Travelers are prioritizing experiences and connections this festive season with room revenue pacing 30% ahead of 2019 for resort locations worldwide. With leisure travel continuing to soar, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (Hyatt) shares the most compelling travel trends for guests and suggestions on how to make the most of festive season travel. A global survey was commissioned by Hyatt and conducted by OnePoll, who conducted an online survey of 8,500 adults across 14 countries. The top travel trends for Europe, Africa, and Middle East (EAME) Region include:
- When traveling with family, respondents noted that hotels and resorts are their preferred accommodation (64%).
- 41% of travellers prefer to travel somewhere colder or snowier than where they currently live, compared to 33% who prefer somewhere hotter or sunnier than where they currently live.
- 58% of respondents agreed that it doesn’t feel like the festive season without snow.
- The most popular bucket list destinations include Canada, the United States of America (USA) and Italy.
- Excluding holiday celebrations, the top reasons people plan to travel for are: family reunions (27%), get-togethers with a friend (20%), birthdays (18%) and shopping (18%).
- 55% of respondents would be excited to receive travel or experiences in the upcoming festive season.
- 55% of respondents are likely to use a travel rewards program that lets them earn and redeem points, offers discounts and unique experiences.
- When traveling, more than half of respondents (69%) said it was important that their destination has seasonal/festive accommodations.
Hotels and Resorts Prove To Be Preferred Over a Home Rental
Spreading joy and delight, hotels and resorts are delivering on the festive spirit this time of year with seasonal décor, food, music and more. According to the global survey, nearly two-thirds (64%) of people traveling with families prefer to stay at a hotel or resort rather than a home rental. Further, when traveling, more than half of respondents (69%) said it was important that their destination has seasonal/festive accommodations.
Allowing guests to maximize their travels and focus on spending quality time with loved ones, many Hyatt hotels and resorts around the world offer luxury amenities, on-site dining options, 24-hour room service, concierge services, wellbeing experiences and more. In addition to offering the necessities, Hyatt hotels and resorts around the world participate in seasonal celebrations that make it easy for the entire family to get into the festive spirit through exciting experiences including:
- Andaz Dubai the Palm will bring Vegas to guests’ doorstep as this year’s theme for the New Year’s Eve Party at beachside La Coco. A night full of live entertainment, where California cool meets Mexican fiesta, guests will savour delicious food, drinks, and unobstructed views of the fireworks from Burj al Arab and the Burj Khalifa.
- Park Hyatt Dubai is harnessing the culinary prowess of three restaurants for the Traiteur Christmas brunch — Brasserie du Park, Noepe and The Thai Kitchen. The menu includes caviar, seafood and turkey, as well as oriental flavours from South-East Asia, all while a live band creates a festive atmosphere.
- Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai is celebrating the festive season at its renowned Mediterranean
restaurant, Eunoia by Carine, with curated Christmas and New Years menu as well as sharing menus to capture the joyous spirit.
Temperature Continues to Drive Seasonal Travel Plans: Snow is the Number One Preference
While some travellers may seek a reprieve from the cold in sunny destinations, 58% of respondents agree that it doesn’t feel like the festive season without snow. 41% of travellers prefer to travel somewhere colder or snowier than where they currently live, compared to 33% who prefer somewhere hotter or sunnier than where they currently live.
Travelers looking for destinations with the best chance of snowfall can pursue their wintry dreams and experience all that the season has to offer at Hyatt properties including Andaz Prague and Cor
Global, Dream Getaways are Making a Comeback with Canada, United States of America (USA) and Italy Being Some of the Most Popular Destinations
With leisure travel continuing to increase and many borders now open around the world, consumers are prioritizing once-in-a-lifetime trips with unique experiences and opportunities to connect. According to the survey, 62% of respondents agree that the festive season is a great time to cross off a bucket list destination with some of the most popular destinations being Japan, Canada and Italy.
Travelers can check off their bucket list items at these new and recently renovated Hyatt hotels in some of the most sought-after destinations with the family, as a couple’s getaway or for a solo adventure:
- Park Hyatt Toronto (Ontario, Canada): The reimagined Park Hyatt Toronto welcomes guests back to the luxurious Yorkville neighbourhood where guests can tour world-renowned museums and art galleries, enjoy a treatment at Stillwater Spa or deliciously crafted cocktails overlooking the Toronto skyline from the Writers Room Bar.
- Grayson Hotel (New York, USA): Part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Grayson Hotel’s enviable Midtown Manhattan location offers guests the opportunity to bask in everything New York City has to offer with spectacular views and is close proximity to the iconic Times Square.
- The Tribune (Rome, Italy): As the first hotel in Italy in the JdV by Hyatt brand, The Tribune is nestled among some of the best-known museums, shops and cafes and is within walking distance to some of the city’s major tourist attractions, such as the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.
Multi-Generational Families Seek Togetherness and Reunite with Loved Ones Through Travel
This year, many parents and grandparents will gather with their families for the holidays, with 94% of adults ages 45+ who responded are planning to travel in December and 58% in January, indicating that connecting with loved ones is top of mind for travellers. Excluding holiday celebrations, the top reasons people plan to travel for are family reunions (27%), get-togethers with a friend (20%), birthdays (18%) and shopping (18%).
Travelers seeking to participate in meaningful and immersive experiences while creating lasting memories can look to Hyatt’s elegant properties, such as Park Hyatt Doha in Qatar and Alila Jabal Akhdar in Oman, which invite guests of all ages to connect with one another. Those looking for the perfect destination for the entire family to gather and carry out seasonal traditions can consider Grand Hyatt Istanbul in Türkiye. This Grand Hyatt property offers something for everyone – blending an exciting city life with a relaxing retreat in the heart of the city.
Say Goodbye to Wrapped Presents: Travel and Unique Experiences Top Consumers’ Wish Lists
While some people enjoy a traditional gift, experiences create memories – which is why 55% of respondents noted they would be excited to receive travel or an experience such as a vacation, plane tickets, spa and meditation session or a cooking class as a gift this year. When it comes to gift giving, consider an unforgettable travel adventure or an immersive experience this festive season.
Hyatt’s new FIND experiences platform allows World of Hyatt members to explore – and gift – more than 200 exclusive experiences around the globe including:
- Cliffside Dining at Alila Jabal Akhdar (Oman)
- An exclusive behind-the-scenes dinner experience at Park Hyatt Paris – Vendôme (France)
- Cocktail tasting experience with master mixologist at Andaz Dubai the Palm (UAE)
- A Day with Chef Nino Redruello at Thompson Madrid (Spain)
Loyalty Programs Reign Supreme During the Festive Season as Travelers Try to Make the Most of Budgets
Loyalty programs, such as World of Hyatt, provide travellers with more ways to save and more reasons to gather all year round, especially during the festive season. 55% of survey respondents said they would use a travel rewards program that lets them earn and redeem points, offers discounts and features unique experiences and 51% said if there was an impressive travel rewards program offer, they would change their travel plans or go out of their way to earn and redeem points.
The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.
About the Survey
The survey was commissioned by Hyatt through OnePoll, who conducted an online survey among n = 8,500 adults aged 18+ across 14 countries. The survey was conducted Oct. 6-21, 2022. For the EAME region, countries surveyed include France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, UAE, UK.