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world tourism day 2024 travel as a catalyst for understanding

Travel as a Catalyst for Understanding: World Tourism Day

&nbsp;In recent years, the service and marketing industries have shifted their focus from accommodating Millennials as the 'future generation' to now integrating Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Born from the late 1990s to early 2010s, Gen Z and the children of Millennials, known as Gen Alpha, are already making significant impacts and are considered the true 'travellers of the future'.&nbsp;The industry is set on capturing the attention – and spending power – of these up-and-coming demographics of jetsetters, which makes sense given that Gen Z have risen to represent around one third of the global population.&nbsp;A recent study by the European Travel Commission revealed that younger travellers are more likely to: &nbsp;Return to, and add more value to, destinations over time.Discover and actively seek out new, less-popular travel destinations.Incorporate technology into the planning of, and during, their trips.Seek personal cultural experiences, benefits, and contribute to local communities in-destination.&nbsp;It should be noted that Gen Z is currently one of the highest spending demographics in the travel sector. Despite not being individually wealthy, their collective spending power heavily contributes to their travel experiences. This generation's strong alignment between their values and consumer behaviours further solidifies their influence in the market. &nbsp;&nbsp;Let’s take a look at how the ‘travellers of the future’ are changing the landscape of travel and tourism.&nbsp;The impact of younger generations on travel trendsDid you know that Gen Z alone constitutes a spending power of around global spending power of $143 billion (a figure that is only increasing) and accounts for about 40% of all consumers? Or that Millennials and Gen Z consumers will make up 45% of luxury sales by 2025?&nbsp;Digital-native travellersThe upbringing of Gen Z and Gen A in a digital era has resulted in their development during crucial formative years, constantly exposed to evolving and easily accessible technologies.&nbsp;In terms of seeking out assistance from a travel provider, rather than doing things themselves, the likelihood of Gen Z doing so is influenced by various factors. However, among them all, Gen Z tends to prioritise technology integration, easy booking procedures, social environments that encourage connections with fellow guests, interactive communication with service providers, and personalised experiences.&nbsp;In light of Gen Z's ability to meet their own needs through their technological proficiency, it is crucial for travel providers to find ways to engage with this constantly connected generation, such as through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs).&nbsp;How to attract and accommodate ‘digital-native’ travellers:Highlight the benefits of using an agency over an OTA – &nbsp;in your content, your communications or ads, your website, everywhere.Personalise all communications to the right audience, at the right time. Gen Z wants individual experiences; use this to your advantage as a distributor who can offer them.Ensure your approach is ‘mobile-first’ - whether it’s marketing or fighting for a spot on the top results in a search engine, what’s important to know is that 80% of Gen Z travellers use smartphones to research and book their travel. Compete with OTAs and be seen.Create engaging online content – you can’t book travel for customers who can’t find your services. Not only do you need to be seen, but younger travellers need to be convinced of why they should use an agency over an OTA. Convenience is everything – but personalisation is a huge motivator for this audience.Embrace technology and digital experiences – incorporate and promote tech-based recommendations, from hotels that offer AI powered air-con and mobile check-in to using a travel booking platform that has flexible payments – like our Booking Engine.&nbsp;&nbsp;Travel influencersGen Z spends an average of 10.6 hours per day online, making them the most digitally connected generation, and in 2023, around 29% of Gen Zers were inspired to travel to a destination by TikTok. Meanwhile, around 54% of parents say their Gen Alpha child spends up to four hours a day on social media.&nbsp;Many members of Generation Z and Millennials, more than their Gen X counterparts, find travel inspiration predominantly through online platforms. Social media, with its use of hashtags, geotags, and content sharing, provides a convenient way for users to discover and explore various destinations, attractions, and experiences worldwide. Travel businesses and influencers play vital roles in showcasing these destinations through engaging content, essentially serving as virtual tour guides for their audiences.&nbsp;A recent study discovered that approximately 75% of travellers in the UK, US, Australia, China, and Japan utilise social media for travel inspiration. Leading the pack are platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. Interestingly, 48% of travellers end up visiting destinations they stumble upon or are intrigued by on social media. &nbsp;&nbsp;Notably, during their searches, many users actively seek out new destinations, hidden gems, and unique travel experiences.&nbsp;Research indicates that the largest source of inspiration for young travellers is television, news outlets, or movies at 64%, followed closely by recommendations from friends and family at 47%. These findings highlight the significant impact of social media on the preferences of the younger generation of travellers, surpassing even the influence of personal recommendations.Build a positive online social presence to capture Gen Z travellersAnd considering the prevalence and importance of social media in their travel-making decisions, it’s fair to say that Gen Z – and even Millennials - are travel influencers too. &nbsp;&nbsp;It is important to note that for every interaction your Gen Z customers have with your customer service, booking, pre-and post-travel experiences, they are highly likely to share their feedback online, whether positive or negative. Therefore, social media plays a crucial role in the success or failure of travel companies.&nbsp;What does your online presence say about you as a travel provider?Are you creating engaging content? Is it the right content for your audience?Are you paying attention to what previous and existing customers say about you or your business?&nbsp;&nbsp;What do travellers want? Experiential TourismA large proportion of Millennial travellers seek culturally immersive, experiential travel – a chance to ‘get under the skin’ of their destination and create personally fulfilling experiences. &nbsp;&nbsp;Generation Z is known for seeking unique experiences, and as the first digitally native generation, their travel preferences reflect a technology-first approach from the start of trip planning all the way to sharing experiences during and after their travels. &nbsp;&nbsp;Most of all, both demographics are proven (find stats) to want and prioritise: &nbsp;Experiential travel – with a focus on authenticity in-destination.Wellness experiences – from holistic therapies to silent travel, wellness is driven by what wellness means to individual travellers, resulting in demands for bespoke experiences.Cultural and destination immersion &nbsp;Niche travel – such as agri-tourism, eco-travel, halal travel, adventure travel and more.&nbsp;The Gen Z demographic is increasingly showing a preference for authenticity in destination experiences. This shift towards experiential travel reflects a desire for bespoke, tailor-made travel experiences rather than the traditional 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Building on the cultural immersion focus of Millennials, Gen Z is leading the way in seeking experiences that align with their values. The trend is towards personalised, unique travel experiences that cater to the individual preferences of this generation.&nbsp;From ‘set-jetting’ travel to luxury culinary tourism, solo travel and wellness tourism, such as ‘silent travel’, there’s no denying the fact that as well as being motivated by a desire for self-discovery, cultural immersion, and localised experiences, Gen Z are just as inspired by ‘on-screen’ destinations, social media and a keen social and environmental awareness.&nbsp;In order to appeal to this future-focused generation of travellers, it is important to stay up-to-date on popular culture knowledge and have environmentally friendly recommendations readily available.&nbsp;See our top travel trends here!&nbsp;&nbsp;Sustainable Travel for the futureAs evidenced by recent data, sustainable travel is a top priority for Millennials and Generation Z travellers. 82% of Millennials have expressed a strong desire for travel options that are environmentally friendly.&nbsp;Promote sustainable travel options – from hotels that are certified as sustainable and single-use plastic-free (you’ll find these in our Booking Engine) to tours that have reduced their single-use plastic waste.Practice what you preach – many travel companies have signed the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism as signatories, or seek sustainability certification as part of the Sustainable Travel Agencies Certification. &nbsp;Adopt sustainable practices in your day-to-day – a key example would be to use digital travel brochures.Support local causes – recommend locally owned restaurants, tours and own voices from a portfolio of trustworthy and sustainable travel products – like our Booking Engine.Invest in ‘regenerative’ schemes – we're dedicated to planting tens of thousands of trees in the Hotelbeds Forest.&nbsp;Conscious travel is top of the demands list for many younger travellers, from sustainable travel practices and experiences that benefit local communities, to voluntourism and regenerative travel, alongside their undercurrent of desire for unique experiences.Discover more about overtourism, and the importance of promoting sustainable tourism here.&nbsp;The impact of Gen Alpha on modern familial travelThe growing utilisation of travel technology and enhancements in travel accessibility across various demographics worldwide have created new opportunities for younger generations to travel more easily and affordably. This shift is transforming the expectations of younger travellers as travel becomes more convenient and economical, especially in regions with advanced travel infrastructures.&nbsp;Given this, Gen A is expected to be the most mobile traveller yet.&nbsp;This not only affects the future travel patterns of Generation A, but also their current impact on modern family travel. In fact, approximately 43% of families with Generation A children are influenced or inspired by them when planning a trip.&nbsp;Although the older generations still play a key role in decision-making due to their ability to book trips, Gen A is actively sharing travel-related content on social media and indirectly influencing family travel decisions. Use this insight to provide experience-led recommendations to families with Gen A children.&nbsp;A high number of families are prioritising inter-generational experiences and the needs of the family over the destination itself. Tech-inspired holidays are ideal for family and intergenerational travel as these experiences are engaging, accessible, sustainable, and memorable. Immersive experiential travel is fun for the whole family no matter the season.&nbsp;While this is by no means an exhaustive list or overview of the impact of younger generations on travel, travel trends, and even wider traveller behaviour, it's certainly food for thought when you're considering how to attract, appeal and retain these all-important travellers of the future. &nbsp;&nbsp;Discover more valuable travel trends with our travel trend report, offering insightful snapshots into the behaviours and demands that are shaping the travel industry, and into the future.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Travel Trends: The Travellers of the Future

