Icon Tourism Consulting

06/10/2024

Western Australia Ready to Welcome the World: A Personal Reflection on the WTTC Global Summit 2024

The 2024 World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit is coming to Perth, Western Australia, marking a significant milestone for the state and the global tourism industry.

With over 800 registered delegates, including leaders from major global companies, this event showcases WA’s rich cultural heritage and economic ambition. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to position Western Australia as a world-class tourism destination, boosting both leisure and business travel to the region.


As someone who has dedicated most of my life to tourism, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit has always represented the pinnacle of our industry.

I can vividly remember my early days as a tourism operator in the 90s, dreaming of attending this prestigious event that always seemed to take place in the Northern Hemisphere. Back then, it felt like a mystical gathering where the brightest minds and biggest decision-makers of global travel and tourism came together to shape the future of the industry.

Attending the WTTC was a symbol that you had truly "made it" in tourism.

Fast forward to 2024, and that once-distant dream is about to become a reality in my own backyard: Perth/Boorloo.

Western Australia is proud to host the WTTC Global Summit for the first time in Australia, from October 8-10 at Crown Perth. More than 800 registered delegates from across the globe, including over 200 Chairpersons, Presidents, and CEOs of major global companies like Emirates, Google, Expedia, and Visa, will gather in our beautiful state to discuss the key challenges and opportunities facing global tourism, trade, and travel. This is absolutely next level.

For Western Australia, this is more than just an event – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase our state to the world. The summit will shine a spotlight on our economic ambition, tourism investment, and aviation opportunities. With a theme of "Ancient Land: New Perspectives," we’ll proudly demonstrate WA’s rich Aboriginal cultural heritage, diverse tourism offerings, and our position as a desirable holiday and business destination.

This is the first time this event in 45 years has been held in WA and in my humble opinion will change the face of WA tourism over the next 10 years.

The Summit is set to be a dynamic mix of leadership and vision, with global leaders including the 68th U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, headlining the event. Australian environmentalist Robert Irwin, who will share his perspective on sustainable tourism and the role wildlife experiences play in this new era of travel.

By the numbers, the event will attract nearly 840 registered attendees, with more than 1,250 participating online – giving WA global exposure to around 2,000 people. Senior government decision-makers from over 18 countries will be in attendance, alongside over 50 private-sector investors. And with 60 international journalists covering the event, the world will be watching as we present Western Australia on the global stage. Many of these decision makers have never been to Australia!

It’s particularly rewarding to see how this summit will not only boost tourism to WA but also drive business events, strengthen international relations, and provide tangible benefits for our local tourism operators through familiarisation trips and direct bookings.

For a young tourism operator in the 90s, attending WTTC was an unattainable dream. Today, the reality of seeing this global event come to Perth fills me with both pride and excitement. This is WA’s moment, and I’m confident that we are ready and waiting to make the most of it.

Let’s embrace this incredible opportunity to showcase the wonders of our state to the world.

12/08/2024

I’ve just published an article on AI, drawing from over 300 hours of in-depth research into how it will shape the future of tourism and hospitality. If you’ve previously tried AI and found it clunky, or if you think AI is just about ChatGPT (it’s so much more!), or simply don’t know where to begin, I encourage you to take a moment to complete my survey. As a thank you, I’ll send you a detailed white paper, "AI Integration: A Roadmap for Small to Medium-Sized Tourism and Hospitality Businesses," to help you navigate this game-changing technology with confidence

A survey to understand how small and medium tourism business will use AI now and into the future

16/07/2024

Quick article on the benefits of Cruising to the community and local tourism industry.

16/07/2024

I have always been a big fan of the Cruise Industry in WA. It was one of a few sectors that grew consistently in WA between 2013 and 2017, when other leisure sectors were not growing or remained steady. It is a sector that also supports the rest of the tourism industry in many ways.
The Western Australia Government has consistently invested in growing and developing the cruise industry over the last 5 years, with amazing results, even though many thought the industry wouldn't survive or come back from covid.
As its own tourism sector Cruising delivers so much to the wider tourism and hospitality industry along with providing so much to the local ( often regional) community.

