As a tour operator, travel brand, or travel tech company, it’s important to keep your finger on the pulse of what is happening in your industry and what trends may be emerging. Whether you are planning travel packages, strategizing your next big media campaign, or deciding what content to lead with to drive new bookings, staying ahead of the latest Travel Trends is essential for success.
With international travel back to normal and domestic trips increasing in popularity, the industry is seeing a number of new trends emerging. These include a desire for healthy food and organic drinks, a need for sustainability, personalized service, and the demand for digitalization. While many of these travel trends have emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, other trends are based on more general shifts in consumer behavior, like the need for personalization and the growing desire for local experiences.
One of the most significant new travel trends to watch for is the rise of solo travel. While previously leisure travel was often seen as a family affair or something couples did together, today’s consumers want to be able to enjoy a trip on their own, and tour companies are noticing this need. This trend is particularly noticeable among Millennials and Gen Z travelers, who are looking for destinations that allow them to connect with the local culture.
The emergence of these new tourism trends means that hotels and other travel businesses are going to need to be more creative when designing their products. For example, some hotel chains are testing smart-room technology that allows guests to customize the temperature and lighting in their rooms. This type of personalization is an excellent way to make a guest feel like they are getting the best possible experience from their stay at your hotel.
Travelers are also focusing on sustainability as they plan their vacations. This could mean that they are looking for hotels that have green initiatives or a reduced carbon footprint, or it might mean that they are planning trips that involve volunteering in a community abroad. In addition, some travelers are choosing to stay at more remote destinations in order to reduce their impact on the environment.
As the economy continues to improve, many travelers are starting to dream of longer and more adventurous trips. This can be a great opportunity for tour operators to offer a range of packages that combine both business and leisure travel. Offering discounted prices for business travelers who wish to extend their trip for a holiday, or providing wifi and chargers on buses and accommodations for work-from-home travelers, are both ways to encourage more extended trips.