In the wake of the pandemic, travel preferences are changing, as mentioned in our article on preparing for summer 2022. We looked at a few trends relating to business travel, such as the increase in working vacations and providing space for digital nomads to work.

Additional trends have been emerging recently and people are seeking freedom and adventure more than ever.

1. Solo Travel

Booking.com has seen a surge in solo travel based on a study of 20,500 travelers. The study showed that 40% of baby boomers had taken a solo trip during the previous year, and that ad additional 21% were planning one. In addition, research by MMGY Global has shown that 25% of Americans intend to book a solo trip within the next six months.

Perhaps those who spent many months at home with their families every day are now seeking alone time. For others, perhaps the idea of solo travel brings a sense of freedom that we all craved during the pandemic.

Another possible explanation for the increase in solo travel is that some individuals felt more comfortable traveling again sooner than others, forcing those who were ready to branch out on their own, instead of waiting for family members or friends to follow suit.

2. Trip Stacking

The pandemic triggered the so-called practice of trip stacking where, as you know, travelers book multiple trips for a given timeframe in case of unexpected changes relating to restrictions. To deter guests from trip stacking, many properties introduced non-refundable booking fees or made changes to their cancellation policies.

While sudden regulatory changes may still occur in some locations, the chances are now slim in many popular destinations – hopefully, the industry will soon enjoy the end of this inconvenient trend.

3. Increased Spending

Consumers are now more interested in having a good experience than saving money. Perhaps lockdowns have given the public a new perspective on life, as travelers are now willing to visit destinations further afield, spend more money, and “dust off their bucket lists”. It’s not necessarily just the cost per trip that will increase, but the frequency of trips, as more people have started to prioritize travel in general. In addition, many people are now visiting family they had not been able to see for the past two years.

Consumers are likely to increase spending within reason, but with the inflation brought on by the war in Ukraine and other factors, some of your clientele may be looking to make savings after paying for accommodation and travel. Given the steep increase in food and dining costs, go the extra mile to entice them into your property’s restaurant.

4. Demand for Sustainability

The pandemic brought us all a stark reminder of what we’ve been doing to our planet, with photographs of clear skies and cleaner-than-ever oceans flooding the internet. As a result, the travel industry has seen an increase in consumer concern about sustainability. For example, in a study by Sabre, 87% of consumers stated that sustainability was either very or somewhat important to them, with 77% expecting travel companies to provide more sustainable options. Entice eco-aware guests by further developing your sustainability initiatives and communicating that commitment to them.

Will the trends last?

Time will tell how long each of these trends will last, though some of them may be with us for good. Be ready to respond to changes in the industry with our Property Management System, RoomMaster. By streamlining operations, adapting to flexible consumer demands becomes that much easier. Find out how our software can assist you here.