Economic Benefits
Some of the benefits which contribute to tourism and the wider community include:-
Increased Visitor Numbers: Cruise ships bring large numbers of tourists to a destination, often in a single day. This influx can significantly boost local tourism numbers.
Spending Power: Cruise passengers often spend money on local goods, services, and attractions, which can stimulate the local economy. I have heard of examples where over $100,000 dollars’ worth of Pearls were purchased in Broome in one day from a cruise ship.
Job Creation: The increased demand for services and products can create jobs in various sectors, including retail, hospitality, transportation, and tour guiding.

Marketing and Exposure
Destination Promotion: Cruises often highlight destinations in their marketing materials, providing free exposure and attracting potential future visitors who might return for a longer stay.
Word of Mouth: Satisfied cruise passengers can become ambassadors for the destination, promoting it through word-of-mouth recommendations and social media.
Infrastructure Development
Investment in Infrastructure: To accommodate cruise ships, destinations often invest in infrastructure improvements such as ports, roads, and tourist facilities. These enhancements can benefit the local community and other visitors as well. Again this was the case over the last few years in Broome WA
Public and Private Sector Collaboration: Cruise tourism can foster partnerships between public authorities and private enterprises, leading to coordinated efforts to improve and market the destination.

Cultural Exchange
Cultural Exposure: Cruise tourism introduces visitors to the local culture, history, and traditions, fostering cultural exchange and understanding. A good recent example of this is the Seabourn Cruise Line and the Kimberley’s Wunambal Gaambera traditional owners coming together.

Local Craft and Cuisine: It provides opportunities for local artisans and food producers to showcase and sell their products to a broader audience.

Benefits to Mainland Accommodation and Other Tourism Operators
Increased Bookings

Pre/Post Cruise Stays: Many cruise passengers book pre- or post-cruise accommodation, increasing occupancy rates in local hotels and resorts.
Extended Stays: Some cruise visitors may choose to extend their stay to explore the destination more thoroughly, leading to additional nights booked at local accommodations.
Tour and Activity Participation
Excursions and Tours: Local tour operators can benefit from organizing shore excursions tailored for cruise passengers. These can include sightseeing tours, adventure activities, and cultural experiences.
Local Transportation: Taxi services, car rentals, and other transportation providers often see increased demand from cruise passengers needing to travel around the destination.

Increased Sales for Local Businesses
Dining and Entertainment: Restaurants, cafes, bars, and entertainment venues can experience a surge in business from cruise visitors looking to enjoy local cuisine and nightlife.
Retail and Souvenirs: Local shops and markets benefit from passengers purchasing souvenirs, gifts, and other retail items.

Cross-Promotion Opportunities
Collaborative Marketing: Mainland accommodations and tourism operators can collaborate with cruise lines for joint marketing efforts, offering packages or discounts to attract cruise passengers to extend their stay.
Destination Packages: Creating attractive packages that combine accommodation, tours, and activities can entice cruise passengers to explore the destination beyond their short port visit.
Sustainable Tourism Development
Managed Visitor Flows: With proper planning, cruise tourism can help manage visitor flows and reduce the impact on overcrowded areas by spreading tourists across different parts of the destination.

Year-Round Tourism: Cruises can help destinations achieve a more balanced year-round tourism economy, as they often operate during shoulder and off-peak seasons.

It is critical therefore that Local Government who have a port get behind the cruise industry for the benefit of local rate payers. Cruising offers numerous benefits to destinations and their mainland accommodation and tourism operators, ranging from economic gains and increased exposure to infrastructure development and cultural exchange. By leveraging these advantages, destinations can enhance their overall tourism appeal and sustainability.
It is so exciting to see the Cruise Exchange back in Perth This week.

