#Trending This Week - Consumers Want Concierge Services, Boating Amenities Are In Demand, Why Consumers Follow Brands On Social Media, And Branded Residences Are The Future
Issue 158 • September 19, 2023
It seems as if everything we are seeing as trending lately has to do with providing consumers with access to unique, exclusive, and luxurious experiences. And the primary delivery mechanism for this would be the Concierge who can arrange it all! In fact, reports are showing the demand for Concierge services is rising and many hotels can’t find enough qualified individuals to take on the roll. If you are heading to a hotel or resort near the water soon, you just may find they are now offering an expanded roster of boating amenities. Consumers are continuing to spend more time on social media, but the reasons they follow brands has changed in recent years. Branded residences are the future of hospitality as high net worth individuals want luxurious residences which come with five-star hotel services. And surveys are showing that more Americans plan to attend a ticketed event this year and this seems to be paying off big for hotels as is evidenced by the recent Taylor Swift effect on cities where her Eras Tour visited this year. Check it all out in our three-minute read below.
Branded Residences Are The Future
Today’s luxury consumers are looking for the perfect combination of residence and hotel, which has led to the incredible growth of branded residences: luxury residential properties tied to a brand (primarily hotel companies, but not always). Branded residences provide buyers the opportunity to purchase their own exquisitely designed permanent residence with a high level of integrated service including access to a spa, dog walker, concierge, chef, restaurant, etc. Read more in Hotel Investment Today here and Elite Traveler here.
Demand For Concierge Service Rises
While many seem to think technology is going to take the place of myriad hospitality services, the opposite is actually true. Demand for concierges is on the rise as more luxury hotels appear outside of major cities and more and more high-end travelers expect concierge service no matter where they happen to be. In fact, some hoteliers are reporting that far from relying on Internet guides and self-booking tools, guests appear to be utilizing the concierge desk more frequently. Read more in Travel Weekly here.
Hotels And Resorts Clamor To Add Boating Amenities
Hotels and resorts are working fast to add all types of boating-related activities to their amenity mix including charter boats, private piers, and an array of nautical opportunities, giving guests more in-house and exclusive experiences on the water. It’s all part of the greater trend of continuing to give guests access to luxury experiences. Read more in Travel Weekly here.
Why Consumers Follow Brands On Social Media
It used to be that people followed a brand on social media to be entertained. That is no longer true. According to a recent survey, more than 68% of consumers follow brands to stay informed about new products and services, while 46% due so to have access to exclusive deals and promotions. Another key point to engage your social media audience is in responsiveness as customers expect a response when they post a comment. Read more in Social Media Today here.
Ticketed Events Are Driving Travel Sales
There’s no denying that Taylor Swift’s recent Eras Tour was a boon to local economies and drove incredible hotel occupancies as her concert came to cities across the US. Perhaps then it comes as no surprise that a recent study showed nearly two thirds of Americans plan to attend a ticketed event this year including concerts, festivals, performing arts events, and sporting events. Read more in Insider Travel Report here.