#Trending This Week - The $495K Dinner, Amex Travel Trends, Leveraging Social Media, Private Jet Bookings, And Gen Z
Issue 182 • March 19, 2024
As each new generation comes of age, they have an impact on the travel and hospitality space, and GEN Z is no different. If anything, they are traveling earlier and farther than any generation before them. SPACE TRAVEL seems to pique the interest of a lot of people — particularly the wealthy. If you have the money, I guess you want to be the first to experience the next new frontier. But will they want to spend $475,000 on what is being billed as the most expensive dinner in the world — even if it comes with an earthly view? 2024 TRAVEL TREND WATCHING is all the rage now and American Express is the latest company to debut its annual survey. The news seems good as people want to take a major trip this year — even if they aren’t necessarily celebrating anything momentous. SOCIAL MEDIA has really evolved in the hospitality industry over the last decade or so with brands using it not so much just to have a page for people to visit, but to truly engage with them before, during, and after their visit. And LUXURY TRAVEL is looking good as private jet and business class airline ticket bookings are up. Check it all out in our three-minute read below.
The Ultimate Foodie Experience — In Space
Diners have always been willing to spend more for a meal with a great view, but will they cough up $495,000 for what is being billed as the world’s most expensive meal? The fascination with space continues to drive odd new experiences and this time a company called SpaceVIP is offering a gourmet meal by a Michelin-star chef in a space balloon. You really can’t make this stuff up. Read more in The Robb Report here.
The Whys, Hows, And Whens Of Travel In 2024
The American Express 224 Global Travel Trends Report is out and here’s what they have to say. As we’ve reported before, traveling for sporting events this year is big — no surprise in an Olympics year. But we’re also seeing interest in taking a major trip in 2024 (whether they have something big to celebrate or not), going solo to ensure the most personalized itinerary possible, booking last minute to be incredibly spontaneous, and leaving room in their itinerary to do things on a whim. Read more at American Express here.
The Evolution Of Social Media In Hospitality
There was a time — not so very long ago — when hotels would have a Facebook or Instagram page just because you had to. Now, savvy hotel marketers are evolving the use of social media in hospitality to engage with the guests well before they walk through the doors as well as during and after their stay. Hotels are involving the entire staff including mixologists, front desk agents, and wedding and event coordinators to continually provide content to build familiarity and create buzz long before a guest walks through the front doors. Read more in Hotel Business here.
Private Jet And Business Class Ticket Bookings Are Up
Travel booking stats are showing a clear trend: luxury travelers want personalized, comfortable, and exclusive experiences. This is evidenced by the increase in private jet bookings as well as business class airline seat bookings — because many individuals with busy schedules want a less stressful flying experience and are willing to pay for the privilege. Read more about flying and other luxury travel trends in Travel Weekly here.
Gen Z Is Traveling…A Lot
Gen Z is apparently breaking all of the rules when it comes to travel and prioritizes travel above more traditional paths. While other generations are more likely to wait until they have a certain level of income before spending on trips, 61% of Gen Z travelers earn less than $50,000 annually yet it certainly isn’t stopping them from getting out and seeing the world. Read more in Travel + Leisure here.