Twenty-five cruise industry executives have descended on Perth for Cruise Exchange to discuss the state's cruise tourism sector

16/07/2024

I have always been a big fan of the Cruise Industry in WA. It was one of a few sectors that grew consistently in WA between 2013 and 2017, when other leisure sectors were not growing or remained steady. It is a sector that also supports the rest of the tourism industry in many ways.

The Western Australia Government has consistently invested in growing and developing the cruise industry over the last 7 years, with amazing results, even though many thought the industry wouldn't survive or come back from covid.

Some of the benefits that contribute to tourism and the wider community include the following:

Economic Benefits

Increased Visitor Numbers: Cruise ships bring large numbers of tourists to a destination, often in a single day. This influx can significantly boost local tourism numbers.
Spending Power: Cruise passengers often spend money on local goods, services, and attractions, which can stimulate the local economy. I have heard of examples where over $100000 dollars worth of Pearls were purchased in Broome.
Job Creation: The increased demand for services and products can create jobs in various sectors, including retail, hospitality, transportation, and tour guides.

Marketing and Exposure

Destination Promotion: Cruises often highlight destinations in their marketing materials, providing free exposure and attracting potential future visitors who might return for a longer stay.
Word of Mouth: Satisfied cruise passengers can become ambassadors for the destination, promoting it through word-of-mouth recommendations and social media.
Infrastructure Development
Investment in Infrastructure: To accommodate cruise ships, destinations often invest in infrastructure improvements such as ports, roads, and tourist facilities. These enhancements can benefit the local community and other visitors as well. Again this was the case over the last few years in Broome WA
Public and Private Sector Collaboration: Cruise tourism can foster partnerships between public authorities and private enterprises, leading to coordinated efforts to improve and market the destination.

Cultural Exchange

Cultural Exposure: Cruise tourism introduces visitors to the local culture, history, and traditions, fostering cultural exchange and understanding. A good recent example of this is the Seabourn Cruise Line and the Kimberley’s Wunambal Gaambera traditional owners coming together.

Local Craft and Cuisine: It provides opportunities for local artisans and food producers to showcase and sell their products to a broader audience.

Benefits to Mainland Accommodation and Other Tourism Operators
Increased Bookings

Pre/Post Cruise Stays: Many cruise passengers book pre- or post-cruise accommodation, increasing occupancy rates in local hotels and resorts.

Extended Stays: Some cruise visitors may choose to extend their stay to explore the destination more thoroughly, leading to additional nights booked at local accommodations.
Tour and Activity Participation

Excursions and Tours: Local tour operators can benefit from organizing shore excursions tailored for cruise passengers. These can include sightseeing tours, adventure activities, and cultural experiences.

Local Transportation: Taxi services, car rentals, and other transportation providers often see increased demand from cruise passengers needing to travel around the destination.

Increased Sales for Local Businesses
Dining and Entertainment: Restaurants, cafes, bars, and entertainment venues can experience a surge in business from cruise visitors looking to enjoy local cuisine and nightlife.
Retail and Souvenirs: Local shops and markets benefit from passengers purchasing souvenirs, gifts, and other retail items.

Cross-Promotion Opportunities
Collaborative Marketing: Mainland accommodations and tourism operators can collaborate with cruise lines for joint marketing efforts, offering packages or discounts to attract cruise passengers to extend their stay.
Destination Packages: Creating attractive packages that combine accommodation, tours, and activities can entice cruise passengers to explore the destination beyond their short port visit.
Sustainable Tourism Development
Managed Visitor Flows: With proper planning, cruise tourism can help manage visitor flows and reduce the impact on overcrowded areas by spreading tourists across different parts of the destination.

Year-Round Tourism: Cruises can help destinations achieve a more balanced year-round tourism economy, as they often operate during shoulder and off-peak seasons.

