Traveling and hotels are a huge part of our economy, with more than 8 million Americans working directly in the industry. And in addition to the jobs that are supported by this industry, it also supports more than $157 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue.
However, as the travel industry continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and consumers are increasingly concerned about environmental impacts, some travelers are rethinking their plans. This shift in consumer interest has led to changes in how we travel, including a rise in experiential travel and new tools that help travelers connect with locals.
In addition to a focus on experiences, another major trend in travel is the desire for authenticity. This is fueled by a sense of distrust in the mass media, with consumers seeking to learn about local culture and traditions from the people who live there. This has also led to a growth in tourism services that offer unique cultural activities, such as cooking classes or guided tours.
Another aspect of the travel industry that has shifted is the way people book their vacations. Instead of searching for the best deals on aggregator sites, many travelers are now booking directly with hotel chains. This saves them money on commission and often gives them benefits like room upgrades or freebies that aren’t available on third party sites. Plus, if something goes wrong during their stay, it’s easier to work with the hotel directly than trying to figure out who they need to speak with at a third party site.
It’s no secret that prices are higher during peak travel season, but there are ways to find the right hotel at the right price. It may require a bit more planning but it can be worth it. The key is to decide where you want to go, what you want to do and how much you are willing to spend.
While it’s still early in the summer, AAA predicts that 44 million Americans will travel for Memorial Day and that overall summer traffic will be up 4.1% year over year. While it may not be as robust as last summer, these numbers are encouraging and show that the travel industry is continuing to rebound. And while some travelers are choosing to stay home, the majority is simply traveling differently. With the rise of experiential travel, an increased desire for sports tourism and a more even split between business and leisure trips, it’s likely that travel will continue to grow in the years to come.