NEW YORK Global Travel Collection, the largest network of luxury travel advisors in the world, has reported that France is enjoying its moment this summer. The figures reflect bookings made by GTC advisors across both the U.S. and the U.K., showing a 64% year-over-year increase in luxury hotel reservations in France—led by Paris, Nice, and Marseille—marking the first time the destination has surpassed Italy in recent years.
GTC advisors will have sold $2.3 billion worth of luxury travel in 2024, and their clients will be jet-setting around 179 countries. They secured an average daily hotel rate of $1,400 and planned nearly 900 ultra-luxury trips – each worth over $100,000. GTC is a global company with a lot of power.
Paris is the most popular destination with 2,710 booked nights. Nice was second with 1,313 and Marseille third with 286. Le Bristol Paris by Oetker Hotels is a symbol of Parisian elegance. The Maybourne Riviera, perched dramatically on a rocky Peninsula overlooking the Mediterranean, was also rated highly.
Italy placed second with 777 nights in Rome, 679 nights at Naples, and 725 nights at Milan. GTC Travel Advisors say that Rome’s centrally situated Hotel Eden is a client favorite, as are the elegant Passalacqua Hotel at Lake Como and Sardinia’s glamorous Romazzino Hotel.
Italy has clearly been the leader in the tourism industry for the last two years. However, the latest booking data from Global Travel Collection advisors reveals a shift — volume has now spread more evenly across Europe, with France reclaiming the top spot for the first time since 2019. It is a good sign for the tourism industry as this indicates a more balanced demand in major European and UK cities. Angie Licea is the President of Global Travel Collection
The United Kingdom was third, with bookings up 13 percent over July 2024. London’s top choices include Soho’s Ham Yard Hotel with its tree-filled garden, Claridge’s a landmark art deco hotel and English institution, and Flemings Mayfair located in the most exclusive neighborhood of the city.
Spain is also in the top five. GTC travel agents report that Barcelona was one of the most popular destinations in July. Spain’s top hotels include the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid which is located near key attractions, as well as two properties in Ibiza – the Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay & Six Senses Ibiza. Popular Barcelona hotels include the Majestic Hotel & Spa, Mandarin Oriental Barcelona and Le Meridien Barcelona.
Global Travel Collection
Global Travel Collection GTC, part of Internova Travel Group is the largest international collection of luxury travel agents. GTC advisors, who number more than 1,500, are leaders in the industry when it comes to providing luxury travel services. They serve leisure travelers as well as corporate executives and those from the entertainment industry. GTC’s global reach, leverage and value translate into recognition, preferential treatment and value for its world-traveler clients.
Internova Travel Group
Internova Travel Group, one of the largest companies providing travel services in the world, is a collection leading brands that provide high-touch and personal travel expertise for leisure and corporate customers. Internova manages business, franchise and leisure firms through a diverse portfolio. Internova represents over 100,000 travel advisors at more than 6,000 locations owned and affiliated by the company, primarily in the United States and Canada. The company is also present in more than 80 other countries.