Local Governments who have a port must get behind the cruise industry for the benefit of local ratepayers. Cruising offers numerous benefits to destinations and their mainland accommodation and tourism operators, ranging from economic gains and increased exposure to infrastructure development and cultural exchange. By leveraging these advantages, destinations can enhance their overall tourism appeal and sustainability

Very exciting to have WA Cruise Exchange once again in Perth

Twenty-five cruise industry executives have descended on Perth for Cruise Exchange to discuss the state's cruise tourism sector

19/06/2024

08/05/2024

Serving amazing Greek food

03/07/2023

🌍 Exciting Tourism Trends in Greece! 🇬🇷

As a passionate tourism business consultant, I always keep an eye on emerging trends worldwide and closely follow countries' post-COVID recovery in terms of inbound tourism numbers and spending. And guess which country stands out? Greece! 🌟

Being of Greek heritage and with family members working in tourism on the beautiful island of Crete, Greece holds a special place in my heart. So, I couldn't resist sharing this fascinating article with you. The stats are simply amazing!

✨ The overall tourism statistics for Greece are impressive, showcasing a promising recovery and renewed interest in this mesmerizing destination.

However, what caught my attention are the insights regarding the renowned islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Surprisingly, their arrivals have experienced a decline. This opens up intriguing discussions about shifting travel preferences and evolving tourism patterns.

🔍 Curious to know more? Check out the article below to dive into the details.

Let's continue observing Greece's journey and how it adapts to the changing landscape of the global tourism industry. 🌎✈️ Share your thoughts on these trends and any personal experiences you've had in Greece! Let's celebrate the beauty and resilience of this captivating country. 🎉🇬🇷

Greece welcomed a 29.3% increase in international arrivals by air during the first five months of the year.

18/04/2023

With a 50% hike in airfares to Europe this year Intrastate tourism may still deliver for local operators
As a tourism consultant for Icon Tourism Consulting, I see the rise in airfare to Europe as an opportunity for the local Australian tourism industry. With airfare prices almost 50% higher than last year, and 63% above pre-pandemic fares, it is clear that many Australians will reconsider going overseas for their summer holidays. This means that interstate and intrastate tourism will continue to be as strong as it has been in the past few years. Operators must continue to cater for these local markets as they have done in the last three years. This presents an excellent opportunity for local tourism businesses to tap into this market and provide innovative and exciting holiday packages for Australians looking to holiday at home.

The forecast was that once Covid had finished, local travellers would leave Australia quickly and head overseas for their mid year holidays. However, the demand for travel has pushed airfares up to new heights, which may cause some local leisure travellers to reconsider going back to Europe and instead holiday in Australia, as they have done in the last two years. With such high airfares, many Australians may opt for continued domestic leisure travel, which will provide a boost to local tourism businesses. This presents an opportunity for operators to think outside the box and come up with or continue unique and exciting travel packages that cater to local travellers.

The rise in airfare to Europe may seem like bad news, but it presents a unique opportunity for the local Australian tourism industry. As more Australians reconsider travelling overseas due to high airfares, operators must continue to focus on catering to local markets, as they have done in the past few years. This means that there is a potential for the domestic tourism market to grow even further, and local tourism businesses can take advantage of this by providing innovative and exciting holiday packages for local travellers. By doing so, the Australian tourism industry can continue to thrive, and the economy can benefit from the boost in domestic tourism.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/17/australians-face-50-hike-in-air-fares-to-fly-to-europe-this-year-data-suggests?

Thirst for ‘revenge’ travel after the Covid pandemic is driving return prices to almost $3,000 to some European cities, booking site says

18/04/2023

Hi All. My mobile phone is being repaired at the moment. Contact for the next 24 hours is 92451662 or e-mail [email protected]
Thanks

17/04/2023

Have a look at our latest article on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-booking-experience-growing-influence-ai-tourism/

