#Trending This Week - Hobbidays, Longer Vacations, Travel Spending, Tryvertising, And The Biggest Concerns For Hoteliers
Issue 175 • January 30, 2024
The recent ALIS Conference in Los Angeles helped shed some light on what is keeping hoteliers up at night and it runs the gamut from how to reach the next generation of traveler to AI, motivating employees, and robots. Tour operators and cruise lines are coming to market with longer itineraries as the travel industry at large is witnessing the desire of consumers to stay longer than before. While the economy might be in a shambles, the reality is consumers are prioritizing travel spending and will invest in vacations over cars or retail shopping. Tryvertising is the concept of guests trying out products in hotels or airbnbs and then wanting to buy that item for their own homes. Sure it’s been done before with mattresses and linens, but there’s a wide range of possibilities for other products. And there’s yet another new word to add to your travel marketing lexicon — read on to find out what you need to know. Check it all out in our two-minute read below.
Consumers Want Longer Vacations
The recent introduction by Holland America of new cruise itineraries which range from 28 to 45 days confirms the observation that consumers are indeed wanting to travel longer when they are on vacation. It’s been reported again and again that guests are eager for more in-depth exploration of a region with the opportunity to really enjoy authentic local experiences, food, culture, etc. Read more in Insider Travel Report here.
Americans Prioritize Travel Spending
According to Deloitte’s “2024 Travel Outlook,” consumers are exhibiting a sustained interest in travel, with that interest shifting from a reactionary impulse to a redefined priority. Americans’ travel spending intentions have shown more resilience than other spend categories, such as retail or automotive. Moreover, many Americans’ trips appear oriented toward exploration and new experiences—not just relaxation and escape. Read more in Travel Agent Central here.
“Tryvertising” Is Proving Effective For Guests
I’m going to agree with this article simply from personal experience about trying out products in hotels and wanting to buy them when I got home. I had heard of Nespresso machines but never experienced one. After a two-week trip last summer with stays in three hotels that all featured Nespresso machines, I was hooked. So it’s actually not a bad idea for hotels to promote products (perharps for commission?) that guests can ultimately buy. It’s been done with sheets and mattresses, and perhaps it’s time to investigate taking this marketing effort further. Read more in The Conversation here.
What’s Keeping Hoteliers Up At Night
How to reach the next generation and meet their travel needs. The AI Revolution. Retaining and motivating employees. The effect robots may have on the labor pool. These are all issues which hospitality leaders said keep them up at night during a recent discussion during the ALIS Conference in Los Angeles. Read more in Hotel Investment Today here.
“Hobbidays” Are The Next Travel Trend
Here’s a new word to add to your travel marketing lexicon: Hobbiday. It’s the combination of “hobby” and “holiday” as more and more individuals prioritize mental health and seek personally enriching experiences during their leisure time. It is no longer about lounging on a beach or quick getaways as travel has evolved to include experiences which give people the time to explore yoga, baking, crafts, gardening, trekking, painting, singing, cooking, pottery, and more. Additionally, consumers are now willing to invest funds in tailored itineraries which address their interests and preferences. Read more in Outlook Traveller here.