&nbsp;The trend towards booking travel through a comprehensive travel provider is growing, as travelers seek authentic experiences. This increasing demand highlights the need for the expertise and connected services that travel providers can offer.&nbsp;For travel distributors, staying abreast of consumer behaviour changes, receiving real-time recommendations based on historical data, and capitalising on growth opportunities is essential for staying ahead of competitors, regardless of where travellers are in their journey with you.&nbsp;Not only does this enhance the services you're able to provide to travellers, but these key 'insights' allow you to remain relevant and valuable in the fast-paced travel industry, certainly when it comes to the needs of the end traveller.&nbsp;Are you maximising this opportunity, or still spending countless hours conducting research and making searches in order to close deals, all while staying informed about the latest industry developments?&nbsp;Do you have access to exclusive global connections in key destinations all in one place?&nbsp;You get all this, and much, much more, with Insights.&nbsp;Let's explore how.&nbsp;What Is Insights?Powered by intelligent algorithms and marketing technology, Insights is a search and recommendation platform for travel agents with unbeatable personalised recommendations&nbsp;and customisable marketing materials available at the touch of a button.&nbsp;Insights is equipped with intuitive features aimed at enhancing your travel marketing efforts, addressing present and future travel trends, and maximising your achievements. With our platform, you can effortlessly provide top-notch travel experiences, leading to increased bookings and loyal customers over time.&nbsp;Plus, as more travellers entrust their travel plans to interconnected travel distributors, and the international tour operator landscape becoming increasingly competitive, for example, having a leg up on the competition is essential.&nbsp;So, what does Insights actually offer?&nbsp;Trend Forecasting with Real-Time Global DataYou’ll never miss out on a destination trend again with Insights.&nbsp;&nbsp;Using in-market global data and real-time insights, it allows you to keep track of, and capitalise on, destination trends that are most relevant to your source market.&nbsp;Insights is powered by:•&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Historic travel search data.•&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Real-time market data.•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;An awareness of seasonality.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Historic booking and itinerary data.All this ensures that our information is valuable, relevant, and influenced by real bookings, to offer you opportunities that closely match the current and upcoming preferences of your market.&nbsp;By enhancing the quality of the products you offer your customers, you also increase your value as a travel provider. This positions you as the top source for the most sought-after destinations and comprehensive travel recommendations tailored to their needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a result, you gain a competitive edge and improve the chances of customers choosing your services repeatedly in the future.&nbsp;A Tool That Learns From YouWhat makes Insights even better? It’s intuitive, driven by technology that actively learns from your behaviour when using the tool.&nbsp;Why? Because you can’t offer bespoke experiences to travellers without a tool that provides a personal experience for you, as their trusted travel provider.&nbsp;When you access Insights, you will see Destination&nbsp;cards, which are recommendations based on their opportunity value. These are the destinations that offer the best growth for you based on your current market, customer booking behaviours and competitor activity.&nbsp;So, once you know your most valuable destination opportunities, how you interact with them tailors your further recommendations.•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Anchor a destination to keep it at the top of your recommendation list regardless of its ranking.•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Save it for later to remove a destination for a period of time, and create a reminder for it.•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Discard a destination to tell Insights you’re not interested.You can anticipate receiving data on demand fluctuations, price decreases in your market, new additions to the hotel industry, and the most popular month to book suggested destinations. Rest assured that all recommendations will be customised to suit your specific needs and operational style.&nbsp;Get started today! Sign up today to access Insights, or log into your Hotelbeds account.&nbsp;Filter Options To Better Cater To CustomersA key question that arises as a provider of travel experiences is: how can you guarantee that you are offering your customers the most sought-after destinations, all while accommodating the increasing demand for travel in a manner that is both meaningful and personalised?&nbsp;With Insights, of course.&nbsp;&nbsp;You get access to a portfolio of globally sourced, exclusive destinations and hotels, but they are presented intuitively with comprehensive filter options so you can quickly refine your searches based on customer preferences.&nbsp;You can cater to a wide range of factors, such as: international or domestic locations, destination theme, traveller type, regions, star ratings and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;By utilising this tool, you can simplify the booking process and provide customised travel options right from the start. Insights is consistently updated, with clear week-on-week trends visible, allowing you to optimise booking rates effectively.&nbsp;In-Platform Personalised Marketing&nbsp;It goes without saying that the consultation stage before your customer books is one of the most critical, and how you communicate with your customer is vital.&nbsp;So, the ability to create personalised marketing materials in Insights is a pivotal benefit to travel agents.&nbsp;After identifying the most appealing destinations and hotels for your customer through the filter options, the next step is to utilise the Custom Flyer tool to present the top choices. Further customisation can be done by refining these selections based on star rating, traveller type, and TripAdvisor rating for a more tailored experience.&nbsp;What’s more, you can personalise all marketing materials with your own branding, removing the costly and time-consuming process of creating marketing content from scratch – a huge benefit for independent or home-based agents in particular.&nbsp;99% of marketers recommend that personalisation helps to "advance customer relationships" and has an "extremely strong" impact on whether that customer books or not. With feedback like that, it's clear that forming relationships on a personal level is critical.&nbsp;Cross-sell With Experiences&nbsp;Enhancing your customers’ trips and earning more has never been easier with Insights.&nbsp;&nbsp;With the ‘Experiences’ tab, you’re able to review popular experiences in each destination you’re researching, ranked by the opportunity value for you, with key information about the experience, which you can use to excite and incentivise your clients!&nbsp;By utilising the interactive features available, you can manage these experiences just like you would your recommended destinations. Whether you choose to anchor, save for later, or discard the displayed options, Insights will consistently recommend the most valuable choices for both you and your clients.&nbsp;&nbsp;Embracing cross-selling can significantly increase your earnings per consultation, making this integrated feature your greatest asset while utilising Insights.&nbsp;&nbsp;So why not try out Insights for yourself, and sign up today, or access Insights by logging in to your Hotelbeds account.&nbsp;

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A Quick Guide To Insights for Travel Distributors 