28/03/2023

Top 10 Must-Know Travel Trends for Entrepreneurs and Operators in 2023

As tourism operators and entrepreneurs, you have to stay ahead of the market and on top of the ever-changing environment. In this post-COVID era, it is becoming harder to pick up on tourism trends and whether they are short-term offerings as a result of covid or long-term trends that may impact your tourism business in either a positive or negative way.
Add this to the fast-moving world of social media and digital marketing, and it is critical to keep an eye on travel trends to see if any of those trends are a good fit for your destination, attraction, hotel, or tourism partner business. This makes the difference between a businessman trying to succeed in tourism and a tourism entrepreneur who has an innate understanding of the industry and can turn a dollar.
The travel and tourism industry has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, causing a reset in travel and tourism trends worldwide. This has resulted in a blank canvas for the industry, where anything is possible. The industry is rapidly changing, with destinations and major operators scrambling for market share. Although this can be both scary and exciting, tourism entrepreneurs and operators need to take note of consumer travel trends.
There are some significant and definite trends happening around the world, that astute tourism entrepreneurs (in areas such as transport, tours, accommodations, attractions, and third-party intermediaries) need to be aware of.
Our experts and friends around the world have shared their insights with us, and we've conducted ear-to-the-ground research to identify the top ten travel and tourism trends that should be noted in 2023.
1. Wellness
The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating on a global scale, and unfortunately, it's not over yet. Along with the ongoing threat of long-term COVID, people are now more conscious than ever of the importance of good health, realizing the truth behind the saying "if you don't have your health, you don't have anything."
Travellers are seeking out destinations and activities that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and self-care.
The travel industry started seeing this trend before COVID, as people prioritise health and self-care when planning their trips. This trend has opened a wealth of opportunities for tourism entrepreneurs to tap into this growing market. Offering wellness-focused accommodations, activities, and experiences can attract health-conscious travellers seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and a break from the stresses of daily life. By providing unique wellness offerings such as spa treatments, meditation sessions, healthy cuisine, outdoor activities, and more, entrepreneurs can create a loyal customer base and stand out in a crowded market. Additionally, marketing these offerings through social media, travel blogs, and other digital platforms can attract travellers from around the world.
We have seen this in the rise of walking and hiking tours and other outdoor experiences. In Australia, NSW has a monopoly on this trend, particularly in places like Byron Bay.

2. Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Travel
In light of events such as stronger cyclones, extended drought conditions, extraordinary floods, and warming oceans, all of which have been exacerbated by climate change, travellers are increasingly eager to reduce their carbon footprint and travel sustainably. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses and the value of the local business ecosystem. As a result, there has been a growing emphasis on "going local" in the travel industry, particularly since supply chains were disrupted during the pandemic. This trend has gained even more attention as travellers seek to minimize their impact on the environment and support local economies.
This trend presents a great opportunity for tourism entrepreneurs to create offerings that are eco-friendly and promote sustainability. Accommodations that are constructed with sustainable materials and use renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, can attract environmentally conscious travellers. Entrepreneurs can also offer activities that educate visitors about environmental conservation and promote eco-tourism. For example, guided tours of nature reserves, beach clean-up activities, or volunteering with conservation organizations can create a meaningful travel experience. By showcasing their commitment to sustainability through certifications and eco-labels, entrepreneurs can attract more travellers who are interested in responsible tourism. By embracing the trend of sustainable environmental travel, tourism entrepreneurs can create unique offerings, appeal to an ever-growing market of eco-conscious travellers, and play a role in protecting the planet.

3. The Up and UP of VFR: Multigenerational and Family Travel
The surge in leisure travel last year was partly due to families being separated for COVID safety reasons. However, the desire to enjoy travel experiences with multiple generations of a family has not shown any signs of diminishing. The demand for these joyful and memorable family trips is still high, and many families continue to prioritize multi-generational travel as a way to strengthen their bonds and create lasting memories.
Multi-generational family travel has occurred, as families prioritize creating memorable experiences together post covid. This trend presents an excellent opportunity for operators to create offerings that cater to the diverse interests and needs of different age groups. Offering activities that cater to different generations, such as cultural experiences, adventure activities, and relaxing spa treatments. Accommodations that provide ample space for families, such as villas or apartments with multiple bedrooms and living areas, can also attract multi-generational groups. Moreover, entrepreneurs can tailor their marketing efforts to showcase the unique experiences they offer and target the different age groups within the family.

