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Global searches for premium class flights double as travellers prioritise comfort and personalised journeys. Sep 03, 2026, 04:00 ET * Custom tour bookings surge 600% as demand grows for exclusive and tailored experiences * Platinum Luxury Hotel bookings rise as travellers place greater value on wellness and privacy SINGAPORE, Sept. 3, 2026 /CNW/ - Travel has become a top priority for many today, with 7 in 10 Millennials and Gen Zs saying that travel is a 'non-negotiable' expense, based on a 2026 AMEX Global Travel Trends Report. Not just that, people are increasingly splurging on trips, from live entertainment to personalised experiences. Research from the UK found that holidays, festivals, concerts and wellness top the 2026 wishlist as people swap big-ticket purchases for memorable experiences. Trip.com's latest data tells the same story: high-end travel is booming like never before. Global searches for first and business class flights on Trip.com jumped by 99% year-on-year (YoY) in the first half of 2026, while 5-star hotel searches grew by 57% YoY. What this translates into is a growing demand for premium travel options that are highly customisable and once-in-a-lifetime moments that make a trip unforgettable. Premium Travel Redefined: Personalised and Unforgettable Experiences Holidays are no longer just about getting out of a country but a way to experience life differently. Travellers are increasingly looking for memorable experiences that are fully catered to their needs and preferences. Custom tours on Trip.com, where users are able to chat with a travel expert and book a tour fully tailored to their requests, have seen bookings surged by over 600% YoY globally. The largest demand is coming from Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Singapore, which is seeing some of the fastest growth in affluent travellers in the region[[1]]. Among Trip.com's top two highest membership reward tiers, known as Black Diamond and Diamond+ members, custom tours are also one of the fastest-growing product lines, suggesting a shift in demand towards customised itineraries and bespoke experiences as travellers spend more on their trips[[2]]. Recognising this need, Trip.com offers Black Diamond members access to a dedicated 24/7 relations management team, allowing deeper personalisation and seamless service that caters to their preferences. Beyond tailored experiences, live entertainment has emerged as a top reason for people to splurge on trips, as travellers seek unforgettable moments. 63% of Asia Pacific travellers have already crossed borders for concerts, and 66% are willing to go abroad for one, based on data from Trip.com Group. Identifying this demand, Trip.com Group has launched integrated offerings that combine concert tickets, accommodation, transportation and local attractions into one-stop packages, and this resulted in triple-digit growth in 2025. From front row seats to a sellout K-pop concert to the exclusive thrill of the F1 Paddock, live entertainment is fast becoming the motivating factor for travellers to book and spend more on their next trip. Focus on Privacy and Wellness as Luxury Retreat Bookings Rise For many high-end travellers, wellness and privacy are essential on any trip. Reports show that worldwide searches for "luxury" and "best spas" went up by 170%, reflecting an increased focus on wellness and relaxation as travellers seek premium experiences[[3]]. Luxury retreats, such as Aman Tokyo, known for its panoramic views and zen vibes, and Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives, praised for its serene environment and private pools, are some of the top-ranked hotels featured on Trip.Best's Top Luxury Hotels list, Trip.com's collection of data-backed travel recommendations. Meanwhile, global bookings for "Platinum Luxury Hotels" on Trip.com rose in the first half of this year, with interest concentrating on hotels in Mainland China and Southeast Asia, and reflecting a growing preference for high-quality stays in this region. For instance, bookings for Platinum Luxury Hotels in the Minamitsuru District in Japan, an area known for iconic Mount Fuji views and serene lakeside resorts, saw a three-digit YoY jump[[4]]. In particular, Mainland China has emerged as a popular destination for premium stays at comparatively lower prices. Novotel Shanghai Clover in Shanghai, one of the most popular 5-star properties in China booked by international travellers in the second half of this year, costs about USD 126 per night, making Mainland China a go-to destination for many holidaymakers seeking high-end experiences but at more affordable prices. Travellers from Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong have picked up on this trend, forming the