Overtourism is when a destination receives too many visitors. According to McKinsey, 80% of travellers visit just 10% of the world’s tourist destinations. Such imbalanced numbers cause infrastructure problems, harm natural and cultural sites, and frustrate locals.&nbsp;A small town in Austria, Hallstatt is an example of a destination experiencing overtourism. Despite its population of 800, the town receives around 10,000 visitors per day in peak season. This caused the town’s locals to protest against overtourism, while holding signs saying “tourism yes, mass tourism no.”&nbsp;Similarly, around 250,000 people live in Venice, yet, the Italian city accommodates 20 million tourists per year. In 2024, Venice introduced a €5 fee for visitors who would like to access the city centre between 8:30am and 4pm during peak travel season. The main reason behind it was to reduce the congestion in the city, especially due to day-trippers who are exempt from the overnight tourist tax.&nbsp;Like Venice, other popular destinations implemented regulations in 2023 and 2024. Athens capped Acropolis visitors at 20,000 per day. Bali implemented a tourist tax of IDR 150,000 (around €9). And Amsterdam banned the construction of new hotels, to name a few.&nbsp;What are the risks of overtourism?&nbsp;Overtourism poses risks to destinations and locals, while changing the travel experience for tourists and the booking experience for travel agents.&nbsp;Here is what happens:For destinations&nbsp;In 2023, the Canary Islands welcomed 14.1 million foreign visitors, which locals found unsustainable given the islands’ limited resources and increasing prices. In a 2024 protest in Tenerife, a local said their rent was €800 while they earned a salary of €900. Another activist complained about short-term booking websites, saying they increased housing prices for locals, who now have to sleep in cars and caves.&nbsp;Besides increasing the prices for locals, overtourism may also damage the monuments and wildlife. The 20,000 visitor per day cap in Acropolis was put in for this exact reason, as the authorities wanted to protect the UNESCO World Heritage site.&nbsp;For the environmentIn 2023, Peru announced it would suspend visits to Machu Picchu as overtourism caused erosion on some stone structures. Millions of people visit the ancient citadel every year, which is not sustainable in the long run. Later that year, Peru reopened Machu Picchu, but put visitor caps to protect it.&nbsp;The influx of too many tourists also means more pollution. Although Italy’s tourism industry was hard hit during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown, locals in Venice reported cleaner waters and better air quality, as there were no visitors.For travellersWhen travellers stand in long queues, experience visitor caps, and pay tourist taxes, they may get frustrated with the destination. This also reduces the authenticity of the travel experience, which is increasingly important for tourists. In a recent report, 47% of survey respondents said they’d like to connect with locals in less-travelled areas, and 56% said they wanted to explore off the beaten path.&nbsp;&nbsp;For travel providersDestinations suffering from overtourism may disappoint your clients because of long queues and crowds. This can lead to negative reviews and dissatisfaction, damaging your reputation.&nbsp;In the eyes of some clients, recommending over-crowded destinations during peak season may appear inconsiderate, given the rise of sustainable tourism. According to recent studies, 43% of travellers feel guilty when they make less sustainable travel choices. Nearly half of survey respondents also believe travel service providers are responsible for addressing environmental factors, which include sustainable travel options.&nbsp;Want to know more about how we as a travel ecosystem player can take your business further?&nbsp;&nbsp;Read more about how to offer comprehensive travel services with Hotelbeds here.&nbsp;Why should travel providers consider overtourism when promoting destinations?Did you know that 44% of travellers have said they were interested in visiting less-touristy spots? As the Vayable CEO Jamie Wong said, “People want to reclaim what’s real. Mass tourism is no longer sufficient.”&nbsp;Experiential travel is on the rise. Travellers are looking for experiences rather than just visiting hotspots. American Express’ Global Travel Trends Report found that 77% of travellers prioritise having the right travel experience over the cost of the trip. And for travel agents, it’s more difficult to hit the right spot with over-crowded destinations. With more off-the-beaten-path destinations, local activities, authentic experiences, and sustainable choices are more likely to happen.&nbsp;Tourism accounts for 8% of carbon emissions globally, and is set to recover from the pandemic. In Q1 2024, international travel reached 97% of pre-pandemic levels. Given that most people visit the same tourist destinations, the environment is at risk. To help clients make more responsible travel choices, educate them on the risks of overtourism.&nbsp;For example, Thailand’s Maya Bay, featured in Leonardo DiCaprio’s 2000 film The Beach, used to receive thousands of tourist boats every day. In 2018, it closed to tourists as the boats destroyed the area’s coral reefs. When it shut down, only 8% of its coral reefs were alive. The conservation efforts started paying off over the years, and in 2023, biologists reported that the coral reef population grew to 20-30%. Marine biologists estimate that it will take another 20 years for the coral reefs to become the way they were 50 years ago.&nbsp;These examples aren’t meant to put people off from travelling. Instead, they are meant to promote less-touristy beaches, eco-friendly hotels, and ethical tours that make tourism beneficial for everyone.How can travel providers find alternative destinations to better accommodate sustainable tourism?Work with HotelbedsTravel providers can use tools and analytics to learn more about emerging destinations that are gaining popularity but are not yet overcrowded.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, our Hotelbeds Booking Engine lets you discover hotels, vacation rentals, transfers, tickets, and experiences. Our expansive portfolio provides options from over 170 countries around the world, making it possible to book holidays in alternative destinations.&nbsp;With Hotelbeds, you’ll also get access to Insights, a search and recommendation tool. It gives personalised recommendations on trending destinations, the most popular activities, and alternatives depending on your clients’ needs. This empowers travel providers with bespoke recommendations, improved growth opportunities and a way to keep an eye on the competition.&nbsp;Plus, Insights highlights the destinations that offer the best growth opportunity for travel providers in your specific market, which provides a framework of consideration for your destination marketing strategy; including where you want to subvert these typical expectations within your audience, and offer closely-mirrored alternatives to delight, surprise and cater for travellers looking for hidden gems.&nbsp;We have an expansive portfolio, accessible via our Booking Engine, of 250,000+ hotels, 23,000 experiences for all sorts of travellers and destinations — including the lesser-known ones. Not only this, but you'll join a connected network of 60,000 travel distributors, all benefiting from our end-to-end services as part of HBX Group, a leading ecosystem player in the travel industry.&nbsp;Understand Traveller NeedsFor travel providers liaising directly with the end customers, or with channels of communication that reaches this audience, it's worth thinking about what recommendations will speak to travellers in different regions, countries, demographics and your bespoke targeting segments.&nbsp;Ask yourself these questions:What type of experience are they looking for? - Are they looking for a vibrant culinary travel or ecotourism experience? Or are they in the mood for a cityscape?Where have they enjoyed staying before - and are they looking for something similar?What were they unsatisfied with in their last destination? - Understanding any unsatisfactory aspects of their trip, and how overtourism may have played into this, will help you provide a more satisfactory recommendation&nbsp;When formulating a destination marketing strategy, consider promoting alternative destinations to those firm favourites, for a better experience for travellers, and increased booking opportunities. Gone are the days when travellers were happy to settle for a superficial look at their destination of choice, this year's travel trends (and beyond) suggest that today's (and tomorrow's) traveller wants to get under the skin of wherever they go, to understand the culture, the environment, and the people there.&nbsp;Instead of the usual Paris city centre stay for a romantic getaway, why not consider suggesting Reims? Situated in the renowned Champagne region of Paris and just a short day-trip away from the city, this charming town provides a romantic ambience featuring breathtaking Champagne houses and Gothic architecture.&nbsp;For urban enthusiasts who have been eyeing vibrant metropolises such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Seoul, Taipei stands out as a compelling alternative in Asia. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, bustling night markets, and breathtaking scenic spots like Beitou and Maokong.&nbsp;For travellers looking for an adventurous yet sustainable experience, Costa Rica's cloud forests offer a life-changing and eco-friendly option. With three protected nature reserves - Monteverde, Santa Elena, and Bosque Eterno de los Niños - that showcase a wide variety of wildlife, extensive hiking trails, and rich biodiversity, this destination is a wonderful place to explore Costa Rica's ecosystems while supporting their sustainable initiatives.&nbsp;By booking these alternative destinations, you’re more likely to offer authentic experiences and sustainable options, away from the crowds of destinations experiencing overtourism. Everyone benefits from the experience — you offer an unforgettable travel experience, travellers have an amazing trip, less densely visited areas get an economic boost, and the popular destinations experience a reduction in the strain caused by mass tourism.&nbsp;Sign up today or log in to your Hotelbeds account to get the latest offers and stay up-to-date with travel trends.&nbsp;

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hotelbeds overtourism sustainable travel tips

Travel Trends: 'Overtourism: The Importance of Promoting Sustainable Tourism'

&nbsp;What is wellness tourism?Wellness tourism is the type of travel aiming to maintain or improve wellbeing. According to the Global Wellness Institute, there are two types of wellness travellers: primary and secondary.&nbsp;&nbsp;For primary wellness travellers, wellness activities are the main purpose of the trip. Secondary wellness travellers only engage in wellness activities as a part of the trip, meaning they don’t travel exclusively for the wellness experience. In 2022, the biggest national wellness tourism markets were the USA, Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland, with the USA accounting for 24% of all wellness trips.&nbsp;Wellness activities could be linked to what a country has to offer, such as Hungary’s thermal baths or Iceland’s lagoons. Or, travellers’ particular interests could shape the wellness experience — luxury travellers might pick spa retreats, sports enthusiasts might go for a surf camp, or culture lovers might prefer to try a traditional massage.&nbsp;&nbsp;Considering the broad-reaching, and entirely subjective, nature of wellness as a concept, there's a wellness travel experience for every type of traveller on every continent.&nbsp;What are the benefits of wellness tourism for travel distributors?Growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.6%, wellness travel is a big part of the global wellness economy. In 2022, it made up $651 billion of the $5.6 trillion wellness industry. At this growth rate, wellness tourism is expected to cross the $1 trillion mark in 2024, and the global wellness economy to reach $8.5 trillion by 2027.&nbsp;Travel distributors can capitalise on bookings for wellness trips from both primary and secondary travellers; here are just a few reasons why wellness tourism is an important travel motivator, and certainly a travel trend to take advantage of:&nbsp;Wellness travel is profitable: Accounting for 18.7% of all tourism spending, wellness travellers spend more money than typical tourists. On average, in 2022, wellness travellers spent &nbsp;$1,764 per international trip, and $668 per domestic trip.&nbsp;Wide range of travel activities: Not only is wellness tourism an integral part of the profitable wellness industry, but the wide-reaching concept of wellness itself means that travellers can - with the help of a broad range of options offered by an expansive travel portfolio - curate an experience that aligns with their preferences, needs and personal beliefs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Choice of different destinations: It is possible to book wellness activities all around the world. The Middle East-North Africa region, in particular, has been a leading region in wellness tourism. With a 61.5% annual growth between 2020 and 2022, the average wellness traveller spends $1,354 in this region. The sheer choice of options for travellers from all walks of life means that wellness tourism is one of the more accessible forms of experiential tourism.Examples of Wellness TourismYou can find more wellness travel experiences, alongside hotels and resorts all around the world, offering bespoke wellness programs and wellness products that can be tailored to each traveller's needs through our Booking Engine.&nbsp;&nbsp;With more than 250,000 accommodation options, including Sustainable Hotels, and 23,000 experiences, our expansive travel product portfolio allows you to offer a comprehensive wellness tourism experience unique to each traveller's requirements.&nbsp;For now, here are some popular wellness experiences for travellers from all walks of life:Spa RetreatsIn 2022, the spa industry had over 181,000 spas, generating $105 billion in revenue. A timeless activity, spa retreats would be a good fit for primary wellness travellers. Check out top-rated spas, such as Winvian Farm in Connecticut, listed in Condé Nast Traveller’s Reader Choice Awards for six years in a row. In Winvian, your clients can choose from 6 spa packages, which include massages, hydrotherapy, oxygen facials, yoga, and reflexology.&nbsp;Make sure to choose the right spa for the right type of traveller. Families can explore multi-generation spas — Zulal Wellness Resort in Qatar has a family bonding retreat, focusing on wellness activities for the whole family. For couples, consider checking out spas in romantic destinations, offering couple massages and wellness treatments.&nbsp;Cultural Wellness ExperiencesExperiential travel is a rising travel trend, with all types of travellers prioritising learning about the culture. Culinary travellers do this by tasting the local food, adventure travellers book trips to explore remote regions, and wellness travellers discover the different wellness traditions.&nbsp;Whether that’s the Aufguss sauna rituals in Central Europe and Germany or the well-known Thai massages in Thailand, many countries have accessible cultural practices that can be experienced through the lens of wellness. One of the best ways to create an accessible but authentic experience for travellers is to look for locally-owned practices, as well as hotels and resorts that provide culturally sensitive and inspired wellness programs for their guests. Not only does this allow travellers a glimpse into the often historically-rich culture of their destination of choice, but it also supports local economies - especially when those hotels, resorts and experiences are run by the region's citizens.&nbsp;For example, in Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos in Mexico, Mexican folk-healing therapies inspire the hotel’s wellness offerings, making it possible to experience mezcal-infused massages, herbal aromatherapy, energy cleansing rituals, and more.Outdoor Wellness Activities&nbsp;A 2019 study found that spending a minimum of 120 minutes a week is good for health and well-being. Whether that’s taking a walk, swimming, or going on a retreat in a remote town, your clients might be looking for outdoor wellness activities after staying inside for long work weeks. For sports enthusiasts, recommend physical activity-based events, such as yoga camps or fitness programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are always interesting country-specific destinations — Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, for example, offers outdoor massages and float therapy. Similarly, Japan is the birthplace of forest bathing, a philosophy aiming to reduce stress by nature immersion. For a complete disconnection from daily life, explore silent retreats, where participants stay quiet throughout the event while engaging in activities like meditation and walks in nature.&nbsp;Sleep WellnessSleep travel is in the spotlight. To invest in sleep, Hilton uses high-quality mattresses, while equipping some of its hotels with temperature-controlled beds, sound-absorbing walls, and smart technology. Hyatt also joined the sleep travel trend, creating a Restorative Sleep Suite in New York with a special AI-powered bed.&nbsp;Besides hotels, experiences that improve visitors’ sleep are trending — star bathing and forest bathing are both thought to reduce stress and improve sleep quality by boosting melatonin. For where sleep meets tech, check out resorts and high-tech wellness programmes. Kamalaya Koh Samui in Thailand has a dedicated sleep wellness program, featuring traditional massages, mentoring sessions, and IV therapy.Technology in WellnessIt’s possible to find high-tech wellness programmes in medical spas, retreats, and wellness centres around the world. These programmes could be related to beauty, fitness, anti-aging, or mindfulness, helping clients reach their wellness goals.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Spain, for example, SHA Medical Spa has The Rebalance &amp; Energise Programme, offering ozone therapy to stimulate the immune system. While in Bali travellers can experience a truly bespoke wellness program in many of the unique resorts in this stunning location, with deep roots in the Ayurvedic wellness practice. Experiences can include holistic treatments to achieve internal balance, right through to tech-powered treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen chambers, sleep enhancement technology, and Microbiome facials.&nbsp;&nbsp;Like what you see?&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up with Hotelbeds or log in to your account to get amazing wellness deals for your clients. You’ll also get the latest offers, campaigns, and promotions from our portfolio of hotels and experiences — both for wellness travel and other travel trends.&nbsp;

