Classic Vacations Appointed Jon Bennett to Luxury Role
The veteran travel executive has joined Classic Vacations to lead the development of high-end, bespoke experiences.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Adventure Travel
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Classic Vacations has named Jon Bennett as its new global head of luxury experiences. The appointment aims to strengthen the companys focus on curated travel offerings for its advisor network.
Why it matters
The hire reflects a strategic shift at Classic Vacations to deepen its commitment to the luxury travel sector. The company intends to leverage this new leadership to expand its portfolio of unique experiences for high-end clientele.
Jon Bennett joins the team following a 26-year tenure at Abercrombie & Kent, bringing significant industry experience to his new role. The transition follows the departure of CEO Melissa Krueger, who led the firm for five years.
The players
Jon Bennett
He is the new global head of luxury experiences at Classic Vacations who previously spent 26 years at Abercrombie & Kent.
Classic Vacations
This travel company specializes in providing vacation packages and luxury travel arrangements for professional travel advisors.
Melissa Krueger
She is the former CEO of Classic Vacations who concluded her five-year tenure with the company last month.
Sharon Conway
She currently serves as the interim CEO and CFO of Classic Vacations while the company manages its leadership transition.
Abercrombie & Kent
This global travel company is recognized for its luxury tours, expedition cruises, and high-end travel experiences.
The details
Bennett will work directly with luxury travel advisors to design bespoke itineraries and identify unique travel opportunities for clients. This move follows the departure of former CEO Melissa Krueger last month, as interim leader Sharon Conway oversees current operations.
Timeline
Melissa Krueger departed as CEO of Classic Vacations in September 2026.
The announcement of Jon Bennett's appointment was published on October 5, 2026.
Travel Outlook
This appointment follows the post-pandemic surge in demand for hyper-personalized luxury travel. The industry-wide shift emphasizes unique, curator-led itineraries over traditional mass-market tourism packages.
Travelers working with advisors can expect an increase in specialized, high-touch itinerary options in the coming months. Clients should monitor future announcements regarding new luxury destinations and exclusive partner experiences.
The takeaway
The move suggests a broader industry pivot toward deep customization in response to changing traveler expectations. Clients looking for exclusive, expert-led trips should prepare for a wider array of curated travel opportunities in the next year.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving high-end tourism market, visit Adventure Travel.
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Would you pay more for a travel package designed to provide highly personalized, unique experiences?
