Luxury Travel Advisor - April 2008 - (Page 6)

EDITOR'S LETTER Keep Struggling Clients Close re you concerned that those on your client roster who aspire to be affluent (rather than actually being outright wealthy) will begin to trade down, rather than up, now that the economy is taking a dip? These are the same folks who haven’t hit high-net-worth individual status yet, but who do consider it critical for their social status to book the top suite in the hottest new hotel in the Caribbean, largely so they can return home and brag about it to their friends. I have no doubt that some of these customers may fall by the wayside, at least as they ponder what impact that whopping new monthly payment on their adjustable-rate mortgage will have on their discretionary income. If you do see signs of this occurring, take heart. Consumers are not going to stop aspiring to be affluent simply because gas is inching toward $4 a gallon and their homes have lost 20 percent of their value. The desire to be chic, savvy and well traveled has been ingrained into our culture. This group will fight its way back to regain its prestigious status and it’s vital that you stay in touch with them as they take on the challenge. If you know for sure they’re enduring a tough time right now, don’t send mailings enticing them to take a world cruise. For that matter, you may not want to send them any promotional materials at the moment, but you A Consumers will not cease to desire (and require) an affluent lifestyle; they may just need to take a time out. should stay in touch with them by sending birthday and anniversary cards. Continue to treat them with the dignity that you know they cherish—they will be back! I read somewhere once that those who need to go on a restrictive budget should not deny themselves every single pleasure life has to offer. The advice was to treat oneself to some sort of affordable indulgence on a regular basis to keep the new regimen from becoming utterly unbearable. For that reason, why not suggest a driving vacation to your clients that will be low cost, yet reap high returns on experience? It might not mean a huge commission for you, but it could be an investment in retaining a client who will rebound. One great driving destination is the Napa/Sonoma region of California (where I’m shown with Liza Graves of Beautiful Places and Nate Page of Terraces at Quarry Vineyards; see page 68). The offerings of the area are obvious; some of the top wines in the world are being created right here, but it’s also the wide open spaces, the rugged terrain, the agricultural lifestyle and the culture of the people who have moved here to enjoy the northern California ambiance that make it special. And it’s easy to enjoy the wineries, most of which provide free tastings and sophisticated social interaction. Oregon’s wine region is an up and comer and a fabulous place to enjoy some of the world’s best pinot noirs. Washington State is another wonderful option. If it’s time to rethink your clients’ travels, remember, the possibilities in this world are still endless. They just require a bit more of thinking out of the box. RUTHANNE TERRERO, CTC Editorial Director rterrero@questex.com 6 LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | April 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Luxury Travel Advisor - April 2008

Luxury Travel Advisor - April 2008 Contents Publisher's Letter Editor's Letter London DESTINATIONS India Greece HOTELS Golf Royal Hideaway Playacar Chateau Marmont SPAS Hawaiin Spas Southeast Asia CRUISES: Antarctica Cover Story: Rocket man The Pulse Traveling Gourmet Jetset Sightings Source List

Luxury Travel Advisor - April 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.