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Travel Trends: Wellness Tourism

&nbsp;Music tourism has seen significant growth in the last few years, particularly since the pandemic when live and in-person experiences were largely impossible for many travellers around the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;This growing trend sits in conjunction with the rise in popularity of experiential tourism (link), one of the more notable shifts in traveller behaviours within the industry. Travellers are prioritising travel governed by both immersive and cultural events, activities and experiences to enrich their trips. What used to be a niche interest is now becoming a globally impactful tourism trend for today's, and tomorrow's, travel industry.&nbsp;Findings from Amadeus have shown that music tourism plays a vital role in stimulating local economies. Notable global artists such as Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Beyonce have been found to have a substantial impact on search and booking volumes for destinations featured on their tour schedules. For instance, flights to Romania saw a surge of up to 91%, while Athens experienced a 62% increase in interest. Beyonce's performance in Sweden during her Renaissance World Tour drew a massive crowd of around 90,000 to Stockholm, highlighting the power of music tourism in driving economic growth.&nbsp;Daniel Batchelor, Vice President, Global Corporate Marketing &amp; Communications at Amadeus, said:&nbsp;&nbsp;“Consumer research shows that this year travellers are on the lookout for new experiences. And what better experience can there be than sharing a music festival or concert with friends, family or like-minded fans?”&nbsp;What Are the Opportunities for Travel Providers?As part of our strategic focus on the growth of experiential tourism and the exploration of key travel trends for 2024, music tourism is in alignment with the behaviour of many global travellers. They are actively pursuing experiences that resonate with their beliefs and preferences, as well as immersing themselves in their chosen destination. Music tourism offers unique and memorable experiences catered to all types of travellers.&nbsp;In fact, Amadeus has also suggested that music tourism is one of the ‘key drivers of European tourism in 2024’, and so it stands to reason that this will continue to be a key driver of travel trends for years to come.&nbsp;So then, the question remains: what about the opportunities for travel providers when it comes to music travel and tourism?&nbsp;InsightsOur innovative recommendation tool, Insights, has been tailor-made for travel providers to enhance efficiency in your daily tasks and keep you at the forefront of travel industry trends.&nbsp;How? By using an internal algorithm to determine market-specific trends based on several key factors including:SeasonalityHistorical search dataReal-time customer bookingsHistorical booking data&nbsp;This means Insights can provide recommendations based on customer bookings in your market, offering you destinations more likely to be booked by your ideal audience. &nbsp;&nbsp;As a unique web portal, Insights transforms complex booking data into a user-friendly interface, that allows you as the provider, full control over your recommendations. Save, Anchor or Discard your recommendations as they are served to you, for even better personalisation in the future, allowing you to even easier identify which destinations, hotels and experiences offer the most potential for your business and your profits.&nbsp;So, how is this relevant to travel trends, and therefore music tourism? &nbsp;&nbsp;Well, Insights allows you to keep up with increasing demand in your market, and considering the fact that some global artists drive significant shifts in destination demand, especially for tours, Insights allows you to track real-time bookings and competitor activity. Leveraging data intelligence on these crucial factors, you can react promptly to meet the surge in demand.&nbsp;Sign up today to access this useful recommendation tool.&nbsp;Travel PackagesIt is evident that there is a significant demand for music-centric experiences among super fans and casual music lovers worldwide. There is a unique opportunity for collaboration between travel providers, event organisers, and host destinations to curate enticing and memorable experiences as these sectors intersect.&nbsp;In a prime demonstration of this intersectional collaboration, the organisers of Tomorrowland, a prominent European music festival located on the outskirts of Antwerp, Belgium, are providing international music enthusiasts the opportunity to reserve travel packages that include the chance to explore Belgium before immersing themselves in performances by top DJs from around the globe.&nbsp;Consider how you as a travel provider might be able to curate enticing packages that could boost your sales. Here are some key considerations, though, for capitalising on music events and experiences as extra revenue:&nbsp;Identify music travel experiences which align with our ideal market or customer. Sometimes, smaller and more ‘obscure’ events offer more opportunities than events on a grander scale. &nbsp;Keep your packages concise and focused, to avoid confusing travellers.Ensure that travellers have the flexibility to amend the travel dates to either arrive before, or stay on after the event or experience you’re curating their trip around.Navigate package prices carefully, as after all, the lead price is what gets you traffic and keeps people moving through the booking process.&nbsp;And of course when curating packages, a travel booking platform with integrated cross-selling and upselling functionalities can greatly simplify the process and provide a comprehensive booking experience. You can easily find, and book, our vast portfolio of products and services, with easy access to exclusive and differentiated properties, offers, and rate types; but also experiences and mobility services such as tickets, car hire and transfers.&nbsp;Our Booking Engine allows you to:&nbsp;Build itineraries for each customer whether they’re simple or complex.Offer add-ons at the time of booking (and after) to offer truly end-to-end travel plans.Provide flexible payment options to cater to a range of budgets.Choose from over 250,000 hotels and 23,000 experiences to build out the perfect, enriched trip no matter each client’s preferences.&nbsp;Sign up today to start maximising every booking with this comprehensive travel booking platform.&nbsp;What are the Key Drivers of Music Tourism?Music festivals - these are undeniably one of the most influential factors in the realm of music tourism. Some of these festivals attract millions of visitors, profoundly affecting the local economy and the worldwide demand for travel services to, from, and within these locations.&nbsp;Social Media Travel Marketing - The digital age has significantly impacted the accessibility and expansion of music tourism. Shared experiences are now easily accessible on user feeds and explore pages, while recommended videos delivered through algorithms can influence travel choices. Additionally, user-generated content like uploaded sets and performances on platforms such as YouTube has been available for a long time.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unique Experiential Tourism - The cornerstone of music tourism hinges on its distinctive quality; the ambience produced and felt at festivals or concerts, a sensation often unattainable through virtual or digital means. This unique element draws in travellers seeking authentic and unforgettable experiences during their journeys, and lends itself well as a lens through which experiential tourism, a key trend in the last few years, can be explored for travellers with different preferences and interests.&nbsp;Personalisation Opportunities for Travel Sellers - There is a music and arts festival for every traveller preference, allowing for a greater degree of personalisation when it comes to travellers' perfect musical itinerary. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Emotional Synergy Between Music and Travel - The connection between music and travel is deeply rooted in the emotional and evocative nature of both experiences. It is no surprise that they are often intertwined, as music can elevate the overall travel experience, creating a unique and impactful form of tourism.&nbsp;For travellers, whether they are heading to a local venue to catch a small band, embarking on a long journey to see their favourite artist in a stadium tour, or planning a trip to a festival to join thousands of fellow music enthusiasts, there is a music event out there that will surely get them in the groove.&nbsp;And with music festivals as one of the main drivers of this type of travel, let’s look at just a handful of some of the different festivals out there, each of which draws its own type of traveller and experience-seeker.&nbsp;Inspiration: A Selection of Popular Music Festivals and EventsHere are a handful of recommendations worth travelling for!EuropeHailed for its romantic cities and diverse cultures, Europe also plays host to some of the world’s most famous music festivals! &nbsp;For community-seekers – Glastonbury, UK; 2000 Trees, UK; Sziget, Budapest.For hard rockers – Download Festival, UK; Rock Im Park &amp; Rock Am Ring, Germany.For world music – WOMAD, UK; Sziget, Budapest; Primavera Sound, Barcelona.For arts and culture - The Edinburgh Fringe in Scotland draws thousands of visitors, as one of the most popular arts and culture festivals in the world.For the biggest crowds – Tomorrowland, Belgium; Sonar, Barcelona; Lollapalooza, multiple cities.North America &amp; CanadaIt is widely known that events such as Coachella in California and Lollapalooza in Chicago (and now globally) are among the many annual festivals held in the United States that have had a significant impact on the festival industry. While these are highly acclaimed international events, there are numerous other festivals throughout the country that cater to a wide range of musical tastes.For Blues &amp; Jazz,- Since 1984, the Chicago Blues Festival has been the world's largest free blues festival; New Orleans Jazz &amp; Heritage Festival, which spans 7 days!For Hip-hop, R&amp;B – Friends and Lovers, Las Vegas; Rolling Loud, Miami; Something In The Water, VA.For Indigenous Culture – the Indigenous Music and Arts festival at Ganondagan; Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival in Ottawa.For the classics, world music -Festival d'été de Québec, VELD Music Festival, Canada.For relaxation - Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Tennessee.Central and South AmericaFor celebrations of Latin music - Baja Beach Fest, Mexico; PAAX GNP Festival. Mexico, for classical musicians, ballet, opera, and dance performers.For a party - Empire Music Festival, Guatemala; Time Warp Festival, Brazil; Baum Festival, Colombia; Primavera Sound Festival Buenos Aires, Argentina.&nbsp;Asia Pacific &nbsp;What could be better than providing year-round music opportunities? While the current season aligns with the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, there are numerous must-see music festivals in Asia Pacific destinations that shouldn't be overlooked by travellers.Australia &nbsp;For Australia’s biggest – Vivid Sydney; Splendour In The Grass.For community - Rainbow Spirit Festival; Byron Bay Blues Fest; Lost Paradise Festival.For a travelling festival – Laneway Festival (Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney).For First Nations culture – Parrtjima - A Festival in Light; Barunga Festival; Desert Mob.South KoreaWhile C-pop and J-pop have been making waves in Western media for decades, the more recent skyrocketing popularity of K-pop is making South Korea turn musical heads no matter the continent! &nbsp;For world-class stage productions – Seoul, for a K-pop performance! The city hosts many solo and group performances from the industry's best acts.For immersive experiences – SMTown Live, with performances from world-renowned groups. The 2024 event went overseas to Tokyo!For showcase events – KCON; Weverse Con Festival; Seoul World DJ Festival, and Seoul Jazz Festival, which offer three days of performances from acclaimed artists to local indie acts.JapanFor international rock and electronic – Fuji Rock Festival (Japan’s biggest), Summer Sonic, and Ultra Japan.For showcase events - MBC Music Core in Japan; KCON Japan.For a good cause – Greenroom Festival, based on the ethos of ‘Save The Beach, Save The Ocean’For tradition – Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto; Hakata Dontaku Matsuri; Kyoto Gion Matsuri for incredible parades, traditional music and festivities that can last a whole month! &nbsp;South AsiaFor awe-inspiring crowds – Sunburn Festival, Goa – Asia’s largest music festival, which attracts around 1 million music-lovers.For international and eclectic line ups – Creamfields, Taiwan; S2O Songkran Music Festival, Thailand; We The Fest, Indonesia; Clockenflap, Hong Kong.For a ship-shape festival - It’s The Ship, Asia’s largest festival at sea, which makes its way from Busan through Nagasaki, Japan and back to Busan.For unforgettable locations - Great Wall Festival, China. Techno on the Great Wall, it’s not to be missed! &nbsp;&nbsp;While this list is not comprehensive, it should give you a good understanding of the value of music tourism and how you can start taking advantage of this trend if you haven't already.&nbsp;For timesaving, valuable tools and services that will maximise the way you work, why not sign up to become one of our valuable clients?&nbsp;Gain access to intuitive tools like Insights, which helps you track and keep ahead of travel trends, as well as our powerful travel booking platform.&nbsp;

