Business
Luxury Travelers Prioritize Exclusivity Over Extravagance, Plan Higher Spend in 2026, Flywire Survey Reveals
79% of those surveyed plan to spend more on trips in 2026; travelers taking 5+ vacations annually have increased 38% compared to last year Discounts incent
About this update from Flywire Corporation - Voting
[{"type":"text","content":"79% of those surveyed plan to spend more on trips in 2026; travelers taking 5+ vacations annually have increased 38% compared to last year Discounts incent luxury travelers to prepay, securing predictable revenue for providers, with 60% of those surveyed more likely to commit to accommodations for a discounted, non-refundable rate Payment experience drives brand loyalty, with 91% of travelers more loyal to providers offering seamless transactions BOSTON, Jan. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Luxury travelers are redefining high-end travel as they seek personalized, exclusive and immersive experiences, rather than traditional markers of extravagance, according to a new report out from Flywire Corporation (Nasdaq: FLYW), a global payments enablement and software company. The emphasis on authenticity and exclusivity comes as these luxury travelers signal robust spending plans, with nearly eight in ten prepared to increase their travel budgets in 2026 compared to 2025. Flywire's new report, How to win over the luxury traveler in 2026, based on a survey of more than 500 luxury travelers from the U.S., details the evolving preferences of this elite class of travelers and the implications for travel providers serving this market. Covering accommodation preferences, wellness priorities, booking behaviors and payment expectations, the findings underscore that to capture market share, providers must deliver frictionless, personalized experiences, from the first point of contact through to final payment. \"Our research reveals a fundamental shift in how luxury travelers define their experiences. They're seeking authenticity and exclusivity that makes them feel like the protagonist of their own, unique, vacation story, rather than simply staying at the most expensive properties,\" said Colin Smyth, SVP and GM of Travel at Flywire. \"With travel frequency on the rise and spending intentions strong, providers who can deliver seamless, personalized experiences, including simplified payment processes, will be positioned to capture loyalty in this growing market.\" Luxury travelers prioritize authentic, personalized experiences and view advisors as essential partners Today's luxury travel is defined by access to authentic experiences rather than traditional measures of extravagance. Among those surveyed, 93% agree that luxury travel is less about th...