#Trending This Week - Identity Travel, Pay-cations, The Industry Table, Canine Ambassadors, And A Clothing Rental Service For Airline Passengers
Issue 148 • July 11, 2023
After a break for the holiday last week, we are back in action rounding up the latest trends in travel, hospitality, food and beverage, and sustainability. Here’s what you need to know this week. “Bleisure” travel has now morphed into what is being called the “pay-cation.” A new survey shows Americans now select vacations as a reflection of their identity. One chef is embracing his industry peeps by offering deep discounts on dining. And a growing number of hotels are embracing not just canine guests, but canine ambassadors as well. Check it all out in our three-minute read below.
It’s The Age Of The “Pay-cation”
Allianz Partners’ 15th Annual Vacation Confidence Index study revealed three in 10 Americans will choose to work remotely from a vacation destination this year. This new work-from-a-vacation travel trend, the ‘pay-cation,’ emerged from flexible remote work policies during the COVID pandemic and goes well beyond ‘bleisure’ travel. Read more in Travel Pulse here.
Have You Heard About The Industry Table?
Those working in hospitality — and more particularly in restaurants — have had a difficult few years. One chef is trying to create a greater sense of camaraderie and community at his establishments by introducing the concept of “The Industry Table.” Designed to make his restaurants more accessible to people in his industry, the chef is reserving a table at his restaurants each night of service for anyone who works in restaurants to book — with prices reduced to “at cost” for food, which is a roughly 60% to 70% discount. Read more in Restaurant Business here.
Americans Are Focused On “Identity Travel” In 2023
A recent MMGY Travel Intelligence's Portrait of American Travelers study has revealed that in 2023, most Americans now regard travel as a direct reflection of their self-identity. Fifty-one percent of respondents were in agreement with the idea that the places they visit say a lot about who they are. This notion of “identity travel” indicates that Americans, now more than ever, seem to be seeking out destinations and activities which best align with their unique ideals and values. Read more in Travel Pulse here.
More Hotels Are Embracing Canine Ambassadors
Hotels are embracing what many of us dog lovers have already known: dogs just make people feel better. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 48 million U.S. households have a dog and hotels are increasingly opening their accommodations to welcome dogs as well as to have canine ambassadors on property. Read more in USA Today here.
How One Airline Hopes To Reduce Carbon Emissions
Imagine heading overseas and not having to pack a bag. One airline is giving consumers a chance to do that. Japan Airlines has recently announced it is offering a clothing rental service for its passengers in a bid to reduce checked bags, lower the plane weight, and ultimately cut down on carbon emissions. Read more in Travel + Leisure here.