#Trending This Week - The Strength Of Travel For 2024, A Focus On Activating Outside Spaces, Food, Culture, and Sleep Driving Travel Decisions, And 2024 Wellness Trends

Issue 170 • December 12, 2023

We have to admit it, right now everyone is focused on 2024. As we’ve pretty much checked 2023 off the list, here’s what the travel and hospitality industries are looking at this week. Travel looks strong for 2024 despite concerns over higher costs and an unsettled Middle East. Guests are yearning for a seat outside whenever possible and hotels should be doing all they can to activate exterior spaces. Food, culture, and sleep are big drivers for leisure travel decisions next year, having considerable impact on where people travel. And wellbeing continues to thrive with every coming year and it’s no different for 2024. Those involved in the wellness movement are taking innovation to new levels by weaving wellbeing into every aspect of the guest journey. Check it all out in our two-minute read below.

Travel Looks Strong For 2024

The new Visa Global Travel Intentions study is showing travel will continue well into 2024. Key indicators demonstrate Americans are now prioritizing leisure time and travel, finally using all of their vacation days and taking as much time as they can. They are investing more money on their trips, are willing to spend more to accommodate last-minute changes in their itinerary, seek sustainable travel options, and are booking accommodation and transportation less than three months prior to arrival. Read more in Travel Pulse here.

Guests Yearn For A Seat Outside

There are a variety of trends reshaping the hospitality business and a key one is the fact that guests want a seat outside (weather permitting). Since the rooftop boom of the early 2010's exploded, consumers’ desire to have a seat outside has only increased. Fresh air, natural light, a cozy fire, beautiful sunsets, dramatic skylines, great holiday card or Instagram backdrops, and incredible views have all provided elevated, memorable experiences. Read more in Hotel Executive here.

Food, Culture, And Sleep Are Big Travel Drivers For 2024

Hilton recently released its Profile of the 2024 Traveler and it has some interesting findings. Of particular note, travelers will invest in their sleep, value connectivity and personalization, culture and experiences will drive leisure travel decisions (particularly involving food), and business travel trends will redefine expectations as it relates to extending a business trip to incorporate some leisure time or bringing along a friend or family member. Read more on Hilton here.

2024 Wellness Trends

And while we are on the topic of 2024 trends, there’s still a lot to be said about wellness. At the forefront of hospitality and wellbeing is Accor, a brand driving incredible change in this space. Key areas of influence to note for the coming year are social wellbeing and a focus on shared wellness, active nutrition with diet-diverse menus, optimizing sleep for wellbeing, fusing technology and wellness, and athlete-inspired wellness. Read more in Travel Daily Media here.