Seven travel trends on the horizon
Abi BrayCreated by Euromonitor International, the 2009 World Travel Market Global Trends report has revealed the seven trends to watch.
These give an insight into how the travel industry may seduce the next generation of customers despite the recession.
Euromonitor International chief of travel and tourism research Caroline Bremner said the result of the global economic downturn clearly emerges through a trend she calls ‘funemployment’.
She said that a post-recession image is emerging featuring longer term trends such as the Obama-inspired African Roots Tourism, the rebranding of Latin America as a luxury destination and hotels reserved for women in the Middle East.”
The 7 trends:
North America: Funemployment
As unemployment rates increases, some people will take advantage of the situation and use their free time to carry out other interests.
Many will have severance packages. Also more than 50% of North American unemployed are under the age of 35, mostly single, without kids or a mortgage.
The funemployed would take extended trips, more world cruises and long haul flights, and would boost the off-season occupancy rates.
UK: Pop-up hotels
Temporary hotels which come as pre-built units, with a steel frame which could be easily demolished, reducing construction times by 50% over traditional methods.
The pop-up hotels could attract a bigger consumer base by offering sustainable living at affordable prices.
Europe: Concierge travel
Travel retailers in Europe are about to offer customised concierge services to the average traveller. Usually offered to wealthy travellers who enjoy customised service to fit personal tastes, concierge services to the mid travel market will permit industry players to highlight their products by adding extra value.
Middle East: Female only accommodation
The Middle East has experienced a jump in young women who like travelling, though this is frowned upon in some Muslim nations.
Women-only hotels make solo-female travel possible. Western women could also find this appealing, given the widespread negative perceptions of male behaviour towards unaccompanied women in the Middle East.
Africa: Obama effect – roots tourism
President Obama’s visit to Ghana introduced the idea of an African tourism revival amongst African Americans.
Roots tourism is a great fit for Africa, which has still plenty of room to develop with the potential to increased economic prosperity for African communities.
Asia: Golf – Golf tourism
Chinese growth has spurred a new class of elite in the country contributing to a surge of the popularity of golf. China boasts fifth spot in the world with nearly 310 golf courses and hundreds more in the works.
Latin America: The new luxury destination
Luxury infrastructure in Latin America are seeing large investments and the region witnessed the smallest slump in wealth in 2008, offering huge potential for luxury travel.
Benefiting from biodiversity and vast natural parks, the region should see a boost in ‘eco-luxe’ travel, one which offers the combination of ‘natural’ and ‘luxury’.
The 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil will help things along especially in terms of tourism infrastructure for the country.
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Filed under Travel News, World News