largest overseas source markets for quality stays in China[[5]]. Premium Travellers are Going Further and for Longer Most premium travellers are not constrained by seasonality nor budget, making them frequent travellers whether for work or for leisure. Black Diamond members make almost twenty times the number of bookings compared to the average member, suggesting that many high-end travellers are frequent travellers all year round[[6]]. Premium travellers are not just frequent travellers, they are also choosing longer-distance destinations and extending their stays. International travellers flying first or business class are expected to spend at least 14 days overseas each trip, close to 40% more than the average traveller. This stretches to as long as 20 days when it comes to European premium travellers, based on Trip.com data. In addition, more than 4 in 10 of first and business class flights booked globally in the second half of this year are long-haul flights, indicating a strong preference for long-distance destinations when it comes to high-end travellers. Japan is a destination that premium travellers frequent, with four out of the top 10 most-booked 5-star hotels globally located there, while the Tokyo to Sapporo flight route is also the top-selling first class flight route[[7]]. Similarly, booking patterns among Black Diamond and Diamond+ members reflect a preference for long-haul destinations, and in particular, Western countries such as Australia, the UK, and the US. Japan stands out as a high-frequency repeat destination as well[[8]]. Millennials and Gen X Lead Demand for High-End Experiences Premium travellers today comprise largely of the Millennials and Gen X, signalling a higher-placed value on elevated, comfortable and bespoke travel experiences among these age groups. Close to 1 in 2 international travellers who booked 5-star hotels in the second half of this year are aged 35-49 years old, who also form the largest majority of first and business class flight bookings, based on Trip.com data[[9]]. A similar trend is observed across various regions, and also among the higher tiers of Trip members, suggesting that Millennials and Gen X worldwide are eager to spend on quality experiences when they travel. In recent years, demand for senior travel has also grown. With spending power three times that of younger travellers, many affluent and active seniors are increasingly looking to explore and spend on quality travel. Gross hotel bookings for Old Friends Club, an initiative launched by Trip.com Group to cater exclusive products for users aged 50 and above, increased by over 100% YoY in the first quarter of this year, reflecting rising demand for more personalised and experience-oriented travel offerings among seniors. AI features on Trip.com, such as Trip.Planner, also allow users to cater their itineraries and recommendations based on their preferences and travel group types across age, lifestyles and comfort level. Luxury travellers today are not merely seeking opulence, but a one-of-a-kind experience that goes beyond everyday moments. From impactful experiences like attending a live concert to quiet exclusivity, the premium travel experience is one that is seamless, end-to-end and ultra-personalised. About Trip.com Group Trip.com Group is a global travel service provider comprising Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group is on the mission "to pursue the perfect trip for a better world". Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com. | [[1]] Based on Trip.com data from 1 January to 30 June 2026 | | [[2]] Based on Trip.com Group data since September 2025 | | [[3]] Based on data from Trip.com Group's "Why Travel?" Report | | [[4]] Based on Trip.com data from 1 January to 30 June 2026 | | [[5]] Based on Trip.com data from 1 July to 31 December 2026 | | [[6]] Based on Trip.com Group data since September 2025 | | [[7]] Based on Trip.com data from 1 July to 31 December 2026 | | [[8]] Based on Trip.com Group data since September 2025 | | [[9]] Based on Trip.com data from 1 July to 31 December 2026 | SOURCE Trip.com Group [email protected]