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Travel Trends: The Rise of Music and Concert Tourism

What is luxury culinary tourism?&nbsp;World Food Travel Association defines food tourism, also referred to as gastrotourism, as travelling for a taste of place to get a sense of place. For luxury travellers, one of 2024’s top trends is luxury culinary tourism, for whom this type of travel experience is one of the key motivators behind exploring a destination, whether it's new or familiar.&nbsp;Cuisine is one of the best ways to truly be immersed in a culture, destination, or community, and given that there has been a notable shift towards experience-centric tourism for today's traveller, it comes as no surprise that food tourism is one of the most popular travel trends in recent years!&nbsp;A growing market, luxury culinary tourism refers to experiencing local gastronomy through the lens of luxury travel. For travellers interested in this trend, gastronomy and tourism go hand in hand — food is often the key driver behind travel activities.&nbsp;Who are the luxury culinary travellers?and what activities do they want?&nbsp;Between 2024 and 2030, food tourism is expected to be the fastest-growing segment of luxury travel, increasing at a CAGR of 7.6%. Appealing to travellers of all generations, luxury culinary travel includes trying out unique foods, visiting Michelin-starred restaurants, and attending food-related events such as cooking classes and festivals.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to surveys by Hilton, American Express, and Visa, travellers are prioritising local experiences, both in food travel and in general. Here are some statistics that stand out:81% of travellers are most excited about trying local foods and cuisines.79% of travellers like trying completely new food options while travelling.In 2023, over half of world travellers said their favourite culinary travel activity was visiting local restaurants. The next most popular activities were food festivals (46%), local food tours (41%), and wine tastings (39%). In 2024, Gen Z and Millennials expressed interest in discovering the local bar scene.Compared to other generations, Gen Z and Baby Boomers were expected to budget the highest amount of money for culinary experiences and experiential tourism.Chinese travellers are estimated to be the top spenders in the travel industry in 2025 with a travel spend of $255.4 billion, followed by American ($134.1 billion) and German ($96.7 billion) travellers.&nbsp;Top destinations for luxury culinary tourismFrom Michelin-starred restaurants, food festivals, to world-class wines, gastronomy experiences and more — these destinations have you covered when it comes to luxury food tourism.1. USA for high-end world cuisineIn the USA, large cities often have restaurants from all over the world. New York, in particular, is a favorite among luxury travellers. From Italian restaurants with regional pasta-tasting menus to Japanese omakase restaurants, the Big Apple is the place to be for high-end world cuisine. In 2023, the city received twelve new stars (8 One Stars, 2 Two Stars, and 2 Green Stars), diversifying its Michelin Guide selection. If your clients enjoy festivals, recommend the New York City Wine &amp; Food Festival, which includes chef-hosted dinners, cocktail-making master classes, and walk-around tastings.&nbsp;Another foodie hotspot is New Orleans, distinguished by its Cajun and Creole cuisine. The city has over 1,400 restaurants and a rich history, so consider booking a food tour or even a cocktail tour&nbsp;where your clients can discover the rich food culture and history of this diverse destination. It's worth noting that New Orleans has many family-owned restaurants, such as Antoine’s, operated by the fifth generation, and Café Du Monde, known for its New Orleans-style beignets.&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Mexico for authenticity and delicious cocktailsSince 2010, traditional Mexican cuisine has been a part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List. This is thanks to years of traditions related to farming, rituals, and culinary techniques. To start with Mexico’s fine dining scene, book a table at Pujol in Mexico City. At Pujol, chef Enrique Olvera aims to showcase Mexican gastronomy traditions with a modern twist, and has a signature dish called mole madre.&nbsp;For an unforgettable culinary travel experience why not offer an evening of entertainment with an exquisite tasting at Bellini Revolving restaurant, boasting a 360-degree vista of the city, followed by a colourful and evocative garibaldi performance at&nbsp;Garibaldi Plaza, the Plaza of the Mariachis.&nbsp;Making up one of Mexico's local dishes, mole is a sauce that is thought to originate from either Puebla or Oaxaca, and both cities are worth a visit for their food scenes. In Puebla, your clients can try the special mole poblano and go on a local market tour. In Oaxaca, the food capital of Mexico, you can book a chocolate-making workshop, a visit to a mezcal distillery, or a private cooking class. If your clients prefer tequila to mezcal, suggest a trip to the town of Tequila in Jalisco. Here, in the very city tequila comes from, they can visit tequila distilleries to learn more about the iconic beverage.&nbsp;Access&nbsp;experiences like this and more with our expansive global portfolio of experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up today or log in to curate the perfect getaway for your luxury travellers.&nbsp;3. France for fine dining in the city and countrysideFrance is the country with the most Michelin-starred restaurants. As of 2023, there are 625 restaurants with one, two, or three stars. Your clients’ gourmet experience starts in Paris with a luxury food tour, discovering French wine, cheese, and macarons.&nbsp;For another taste of the unique, why not offer a gastronomic experience with a celestial twist with a sumptuous gourmet food tasting under the stars? Around 90 miles east of Paris is France’s Champagne region, protected by an AOC (controlled designation of origin) label. This means that champagne can only be produced in this region, making it ideal to book a champagne tour to visit local producers and taste this special sparkling wine.&nbsp;&nbsp;France’s second city Lyon is known as its gastronomic capital. &nbsp;Home to late chef Paul Bocuse’s primary restaurant, L’Auberge, the city also has a gourmet food market called Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse&nbsp;which is a must-visit for foodies. Wine tours and wine-tasting events are also all around France, with exceptional wine regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Beaujolais scattered all around the country. For a truly authentic fine-dining experience, head to the restaurants in the countryside, where it’s possible to find Michelin-starred lunch menus for less than €50.&nbsp;4. Italy for wine and luxury cooking classesIn a survey by World Population Review, Italian food was crowned as the best cuisine in the world. Recommend your clients a luxury cooking vacation, which is gaining popularity in the country. In these holidays, visitors experience Italian cuisine to its core, picking vegetables in the garden, having cooking classes with chefs, touring vineyards, and dining in Michelin-starred restaurants. And for travellers who enjoy a taste of authenticity, why not suggest they enjoy a four-course meal cooked by local experts?&nbsp;Besides cooking vacations, check out wine-tasting tours in Tuscany, especially in the famous Chianti region. Not only does this region offer excellent vineyards and distilleries to visit, but your clients can also visit olive oil producers, and have Tuscan snacks in the region. All around Italy, you can find a wide range of pasta-making classes, usually including a complimentary drink, be it an Aperol Spritz or Italian wine.&nbsp;5. Japan for culinary variety&nbsp;Tokyo is a city with one of the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, with over 200 one-, two-, or three-starred restaurants, making it a perfect starting point when exploring Japan for food tourism enthusiasts. Book your clients a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant to do the city justice — Sushi Marufuku for example, has a unique way of preparing dry-aged sushi with vacuum technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Kyoto, book a tea ceremony to experience a 400-year-old tradition, one that is spiritual and awakening at the same time. Many of these ceremonies last for one to two hours, and often have an English-speaking guide, allowing travellers to feel rejuvenated by the selection of traditional teas and snacks. There are also usually options to rent a kimono to take beautiful commemorative photos. Japan is not short of interesting foods to try — seafood lovers would enjoy Okinawa’s distinct cuisine featuring green caviar and tiger prawns. For those who enjoy the highest quality steak, there’s Kobe, the city of the world-famous Kobe beef.&nbsp;6. Singapore for hotels and innovative restaurantsIn Hilton’s 2024 survey, 82% of respondents said they wanted to have a good restaurant in their hotel. This puts the spotlight on Singapore’s high-quality hotel restaurants and daycation packages. For example, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay is a hotel that has both — it’s home to award-winning Chinese restaurant Peach Blossoms and 11-hour daycation packages offering access to restaurants along with other facilities for those who may not have itinerary space to stay overnight.&nbsp;Singapore’s food scene is influenced by Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European cuisines, making it a great destination to try out fusion restaurants. The country has a total of 55 Michelin-starred restaurants featuring 30 different cuisine types. All these restaurants stand out as innovative eateries, combining techniques from diverse world cuisines. For a night to remember, book a sky dining experience, a 90-minute dinner on the Singapore Flyer, overlooking the city’s skyline.&nbsp;So there you have it. Some incredible destinations offer truly unforgettable food travel experiences for travellers with a keen preference for luxury culinary tourism. From cooking classes to being immersed in local culture, to dining in the very best restaurants, luxury has come to mean so many different things to all travellers, so make sure to explore what luxury means to your clients, and curate a one-of-a-kind experience perfectly tailored to their needs.&nbsp;Sign up with Hotelbeds today, or log in to offer the best luxury food tourism experiences to your customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Travel Trends: Luxury Culinary Tourism

