#Trending This Week: Renovating With Zero Waste, Good News About Luxury Travel, Many Hotel Brands Are Getting An F, And Cruises Are Finally Attracting More Youthful Travelers
Issue 105 • August 16, 2022
School is on the minds of many people as kids have either headed back to school already or are planning to do so shortly, so we felt it appropriate to share news that one noted hospitality industry professor gives many hotel groups an “F” in branding. We love the way one UK hotel went about renovating a property utilizing the waste of local suppliers and artisans. And for all of those who sell to the luxury traveler, we have good news. Check it all out in our three-minute read below.
A New Hotel Dedicated To Zero Waste
This might inspire you to adopt some more sustainable practices — perhaps even just one new idea! When the owners of The Fox decided to renovate the property, they adopted a “zero to landfill” policy, meaning they partnered with suppliers who recycle any waste produced by their work. Local sheep provided wool used for insulation and for the mattresses. Local craftspeople created the four-poster beds and armchairs, while the rest of the furnishings were supplemented with antiques sourced from across England and Wales. There is also a rooftop garden planted with British wildflowers and annuals to create an abundant paradise for bees and butterflies — and with herbs for the chef. The hotel also runs entirely on renewable energy. Read more on the hotel’s website here.
Luxury Travelers Are Still Traveling…And Spending More
There’s good news in a recent survey released about luxury travelers. Despite the potential economic downturn facing the U.S. today, they still want to travel. More than half, 52%, said their budgets were higher than pre-pandemic. Close to half, 42%, said their budgets were higher than the previous year. Travel to Europe is on the uptick, with more than half, 54%, planning a trip to the Continent, compared with 43% last year. North America is a strong destination, and 34% are planning trips to Asia, compared with only 18% last year. For more details and a listing of the most popular destinations for luxury travel, head on over to the story in Travel Weekly here.
Hospitality Professor Fails Many Chains On Branding
Some hotel companies have iconic branding, a strong point of view, are tuned into the needs of their target market, and are new, innovative, and distinct. Others, unfortunately, are stuck in a “sea of sameness” according to Chekitan Dev, a professor at Cornell Unversity’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration in the SC Johnson College of Business. How do you give travelers shorthand reasons for picking your property over others? How do you make your brand relevant or authentic? Read more in Skift here.
Cruising Is Having A Youth Movement
Traditionally a vacation choice which skews older, innovative cruise amenities, active itineraries, and young travel advisors are fueling an increase in bookings of both ocean and river cruise vacations by Gen Y and Z travelers. A 2021 study by Tripadvisor and Accenture found high-income millennials were more interested in cruising than ever before, with 58% of those polled planning to take a cruise for their next leisure trip. A combination of traveler flexibility, innovative cruise amenities, and more active, immersive itineraries are fueling younger generations to book both ocean and river cruise vacations. Read more in Travel Weekly here.