#Trending This Week - Luxury Dining Reaches New Heights, The Reinvented Airline Cabin, It's Time To Disrupt How We Approach Hospitality, And Travel Is Up In Many Ways
Issue 137 • May 2, 2023
Things are moving at a rapid pace these days and it can be difficult to keep up. Hoteliers and others in the travel industry who want to stay current on what is happening need to check out the new report from one of the world’s preeminent hospitality organizations. There’s a new luxury dining opportunity that is literally out of this world. Airline cabin configurations are about to change dramatically. And there are some fresh insights into 2023 travel trends. Check it all out in our three-minute read below. PLUS we have bonus content for those who are interested in seeking recognition for sustainability efforts for their brand — simply scroll all the way down.
Hoteliers MUST Think Differently Moving Forward
COVID significantly impacted hospitality operations on a variety of levels and many in the industry are wondering the best way to move forward. You are not alone. There’s good news on this front as Accor, which is always at the forefront of reinvention, has just released an insightful new report entitled Hospitality Ahead: Transforming How We Welcome, Engage and Manage. It sheds fascinating light on the disruptive changes we need to be making as it relates to traveler decision-making criteria, HR recruiting, loyalty programs, marketing, and operations — including a vital focus on sustainability. Download the report from Accor here.
Dinner In Space Anyone?
How do you make a luxury dining experience even more over the top? Do it in outer space! Zephalto is a French company planning to launch luxury trips to space aboard a high-tech balloon. Passengers will ascend to and then sit at an altitude of 15.5 miles (roughly three times that of a commercial plane) for three hours while enjoying the view from the stratosphere and eating and drinking. Read more in Thrillist here.
A New Way To Fly Is Coming
A first-class suite in the air? Lufthansa is getting ready to debut its new Allegris interiors which will offer the most diversely configured aircraft in the sky. It’s three-cabin aircraft will offer seven distinct business-class products, in addition to premium economy seating and four distinct economy cabin products. It means a choice of “extra legroom seats” in economy and a “First Class Suite Plus” which is a double cabin with a table and full door. The private room's two large seats will be combinable into a double bed. Read more in Travel Weekly here.
More Travel, More Money, More Choices
Everything in the travel industry is headed up this year according to a new trend report from The Points Guy. The travel industry is responding to the increased demand for travel and shifts in the economy with higher prices. Travelers can expect hotel and flight prices to continue to rise, especially during peak travel dates such as holidays and summer vacations. The good news is that travelers can expect a wider array of choices with the introduction of more hotel brands across a variety of price points, newer and bigger cruise ships, more all-inclusive resorts, and new airline options. Read more in Insider Travel Report here.
BONUS CONTENT: AWARDING SUSTAINABILITY
Travel and hospitality companies doing great things need to be recognized for their efforts, and from time to time #Trending will be sharing news of awards which our readers might be interested in applying for. Today’s tip is about The AFAR Travel Vanguard, which honors organizations which have achieved something exceptional with respect to sustainability, diversity, inclusivity, and/or accessibility. Nominations are due by May 10th. Read more in Afar here.