&nbsp;The word retailtainment combines two words: retail and entertainment. From visiting VR exhibits in Asian tech hubs to touring 19th-century shopping centres in France, many world destinations are embracing this trend.Why is retail tourism important?According to 2019 data, retail tourism accounted for 6% of Travel &amp; Tourism's GDP. This is true post-pandemic as well. “Retail tourism is no longer just about buying souvenirs; it's a driving force behind the recovery of the Travel &amp; Tourism sector,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC CEO and president.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To curate retail experiences intertwined with the local culture, check out our Booking Engine with 23,000+ experiences — choose between Dubai’s luxury malls, Seoul’s beauty haven, New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue, and more. With the right destination, you can offer:&nbsp;Enhanced shopping experiences: From visits to shopping streets to personal stylist appointments, shopping can be the highlight of the trip.Cultural immersion: In many destinations, travellers can learn about the local culture through shopping. For example, visiting a beauty bar in South Korea can help understand the country’s beauty traditions.More travel activities: From shopping festivals to creative workshops, retail tourism unlocks new travel activities.&nbsp;Top destinations for retail tourismHere are the 7 best destinations for shopping, all presenting their own unique retail experiences.&nbsp;1. For beauty and skincare: Seoul, South KoreaWith the rise of K-beauty and K-dramas, South Korea’s beauty industry is under the spotlight. Olive Young, known as the Korean Sephora, has over 1,000 stores in the country. Its Myeongdong Flagship Store in particular is set to be a part of tourists’ Seoul itinerary. In 2023, the store reported an 840% growth in non-Korean customer sales and expanded its online store to shoppers from 150 different countries. Visitors enjoy the variety of products, the store’s layout and design, and foreign language options — the staff speaks English, Japanese, and Chinese, besides Korean.&nbsp;&nbsp;A beauty hack used by Korean politicians and CEOs, Personal Colour Analysis is gaining popularity among tourists. This trend includes working with a consultant to find out about the right colours that fit a person’s facial features and skin tone. Consider booking a Personal Colour Analysis for your clients first, so they know what colours to look for in beauty stores.&nbsp;2. For luxury shopping: Dubai, United Arab Emirates&nbsp;From rooftop bars to opera centres, luxury brands to in-mall chauffeur services, Dubai’s malls are where luxury shopping and entertainment meet. With over 90 malls all with their own charm, the city’s options seem endless.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dubai Shopping Festival takes place every year between December and January. In 2023, the festival hosted 45 live concerts from celebrities like Sting and Sean Paul. Visitors got a sneak peek of upcoming launches by worldwide brands, including Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, which offered product testers. With entertainment came deals, discounts, and prizes, exclusive to participants. The Dubai Shopping Festival will start on 13 December this year, and continue until 19 January, just in time for a New Year’s Eve holiday.&nbsp;&nbsp;3. For Instagrammable malls: Bangkok, ThailandBangkok is picturesque all around — street markets for the outdoors, Instagrammable malls for the indoors. In Terminal 21 Mall, there is inspiration from eight destinations: the Caribbean, Rome, Paris, Tokyo, London, Istanbul, San Francisco, and Hollywood. On each of its floors, you’ll find decorations from one of these places.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Ratchaprasong area is where art, shopping, and panoramic views meet. Gaysorn Village, a mall in the area, features Thai designer brands and curated art shows. One minute from Gaysorn Village is the famous pedestrian bridge, Ratchaprasong SkyWalk. Crossing the bridge exposes elevated Bangkok views, another Instagram-worthy scene. It also connects to other shopping centres, CentralWorld and Erawan Bangkok.&nbsp;&nbsp;Culture-lovers will also appreciate the sights and sounds of Bangkok's Damnoen Saduak&nbsp;Floating Markets, for a quieter but no less Instagrammable experience of some of the best local produce and an intimate look at everyday life - bookable through our Booking Engine.&nbsp;4. For the best flagship stores: New York City, United StatesStretching 10 km from Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, Fifth Avenue is one of the most iconic shopping streets in New York City.&nbsp;&nbsp;Book a table at The Blue Box Café by Daniel Boulud, located inside The Landmark, Tiffany’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue. Boulud is a Michelin-starred chef originally from France, now residing in New York. He has won many awards, including the “World's Best Restaurateur.” Besides the classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” he also offers Afternoon Tea, an à la carte selection, and dining options at The Blue Box Café.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nike’s House of Innovation provides some of the best brand experiences, including showrooms, customised trainers, and in-house experts giving style advice. Macy's Herald Square is another NYC classic with a world-class customer experience. You can book Macy’s history tours, &nbsp;enjoy fine dining in the store, or get advice from a personal stylist for free.&nbsp;5. For art and fashion: ParisWith its glass Coupole rising 43 metres high up, Galeries Lafayette is an iconic Art-Nouveau building as well as a historic shopping centre in Paris. Today, it hosts well-known French brands including Chanel, Christian Dior, Guerlain, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitors can learn more about the 19th-century building by booking a guided heritage tour. To make the experience even more unforgettable, book the Parisian Shopping Experience, in which Galeries Lafayette experts take visitors shopping and give fashion advice. Alternatively, there is the Macaron Bakery Class, a group bakery class to learn how to make macarons. To end the day, go up to the 8th floor of Galeries Lafayette — the terrace overlooks the whole city of Paris, with views of Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Cœur, and Notre Dame.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Golden Triangle between Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne, and Avenue George V is a shopping classic for high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent. For concept stores, suggest Le Marais neighbourhood, which is home to Merci and other department stores. End the day in one of Merci’s cafés, Le Used Book Café or Le Café de Non Merci, and people-watch like a true Parisian.&nbsp;6. For a hint of Hollywood glamour: Los AngelesJewellery, local boutiques, and world-famous brands: welcome to the Hollywood glamour of Los Angeles.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Check out the Beverly Wilshire Hotel’s Pretty Woman for a Day Package — it’s the very hotel in the 1991 film “Pretty Woman.” With this package, your clients will get a VIP shopping experience. It includes a round trip with a Mercedes Sedan, visits to the backstages of Rodeo Drive boutiques, and fashion advice from a personal stylist.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To complete the Pretty Woman experience, check out Jewellery District, home to some of the best jewellery in the world. Consider booking a luxury tour — Jewellery District tours include visiting showrooms, meeting designers, and going to private exhibitions.&nbsp;7. For high-tech meets kawaii: TokyoIn Japan, there is one vending machine per 30 people, selling everything from ramen to burgers. The Japanese capital Tokyo appeals to many kinds of shoppers, including budget travellers, tech enthusiasts, and Japanese culture lovers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Located in the shopping district of Harajuku, Galaxy Harajuku hosts Samsung Galaxy’s brand exhibitions. By showing their Samsung smartphones, visitors can access virtual reality exhibitions, photo booths, and lounges with the latest Galaxy technologies. The district has all types of malls, from the mirror glass-covered kaleidoscopic entrance of Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku Shopping Mall to the cute shops in Laforet Mall. A short walk away from the mall is Takeshita Street, full of brightly-coloured shops, offering photo and shopping opportunities in Japanese kawaii fashion.&nbsp;&nbsp;Let your clients know of the Japan Shopping Festival, where over 500 participating brands give out exclusive promotions and discounts. There are also cultural activities as part of the festival, such as rice ball making classes or earring and piercing workshops.&nbsp;&nbsp;Have you seen somewhere travellers would like? Register with&nbsp;Hotelbeds today&nbsp;or Log in to offer travellers different types of retailtainment experiences, no matter if they're a luxury shopper, culture-lovers or deal-seekers.&nbsp;