4. Nature & The Outdoors: An Appreciation and Celebration
In Australia. in particular, many of our state and national parks were almost "loved to death" during and just after the preceding years of the pandemic, as travellers sought ways to be outdoors. I have witnessed the dramatic growth in numbers in Kalbarri National Park where "Nature's Window" resembled a busy suburban mall.
With health and safety concerns, travellers have been drawn to outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife safaris. This trend is expected to continue as people prioritize health and wellness in their travel choices.
The increasing trend towards nature and outdoor activities has seen a surge in the popularity of hiking tours with vistas. Travellers are seeking unique and authentic experiences that allow them to connect with nature and explore new destinations in a more active and immersive way. Hiking tours with vistas provide an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views and stunning landscapes while challenging oneself physically and mentally. Operators can take advantage of this trend by offering specialized hiking tours that cater to different fitness levels and interests, from scenic walks to more challenging treks. Operators need to provide experienced and knowledgeable guides who can enhance the guests' experience by sharing information on local flora and fauna, culture, and history. They can also incorporate sustainable and eco-friendly practices that promote responsible tourism while supporting local communities. By creating customized itineraries and incorporating unique experiences, operators can attract a growing number of travellers seeking to explore nature and the outdoors.

5. Experience-Driven Travel Trends: Exploring Movie-Inspired Destinations, Inclusive Getaways, plus Exploring studying and Supporting Local Cultures
This is a combination of several trends basically around experiences That is prioritizing experiences over possessions, exploring cinematic or streaming destinations, Inclusive Tourism, and Engaging in Hands-On Activities to Support Local Culture.

For instance, immerse yourself in the local Indigenous culture by participating in a cooking or craft class. Discover the growing interest in traditional paper crafts like origami or quilling, as forecasted by Pinterest. Moreover, Australian destinations like Visit Cairns offer autism-friendly services to facilitate travel planning for families with autism. "Current Travel Trends in Australia: Embracing Experiences over Materialism, Discovering Movie-Inspired Destinations, Inclusive Getaways, and Supporting Indigenous Culture through Hands-On Activities.

Example: Experience the local Indigenous culture through a hands-on cooking or craft class. Explore the rising popularity of traditional paper crafts like origami or quilling, as predicted by Pinterest. In addition, Australian destinations like Visit Cairns offer autism-friendly experiences to make travel planning easier for families on the spectrum

6. Road Trips/Caravanning: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, road trips were already a trending as a popular way of travel for many people seeking to explore new places and destinations. However, since the pandemic, road trips and caravanning have become even more popular as people opt for domestic travel and prefer to avoid crowded airports and public transportation. With the widespread availability of vaccines and the gradual lifting of travel restrictions, the trend of road trips is expected to continue in the coming years. As a result, tourism entrepreneurs and operators can capitalize on this trend by offering unique and customizable road trip packages that cater to different interests and preferences. They can also leverage technology to provide personalized recommendations for attractions, accommodations, and restaurants along the way. Additionally, incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly practices can help attract a growing segment of travellers who prioritize responsible tourism