Introducing Aman Seoul, the first Aman property in South Korea. Discover Asia's most luxurious hotel suites, from penthouses with stunning skylines to beachfront retreats, perfect for an indulgent getaway fit for a president. 02 Sep 2026 12:42 IST 2 September 2026 - Aman, the world's leading ultra-luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand, today announces Aman Seoul, its brand's first destination in South Korea. Situated in Cheongdam, one of Seoul's most prestigious districts, Aman Seoul occupies a prime position overlooking the Han River in the heart of Gangnam. Conceived as a fully integrated destination, in partnership with global asset management and developer Shinsegae Property, Aman Seoul will comprise a hotel, a limited collection of branded residences as well as a global Aman Club. Combining the space, privacy and sense of sanctuary, for which Aman is renowned, the property has been designed as a retreat above the city while remaining deeply connected to the energy, culture and creativity that define contemporary Seoul. As South Korea's global influence continues to grow across fashion, beauty, design, technology and contemporary culture, Seoul has emerged as one of the most dynamic markets in Asia. Marking the brand's first entry into the city, Aman Seoul is designed for a growing community of residents, members and international travellers seeking the values that have long defined Aman - privacy, unparalleled service and access to transformational experiences. Regarded as the epicentre of the city's luxury retail, design and cultural landscape, Cheongdam is a home for a property that will set a new benchmark for luxury urban living in South Korea. Reflecting Seoul itself, a city where heritage and innovation coexist, the architecture and interiors of Aman Seoul have been developed in close dialogue with partners and craftspeople deeply rooted in South Korean sensibilities. Generous suites and public areas draw on Korean spatial traditions and materiality. In keeping with Aman's harmonious design ethos, the architecture and minimalist contemporary interiors are composed to create environments that feel calm, grounded and intrinsically connected to their locale. Dedicated entrances and arrival sequences give the hotel, the residences and the Aman Club each their own sense of privacy and identity. At the heart of the project is Aman's commitment to wellbeing, realised dedicated spa and wellness facilities spanning multiple floors, designed to support both physical and mental restoration. Complementing this approach is a diverse global food and beverage programme, including the brand's own dining concepts, and an exclusive global Aman Club. Aman Club will include a dedicated pool, fitness facilities and social spaces, a private setting for residence owners and members to gather. Integral to Aman Seoul are the exclusive branded-residences, which extend the Aman way of life into a permanent home. They provide a range of living experiences united by a philosophy of privacy, space and exceptional design. Within the Aman Residences, this vision is further elevated by Aman Interiors, bringing the brand's distinct and refined aesthetic language into the home through bespoke furnishings and carefully curated interior elements. Reflecting on Aman Seoul's ambition as the new benchmark for ultra-luxury living in South Korea, Vlad Doronin, Chairman and CEO of Aman Group, commented "Few cities have evolved as rapidly or as confidently as Seoul. Today, it sits at the intersection of culture, design, technology and wellness, a global influence on how people live far beyond South Korea. Aman Seoul represents our conviction in the city's future and our desire to build a permanent home for the Aman lifestyle within it. By bringing together a hotel, residences, Aman Club in the heart of Gangnam, we are creating an urban sanctuary where Aman loyalists can engage with the energy of Seoul while remaining immersed in the qualities that define Aman: privacy, exceptional service and a profound sense of cultural connection." Chung Yong-jin, Chairman of Shinsegae Group, said "Aman Seoul represents far more than a hotel development; it will set a new benchmark for luxury living in Seoul. Drawing on our expertise in creating distinctive destinations, we will continue to shape innovative spaces that bring new value and inspiration to the way people live." Combining Shinsegae Property's deep understanding of the Korean market with Aman's globally recognised expertise in hospitality and branded-residences, Aman Seoul will redefine ultra-luxury living in South Korea. The project announcement follows the recent strategic partnership established between Shinsegae Group and OKO Group, the US-based real estate development company founded and led by Vlad Doronin. The property joins an expanding collection of urban destinations that extend the brand's philosophy into some of the world's most influential cities. It follows Aman Tokyo, Aman New York and Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, and sits alongside forthcoming projects including Aman Beverly Hills, Aman Miami Beach, Aman Dubai and Aman Singapore. Together, they represent the continued evolution of Aman as a fully integrated lifestyle brand, bringing together hospitality, residences, wellbeing and an exclusive community in globally significant destinations. For private enquiries related to Aman Residences, Seoul, please contact: [email protected].