Luxperience Buyers: What's Hot and Not in 2013

Ahead of the Luxperience 2013 travel show in Sydney in September, two up-market travel buyers, Michael Holtz and Karina Villanova, tell us what impressed them over the last year and what they're looking for in 2013

Michael Holtz, CEO of Smart Flyer, New York, gives his replies about the Australian and New Zealand travel scene Michael Holtz CEO of Smart Flyer Download image here  Q: Which product or service providers impressed you in 2012? Luxury Lodges of Australia. Saffire Freycinet offers amazing scenery, close to the Bay of Fires, an oyster farm, all with Tasmanian culture. Wolgan Valley is a true outback experience, nestled just three hours from Sydney, complete with boxing kangaroos.  Q: Which airline impressed you most in 2012? Virgin Australia -- fresh service, happy cabin crew Q: Which accommodation provider impressed you most in 2012? Park Hyatt -- they know how to anticipate client needsQ: What three important things happened in 2012 that you think will have a big impact on 2013?  BRICS keep getting more important, capital markets improving, Delta buying the SIA stake in Virgin Atlantic Q: What are the luxury travel trends we'll see more of in 2013?  More exotic/over the top resorts/lodges. Q: What are travelers increasingly looking for? They still want to feel special Q: What are the key trends to keep an eye on in 2013?  Value -- BUT people WILL spend if the perceived value is there. Q: As a travel buyer, what's your philosophy?  Stay ahead of the pack. I constantly travel on behalf of my clients. The one thing that our clients value more than anything is how we help them optimize their time, and show them new experiences. Karina Villanova General Manager Plenia Madrid Download image here  Karina Villanova, General Manager, Plenia, Madrid Q: Which product or service providers impressed you in 2012?  Jean-Michel Jefferson from Ahipara in New Zealand for his knowledge of the product, his ability to tailor-make all the programs and his passion for what he does. Q: Which airline impressed you most in 2012? Etihad Airways -- for its guest service and attention to detail. We've used them for some of our clients and always had excellent feedback, even when problems arise. Q: Which accommodation provider impressed you most in 2012? Luxury Lodges of Australia -- amazing locations Q: What were the most over-used words or phrases in travel in 2012?  Misuse of the word "luxury." Many people add the word "luxury" but that doesn't mean that they actually have the product or the ability to deliver that service. Q: What three important things happened in 2012 that you think will have a big impact on 2013?  Social media, economic crisis and insecurity in many Islamic countries Q: What are the luxury travel trends we'll see more of in 2013?  Respect for nature and 'real' social responsibility in travel. Also, families who want their children to participate by helping communities by living among them and getting a first-hand experience of the 'other side of the coin'. Q: What are travelers increasingly looking for? 24/7 worldwide assistance Q: What are you looking forward to in 2013?  Positioning ourselves as the number one tailor-made company in Spain Q: What are the key trends to keep an eye on in 2013?  Emerging destinations in the south of Africa Q: As a travel buyer, what's your philosophy? Value for money and personalized service that allows you to have flexible itineraries For further information on Luxperience, please visit: www.luxperience.com.au