How Honeymoons Are Changing

Like every other aspect of the travel market, honeymoons are changing. Consumers no longer flick through glossy magazines and they don’t necessarily want turquoise seas and pristine white sand.

As usual, we’ve got millennials to blame for this. Many of today’s 20- and 30-something newlyweds favor splitting up their big trip into two parts and are keen to do something a little bit more adventurous than previous generations.

If you’re in the honeymoon market, you need to pay attention to these changes and make sure you’re offering up something a little bit different.

For feedback or news tips, reach out via email at pw@skift.com or tweet me @paddywhyte.

— Patrick Whyte, Europe Editor

6 Looks at Luxury

Instagram Helps Shape New Honeymoon Experiences: Well-heeled newlyweds are hoofing to destinations far beyond the beach for their honeymoons these days. Influenced by Instagram and luxury travel advisors, couples with means are looking for more meaningful, adventure-filled post-wedding getaways.

What the Travel Media Gets So Horribly Wrong About Africa: For being one of the most important business, political, and tourism stories, a lot of Africa coverage tends to only hit a few notes. Here are some ideas on how travel reporting can evolve, and incorporate more voices and add deeper perspectives.

Instagrammer Turned Her Following Into a Luxury Travel Advisor Business: Justyna Smith built up a modest Instagram following, and she’s used that, plus word of mouth, to run a four-woman luxury travel agency that’s making money. Many businesses decide to market wherever the customers are; in Smith’s case, the customers came to her and the business followed.

Ritz-Carlton and Virgin Cruise CEOs Think Agents Will Benefit From Brand Clout: As they ramp up their outreach to travel advisors, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Virgin Voyages are both presenting themselves as new and different options for luxury clients. They say this means agents will be able to sell cruises to those who don’t normally cruise, but who are intrigued by the brands.

Thailand’s Minor International Targets Indian Hotel Chain: If this goes through, it’ll be another addition to the expanding Minor Hotels portfolio.

Anbang Steps Up Attempt to Sell Luxury Hotels Portfolio: Like HNA, Anbang is busy trying to get rid of the assets it bought during its well-publicized acquisition spree. Finding a new home for the group of properties formerly known as Strategic Hotels shouldn’t be too difficult.