7. Slow Travel The trend of "slow travel" is a growing movement within the tourism industry, where travellers seek to experience destinations at a more relaxed pace, taking in the local culture and attractions. This style of travel emphasizes quality over quantity and encourages travellers to connect with the local community, learn about the region's history, and appreciate the local way of life. The concept of slow travel has become even more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, where travellers are seeking to avoid crowded tourist attractions and are looking for more intimate and meaningful experiences. These travellers are usually got time on their hands and tend to bite high-value consumers.
To capitalize on this trend, operators can offer customized itineraries that allow travellers to immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions. This can include cultural activities such as cooking classes, language lessons, and guided tours of historical sites. Additionally, operators can offer accommodations that provide a sense of place, such as local bed and breakfasts, family-owned guesthouses, or eco-friendly lodges.
Operators can also promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices to attract travellers interested in making a positive impact on the local community and environment. This can include supporting local businesses, reducing waste, and promoting eco-friendly transportation options.
By creating customized slow travel experiences that promote authentic cultural exchange and sustainable tourism practices, operators can attract travellers seeking more meaningful and memorable travel experiences. The slow travel trend is expected to continue, and operators who can offer personalized and responsible travel experiences will be at the forefront of this movement.
8. Workation: The trend of combining work and travel has gained significant momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, as remote work became a necessity for many professionals. With the widespread adoption of remote work, many people are now able to work from anywhere, which has led to a surge in the popularity of extended trips and workstations. This trend is expected to continue post-COVID-19, as more companies adopt flexible work arrangements.
Operators can take advantage of this trend by offering customized travel experiences that cater to digital nomads and remote workers. They can provide accommodations with high-speed internet and comfortable workspaces, such as coworking spaces, cafes, or private offices. Additionally, operators can offer unique experiences that balance work and leisure, such as cultural activities, outdoor adventures, or wellness programs.
Operators can also create specialized packages for corporate retreats and team-building activities, offering a change of scenery and a break from the daily routine while still maintaining productivity. This can include customized workspaces, meeting rooms, and team-building activities that foster collaboration and creativity.
By capitalizing on the trend of work and travel, operators can tap into a growing market of digital nomads and remote workers seeking new and inspiring destinations to work from. They can differentiate themselves by offering customized experiences that cater to the unique needs and interests of this segment, providing a seamless work and travel experience that combines productivity and leisure
9 Sustainable travel: With growing awareness of the impact of travel on the environment, travellers are seeking out sustainable and eco-friendly options, such as eco-tourism, responsible tourism, and carbon-neutral travel.
The growing awareness of the impact of travel on the environment has led to a significant shift in consumer behaviour, with more travellers seeking out sustainable and eco-friendly travel options. As a result, operators can take advantage of this trend by incorporating sustainable tourism practices into their offerings. This can include eco-tourism, responsible tourism, and carbon-neutral travel, which all aim to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment while providing travellers with unique and authentic experiences.
Eco-tourism involves visiting natural areas while promoting conservation and supporting local communities. Operators can create specialized eco-tourism packages that offer guests the opportunity to participate in conservation efforts, such as tree-planting initiatives, wildlife conservation projects, and beach clean-ups.
Responsible tourism focuses on creating economic and social benefits for local communities while minimizing the negative impact of tourism. Operators can work with local communities to provide authentic cultural experiences while promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Carbon-neutral travel involves offsetting the carbon footprint of travel through carbon credits, which fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Operators can incorporate carbon-neutral travel options into their offerings, such as providing eco-friendly transportation, reducing waste, and promoting energy-efficient accommodations.
By incorporating sustainable tourism practices into their offerings, operators can attract a growing number of travellers seeking eco-friendly and responsible travel options. They can also differentiate themselves from competitors and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and responsible Icon Tourism Consulting
10. Domestic travel: With international travel restrictions and safety concerns, during Covid, it was felt that as soon as borders opened up that international leisure travel would return very quickly but this hasn’t been the case and now some experts are forecasting that this could be a longer-term trend. Many travellers have opted for domestic travel, liked it and are continuing to holiday with their families domestically instead of returning to the usual international vacation. This trend is expected to continue, with travellers exploring their own countries and supporting local businesses.
The are several other trends as well including Contactless technology ( travellers are looking for contactless options such as mobile check-in, touchless payments, and virtual tours.), Private accommodations (many travellers are opting for private accommodations such as vacation rentals and villas) and others.
At the start of each year with your staff, support services and industry professionals you should review the top ten travel trends with the idea being to look out for those trends that could have a negative impact and plan for them along with trends that your business can take advantage of.