Travel has become more accessible than ever. At the same time, unique travel experiences, especially ones that can be posted to Instagram, are the newest status symbol, replacing luxury handbags, high-end cars or well-tailored suits. In CallisonRTKL’s latest digital report, the hospitality team researched innovate ways for the hospitality industry to stay competitive.
It may feel like websites offering last-minute travel deals, group holidays and all-inclusive vacation discounts have been around forever, but it wasn’t too long ago that using a travel agent to book your vacation wasn’t optional and what feels fussy today was the height of luxury.
Between business and leisure travelers, hotel guests spend upwards of $940 billion a year. And on average, they make more than double the average income in the United States. This is a prime market for a lot of reasons, but in the age of Airbnb, home-sharing and the cachet of hyperlocal experiences, hotel owners and designers continue their quest to pinpoint the motivations and inspirations of today’s hotel guests.
And make no mistake: Influence is the currency of the day. The biggest influencers of the moment are peer networks, a search for authentic experiences, eco and socially conscious choices and intuitive, cutting-edge tech.
As our world gets smaller, connectivity is driving almost every industry, including hospitality and travel. Here are five categories to give hotel brands and developers a leg-up in the battle for survival.