#United States #Los Angeles #Luxury Travel #Affluent Households #Consumer Spending

The Dominance of Affluent Households in U.S. Consumer Spending

Recent research underscores a profound shift in consumer spending within the United States, revealing that the top 10% and even the top 1% of households are now driving more than half of all consumer expenditures. A report by Resonance Consultancy titled "2026 Future of Luxury Travel" highlights that these affluent households are not just significant contributors to consumer spending; they are the very foundation of the leisure travel economy.

Key Insights from the Research

According to the study, the collective leisure spending by the top 10% of households is set to reach an astonishing $544 billion in 2026. This trend is pivotal, especially for industries dependent on tourism and hospitality as it shapes not only the spending patterns but also the investment directions in travel and leisure.

The data presented in the report stem from comprehensive surveys involving over 1,000 households in the top 10% income bracket, and around 450 from the top 1%. This meticulous research seeks to track the behaviors and preferences of affluent U.S. travelers over the years, beginning from 2007.

Travel Behavior of Affluent Americans

The findings reveal a significant uptick in the frequency of leisure trips taken by these high-income households. The average number of trips per year for those in the top 10% is approximately 4.3, while the top 1% average around 6 trips annually. In contrast, regular U.S. travelers only manage about 2.8 trips.

For instance, the percentage of top 10% households taking 6–11 trips annually jumped from 11% in 2022 to 18% in 2025. Similarly, among the top 1% of households, this number surged from 15% to 27% within the same period.

What’s more, the per-trip spending has also seen a remarkable rise: top 10% households are spending an average of $7,900 per trip, compared to $5,100 in 2022. For the top 1%, the average trip expenditure reached $12,400, up from $8,400. In stark contrast, the average U.S. traveler spends only about $3,700 per trip.

Emerging Trends in Travel Preferences

A few emerging trends are reshaping the landscape of luxury travel:
1. Wellness and Longevity: The focus on wellness travel is surging, with about 34% of top 1% travelers planning trips primarily for health benefits. This emphasizes a growing trend in longevity treatments and wellness resorts that cater to affluent travelers.
2. Cruising’s Resurgence: Cruises are seeing renewed interest, particularly among the wealthy; a remarkable 53% of top 1% households expressed interest in cruise travel—an increase from 37% in 2019. High-end cruise lines are increasingly catering to this demand, offering exclusive experiences that blend luxury with unique travel.
3. Changing Hospitality Models: There is a notable shift toward “new-scale” hospitality over traditional models. Investors are drawn to boutique luxury resorts with fewer rooms, as opposed to mid-range hotels struggling for capital. Recent luxury establishments, like the Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica and Six Senses Rome, are setting examples of high-quality investment opportunities.

Geographic Shifts: New Hotspots for Travel

The research reveals that Canada has now become the most sought-after international destination among affluent U.S. travelers, with 26% of top 10% households planning to visit. Meanwhile, interest in destinations like Costa Rica is also on the rise, showcasing a shift from traditional tourist locales to more diverse options. The Middle East, particularly Dubai, is attracting a younger affluent demographic, indicating a broadening landscape for travel preferences.

Strategic Recommendations for Stakeholders

For tourism operators and real estate developers, the implications are significant:

• - Understand the unique demands of affluent travelers beyond traditional offerings.
• - Focus on experiences related to wellness, culture, and nature.
• - Create integrated hospitality ecosystems rather than isolated projects.

Resonance's insights highlight that the affluent market is both robust and concentrated, indicating necessary strategies should address this group's unique characteristics for growth.

Conclusion

As the landscape of travel continues to evolve, realizing and responding to the needs of affluent consumers will be crucial for any business aiming to thrive in the leisure industry. The research serves as a pivotal tool for understanding these trends and the future of luxury travel in the U.S.