Part of this can be attributed to more capacity in premium economy, business class and first-class airfares.

‘With more carriers coming or returning to the New Zealand market, this brings more availability and competition to the marketplace,’ says Ashleigh Teixeria head of operations for Travel Associates New Zealand.

‘With growing demand, we’re on the hunt for more specialised luxury travel advisors to make the most of the opportunities.

‘Despite economic uncertainties, Kiwis’ demand for luxury travel is not fatiguing.’

Teixeria says part of meeting this demand involves advisors experiencing luxury travel themselves.

‘In this calendar year alone 60% of staff have taken an educational trip. Just recently we had agents take a famil to Antartica. They have exclusive access to Virtuoso as well as opportunities to attend luxury travel trade shows, access to exclusive Travel Associate events, rewards, and be part of the Luxury Travel Collection.’