events or private guided tours, enriching the overall travel experience and aligning with the growing desire for authenticity and personalization.

Sustainable Luxury Travel

Sustainability has emerged as a significant trend in the luxury travel market, particularly among high-net-worth individuals who are becoming more conscious of their environmental impact. These travelers are increasingly opting for eco-friendly accommodations, carbon-offset programs, and destinations focused on conservation. Luxury travelers are demanding greener practices in the industry, such as sustainable transportation options, eco-friendly hotels, and environmentally responsible tour operators. Luxury travel providers are responding by integrating sustainability into their offerings, ensuring that they meet the growing demand for environmentally conscious travel. This trend reflects a broader societal shift toward sustainability, where travelers desire both luxury and environmental responsibility in their travel experiences. Additionally, 81% of travelers plan to stay in sustainable accommodations in the coming year, marking a significant rise from 62% in 2016 and 74% in 2020.

Digital Transformation in Luxury Travel

The luxury travel market in the U.S. is increasingly shaped by digital transformation, with advancements in technology enhancing how travelers book and experience their journeys. From AI-powered personal assistants to virtual concierge services, technology is making luxury travel more personalized and efficient. Also, in the travel and tourism sector, nearly half of companies have successfully completed digital transformations, 25% more than the cross-industry average. Consumers now expect seamless digital experiences, such as real-time flight and accommodation updates, tailored recommendations based on preferences, and easy booking through mobile apps. Moreover, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are being incorporated into travel experiences, allowing travelers to take virtual tours of destinations or hotel rooms before making a booking. This shift towards digital tools enhances convenience, creating a more streamlined and enjoyable luxury travel experience for tech-savvy consumers.

United States Luxury Travel Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the United States luxury travel market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on type of tour, age group, and type of travellers.

Analysis by Type of Tour:

• Customized and Private Vacation
• Adventure and Safari
• Cruise and Ship Expedition
• Small Group Journey
• Celebration and Special Event
• Culinary Travel and Shopping

Customized and Private Vacation caters a significant U.S. luxury travel market share seeking highly personalized experiences. It includes bespoke itineraries tailored to individual preferences, ensuring exclusive accommodations, activities, and destinations. High-net-worth individuals often choose these tours for privacy, flexibility, and luxury, enabling them to curate every aspect of their trip.

Such itineraries not only appeal to luxury travelers by offering unique experience but also those who seek safari tours and adrenaline. The treks, among other outdoor excursions, ensure exclusive wildlife safari tours. Every traveler is enabled to visit more remote destinations together with expert guiding individuals to ensure his or her adventure is both secure and comfortable within nature's embrace.

In addition, luxury cruises and ship expeditions provide the opportunity for travelers to visit several destinations aboard luxurious vessels. The cruises often include luxurious amenities, fine dining, and exclusive excursions. Specialized expeditions, such as polar or cultural cruises, offer a more immersive and tailored experience for affluent travelers who seek luxury on the seas.

Besides this, small group trips focus on generating intimate travel experiences with fewer individuals. This promotes personalized attention to guides, the exclusive use of attractions, and a more elastic itinerary. Luxury and camaraderie are beautifully balanced, allowing guests to enjoy both upscale accommodations and one-of-a-kind experiences.

The celebration tours are also set aside for someone celebrating a landmark; it could be anniversaries, weddings, or even landmark birthdays. All such tours consist of exclusive activities that include personal private parties and VIP access besides custom services with special attention for memorable experiences reflective of the celebrant's worthiness.

Furthermore, the culinary and shopping tours cater to luxury travelers who appreciate fine dining and high-end retail experiences. These tours typically include exclusive access to renowned chefs, private cooking classes, or guided shopping experiences in fashion capitals. The focus is on combining gastronomy with luxury shopping in a unique, indulgent way.

Analysis by Age Group:

• Millennial (21-30)
• Generation X (31-40)
• Baby Boomers (41-60)
• Silver Hair (60 and above)

Millennial (21-30) in the luxury travel market seek adventure, authenticity, and experiences that reflect their personal values. They prioritize unique, sustainable travel options, often exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Technology plays a significant role in their travel planning, with a preference for digital platforms and seamless booking experiences.

Concurrently, the generation X (31-40) travelers are typically well-established professionals with disposable income, seeking a balance of relaxation and adventure. They favor family-oriented luxury travel, including private resorts or all-inclusive packages. Flexibility, convenience, and tailored experiences are important to them, as they often travel with children or extended family.

Similarly, the baby boomers (41-60) in the luxury travel market prioritize comfort, luxury, and service. They favor traditional luxury vacations, such as five-star resorts, cruises, and cultural tours. This group values heritage, historical exploration, and relaxation, often seeking well-organized, premium experiences with high levels of comfort and amenities.

Apart from this, the silver hair (60 and above) travelers often seek leisurely, cultural, or health-focused trips that offer relaxation, comfort, and exclusive services. They tend to value wellness retreats, cultural immersion, and scenic cruises. This demographic prefers group tours or bespoke packages that offer convenience and cater to their specific health and mobility needs.

Analysis by Type of Travellers:

• Absolute Luxury
• Aspiring Luxury
• Accessible Luxury

Absolute luxury travelers are the top tier in the luxury market, seeking the finest and most exclusive experiences. They prefer private jets, high-end resorts, and personalized itineraries, often with a focus on privacy and extraordinary service. These travelers demand unmatched quality and seek out ultra-exclusive, bespoke experiences.