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Travel Trends: What Travel Distributors Need To Know About 'Retailtainment'

&nbsp;Paris, Venice, and New York City often come to mind when talking about Valentine’s Day trip ideas. But what if your clients are expecting you to propose some more creative destinations this year? From African safari holidays to lantern-lit boat rides in Asia, we picked six romantic destinations across four continents that are beyond the tourist hot spots.&nbsp;Don't forget, you can take advantage of&nbsp;our global portfolio, including over 250,000 hotels in 170+ trending destinations worldwide. Not to mention 23,000+ experiences to enrich your clients' time in their destination of choice, to easily make their trip extra special.&nbsp;Sign up now&nbsp;or log in to your Hotelbeds account to access our global portfolio and delight travellers no matter their preferences.&nbsp;But for now, let's take a look at some of the best Valentine's Day destinations...&nbsp;Hoi An, VietnamVietnam experiences its dry season from December to May, so in February, you’re in for a sunny Valentine’s Day.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To make the most of the beautiful weather, book the half-day Hoi An Vespa tour. From meeting local farmers in rural Vietnam to seeing rice wine breweries, this tour unlocks an authentic experience. Back in the city, the UNESCO-preserved Hoi An Ancient Town has Chinese, Japanese, and European influences. The Japanese Covered Bridge, the Cantonese Assembly Hall, and the colonial building of Hoi An Museum of History and Culture are great examples of each style of architecture.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoi An truly shines at night, with thousands of lanterns lighting up the streets and the river. With an evening boat ride, visitors can experience this romantic atmosphere with their other half. Through this unique experience, they can ride boats, take colourful photos, and release lanterns into the water as a part of the monthly Hoi An Lantern Festival.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anthony Bourdain once described Hoi An’s bánh mì as a “symphony in a sandwich.” If food is your clients’ love language, tell them they’re in the right city, and suggest a cooking class or a half-day street food tour.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Santa Fe, USAFor a refreshing wellness retreat, look no further than Santa Fe, New Mexico. The city’s spiritual atmosphere combined with Native American wellness techniques will take couples on a relaxing journey.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Many premium spas, including Ojo Spa Resorts, Nidah Spa, or Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado offer couples packages including a romantic room, private hot tubs, wine, and chocolate - all of which can be booked in our Booking Engine! For the ultimate experience, book a couples massage and let your clients relax with the diverse massage techniques, essential oils, and Himalayan salt stones.&nbsp;&nbsp;While wellness is a major highlight, Santa Fe’s art and restaurant scenes are very much alive in February. As the first UNESCO Creative City in the US, Santa Fe hosts the Art + Sol Winter Festival in February, where visitors enjoy ballets, operas, and art galleries. Right after Valentine’s Day, the 19th of February marks the start of Santa Fe Restaurant Week, celebrating the city’s extensive dining options.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rovaniemi, FinlandAccording to experts, recent years are some of the best to see the Aurora Borealis as the solar activity has reached the 'solar maximum', with last year as one of the best for displays! The Aurora Borealis has also been seen as far south as Europe, suggesting that this magnificent phenomena is becoming more accessible. However, there's nothing quite like journeying to parts of the world where their true splendour can be enjoyed. The lights are best seen in winter months, so the odds are in your clients' favour to see the Northern Lights in Finland this Valentine’s Day.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Rovaniemi, the capital of the Lapland region in Finland, the Northern Lights are visible 150 nights a year until March. The best part? Couples can spot them from the comfort of a cosy glass igloo. Inside, guests get a 360-degree view of the sky, showcasing twinkling stars and the Northern Lights as they appear in green, purple, and pink hues.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Glass igloos are comfortable and warm but they won’t be enough for adventurous travellers. With the Arctic Circle – Northern Lights Hunting by Minibus or Aurora Borealis, Snowmobile Safari, and BBQ tours, crown the romantic moments in the igloo with exciting memories outside.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Besides the Northern Lights, Finland is also known for its traditional sauna experience with special rituals, which has been a part of UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage List since 2020. Book a sauna day for your clients to discover if this is the secret of the world’s happiest country.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dolomites, ItalyThe Dolomites boost a rich wine scene, delicious food, and romantic experiences like other Italian destinations, minus the tourist crowds.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Start the trip with Bolzano, the capital city of the South Tyrol region. Overlooking the majestic Alpine landscapes, this charming city blends Italian and Austrian cultures. Your clients will see it first-hand in the Bolzano Private Walking Tour as they visit landmarks like Piazza Walther and the Dome of Bolzano.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Less than an hour away from Bolzano, there are 49 Michelin-recommended restaurants for couples to have a romantic dinner on Valentine’s Day. Besides regional cuisine, you can find a wide range of Alpine restaurants, seafood places, and contemporary eateries.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For the next few days, we recommend renting a car and heading north toward Brunico, while making some stops along the way. A visit to the Neustift Abbey is a must — active since 1142, this place hosts one of the oldest wineries in the world. After tasting the historical wines of the region, suggest Chiusa for a blend of art and nature, and end the trip at a ski resort at Brunico.&nbsp;&nbsp;Okinawa, JapanWinter months are considered off-season in Okinawa but the beautiful archipelago is still worth a visit, especially for its romantic sunsets, beautiful nature, and laid-back atmosphere.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cherry blossoms start in early February, adding a pink touch to historical sites such as Nakijin Castle Ruins. Although an off-season for tourism, February is the peak season for an experience like no other: whale watching. Book a boat trip to Kerama Islands where your clients will see humpback whales jumping high up the water.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Okinawa has picture-perfect sunsets, no matter what season it may be. Consider organising a romantic sunset tour for your clients to take in the beautiful atmosphere. Over the next few days, book a cooking class or a food tour to uncover Okinawa’s traditional food. Dating back to the Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawan cuisine has Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences, different from what you would have in mainland Japan. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Serengeti National Park, TanzaniaSafari in the Serengeti National Park is on the bucket list of many travellers. For Valentine’s Day, couples can make this dream come true and treat themselves with the park’s luxury accommodation options.&nbsp;&nbsp;Between January and February, visitors get to see the Great Migration and calving, which makes the safari even more special. For accommodation, consider a luxury safari lodge, overlooking the vast landscape of Serengeti. On some days, your clients might be able to spot the Big 5 (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and African buffalos) roaming right outside their lodge!&nbsp;&nbsp;Alternatively, booking a campsite or a tent offers a true connection with nature, as couples sleep underneath the twinkling stars. Besides the Big 5, there’s a high chance of seeing zebras, birds, and wildebeest during the safari. Remind your clients to pack their cameras, as they’re about to make some of the most special memories of their lives. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The pristine beaches of Zanzibar are only a short flight away from Kilimanjaro International Airport near Serengeti. Let your clients know that Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to end after the safari, and offer to book some flights.&nbsp;&nbsp;Have you seen somewhere your clients would like?&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up to become one of Hotelbeds' valuable partners, or log in to your Hotelbeds account now and offer them the best Valentine’s Day yet.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Paris, Venice, and New York City often come to mind when talking about Valentine’s Day trip ideas. But what if your clients are expecting you to propose some more creative destinations this year? From African safari holidays to lantern-lit boat rides in Asia, we picked six romantic destinations across four continents that are beyond the tourist hot spots.

