Host & Stay’s Industry Predictions for 2023
Friday 20th January, 2023 by Host & Stay
After a few years of uncertainty within the travel and hospitality industries, holiday makers are now ready to make plans. We’re seeing clear trends emerge for 2023 which includes the rise of the digital nomad and the change in priorities when choosing a holiday home for a stay. Continue reading to find out what we expect to see in the travel industry for 2023!
1. Staycations are here to stay!
With the cost-of-living rising, we expect the demand for UK staycations to increase for 2023. We’re seeing a clear trend of families and groups of friends actively searching for rural breaks within driving distance as opposed to holidaying abroad.
Audit, tax and consulting firm, RSM UK carried out a recent survey of 1,000 consumers and found that 36% of respondents are looking to take a short staycation of one to four days in the UK over the next 12 months. 28% of consumers are also planning to take a long break of five days or more in the UK. These survey findings are really optimistic for the holiday letting industry and show that despite global inflation, travellers are still prioritising staycations.
2. Holiday makers are prioritising home cooking
When planning a staycation, you’d assume that breathtaking views and incredible locations are top of the list for holiday makers. But surprisingly, it’s the kitchen which is expected to be the deciding factor for 2023.
The holiday rental website Vrbo recently found that half of UK travellers are looking to cut down costs by cooking instead of eating out or getting takeaways. So much so that holiday makers can save an average of £417 on their next break by home cooking during their staycation! Research by Vrbo also found that the most desirable amenities for cooks are coffee machines, pizza ovens and air fryers.
So if you own a holiday home and are looking to maximise bookings this year, we’d recommend investing in your kitchen. Ensure your photographs are appealing and your property is well equipped for self-catering stays.
3. The rise of the digital nomad
Digital nomads are people who travel freely while working remotely. This concept has been extremely popular in recent times and is expected to become mainstream in 2023. There are 35 million digital nomads worldwide but this is expected to grow quickly. It’s predicated that there will be a billion people living and working as digital nomads by 2035 due to advances in technology, workplace culture and remote working. This means that digital nomads will make up roughly 1 in every 3 employees.
Because of this, holiday home owners should highlight the useful aspects of their property to appeal to people working remotely during their stay which includes laptop friendly workspaces and WiFi.
4. Film and TV locations are the inspiration
Many holiday makers are turning to TV and cinema to inspire their next staycation. Online travel company Expedia Group recently carried out a survey of 2,000 consumers. They found that 44% admitted that TV has inspired their travel planning and 37% have booked a trip after seeing it featured on TV or in a film on a streaming service.
This ‘set-jetter’ trend is expected to grow as we continue through 2023 with travellers wanting to experience their favourite show or film for themselves.