Although the hospitality industry was initially hard-hit by widespread impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s bouncing back even stronger than anticipated. 2021 saw a significant increase in rooms and flights booked, and 2022 is ramping up to show an even stronger performance. While top-tier properties are enjoying an unprecedented busy season, temporary hotel staffing may be necessary to keep up. Here, we discuss the travel trends of the year ahead and discuss strategies for hotel managers to keep up with the demand.
Making Up For Lost Time
COVID-19 restrictions sharply curtailed travel for most of 2020 and 2021. Now that we’re in a new year and most areas have significantly loosened COVID guidelines, individuals are more ready than ever to satisfy the pent-up desire for travel. This “making up for lost time” phenomenon is driving many of the vacation trends that we’re seeing.
In fact, Expedia’s newest creative campaign, featuring celebrity Ewen McGregor, is tapping into this with their “buy less stuff, spend it on travel for experience and making memories” advertisement. Christie Hudson, a senior public relations manager for Expedia, said “Travel is no longer just about ‘going somewhere’. Coming out of such a long period of constraints and limitations, 2022 will be the year we wring every bit of richness and meaning out of our experiences.”
A Focus on Family
Although we’re seeing lots of couples’ vacations, many travelers are prioritizing connection with family. Extended families who missed out on visiting with each other during the height of the pandemic are jumping at the opportunity to travel together and reconnect. Multigenerational travel is a much-missed and growing trend that we expect to see more of in 2022.
With so much missed school, parents are seeking experiences and travel opportunities that can provide some educational components – and hotels and resorts are stepping up and providing them. The Isla Bella Beach Resort and Oceans Edge Resort & Marina have partnered with Marine Science Camp to offer classes to children at no cost to guests. Other resorts are offering summer camps and getting creative with various learning opportunities for elementary-age children. All to say – people recognize the need for children to make up for lost education time, but equally important to the lost family vacation time.
Longer Stays
After staying home for the better part of two years, it’s no surprise that travelers are ready to splurge on longer stays. Whether traveling solo, with a partner or friend, or with the entire family, vacationers are eager to treat themselves to the getaway of a lifetime.
International Travel
While travelers are staying longer and splurging on luxuries, international travel is also increasing. Travel agents are reporting an uptick in international bookings, which may continue throughout 2022. Although European travel may be affected by the war in Ukraine, many destinations outside the U.S. are expected to greet an influx of American guests.
Travel in 2022 will be defined by luxury. With tourists looking to make up for lost time, hotels in the U.S. and abroad are busier than ever. As a hotel manager, there’s no question that you’re doing everything you can to keep up with demand and exceed guests’ expectations. When you’re in need of additional assistance, temporary hotel staffing may be the best solution. The Hospitality Taskforce team has connected hotels with highly-qualified independent contractors since 2003, and we’d love to help you find the right candidates for your property. When you’re ready to learn more about our process, please contact us. We’re looking forward to learning more about your needs so we can assist you in hiring talented temporary contractors.