2021 Holiday Travel Will Bring Big Profit for Hospitality
A picturesque holiday scene with snow, lights, and holiday decorations.
It might only be May, but we’re already seeing a rise in momentum for 2021 Holiday travel, hospitality spending, and less populated destinations. Due to several recent state re-openings, a fresh round of economic stimulus payments, and general recovery from the intense COVID quarantine measures of 2020, we’re seeing a major shift in consumer sentiment as consumers feel more positive about 2021.
Holiday Travel MFactor, Momentum and Velocity. MFactor is a proprietary tool that measures cultural momentum through topic modeling and sentiment analysis.
2021 Holiday Travel Data
While momentum for the holiday season is lower than where it was in December 2020, velocity is on the rise, signaling a shift in sentiment as consumers get prepared for the holiday season and are optimistic about COVID policies relaxing. 2021 Holiday Travel will benefit the travel and hospitality sectors. Research by Club Med predicts 18% growth in bookings around Thanksgiving and a 9% increase in bookings around Christmas for both 2021, and 2022 as well.
Holiday Travel Patterns Already Developing
In 2020, momentum for the holidays was driven by an eagerness to get on to the future. Consumers weren’t interested in celebrating with the usual holiday spirit, they were just ready for 2021. Mother’s Day 2021 showed the highest travel numbers since pre-pandemic, and since Thanksgiving and Christmas are historically major travel holidays, we predict even more travel is likely late this year.
Although the spirit of the holidays traditionally includes gathering with friends and family, Amélie Brouhard, Vice President of Marketing at Club Med, believes bookings are about more than just seeing loved ones. “The pandemic has also undoubtedly affected the mental health and wellbeing of us all, and the act of planning vacations has been proven to boost mental health. We believe families are booking ahead to not only give themselves something to look forward to but to also provide them with a sense of optimism and that there are brighter days ahead.”
2021 Holidays Will Be About Open Spaces
While there’s been a resurging interest in travel, the effects of the pandemic remain apparent: travelers are choosing open spaces and nature over dense urban environments, and they’re opting for domestic locations instead of complicated international travel.
Airbnb bookings show that searches for remote destinations in the U.S. were up by nearly 40% in April 2021. Although much of 2021 Holiday travel plans will include air travel, these groups may not be landing at historically popular holiday destinations, opting instead for less-dense locations for their family gatherings.
Hospitality To Recoup Lost 2020 Revenue
This Holiday 2021, consumers will spend extra, either to celebrate a return to normal or to create a normal holiday experience. 2021 Holiday travel will be with/to friends and family but with extra flair. Even now, travelers are booking extravagant vacation plans that they’ve postponed. Travel and hospitality companies that offer consumers a luxurious celebrant experience and lavish upgrade options, will see the most demand, and make the most revenue.