Travelers are prioritizing experiences and connections this festive season with room revenue pacing 30% ahead of 2019 for resort locations worldwide. With leisure travel continuing to soar.
A global survey was commissioned by Hyatt and conducted by OnePoll, who conducted an online survey of 8,500 adults across 14 countries. The top travel trends for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (EAME) regions includes:
- When traveling with family, respondents noted that hotels and resorts are their preferred accommodation (64%).
- 41% of travelers prefer to travel somewhere colder or snowier than where they currently live, compared to 33% who prefer somewhere hotter or sunnier than where they currently live.
- 58% of respondents agreed that it doesn’t feel like the festive season without snow.
- The most popular bucket list destinations include Canada, the United States and Italy.
- Excluding holiday celebrations, the top reasons people plan to travel for are family reunions (27%), get-togethers with a friend (20%), birthdays (18%), and shopping (18%).
- 55% of respondents would be excited to receive travel or experiences in the upcoming festive season.
- 55% of respondents are likely to use a travel rewards program that lets them earn and redeem points, and offers discounts and unique experiences.
- When traveling, more than half of respondents (69%) said it was important that their destination has seasonal/festive accommodations.
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Hotels and resorts preferred over home rentals
Spreading joy and delight, hotels and resorts are delivering on the festive spirit this time of year with seasonal décor, food, music, and more. According to the global survey, nearly two-thirds (64%) of people traveling with families prefer to stay at a hotel or resort rather than a home rental. Further, when traveling, more than half of respondents (69%) said it was important that their destination has seasonal/festive accommodations.
Temperature Continues to Drive Seasonal Travel Plans: Snow is the Number One Preference
While some travelers may seek a reprieve from the cold in sunny destinations, 58% of respondents agree that it doesn’t feel like the festive season without snow. 41% of travelers prefer to travel somewhere colder or snowier than where they currently live, compared to 33% who prefer somewhere hotter or sunnier than where they currently live.
Global, Dream Getaways making a comeback, with Canada, the US, and Italy part of most popular destinations
With leisure travel continuing to increase and many borders now open around the world, consumers are prioritizing once-in-a-lifetime trips with unique experiences and opportunities to connect. According to the survey, 62% of respondents agree that the festive season is a great time to cross off a bucket list destination with some of the most popular destinations being Japan, Canada, and Italy.
Multi-generational families seek togetherness and to reunite with loved ones through travel
This year, many parents and grandparents will gather with their families for the holidays, with 94% of adults ages 45+ who responded are planning to travel in December and 58% in January, indicating that connecting with loved ones is top of mind for travelers. Excluding holiday celebrations, the top reasons people plan to travel for are family reunions (27%), get-togethers with a friend (20%), birthdays (18%), and shopping (18%).
Say goodbye to wrapped presents: Travel and unique Experiences top consumers’ wish lists
While some people enjoy a traditional gift, experiences create memories – which is why 55% of respondents noted they would be excited to receive travel or an experience such as a vacation, plane tickets, spa and meditation session, or a cooking class as a gift this year. When it comes to gift giving, consider an unforgettable travel adventure or an immersive experience this festive season.
Loyalty programs reign supreme during festive season as travelers make the most of budgets
Loyalty programs provide travelers with more ways to save and more reasons to gather all year round, especially during the festive season. 55% of survey respondents said they would use a travel rewards program that lets them earn and redeem points, offers discounts, and features unique experiences, and 51% said if there was an impressive travel reward program offer, they would change their travel plans or go out of their way to earn and redeem points.
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