Post-Brexit Predictions
Post Brexit, short-haul holidays are proving much more popular than long-haul since the pound has dropped making UK staycations that much more popular. This serves as an undeniable short-term gain for UK tourism due as previously unobtainable getaways have and will become that more affordable and subsequently accessible.
This year will still see travel at key place of investment for the super wealthy with the super-rich showing little sign of reducing their travel budgets and with majority of our clients spending just as much.
2017 Travel Predictions
- The discerning travel is looking for destinations that are changing rapidly or even disappearing (i.e. Cuba)
- Travellers are also seeking exotic adventures in fast-changing destinations, giving them a truly unique trip that no two people will experience the same
- Top global destinations: Italy, South America, France, Iceland, Australia
- Top travel motivations: Exploring new destinations, seeking authentic experiences, rest and relaxation, personal enrichment, seeking adventure
Travel trends for 2017
Travel as Transformational
- Many are not investing money in holidays dependent on what they gain on an educational level. We have seen a rise in popularity and growth from destinations offering experiences that include special events, speakers and educational courses that deliver unique knowledge and insight to travellers
- Travel is now a tool for education and serving as one of the most valuable ways of spending time together and making memories with many regular travellers being time poor they place a very high value on their holidays with loved ones
The New Runway – with wellbeing at the forefront of many of our minds a new trend is being healthy from the get go on a holiday, starting at the airport. This is evident by spaces being specifically created for yoga and meditation at San Francisco airport, O’Hare in Chicago and Heathrow, London. Roam Fitness start-up opening first airport gym at Baltimore-Washington International with plans to open more.
Digital detox – with holidays being a prime time for people to switch off from their fast-paced lives a lot of destinations are now offering no mobile or Wi-Fi connection (Brenners, The Ranch Malibu, Nayara Springs). Interesting to note that 16% of travellers are choosing destinations with no internet access and 9% actively seeking places with no mobile signal
Multigenerational Travel
- The retired generation is wealthier than ever, and subsequently we have seen a rise and growing trend of three generations travelling together, hotels (particularly in Europe) are creating multi-room suites to compete with apartment and home rentals for larger groups, we receive many requests for connecting rooms. Destinations that have something for everyone: Australia, Hawaii, Ireland, Scotland, Israel
- Travel is now a tool for education and serving as one of the most valuable ways of spending time together and making memories with many regular travellers being time poor they place a very high value on their holidays with loved ones
The United Nations has declared 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development
Rise in Value of the Travel Agent – with many people being inundated with irrelevant and untailored travel information online there is a growing need for time-saving, high-quality guidance found in in the travel agent. This will continue to develop as time poor High Net Worth individuals look for and are in need of specialist expert assistance.
What are the key things that the discerning traveller is looking for in a holiday?
- Travelers today crave active experiences that are customised to their interests and abilities, and are venturing all over the globe to find them. South Africa retains its spot as the world’s top adventure travel destination, followed by the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica and New Zealand.
- Travelers are seeking fresh territory, with exploring new destinations serving as the coming year’s top travel motivator. And no short jaunts for the affluent, as international trips of two weeks or longer are topping the list
What countries/locations are ones to watch in 2017
- Top Endangered / Changing Destinations: Cuba, Antarctica, Great Barrier Reef, Venice, The Arctic
- Top Emerging Destinations: Cuba, Iceland, Croatia, South Africa, Japan
Millennial Travellers
- Vacation type: Safari and wildlife, skiing and snowboarding, wedding, birthday and bachelor party
- Destinations: Japan, England, France, Germany, Brazil
- Millennials want experiences at their fingertips – travel / digital union