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A trend in travellers seeking “bespoke experiences” is set to change the way the hotel and tourism industry works, according to a new report.
Hotels Megatrends’ report by estate agents Savills indicated that social media was shaping the way people travelled and took holidays with a predicted change by 2030.
The report suggested that facial recognition software would be commonly used to speed up check-in and 3D technology would allow travellers to interact in real time. It also predicted that and large work spaces would be offered with the opportunity to sub-let.
The report went on to say that hotel room sizes would shrink to accommodate communal spaces as the industry prepared to compete with home-sharing platforms. It also expected a polarisation in online and offline accommodations, with a strong distinction between hi-tech properties and offline “sanctuaries” for those wanting a “digital detox”.
Ecotourism was predicted “becoming a way of life” as 75% of baby-boomers and millennials said they were prepared to travel more sustainably without compromising comfort.
George Nicholas, global head of hotels at Savills, said: “Young travellers prioritise ‘experience’ and creating bespoke trips to maximise their leisure time, making them dubious of impersonal hotels and of following well-trodden tourist trails.
“Alongside this you have the already well-travelled baby boomers who are not willing to compromise on comfort or experience as they grow older.”
He added: “Hotels therefore will need to focus on what they can provide that is truly unique and how they can tailor and personalise their offer, be that for a 22-year-old single traveller or a 65-year-old couple, to continue to capture their custom in 2030.”
