Travel Consumer Insights

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.

Trend - Large technology brands are now making it easier for consumers to pay for their fares while taking public transit. These new features include smartphone wallet payments and mobile map payment tools.

Insight - Modern consumers living in bustling cities often face a fast-paced environment and are looking for effective ways to balance their work and personal life. Many consider their time precious, seeking ways to optimize their daily activities to save time. As a result, these individuals expect efficiency to be prioritized in how they engage with brands, platforms, and services.

Trend - Luxury travel brands are known to rely on unique activities to attract travelers and, most recently, the emphasis has fallen on science-backed experiences that combine education and wonder. Hotels are partnering up with scientists and experts to deliver involved and collaborative explorations of surrounding nature.

Insight - When going on vacation, contemporary consumers often look for activities that they can enjoy at their destination and much of this search is motivated by curiosity and the need to escape from the mundane. In this space, many are prioritizing activities that will allow them to learn and/or experience something new. This demand is usually driven by a desire to enrich one's life and when this is satisfied, consumers feel inspired and energized.

Trend - Airlines and airports are launching digital platforms containing information for travelers. The aim is for these platforms to house the most current information regarding COVID-19, such as rules, requirements, testing options and a space to record test results and vaccination records.

Insight - With changing travel patterns since the rise of COVID-19, it's more important than ever for consumers to be kept abreast of important rules and information while on the go. As rules surrounding social distancing, testing and quarantine are continuously evolving, travelers can find it tough to keep up with pertinent information as it arises. Quick access to this information will continue to be relevant, as the rules surrounding travel are likely here to stay.

Trend - Airlines, resorts, and travel-related brands are planning for private or semi-private flights. While before such experiences have been considered luxurious, in the post-COVID era, these services seem more like a necessity for comfort.

Insight - Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the government-imposed restrictions that have been in effect for many months, consumers have altered their habits and interactions for the sake of safety. As countries gradually reopen and the economy attempts a re-start, individuals are remaining wary and anxious in their surroundings. In order to feel comfortable, safe, and at ease, consumers are looking for more intimate services.

Trend - Companies are launching specialized mobile platforms—referred to as "digital health passports" or "immunity passports"—that will store COVID-19 immunization records and test results. These tools are envisioned as risk-mitigating solutions for travel, retail, and more.

Insight - Many consumers are struggling to keep up or even fully understand the ever-changing restrictions surrounding travel and commerce both at home and abroad. Aware that they need to present a plethora of new documentation in order to be allowed to partake in activities or travel, consumers are looking for solutions that will make their experience easier and more convenient. This allows them to be better organized and, as a result, less stressed when trying to navigate COVID-19 restrictions.