Business Travel
Travel Trends Round-Up 2022
Welcome to Nestor’s 2022 travel trends round-up!
2022 has been one of the most rapidly changing years for the travel industry to date. Following the pandemic, which is still significantly affecting many destinations and the hospitality industry, travellers are looking at their holidays in new ways.
When travel opened up again, we saw a huge increase in the importance of Covid safe travel, which eventually morphed into the below trends, as people had over two years to rethink the way they travelled, and the impact it has on the world.
Sustainability will be a huge theme going into 2023 while maintaining the new and innovative ways to keep people healthy and reduce their environmental impact via technology is also being seen more frequently. In a similar vein, and perhaps not quite unexpectedly, holidays combining both business and leisure are set to continue rising, following the remote work trend triggered by the pandemic.
Read on to find out more about the biggest trends in the travel space this year, and how they might develop going into 2023.
Sustainable Stays
Sustainability is at the front of everyone’s minds this year. With the world at home during much of the pandemic, countries worldwide saw unexpected natural changes. Unseen wildlife returning to its natural habitat and less pollution in populated cities due to fewer cars on the road. This led people to consider the potential impact travel would have not only on the environment but on the country and cultures they were visiting.
70% of travellers said that they would be more likely to book a property if they knew it was environmentally friendly, leading to the rise of more and more eco-hotels and stays across the world. This includes everything from the extreme, entirely carbon neutral properties such as Room2 in London, to large brands that have made small but impactful changes such as inviting guests to reuse linen and installing refillable toiletries.
Prop Tech
Prop tech inevitably ties into travellers’ interest in sustainability. Property technology doesn’t only cover futuristic home devices, such as Alexa or automatic lights, but includes other integrated systems which can both save money and help the environment. Smart meters, showers and wall sockets can all reduce energy consumption whether for yourself or for guests staying in a hotel or property.
New technology exists within the hospitality industry to automatically shut off water, lights and electricity when no one is home, or after a certain amount has been used. Similarly, using digital keypads with check-in codes rather than key cards which require programming has reduced the need for face-to-face interaction (not to mention wasted plastic).
Whether travellers are holidaymakers or on a business trip, they generally expect a stress-free stay, which can be helped along by prop tech innovations such as QR codes and hotel apps, allowing guests to book transport, food and other services at the touch of a button.
Electric Travel
Electric may still sound like something from a Sci-Fi film, but it is already a popular way to travel, even if the world hasn’t quite managed to develop electric planes. This isn’t for want of trying, however. Tesla is unsurprisingly one such brand that is a driving force behind the creation of flying electric vehicles.
Other companies such as Eviation have also already created electric aircraft, which work extremely effectively and are dramatically cheaper and more efficient than the average plane, so it is only a matter of years before these will be brought into the commercial airline space.
On a less futuristic note, travellers have been enthusiastic about other electric vehicles on their holidays. E-biking has seen a significant rise in popularity for business travellers and those looking for adventure, without the need for too much exercise. City trippers are ever keen on electric scooters, which are popping up in cities across the world due to lightweight, eco-friendly, simple to use and very affordable.
The reliable, sustainable electric car has also been steadily seeing increased popularity this year. Not only are more people opting to invest in electric vehicles for themselves, but prefer to take advantage of them on holiday where possible, whether they rent abroad or choose the new Uber Green to get around town.
Working Holidays
The worldwide pandemic made a distinct and irreversible change to the way we work; something which has impacted travel on many levels. Working holidays and business/leisure trips have steeply increased this year, with companies either transitioning to fully remote or allowing workers to spend a certain amount of time working abroad. Similarly, the pandemic, unfortunately, led to many people losing or leaving their jobs.
However, record numbers of people used this opportunity to start businesses and become freelancers. In the travel industry, this kick-started an even greater trend for digital nomad trips and retreats. Hotels and properties almost instantly transformed spaces to accommodate those working remotely, who need strong connectivity, a quiet place for work and the opportunity to network.
This trend is likely to continue into 2023, as we see more people working for themselves and companies offering remote work benefits. The travel and hospitality industry can continue improving in this area, by attracting this new demographic and providing them with the space and technology they need to work abroad.
The Future With Nestor
Nestor has strived to implement all of these trends and more in properties in West London. Within our luxury apartments, guests will find that we champion sustainability, working with brands that embody this mission. From refillable and biodegradable toiletries to contactless check-in services using unique keypad codes, guest safety and positive environmental impact are maximised.
Our apartments are also the perfect space for working, with strong WiFi and forward-thinking design that blends home comforts with quiet working areas. Each time a guest books through Nestor, a tree is planted so that everyone who stays with us can feel assured that their eco-friendly stay begins even before they’ve stepped foot through the door.