How Local Tourism Is Shaping The Hospitality Industry
Opinion Piece by David Lebée, Founder and CEO
of Dayuse
Tourism has continued to show its resilience with an estimated 235 million tourists who have travelled internationally in the first three months of 2023, more than double the same period of last year. However, the past three years have significantly shifted the travel and hospitality industry and the trends that have recently emerged are here to last, the major one being daycations I believe. The future of tourism will be impacted by social, economic, and environmental changes, bringing opportunities for the market.
The travel habits and leisure activities of today's society have shifted dramatically in recent years, and this evolution from consumers is having a significant impact on the hotel industry as a whole. Seven out of ten consumers believe their travel habits have permanently changed (1), and we can see that through the rise of travel trends like local and slow tourism. Environmental considerations, budgeting and health concerns have all been at the forefront of the minds of experience seekers. Travel trends are changing and hoteliers are taking a step back to see the ways the industry can grow, explore these new trends, and seek fresh and innovative ways to increase revenue.
In recent times, it has become apparent that the hotel industry has been significantly impacted by clients who are more concerned about their impact on the environment. Eco-tourism is on the rise, as travellers seek out experiences that prioritize sustainable practices. The steady growth of environmentally conscious travellers and experience seekers has changed travel and lifestyle trends, and I believe these trends are likely to continue as people become more concerned of how they affect the planet. Many citizens of the earth do not feel morally sound taking long trips for a few hours of relaxation and are opting to stay within their local area, and in doing so, reducing their carbon footprint and seeking out experiences that reflect their values. Indeed, recent studies found that 47% of people travel locally because it’s better for the environment and more socially responsible (2).
From the many rising trends in trends in hospitality and travel, Daycations and Staycations are among the most popular. A Daycation is a brief getaway or mini-vacation taken during the day, usually within close proximity to one's home. Daycations can involve visiting nearby attractions or simply taking time off to recharge and rejuvenate. One of the biggest advantages of daycations is that they are more accessible than traditional vacations. They do not require overnight accommodation costs or expensive travel arrangements, which makes them ideal for people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life without breaking the bank. In a recent UK survey, 56% of the respondents said that the cost-of-living crisis would steer them towards staying in their country over a holiday abroad (3). Daycations also offer the opportunity to explore nearby destinations that are often passed over by tourists, helping to spread tourism revenue to more diverse and underappreciated regions. Locals can discover the treasures of their neighbourhoods.
Hotels are reaping the benefits of this influx of local tourism, locals are a demographic that has been long overlooked by the hospitality industry. Lesser-known hotels can see huge increases in bookings by offering their amenities to both daycationers and residents looking for local experiences that allow them to get away from their screens and enjoy a change of scenery. As written by Jon Marcus, Boston Globe Correspondent, “Having traffic in the daytime also channels extra business into other services provided by hotels, including restaurants and bars" (4). Many hotels do not use their amenities to their full potential during quieter seasons; by taking advantage of the consumer base looking for luxury experiences close to home, hoteliers can optimize their spaces and profit greatly. Incredible rooftops, amazing bars and restaurants, private pools, steam rooms and saunas, state-of-the-art fitness rooms… So many unknown hotel amenities that could benefit residents in the area.
The term “slow tourism” has been coined for this approach to travel that emphasises a leisurely pace, deeper connections with local communities, and sustainable practices. Slow tourism encourages travellers to slow down, immerse themselves in the local culture, and engage in activities that promote authentic experiences. 83% of the people interviewed in a recent survey about slow tourism have stated they prefer to take time exploring a new place and being open to new experiences (5).
As the CEO of Dayuse.com, I am excited to see the continued growth of these new travel and wellness trends. Our numbers are testimony to the growing number of people searching for new ways to experience hotels around them, and we are committed to making daycations accessible to everyone. Dayuse.com accommodated over 1.9 million guests last year and continues to pioneer the market for a new type of traveller and experience seeker. As the hotel sector continues to benefit from the untapped potential of daytime guests, I am pleased to see that the changing habits of travellers have spurred many hoteliers to actively engage in practices such as microstays. With an increasing number of people seeking a break from their usual surroundings, local tourists find a way to recharge and relax through daycations.
Our platform is at the forefront of enhancing the experience of these trends and provides a seamless booking experience, with flexible check-in and check-out times that allow travelers to make the most of their time. We can see these new trends are here to stay, and for good reason. Offering convenient, sustainable, and affordable ways for people to take a break from their daily routines and explore the world around them. With over $760M generated for our hotel partners since our launch, we are committed to making daycations accessible to everyone. As the global platform for booking daytime hotel experiences, we will continue to pioneer travel trends across the globe and offer a wide range of experiences that cater to different interests and budgets.
Sources:
2 https://passport-photo.online/blog/domestic-tourism/#gref
3 https://qumind.co.uk/news/56-brits-report-cost-of-living-crisis-will-stop-them-holidaying-abroad/
4 https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/06/lifestyle/daydreaming-about-daycation-its-now-reality/
5 https://hiddenscotland.co/latest-survey-reveals-83-of-people-prefer-slow-travel-to-tick-box-tourism/