Travellers are prioritising experiences and connections this festive season with room revenue pacing 30% ahead of 2019 for resort locations worldwide, according to the Hyatt Global Survey. 

 

With leisure travel continuing to soar, Hyatt Hotels Corporation shares the most compelling travel trends for guests and suggestions on how to make the most of festive season travel. 

 

The global survey was commissioned by Hyatt and conducted by OnePoll, who conducted an online survey of 8,500 adults across 14 countries. The top travel trends for the Europe, Africa, and Middle East (EAME) Region include: 

• When traveling with family, respondents noted that hotels and resorts are their preferred accommodation (64%); 

• 41% of travelers prefer to travel somewhere colder or snowier than where they currently live, compared to 33% who prefer somewhere hotter or sunnier than where they currently live; 

• 58% of respondents agreed that it doesn’t feel like the festive season without snow; 

• The most popular bucket list destinations include Canada, the United States and Italy; 

• Excluding holiday celebrations, the top reasons people plan to travel for are family reunions (27%), get-togethers with a friend (20%), birthdays (18%) and shopping (18%); 

• 55% of respondents would be excited to receive travel or experiences in the upcoming festive season; 

• 55% of respondents are likely to use a travel rewards program that lets them earn and redeem points, offers discounts and unique experiences; and 

• When traveling, more than half of respondents (69%) said it was important that their destination has seasonal/festive accommodations. 

 

Hotels and resorts preferred 

Spreading joy and delight, hotels and resorts are delivering on the festive spirit this time of year with seasonal décor, food, music and more. According to the global survey, nearly two-thirds (64%) of people travelling with families prefer to stay at a hotel or resort rather than a home rental, says the survey. 

 

Further, when traveling, more than half of respondents (69%) said it was important that their destination has seasonal/festive accommodations.

 

Dream getaways are making a comeback 

With leisure travel continuing to increase and many borders now open around the world, consumers are prioritising once-in-a-lifetime trips with unique experiences and opportunities to connect. According to the survey, 62% of respondents agree that the festive season is a great time to cross off a bucket list destination with some of the most popular destinations being Japan, Canada and Italy.  

 

This year, many parents and grandparents will gather with their families for the holidays, with 94% of adults ages 45+ who responded are planning to travel in December and 58% in January, indicating that connecting with loved ones is top of mind for travelers. Excluding holiday celebrations, the top reasons people plan to travel for are family reunions (27%), get-togethers with a friend (20%), birthdays (18%) and shopping (18%). - TradeArabia News Service