#Trending This Week - Wellness Tourism, Classic Desserts, Kid-Friendly Amenities, Time Is Money, And Short-Haul Travel
Issue 222 • November 12, 2024
It’s a new week and that means a fresh focus on all things travel and hospitality. WELLNESS TOURISM is getting turned on its head as generations are viewing aging from a completely new perspective. CLASSIC DESSERTS are making a comeback as pastry chefs are focusing less on the trendy and more on innovative ways to bring nostalgic sweets back. Hotels have been chasing families for years now, but they haven’t done much in the way of making their KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES very modern. TIME IS MONEY as everything from airlines and hotels to tourist attractions are realizing they can earn big bucks by having travelers pay more to save time. And as consumers are still struggling with a difficult economy, SHORT-HAUL TRAVEL is dominating as people look to save money but still have valuable, enriching experiences. Check it all out in our three-minute read below.
The Future Of Wellness Tourism
Health and wellness as we now know it, is being turned on its head. Baby Boomers are prioritizing health and longevity to navigate aging as self-empowered individuals rather than passive patients. Gen Z is acutely aware of age at an early age. With people living longer and more countries extending retirement age, midlifers are tapping into another growing trend -- nomadism --- to reimagine alternative lifestyles. And all of this impacts travel. Read more at Finn Partners here.
Classic Desserts Are Making A Comeback
Hip, cool, and innovative desserts have had their moment, but nostalgia is winning out as classic desserts are making a comeback. Rice pudding, baked-to-order chocolate chip cookies, apple cider donuts, banana splits, and yes, even bundt cakes are finding their way back to the table — albeit with a modern twist. Read more in Town & Country here.
New Ways To Make Hotels Kid-Friendly
If you are still giving out coloring books, teddy bears, and cookies and milk as part of your kid-friendly amenities, it’s time to rethink those offerings. So what does the future look like? Think children’s loyalty programs, collectible tokens, children’s minibars, location-based audio experiences, and video games. Read more in Travel Weekly here.
Time Is Worth Big Bucks
Speedy boarding, skipping the line, the fast lane — travelers are willing to pay extra to essentially get their time back. More and more companies today are offering subscription-based services for gear rentals and other conveniences, allowing travelers to avoid lines and save time. In fact, consumers are increasingly willing to pay for expedited screening programs and early hotel check-in, with Americans more likely to splurge on these perks than travelers from other countries. Read more in The Wall Street Journal here.
Short-Haul Travel Is On The Rise
As households worldwide face rising financial pressures, short haul travel is dominating. Persistent inflation in recent years has shaped a new generation of cost-conscious travelers, who prioritize affordability while still seeking high-quality experiences. This trend is expected to become more pronounced in 2025, with over 80% of tourism experts indicating price sensitivity will play a significant role in travel decisions. As a result, many travelers are looking for ways to optimize their budgets without compromising on the quality of their experiences. Read more in Travel & Tour World here.