Travel & Hospitality Trends for 2019

With the start of a new year, it is always a good time to look at trending topics that could affect your business. So here are our top travel and hospitality trends for 2019. 

Airbnb aims to overshadow OTAs

In 2018 Airbnb announced several changes that would lead us to believe in their aim at rivaling OTAs. With their launch of four new categories (vacation homes, B&B, unique spaces, boutique), the addition of a “superguest” loyalty program, and new luxury levels – Airbnb Plus and Airbnb Beyond, it’s clear they plan to compete head-to-head in 2019 with OTAs. This will be something to keep an eye on in 2019.

Solo travelers

The concept of solo travel continues to be on the rise in the new year. According to Travel Leaders Group, 36% of those surveyed said that their future travel plans would include at least one solo trip. With this emerging travel category, it isn’t enough anymore to just market to large groups and couples.

To help capture this audience consider offering guided trip packages, special savings for solo travelers, and useful trip planning guides they can access through your website. Additionally, show photos on social media and your website that showcase personal stories of solo travelers. This way they can visually imagine themselves vacationing with you.

Love for off-peak travel

The lure of off-peak travel is starting to see significant gains. More and more travelers are seeking out fewer crowds, reduced rates, and unique seasonal experiences – all of which come from traveling during the off-season.

Now more than ever, knowing how to showcase why off-season travel to your destination is spectacular is critically important. Do this by creating off-season travel itineraries and travel guides with vivid photos and descriptions highlighting what your property and the area are like this time of year. Give them a reason to stay with you every day of the year!

Go green

In 2018 Booking.com found that 87% of travelers want to travel sustainably, leading hotels to go green in order to please their environmentally conscious guests and of course help the environment. While this term can mean different things to different people, implementing basic “green” practices at your property will make you more appealing to your future guests.

Here are a few ways in which you can go green:

• Limit water waste by installing low-flow shower heads and toilets
• Swap out plastic and paper cups in the rooms for reusable glasses and mugs
• If you have a restaurant or serve breakfast, consider serving local and organic foods
• Suggest your guests reuse their linens

Also, be sure to share with your guests the steps you have taken to be green via your website and social media. They won’t know unless you tell them!

Reinvented lodging packages

With travelers seeking out an experience, rather than just having another vacation – it’s now more important than ever to offer experiential and unique lodging packages. This generation’s group of travelers expect more and are looking for more to make their trip a personalized unique experience.

Read here for our tips on how to build an attractive lodging package.

Millennials make the decisions now

Millennials are the biggest driver towards the value of experiences over material goods. This shift in purchasing habits is not only seen in their personal lives but also in their careers, with business travel. According to CVENT, “55% of millennials say they extended business trips into a little extra leisure time.” Seeking career paths that offer more traveling combined with increased personal travel, the line between leisure and business travel has never been closer.

If your property caters to the business traveler be sure you are also planting the seed for them to extend their trip with you for a continued vacation. For example, if you know they are there on business or a conference is held at or near your property, offer a discounted rate for an extended stay of a few nights.

We hope you are looking forward to 2019 as much as we are! If you have any questions on how you can address these emerging trends in your business be sure to reach out to marketing@temp.rezstream.com.