In addition to this, the aspiring luxury travelers desire premium experiences but at a more accessible price point. They opt for high-quality accommodations, curated tours, and exclusive services, yet are more price-conscious than absolute luxury travelers. This segment seeks luxurious experiences without the same level of extravagance, focusing on comfort, style, and personalized touches.

Alongside this, the accessible luxury travelers seek affordable luxury options that offer high-end experiences without breaking the bank. This group often chooses value-driven luxury such as boutique hotels, upscale resorts, and affordable yet premium experiences. The emphasis is on achieving a luxurious feeling while staying within a more moderate budget range.

Regional Analysis:

• Northeast
• Midwest
• South
• West

The Northeast region of the United States is known for its affluent population, particularly in major metropolitan areas like New York and Boston. Luxury travel here is characterized by cultural tourism, high-end shopping experiences, and exclusive city escapes. This region's demand is driven by sophisticated tastes and business-oriented travel.

In line with this, the Midwest’s luxury travel market is driven by a combination of rural retreats and urban luxury in cities like Chicago and Minneapolis. Travelers in this region value a blend of relaxation and adventure, including private escapes, luxury resorts, and family-oriented experiences. The Midwest tends to focus on more laid-back, scenic luxury.

Also, the South features a unique blend of opulent coastal retreats, resort-style vacations, and high-end city getaways, especially in areas like Miami, Charleston, and Texas. Southern luxury travelers often focus on cultural heritage, wellness retreats, and luxury beach resorts, seeking both relaxation and indulgence in scenic, upscale environments.

Furthermore, the West region is a major hub for luxury travelers, with areas like California, Nevada, and Colorado attracting affluent visitors. Known for its diverse offerings, from luxury ski resorts to coastal escapes, the West combines adventure, wellness, and opulence. The demand here is driven by nature-focused luxury and elite experiences.

Competitive Landscape:

The United States luxury travel market is extremely competitive, offering premium services and exclusive experiences across the board. Global players dominate this sector, and boutique, niche providers that concentrate on personalized high-end travel are just as prominent. Key competitors are luxury tour operators, premium hotel chains, private travel advisors, and high-end cruise lines. As the consumer preferences evolve, most companies are shifting toward offering highly customized, experiential travel. In most cases, it also incorporates eco-friendly and sustainable practices in response to the growing demand for responsible tourism. Digital platforms and booking services play a crucial role in improving customer engagement by offering seamless, personalized travel experiences. Innovation and differentiation are the only ways to stay ahead in an industry where exclusivity and customized services are at the forefront.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the United States luxury travel market with detailed profiles of all major companies.

• Abercrombie  & Kent USA, LLC
• Lindblad Expeditions
• Scott Dunn Ltd.
• Brownell Travel
• All Roads North
• Kensington Tours Ltd.
• Tully Luxury Travel
• Black Tomato
• Pique Travel Design
• The Luxury Travel Agency

Latest News and Developments:

• In November 2024, an ultra-luxury airline is expanding its routes into the U.S., marking its sixth North American destination. Middle Eastern carriers like Etihad, Emirates, and Qatar Airways are known for offering unparalleled luxury in business and first class. However, accessing this premium experience requires not just affording the high ticket costs but also aligning with the airline’s final destinations, which include major U.S. cities such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, connecting to Middle Eastern hubs.
• In October 2024, Grupo Vidanta unveiled VidantaWorld, a groundbreaking luxury travel experience in Mexico that combines upscale resorts, world-class theme parks, innovative entertainment, and extravagant mega yacht voyages. Marking its 50th anniversary, VidantaWorld promises a new era of vacationing, offering a unique mix of luxury and innovation for all generations. This ambitious initiative aims to redefine global tourism and set a new standard in experiential travel, combining luxury and nature in an unparalleled way.
• In August 2024, Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) announced the launch of the inaugural Verified Air Travel Awards, set to take place on October 22, with insights gathered from leading luxury travel advisors and global travelers. A panel of 5,000 experts will vote on categories like Best Airlines and Best Private Jet Services. FTG, known for its integrity, ensures the awards reflect real-world experiences and reliable facts, offering an unbiased, credible standard of excellence in luxury travel.
• In June 2024, ALG Vacations is launching its first luxury collection, Luxe by ALG Vacations, to enhance its appeal as a top resource for travel advisors. The collection features nearly 450 carefully selected luxury hotels and concierge services across destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and regions of Asia and Africa. Featuring upscale all-inclusive resorts and five-star hotels, the collection includes brands like Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Waldorf Astoria, known for their exceptional service and recognition.
• In May 2024, Trip Concierge, a leading global luxury travel agency, launched its new division, Trip Concierge Luxury Cruises, catering to U.S. luxury cruise enthusiasts. The service offers premium upgrades, exclusive amenities, and personalized services, including pre- and post-cruise land tours and a dedicated travel consultant. Guests can enjoy luxury cruises with top brands like Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Viking, benefiting from perks such as up to $1,000 in onboard credits, based on total spending.
• In April 2024, Innova USA, in partnership with Caleche Customs, launched the Innova Roadtrip 595L camper, redefining luxury adventure travel in the U.S. The innovative camper features Dutch yacht interior materials, offering sophistication and elegance previously unseen in RVs. Built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, it includes high-end features like a 600Amp/h Lithium battery and air conditioning, ensuring comfort, convenience, and uninterrupted power on the road in three striking color options.

United States Luxury Travel Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the United States luxury travel market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the United States luxury travel market.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the United States luxury travel industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.