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The Best Destinations For Valentine's Day

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Key 2024 Events Calendar For Travel Distributors 

&nbsp;Within any sphere of travel it’s important to understand where audiences are looking to go, what they want from their experience, and how their needs are changing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To keep ahead of the curve, it’s important to re-evaluate what was once considered ‘luxury’ travel, as many of today’s travellers are moving away from purely exclusive resorts and disconnected retreats. And despite the fact that many countries are experiencing financial crises, the demand for luxury travel is anticipated to be ‘higher than ever’ in the next five years.&nbsp;What Luxury Travellers Want&nbsp;Here are just a couple of key insights into what luxury travellers are looking for from their trips include:&nbsp;&nbsp;To ‘get under the skin’ of a destination.An increasing focus on exploring hidden gems, activities, and neighbourhoods - what GlobeTrender calls ‘Gamma Destinations’&nbsp;With this in mind, we take a closer look at some of the most notable current and upcoming trends within the luxury travel sphere, what opportunities these present and how Hotelbeds are ideally positioned to offer hotels access to travellers within this segment.&nbsp;More Conscious LuxuryGiven that one of the prerequisites of luxury travel is a closer, ‘exclusive’ look at a destination of choice, there are many overlapping similarities between luxury travel and conscious travel. This intersection can be more clearly seen when we look at a few aspects of the ‘hierarchy of needs of the luxury traveller’:&nbsp;Indulgent Experience (meets/exceeds)Authentic Experience (cultural, not mass travel)&nbsp;This narrative shift towards conscious travel, where authenticity is becoming more highly priced than ‘pan-global luxury’ is apparent across the travel industry as a whole, however with regards to luxury travel and what travellers are looking for from their experience, there are key considerations for the hospitality industry - particularly, the need for green initiatives.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mostly, the importance of offering sustainable accommodation for consciously minded luxury travellers is never more apparent, in order to remain relevant within a market whose definition is rapidly changing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), at Hotelbeds we understand how critical it is to remain successful, but for the industry as a whole to shift towards conscious travel. Our Sustainable Hotels Programme and Plastic-Free initiative are just two of the ways that we’re responding to the very real demand from environmentally conscious travellers, offering simple and effective tools for our travel trade clients to not only make green choices in how they’re selling experiences and hotels to end travellers, but to make positive change within the industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up to join our network of thousands of travel distributors to help attract the right guest at the right time today.&nbsp;The Re-Emergence of China&nbsp;Even though it will take time for China to be fully reinstated into the world travel market, the growing wealth across the region is a promising sign for outbound travel growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;The reopening of China's tourism industry presents a wonderful opportunity for the growth of luxury travel. With the affluent demographics of Asia showing a strong demand for this style of travel, we can expect a massive outbound source market to emerge in the next few years.&nbsp;As a global travel partner with a vast network of travel distributors, as well as valuable ancillaries for end travellers to enrich their trips, we’re ideally positioned to not only increase the visibility of our partners’ hotel(s) through a non-competing distribution channel, but also to a group of guests who:&nbsp;Have longer lead times than other distribution channels.Cancel less often - for example, the cancellation rate for European hotels during FY22 was 31% when booked through our distribution channel, compared to the 65.5% seen in OTA bookings.Largely belong to long-haul markets.&nbsp;We offer all our clients access to fast-growing travel segments even in the most hard-to-reach spaces, while our cloud-based technology platforms provide fast, simple access to a network of global travel products to curate your clients’ bespoke travel plans. Put simply, working with us at Hotelbeds puts you in the right position to access some of the most valuable travel segments out there.&nbsp;Sign up today to join our Hotelbeds network and scale your offerings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pay Attention To Generation Alpha&nbsp;A recent study from Globetrender highlighted this trend, revealing that these families are not afraid to spend big and travel far. The study also predicted a substantial hike in family trips, estimating an increase of 185% between 2021 and 2022, which we anticipate will carry far beyond this year. As we look ahead to the next few years, it is safe to assume that luxury travel will see a sharp and sustained increase, particularly among wealthy families.&nbsp;And as a passive but young demographic, Gen Alpha is reliant on their Millennial parents to spend for them, which means:&nbsp;Millennial travellers will be looking to accommodate their children - an increasingly influential and young demographic accustomed to regular travel and the digital era.Luxury travel and luxury familial experiences may change as a result - from the rise of parent-child bonding trips to the increase in long-haul adventure trips, the way that luxury families go on holiday is changing.&nbsp;It's essential to recognise the changing face of the modern family and adapt your offerings accordingly. For instance, in the UK, many families are led by single parents, around 90% of which are women. So, it's vital to question your preconceived notions about family travel and make sure your offerings meet the diverse needs of today's travellers. But what is clear is that there is no better time to cater for the elite and their younger generations.&nbsp;‘Premium’ Travel As One To Watch‘Premium’ travel has many names, but this segment can mostly be identified by where travellers sit on the plane - namely, those at the front. And while the premium segment may not be quite the same as luxury, the motivations, needs and travel styles are in a similar vein, so travel distributors would be remiss to discredit the growing opportunity that premium travellers present. Travel analytics companies like Forward Keys, in fact, have outlined premium travel as one to watch.&nbsp;Recent insights suggest that the premium travel segment is recovering much faster than the economy segment. Interestingly, premium travellers also:Travel more regularly than economy travellers.Spend more than average once in their destination of choice.Stay for longer durations in their chosen destinations each time.&nbsp;In fact, premium segment travellers in America had stayed 14% longer compared to 2019 levels, with particular growth within small groups and families.&nbsp;&nbsp;What opportunities does this present for hoteliers?This is a rapidly growing segment of travellers who are willing to spend more in-destination, stay longer, and travel more frequently than those in the economy segment. So this means that recovery, in terms of revenue, is happening faster than visitor numbers, which is great news for host destinations and also great news for hotel owners looking to make the most of a high-spend, high-frequency traveller.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Rise of High-Impact ConservationAs suggested in our article detailing some of the top travel trends for 2023, high-impact conservation remains another exciting opportunity within the luxury travel segment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pelorus, a provider of luxury trips, noted that many high-net-worth travellers are no longer impressed by the type of excess that ‘luxury travel’ used to once mean, and that luxury is becoming more about the privilege of contributing to preserving and protecting the world’s environments. From spending time with marine biologists to joining conservationist efforts in Africa, the ultra-wealthy are beginning to fund experiences that make a tangible difference to the climate crisis, and capitalising on this type of traveller could lead to a huge uplift in your success as a hotel owner.&nbsp;Partnering with in-destination organisations that offer a deeper experience than more ‘tokenistic’ give back schemes can be a key step for hotel owners looking to capture the interest of high-net worth clients looking to make a real difference. It’s critical to ensure that any partnerships offer tangible, real value to local communities and environments, in order to attract the calibre of luxury traveller looking to make an actual difference during their experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luxury Wellness TourismCNTraveller suggests that ‘mindful movement is the new buzzword’ when it comes to luxury wellness as one of the top travel trends for 2023 and beyond, and we’re inclined to agree - though mindful movement is certainly not new as a concept! From hypnotherapy and nutritional assessments to astrology, forest bathing or sound baths, the concept of holistic wellness as a mainstream driver for travel deserves a place on the radar.&nbsp;Marketing wellness experiences is therefore becoming a key factor in many luxury hotels’ strategies, and our Star Collection Programme offers the perfect platform to maximise visibility to the right guest, as part of our dedicated marketing solutions for hotels - available exclusively to our hotel partners!&nbsp;&nbsp;In order to remain relevant and keep up with demand, many hotels and hotel chains around the world have had to increase their wellness offerings by incorporating innovative, attractive experiences and facilities into their properties.&nbsp;&nbsp;In fact, some hotels are taking this one step further, incorporating high-tech medicine into wellness regimes and pushing the boundaries of what ‘wellness’ means - from hotels offering traditional Chinese medicines featuring nutrigenomics (the relationship between between diet and genes); on-site assessments that curate bespoke stress-relieving activities; or even offering clients treatments believed to increase ‘health span’ including stem-cell therapy, DNA analysis and customised immune-boosting.&nbsp;In fact, at Hotelbeds we have seen a significant increase in luxury bookings with many destinations experiencing growth exceeding 50% in the last couple of years as more travellers than ever prioritise mind and body wellness, and preventative care. This prompted an incredible opportunity to expand our portfolio with The Leading Hotels of the World Alliance, offering even greater access to the luxury travel segment and building our existing ability to connect luxury travellers with the right hotels and experiences.&nbsp;Sign up today, and maximise your success in the ever-changing travel industry.&nbsp;

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