#Trending This Week: These Small Touches Impact Repeat Hotel Business, Charcuterie Boards Have Competition, There's A Renewed Interest In This Age-Old Sport, And Have You Heard About The Latest Minis?
Issue 112 • October 4, 2022
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about alcohol-free cocktails, but bartenders have a new plan to address those who don’t want to imbibe too much or are hesitant to invest money in a fancy drink they may not like. A new study shows which elements have a big impact on a guest’s choice to return to a hotel. Move over charcuterie boards, there’s a new option in town. And the pandemic gave a boost to one sport which was starting to lag in growth. Check it all out in our three-minute read below.
Scent, Artwork, And Music Impact Repeat Business
In a recent survey by hotel commerce platform SiteMinder, 78% of working travelers and 60% of leisure travelers report the “little things” – a property’s scent, its artwork or the restaurant’s music – “always” or “often” impact whether they would consider returning to a property. Other stats to note are that 85% of travelers are willing to pay for add-ons during their next stay, particularly breakfast (50%) and a view (34%). Read more in PhocusWire here.
Butter Boards Are In
Move over charcuterie boards, the hottest new food trend is the “Butter Board”. Currently all the rage on TikTok, a communal butter board is taking the foodie world by storm. Basically it is softened butter feathered out on a wooden cutting board or a slate or marble cheese platter and then adorned with all sorts of toppings. Drizzle honey. Grate lemon zest. Scatter edible flowers or chile flakes. Add figs and flaky salt and serve it with bread. Read more in The New York Times here. Photo Credit: Joshua McFadden.
The Mini Cocktail Has Arrived
Typically consisting of just a few ounces, the mini-cocktail has often been served as a bartender handshake or to favored guests. But recently, more and more bartenders have been offering half-size or miniature versions of menu mainstays for those who want to sample a cocktail to see if they like it, as an option for people who don’t want to drink too much at lunch, and for those who simply seek something more affordable during these inflationary times. Read more in Punch here.
Golf Got A Boost From The Pandemic
Some say golf was on the way out, but the pandemic created a golf boom as people sought out more outdoor recreational activities. In 2021, the number of women ages 18 and older who played golf in the U.S. grew to 5.1 million, up 8.5% from 2019, according to the National Golf Foundation. And now tour operators and travel agents are getting in on the act to create more female-oriented golf getaways. Read more in Travel Weekly here.