Skift research analysts discuss key insights from the State of Travel 2023 report, highlighting the recovery of luxury hospitality and multi-day tour operators. They also explore Hopper's growth in the industry, potential risks, and the impact of AI on the travel sector, including emerging trends like blended travel and the competitive landscape between vacation rentals and hotels.
Opportunity for growth in the travel industry as prices have not kept pace with inflation rates, indicating untapped demand waiting to be met.
Optimism for a significant return of long-haul travel with the Middle East surpassing 2019 levels, presenting potential for growth.
Deep dives
Travel Industry Long-Term Potential Amidst Challenges
Despite challenges faced by the travel industry during the pandemic, there is an opportunity for growth and recovery. For instance, prices of hotels and airlines in the US have not kept pace with inflation rates, indicating potential for growth. With 240 million trips below potential in 2025, there is untapped demand waiting to be met. As global travel accessibility increases, particularly with stronger economies emerging, there is optimism for a significant industry catch-up.
International Travel Recovery Dynamics
The recovery of international travel, especially long-haul travel, remains a key focus for the industry. While domestic and regional travel has shown robust recovery with some regions exceeding pre-pandemic levels, long-haul travel has not fully bounced back. Middle East stands out as the only region surpassing 2019 levels, highlighting the potential for growth. Despite challenges, there is optimism for a significant return of long-haul travel and a strong recovery, particularly in Asia where positive trends are emerging.
Impact of Remote Work on Travel Behavior
I think during the pandemic, remote work became a dominant arrangement across countries, leading to significant shifts in travel behavior. Workers took more and extended trips due to newfound flexibility, leading to the rise of blended travel. Remote work's influence on blending business and leisure travel is expected to double global spending by 2027 as more travelers seek versatile trip options. The trend also presents opportunities for travel suppliers like hotels to offer co-working spaces, creating new revenue streams.
Luxury Hospitality Trend Resilience
The luxury hospitality sector is witnessing strong recovery and growth post-pandemic, particularly in the US and Europe. Luxury hotels are capitalizing on pent-up consumer demand and showing robust pricing power, surpassing pre-pandemic rates. Despite economic uncertainties, luxury travel remains resilient due to higher consumer savings and unique travel preferences. The sector anticipates continued strength and outperformance, indicating a positive outlook amidst global economic shifts.
Today we feature audio from a livestream presentation done this week by Skift research analysts Seth Borko, Pranavi Agarwal and Varsha Arora, where they discuss some key takeaways and stories from The State of Travel 2023, the comprehensive report that was just released by Skift research.
Download the report at https://skift.com/insight/state-of-travel/
You can also head to research.skift.com to find this report as well as all of Skift Research’s in depth analysis of the global travel industry.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode