Explore Saint Paul’s Footsteps and the Seven Churches of Revelation in Turkiye
Michigan people and destinations took center stage at the 38th annual Virtuoso Travel Week in early August in Las Vegas, highlighting a broader shift in high-end global tourism. According to data and presentations from the event, Virtuoso.com connects clients with a network of 20,000 luxury travel advisors globally, providing access to 2,800 hotels, resorts, cruise lines, and tour companies across 58 countries, all represented by 4,000 participants at the annual gathering.
Michigan Connections to Global Destinations
Karen Fedorko Sefer, born in Lansing and currently residing in Istanbul, demonstrated local ties to international travel through Sea Song Tours, a company she founded 27 years ago. According to Fedorko Sefer, Michigan travelers frequently visit Turkey to explore historic cultural sites like the Grand Bazaar and walk the neighborhoods of Istanbul for traditional coffee and cuisine. Sea Song also arranges private yacht tours on the Bosphorus River dividing Europe and Asia, alongside hot-air balloon rides over Cappadocia, underground cave churches, Turkish wine tastings, and excursions to the ancient Roman city of Ephesus.
“They can travel in the steps of Saint Paul, and Turkiye has all the seven churches of Revelation,” Fedorko Sefer stated during the event, adding that historical inhabitants of the region include the Blessed Mother, Saint Paul and Noah’s Ark. Addressing safety concerns, Fedorko Sefer noted that the situation in the Middle East has not affected travel to Turkiye, asserting that it remains safe for visitors.
Great Lakes Cruising and Local Economic Impact
Domestic waterways also gained visibility through American Cruise Lines. According to CEO Charles Robertson, the fleet’s small-ship design allows navigation to diminutive docks such as Mackinac Island, which serves as a major draw for passengers. Additional stops on the company’s Great Lakes itineraries include Escanaba, Alpena, Sault Ste. Marie, Muskegon, and the Detroit River. Robertson noted that passengers on these sailings can step ashore to visit regional cultural institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Motown Museum, and the Henry Ford Museum in the Motor City.
Shifting Seasons and Surging Luxury Travel Costs
Virtuoso.com presented industry trends drawn from proprietary network surveys indicating that travelers are increasingly booking trips later in the calendar year. “Fall is the new summer, with bookings up 79-percent,” stated Misty Belles, Virtuoso’s executive global PR vice president.
This rise in demand coincides with significant cost adjustments across the sector. Luxury international hotels now average $1,653 per night, while luxury U.S. hotels average $1,445, up from $985 and $790 respectively in 2019, according to Virtuoso data. Hotels on the French Riviera experienced the highest increases, with rates climbing up to 179 percent.
Panel participants at the conference addressed traveler sentiment regarding these higher price points. Stephanie Maklakie, a Hawaii-based Virtuoso advisor, reported that clients remain willing to invest in travel that elicits strong emotion, pointing to destinations like the Arctic, African safaris, Nordic countries, and secluded yacht charters. Taiwan-based advisor Nicole Li echoed this perspective, noting that her clients are accepting higher costs. Conversely, English advisor Josie Turner highlighted consumer pushback against ancillary fees, noting that travelers object to high surcharges for standard amenities or delivery fees at hotel pools.
As the travel sector adapts to extended shoulder seasons and evolving global demand, the intersection of local Midwestern charm and international luxury underscores a resilient market where consumers continue to prioritize experiential journeys.