"Revenge travel" is here.

Are you ready?

Guest expectations have changed. Is your property ready to address the new normal? Or is a lack of technology holding you back?

Thankfully for everyone, there’s Cloudbeds.

When it comes to travel, 2021 was a year of learning to adapt to the changing realities of the pandemic. We saw the beginnings of “Revenge Travel,” with travelers taking advantage of increased vaccination rates and loosening border restrictions to take trips that they couldn’t in 2020. But despite a decent bounceback this year, Covid-19 continues to disrupt travel plans.

As we move into 2022, we predict another year of wanderlust and pent-up demand. However, the pandemic will continue to strongly influence guest preferences, booking habits, and the industry as a whole. Here are the major trends that will define travel this year, and what they mean for your property.

How will changing guest preferences and booking habits affect your property? Download our Trends Report for tips and advice.

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Higher

guest expecta-
tions

than ever before

After enduring nearly two years of the pandemic, travelers are not only eager to get out, they are ready to go big. They are willing to spend more, indulge in luxurious experiences, and tick off bucket-list items — but they also remain cautious about crowded areas, meaning nature, coastal, and small-town destinations are still preferred. On top of that, guest expectations are higher than ever. The pandemic accelerated digital adoption, meaning that a majority of consumers now expect seamless, frictionless travel experiences supported by mobile and contactless technologies.

40%

of U.S. travelers say they are more willing to treat themselves and spend money on their next trip

Source: Expedia

30%

of travelers agreed they preferred outdoor destinations more now than prior to the pandemic.

Source: STR

58%

of all customer interactions globally are now digital, compared to 36% prior to the pandemic.

Source: McKinsey

64%

of travelers agree that technology will be more important than ever while on vacation

Source: Booking.com

Download our State of Independent Lodging Report for more

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Changing booking habits

creating unpredictable demand

The pandemic has significantly altered the way travelers plan and book trips. In a year of “Revenge Travel,” this has both advantages and disadvantages for lodging providers. Though demand is high, it remains unpredictable and subject to changing public health restrictions. Travelers have adapted by booking much closer to their stay date or taking advantage of flexible booking policies, frustrating properties with short lead times and last-minute cancellations. However, travelers are also now more likely to stay longer and book direct, which means that savvy properties can capitalize on these new booking trends to drive more revenue and profitability from their guests.

79% of bookings are made within 14 days of stay date, up from 24% in the previous year.

Source: STR

56% of all bookings at independent hotels came from direct channels in 2020, up from 39% in 2019.

Source: Skift

44% of travelers prefer leisure trips of at least 7 nights, with 26% of travelers preferring stays of 10+ nights.

Macro trends

changing the
shape of travel

Even as we learn to live with Covid-19 and settle into a “new normal,” we will still be dealing with macro effects of the pandemic for years to come. Leisure travel is strong and will continue to drive the recovery, but business travel may permanently lag behind due to remote work. Meanwhile, the hospitality industry faces a massive labor shortage, with many experts predicting permanent shifts in staffing levels. The pandemic has also intensified the calls for increased sustainability in the long term, with rising pressure on travel companies to find ways to offset their climate impact and maintain a positive social impact.

A tale of two travel sentiments

The net propensity, or the difference between those more likely and less likely to travel post-pandemic for the following types of travel: