Popular & Emerging Terms in The Travel & Hospitality Industry That are Shaping Trends
1. Bleisure
Definition: A blend of "business" and "leisure," referring to travelers who combine work trips with personal vacation time.
Example: An employee attending a conference in Paris extends their stay over the weekend to explore the city.
Trend Impact: Hotels and destinations are creating packages that cater to work and play, such as offering coworking spaces alongside leisure amenities.
2. Workcation
Definition: A trip where individuals work remotely while also enjoying the perks of a vacation destination.
Example: A professional works from a beachfront resort while enjoying leisure activities during off-hours.
Trend Impact: Hotels are providing amenities like high-speed internet, quiet workspaces, and extended stay discounts to attract remote workers.
3. Slow Travel
Definition: A focus on spending more time in fewer destinations to immerse oneself in local culture and reduce travel stress.
Example: Spending a month in Tuscany living like a local, rather than rushing through multiple European cities in one week.
Trend Impact: Encourages destinations to offer longer-stay packages and emphasize authentic cultural experiences.
4. Sustainable Travel
Definition: Travel that minimizes negative environmental and social impacts while supporting local economies and cultures.
Example: Staying at eco-friendly accommodations or participating in conservation-focused tours.
Trend Impact: Sustainability is becoming a core selling point for destinations and hotels, with certifications and green practices drawing eco-conscious travelers.
5. Regenerative Travel
Definition: Goes beyond sustainability by aiming to leave a destination better than it was before the traveler arrived.
Example: Travelers participating in community projects, conservation efforts, or supporting reforestation programs.
Trend Impact: Destinations and operators are promoting hands-on experiences that positively impact local communities and ecosystems.
6. Set-Jetting
Definition: Traveling to destinations featured in popular movies or TV shows.
Example: Visiting Iceland to see filming locations for Game of Thrones.
Trend Impact: Locations used in major productions are leveraging this trend by offering themed tours and experiences.
7. Staycation
Definition: A vacation taken close to home or at a nearby hotel, often for relaxation or a quick escape.
Example: Spending a weekend at a luxury hotel in your city rather than traveling far.
Trend Impact: Hotels market packages to local residents, especially during periods of limited international travel.
8. Adventurecation
Definition: A trip that combines leisure travel with adventurous activities like hiking, kayaking, or rock climbing.
Example: A family booking a resort stay that includes guided hikes and zip-lining tours.
Trend Impact: Destinations and resorts are incorporating more outdoor and thrill-based activities into their offerings.
9. Transformational Travel
Definition: A type of travel aimed at personal growth, self-discovery, and meaningful experiences.
Example: Attending a yoga retreat in Bali or participating in a volunteer program abroad.
Trend Impact: Hotels and tour operators are designing experiences that focus on mindfulness, wellness, and personal enrichment.
10. Wellcation
Definition: A vacation centered around health, wellness, and rejuvenation.
Example: A trip to a resort offering spa treatments, fitness programs, and nutritional workshops.
Trend Impact: Wellness tourism continues to grow, with hotels expanding their spa and fitness offerings to attract health-conscious travelers.
11. Foodie Tourism
Definition: Travel focused on exploring local cuisines, food festivals, and culinary experiences.
Example: Visiting Tuscany for wine and cheese tastings or taking a cooking class in Thailand.
Trend Impact: Destinations are creating food-centric itineraries to attract culinary enthusiasts.
12. Digital Nomad Travel
Definition: Long-term travel by individuals who work remotely from different locations around the world.
Example: A software developer spending six months working from coworking spaces in Bali, Lisbon, and Mexico City.
Trend Impact: Destinations and hotels are offering digital nomad visas, coworking amenities, and community-building activities.
These terms highlight how travel is diversifying to meet changing consumer preferences and lifestyles, offering new opportunities for hotels, CVBs, DMOs, and other industry stakeholders to innovate and cater to niche markets.