Travel Consumer Insights

Trend - Travel agencies are offering 'microcation' packages that include short-duration, event-packed getaways. These vacation are more affordable and are easier to plan than vacations, making them fit for customers of all ages. Microcations can also be taken in quick succession for versatility.

Insight - Each year, studies reflect that workers are taking fewer vacations and less off-time. This is due to rising costs of living, competitive workplaces, and scheduling constraints. As a result, many workers are gravitating toward microcations. These workers prefer microcations for the reduced cost, lowered environmental impact, the ease of slotting them into busy schedules, and the versatility of being able to take shorter vacations, but more frequently.

Trend - Adult Gen Z are frequent travelers, having grown up with social media that normalized travel and escapism. Their travel preferences are shaped by cost and personalized experiences--and brands are responding by aligning themselves with Gen Z's interests and/or helping them finance trips.

Insight - Social media has played a significant role in shaping Gen Z consumers, which is why they prioritize travel despite being early in their careers and in an uncertain economy. As more Gen Z enter the workforce, brands in the travel industry must adapt to cater to younger travelers. This includes experiences that align with their specific interests, low costs, and planning apps that cater to Gen Z's tech-focused and more impulsive approach to travel.

Trend - At face value, technologies like the Metaverse or NFTs seem antithetical to the travel industry in that they challenge the value of physical over digital. However recent developments in the tourism industry show Web3 technologies adding delight and convenience to various parts of the journey, from booking to an in-person experience.

Insight - Web3 is defined as the next iteration of the Internet; it focuses on decentralization via the Metaverse, NFTs, and token-based economics. This shift in technology is slowly impacting various consumer-facing industries, though for now, in small, experimental ways. The tourism industry is one ripe for disruption considering how much necessary change it's sustained due to the pandemic. Specifically, this industry is more open to technological and non-physical shifts than ever before as it adapted to these needs during recent COVID-related lockdowns.

Trend - Smart-planning apps for travelers are becoming more popular, particularly as pandemic-prompted travel restrictions have lifted. Now, consumers are able to create customized itineraries with the help of AI-based apps that give users a better idea of local offerings and geographies.

Insight - The use of smart technology to streamline aspects of consumers' lives has resulted in people being able to organize their time more effectively, and in a way that's personalized to their exact interests. The convenience that predictive technology offers consumers is a major draw, resulting in everything from daily rituals to infrequent events like travel being made easier with the help of AI.

Trend - As we enter a post-pandemic world and travel restrictions lift, app-based travel and activity guides are becoming the norm. These digital guide activations help travelers explore the world while limiting their contact with tour groups to remain mindful of the ongoing global health concerns.

Insight - Consumers are eager to travel now that the global vaccination rate against COVID-19 has increased, and restrictions lifted. However, travelers are maintaining some pandemic-induced habits, such as finding convenient and online alternatives to certain activities. The travel and hospitality industry is leveraging app technology to accommodate new consumer habits and continue offering guided services.

Trend - As travel opens up in a post-pandemic world, brands are once again curating experiential, pop-up experiences in airports for travelers to enjoy. These activations make use of travelers' waiting times in airports and prioritize experience over fast shopping.

Insight - When consumers are traveling by air, they typically spend a lot of time idle and waiting. This presents an opportunity for brands, as filling the time and preventing boredom become a priority for consumers who are waiting for their flights. Here, experience-based shopping is just as valuable as convenience-based shopping.

Trend - As the travel industry ramps up again, airlines are increasingly prioritizing unique in-flight experiences. Often collaborating with different businesses, airlines are now offering everything from in-flight exercise to ecommerce platforms.

Insight - With pandemic-related restrictions lifting around the world, some consumers are ready to get back to their pre-pandemic lifestyles. This means more excitement around industries like travel--particularly when they prioritize elevated experiences that help consumers justify the high costs (and current added inconveniences) of travel.

Trend - As travel becomes increasingly personalized, some airports are creating unique lounges for visitors to enjoy. These spaces include lounges made specifically for teenagers and children, as well as ones designed specifically for sleep.

Insight - Travelling has become more inconvenient and expensive over time and this acts as a major deterrent for many consumers who would otherwise be interested in it. Businesses that prioritize customer experience at all levels of travel will have an advantage over those who don't in this space.

Trend - An increasing number of hotels and resorts are addressing sleep concerns with specialized stays. These range from exclusive sleep retreats to clinical sleep packages and are designed to identify health issues while also providing a restful experience.

Insight - Influenced by the health and wellness movement, contemporary consumers are increasingly looking for ways to enhance their routines to benefit their bodies and minds. These individuals are taking charge of their health with preventative measures that emphasize exercise, healthy food, sleep, and stress reduction. As a result, many will flock to brands that provide curated offerings that fit their specific health goal.

Trend - Brands are launching bikes and bike accessories that accommodate contemporary outdoor enthusiasts. Deployed as camping transport solutions, features like comfort, packability, and weight are strongly emphasized in this category of product.

Insight - As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the government-imposed restrictions which forced many to remain at home, consumers continue to look for ways to spend time outdoors and satisfy their spirit for adventure in a manner that is safe and respectable. This has not only caused a surge in the demand for accessible outdoor travel, but it has also led consumers to prioritize their fitness and push their limits in more ways than one, leaving them satisfied with their progress and discipline.