#Trending This Week — Which Generation Will Travel More This Year, Sustainable Travel Continues To Grow, A Farm-To-Skin Spa Experience, And Everyone Wants A Villa!
Issue 125 • January 31, 2023
Happy Tuesday! There are so many shifts going on in the world today from the rise of AI replacing human journalists to how inflation continues to impact industry sectors including travel. Not surprisingly, this year is bringing a shift in what travelers want, and very interesting to note — who can still afford to travel and who can’t. And despite cost concerns, sustainable travel is still on the rise. There’s a Caribbean resort offering a unique farm-to-skin spa experience, and while it might seem that Airbnbs are all the rage, the reality is people prefer villas or residential-style accommodations on the property of a full-service hotel or resort because they prefer the extra space of the home, BUT they also want easy access to dining, spa, and other hotel amenities. Check it all out in our three-minute read below.
2023 Brings A Shift In What Travelers Want
Consumer mindsets have shifted and their needs are changing when it comes to travel. Yes COVID lockdowns and the current economy with increased pricing on EVERYTHING has definitely impacted travel decisions as well. According to a recent report by WeTravel, the key findings include a greater hunger for adventure travel and more ways to pay including installment payments. Another notable shift is that women now account for more than two-thirds of tour and multi-day travel bookings. Higher travel costs are also pricing out some of the younger generations with the greatest growth in travel bookings coming from the 40-55 age group, followed by the 61-plus group. Read more in PhocusWire here.
Sustainable Travel Continues To Grow
A major new report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Trip.com, and Deloitte, reveals a heightened appetite for sustainable tourism among consumers, with 69% of travelers actively seeking sustainable travel options. Another finding: nearly 60% of travelers said they were either already paying to offset their carbon emissions or considering it if the price was right. Read more in Insider Travel Report here.
This Property Offers A Farm-To-Skin Spa Experience
These days it’s all about offering something unique and unusual to not just grab publicity but to set yourselves apart from the competition. Sure, we’ve all heard of farm-to-table offerings, but have you ever heard of a farm-to-skin experience? The Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios has introduced a Farm to Skin foraging experience that enables guests to forage for natural ingredients in its tropical gardens which can be used to create spa products for treatments at the resort's spa. Read more in Travel Weekly here. 📷 = Mair Photos.
Villa Style Accommodations In Great Demand
When it comes to villas and residential-style accommodations, hotels and resorts around the world are finding they just can't have enough product. Everyone wants the exclusivity and extra space which come with residential-style accommodations — yet rather than rent a standalone villa, they also want access to a full-service property with golf, spa, and dining options nearby. Read more in Travel Weekly here.
Are You Doing Something Innovative At Your Hotel Or Travel Company?
We are always in search of something new or innovative to feature in #Trending. If you have something really unique and cool going on that ties in with a growing trend, please tell us about it. Reach out to Jane Coloccia at Jane@JCCommunicationsllc.com.