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Opinion: A Luxury Travel Bubble Is Swelling

Hotels and airlines are chasing aspirational vacationers willing to shell out big bucks. What happens when they stop spending?

Economic uncertainty threatens to bring aspirational expenditure on luxury travel down to earth, writes Kristen Bellstrom. — Economic uncertainty threatens to bring aspirational expenditure on luxury travel down to earth, writes Kristen Bellstrom. (Getty Images)

By

Bloomberg

09 June 2025

BoF PROFESSIONAL

When you go on vacation, do you ever treat yourself to an upgraded airline seat? Or book the (admittedly cheapest) room at a five-star hotel? Maybe splurge on a spa day or celebratory Michelin-starred meal? If any of this sounds familiar, you may be what the travel industry calls an “aspirational” luxury traveler. And much to the industry’s potential dismay, you’re also inflating an economic bubble that may be about to burst.

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Luxury:Travel & Hospitality

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