The buyers who attend Connections Luxury represent some of the market’s most prestigious travellers from all over the globe. This week, we’ve asked one of our prominent buyers from Germany to give us an insight into the tastes, trends and example itineraries from their local market.

Our buyer is Cordula Junius. She runs Occident Orient Connection which is a business line of  HTC Hotel & Tourism Consulting GmBH based in Bad Homburg, near Frankfurt.

1.) Tell us about your clients and give us some examples of their typical requirements

When it comes to a business trip a German CEO or Managing Director is normally not ready to spend the ultra high rates demanded at palaces and grand hotels in metropolises like Paris or London. He or she rather stays in a smaller deluxe boutique hotel at a more modest rate. That has to do with German culture, company policies and “role model” intentions.

Wealthy Germans look for complete privacy when travelling on vacation. Therefore, the hotel where they stay has to provide an atmosphere where they can completely withdraw. For instance, the Greek islands for sailing appeal still a lot to the Individualists.

The clientele is more and more concerned by recent political instabilities, thus the security factor becomes even more important. Therefore, this season we responded to customer demand by offering special short breaks within my home market and near neighbouring countries, thus answering their requests for a short voyage with a down-to-earth highlight accompanied by gastronomical discovery. Also, deluxe trips within Germany are on our agenda to prepare this season.

2.) What are tomorrow’s target destinations for your clients?

Long haul will remain definitely a strong demand for Germans. South Africa is still much in fashion, secluded islands, expedition trips, as well as deluxe cruises in general. Other than that, Croatia remains a very attractive destination to explore. I believe that Europe in general with its rich cultural heritage and history and so many unique places easy to reach is very much en vogue for Germans and will continue to be.

3.) Describe a recent sample itinerary to give us an indication of your client demands.

This is a recent itinerary we created for Croatia/Montenegro, giving our client the opportunity to visit several UNESCO World Heritage sites at their best. The trip took in sights from Zagreb, Trogir, Split, Dubrovnik and Montenegro.

We begin at Zagreb arriving at the Hotel ESPLANADE. This is the Grand Hotel in the heart of the city. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of this historic place and recall the old times. Start with a delicious dinner at the acclaimed Restaurant Zinfandel within the hotel.

Next day private sightseeing walking tour of the beautiful capital of Croatia with a surprise lunch stop (in all approx. 4 hrs). Afterwards relax at the hotel and get ready for dinner at the famous Restaurant VINODOL to taste local cuisine.

Travel from Zagreb to Split by plane.

Private chauffeur takes the small party from Split airport to UNESCO town of TROGIR – private lunch on the seaside followed by a guided tour of this beautiful historical town, and then chauffeur service to SPLIT for overnight stay in the enchanting VESTIBUL PALACE.

Relax at the hotel and get ready for an evening exploring this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage town. During dinner enjoy an open air performance of a special Dalmatian chorus – very unique to this region.

Next day: In the morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of SPLIT, afterwards continue along the Dalmatian coast on the picturesque seaside road to MAKARSKA, stop at this seaside village to get the flavor of coastal Dalmatia and enjoy lovely homemade seafood in a local restaurant, and then on to the highlight of the highlights – DUBROVNIK.

Overnight at the famous VILLA ARGENTINA – a swim in the exclusive seaside pool with breathtaking views of the old town of Dubrovnik. Go for dinner at a unique location: The restaurant PROTO offers first floor open air dining Al Fresco in the heart of the old town, where you will enjoy a choice of outstanding seafood dishes. Stroll along for an after dinner walk to get a first feel of this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage place and unique city with Venetian flair.

Next day, enjoy a private walking tour of the old town including a walk over the city wall before taking the chauffeured car to the peninsula of PELJESAC, 1 hour north of the city, with the amazing place of STONE and its memorable restaurant KAPETANOVA KUCA where our party will enjoy the freshest of oysters, mussels and delicious seafood literally just fished, with black risotto so famous for this region.

The evening magic of DUBROVNIK is topped off with a unique classical music performance played in a small church in the historic old town.

Next day: Excursion to MONTENEGRO with first stop in historic BUDVA -known as little Dubrovnik- and then continue to the wonderful Bay of KOTOR another UNESCO World Heritage site with its wonderful old city centre. Overnight at SVETI STEFAN, an Aman Resort uniquely situated on its own peninsula, so picturesque… enjoy a private boat trip to take the most spectacular views.

Return to DUBROVNIK for another outstanding classical musical experience in another historical building in this grandiose UNESCO surrounding.

Farewell dinner at the famous restaurant NAUTICA.

Thank you so much Cordula for this fascinating insight into your local market. I’m sure it’s been very useful reading for both our buyers and suppliers! I look forward to meeting you again at one of the upcoming Connections Luxury events.

We’ll be publishing more Buyer Insights here on the blog shortly! Meanwhile, if you’d like to discuss participating at one of our upcoming Connections Luxury events, please drop me a line.

Micaela