What do luxury travelers think about Sri Lanka?

General
1

I’m a local tour operator in Sri Lanka and I’ve been trying to figure out what luxury travelers think about our country as a destination. I’d love to hear your thoughts on a few things:

  1. What do you look for when choosing a destination for a luxury trip? What do you avoid?

  2. What makes something feel ‘luxury’ when you travel? (What do you expect?)

  3. How much would you usually spend on a 10-day luxury trip? (Include airfare, and let me know if you prefer economy or a higher class for flights.)

  4. Any advice for someone entering the luxury travel market?

Thanks so much for your help! Your insights mean a lot to me.

2

What would a 10-day luxury vacation in Sri Lanka look like? I’m curious about the kind of itinerary you’d suggest.

3

For question 3, it’s tough to give a number—it depends on how far people are traveling, where they’re coming from, and local costs. You can’t charge St. Moritz prices in Sri Lanka.

Personally, I never fly economy, and most big spenders I know don’t either. Luxury travelers heading to Sri Lanka would likely book their trips through their own agents or directly with high-end hotels like Amanwella or Amangalla. They might not go through a local tour operator.

4

Totally agree with this. We usually book tours through the hotels we stay at. It’s just easier to have everything organized in one place.

5

As someone running a luxury travel agency in Greece, I’ve noticed that travelers in this category want more than just high-end service. They love getting to know the local culture and prefer to visit during less busy times for a quieter, more authentic experience.

6

For question 2, people usually want either amazing food, an incredible adventure, or a mix of both.

For question 3, I’d say leave airfare out of it. Lots of us use points for flights. Instead, focus on great transfers—something like a private car with plenty of legroom. Pricing varies a lot based on personal preferences and needs.

7

My friend, I’d suggest looking into the book The Experience Economy by B. Joseph Pine II and James H. Gilmore. It talks a lot about creating unique experiences, which could help you in the luxury travel market.

8

Is there a good YouTube summary of it?

9

With the Maldives so close, Sri Lanka could be part of a luxury pre-trip before heading there. Luxury travelers really appreciate unique experiences, great service, and exclusivity.