Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the increase in luxury wedding travel budgets post-pandemic, says Serendipians-attested Arway Travel & Concierge, an international luxury travel company with offices in Dubai and Vienna.
“Today, the concept of luxury in travel goes far beyond five-star hotels and first-class flights,” Arina Bordium, Director of Arway Travel Dubai Office, tells TTN. “True luxury is emotional–it’s the depth of experience through which a traveller connects with a destination: its history, traditions, cuisine and natural beauty. “When it comes to weddings, whether legal or symbolic, couples are seeking authentic cultural immersion–from receiving a blessing from a Buddhist monk in Cambodia to the rhythmic drumming of Bodu Beru on a Maldivian beach.” Private island buyouts in the Maldives and Seychelles for intimate wedding ceremonies are becoming more popular. Southern Europe, particularly, Italy and Greece, are becoming a hub of culturally blended wedding ceremonies. “We’re also seeing growing interest in unconventional venues: not just on the beach, but deep in the jungle by waterfalls, underwater or even in elephant sanctuaries,” says Bordium. Gen Z couples, as well as older generations are looking for a combination of sustainability with five-star comfort or the so-called eco-luxury. “Luxury hotels today are expected to be environmentally and socially responsible. The global community demands it, and for many travellers, the values of a property must align with their own. “Brands like Soneva, Belmond, The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Anantara, Six Senses and Fairmont are leading this shift–minimising their environmental footprint, supporting local communities and partnering with global conservation initiatives to restore native ecosystems. This ethos is reflected in everything from culinary offerings to curated excursions and workshops, creating a deeper and more meaningful travel experience.”