New Report Reveals 91% of Travelers to Maintain or Increase Trips in 2023, with International Travel More than Doubling
According to a recent report by SiteMinder, a leading open hotel commerce platform, 91% of travelers plan to maintain or increase their number of trips in 2023. The report, which surveyed over 10,000 travelers across 12 countries, also revealed that more than half (57%) of respondents anticipate traveling more frequently than they did in the past year. Moreover, the number of travelers planning to travel exclusively internationally has more than doubled from 20% last year to 42% this year.
The findings from SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2023 highlight four key characteristics that will shape the global accommodation industry in the upcoming year. One of these characteristics pertains to accommodation expenses, with 87% of travelers indicating their willingness to spend beyond the cost of their room. However, with rising prices, travelers are seeking alternatives such as package deals and cheaper room options to overcome the increased costs. This trend is unsurprising considering nearly 90% of travelers stated that their accommodation preferences have changed over the past year. Instead of just a place to stay, travelers now prioritize a great experience and nearly one-third of respondents view a close connection with the local culture and community as an important factor.
Interestingly, the report reveals that accommodation itself is becoming a destination for travelers, with half of the respondents, particularly international travelers, planning to spend a significant portion of their trip at their accommodation. The proportion of travelers intending to work during their trip remains unchanged from last year, at 36%.
Trent Innes, SiteMinder’s chief growth officer, stated that the research confirms the resilience of the travel sector, with travelers demonstrating a planned and sustained intention to travel. In contrast to previous years, there is a stronger inclination toward international travel, despite the need to adapt to rising prices. Accommodation providers play a crucial role in meeting the evolving expectations of travelers, as 50% of respondents view accommodation as the destination itself.
The report also emphasizes the importance of technology in the accommodation industry. While over two-thirds of millennials are likely to use artificial intelligence (AI) for accommodation recommendations, and 70% of travelers, including Generation Z, acknowledge social media’s influence on their accommodation choices, there is room for improvement in the industry’s technological capabilities. Almost 80% of travelers believe that the accommodation sector lags behind in technology adoption. Additionally, the booking experience and stay can be enhanced through more tech-savvy practices, according to 66% of respondents.
With the ongoing challenges facing the accommodation sector, such as staff shortages, travelers express tolerance toward lower service standards. However, SiteMinder’s report suggests that the industry must prioritize technology adoption to enhance the booking process and overall guest experience.
In conclusion, the SiteMinder report reveals a positive outlook for the travel industry in 2023, with a majority of travelers planning to maintain or increase their trips. The shift toward international travel and the increasing importance of a personalized and culturally immersive experience are key trends highlighted in the report. Additionally, the report emphasizes the need for accommodation providers to leverage technology to meet the evolving expectations of travelers.
