Travel industry trends may include changes in the length of trips as well as the amount of luxury involved. The economy tends to play a large role in tourism trends, but other factors such as worldwide events or attractions that appeal to many people can also be instrumental. Transportation changes may also have an effect on the tourism industry. Technology can greatly affect tourism trends as demand for the latest products increases. Consumer behavior, such as an interest in activities that require travel, is another type of occurrence that can have an effect on trends in the industry.
For instance, if skiing becomes one of the trendiest sports, a trend in travel to ski resorts worldwide is likely to occur. Travel companies analyze trends to meet the demand. In the case of ski lodge travel industry trends, companies may create "ski and stay" package deals that might also include airfare. Trends can also decrease the need for some travel products such as a shift in consumer behavior in which "staycations" rather than vacations become popular.
Breakthroughs in technology can create new demands in travel trends, such as by business travelers who want compatible computer equipment in their hotel rooms. Computer technology can also start trends in how consumers access travel information and book trips as well as in how people connect worldwide via social media applications. Marketing travel industry trends often embrace new technological advances such as by reaching potential customers with online surveys, contests, advertising and discount offers.
Events such as the Olympic Games or openings of new holiday resorts or tourist attractions can cause trends in the number of people wanting to travel to those locations. In this way, travel industry trends to certain countries or regions in the world may increase, while others decrease in popularity. New tourist spots typically mean more business for tour companies and the inclusion of tours and themed travel package offers. When the trends are economy driven, either in an downturn or upswing, they can have a strong influence on the industry as a whole.
Travel companies typically use tourism analysis to discover the needs and desires of travelers in any type of economy. In an economic surge, there is likely to be an increase in travel and/or more demand for luxury amenities. In a recession, travel companies are apt to use industry tools to create appealing budget travel options or promote shorter trips. Changes in transportation such as an increase in fuel costs can also affect travel industry trends and cause companies to market savings packages.