The presentation of 1st quarter results by two distribution giants, Airbnb and Booking, reveals a growing trend. Whatever the context, the number of overnight stays booked in “alternative” accommodation is rising steadily.
A new buzzword over the last few years, set-jetting is gaining in popularity. At a time when Netflix, HBO, Disney+ and Prime are an integral part of our daily lives, it's hardly surprising that these platforms are becoming the new trendsetters in the field. It's a phenomenon such that destinations, and hotels too, are playing this card to the full in order to shine on the international tourism scene. With the new season of the phenomenon series ‘The White Lotus’ just out, let's take a look at this booming trend.
The epidemic context, the war in Ukraine and inflation are all factors that are likely to have a strong impact on the Spring holidays as they are fast approaching. However, travellers are not ready to give up, as shown by the latest studies published by Atout France and ADN Tourisme, VVF, Opodo and Airbnb. A first report supported by data from MKG Consulting on the whole of France and by region. Which destinations have the highest booking rates? What are the differences compared to 2021? How is the context reflected in holiday plans?
The days when accommodation was just a place to spend the night when travelling are over. More and more people are choosing to stay in unusual accommodation, with accommodation becoming the central element of the trip. As the demand is exponential, the offer follows and we see more and more unusual accommodations emerging. Let's take a closer look at this growing trend, which is bringing a wind of innovation to the hospitality sector.
The lull at the end of 2021 had been followed by downturns in December 2021 and January 2022 in almost all European countries due to the "Omicron wave". Fortunately, in February, the industry rebounded and returned to growth, exceeding the level of last December. However, the dynamics remain heterogeneous by country.
The lull at the end of 2021 was short: at the beginning of January, all European countries were hit by the "Omicron wave", leading to further declines in activity across the continent after several months of rebound from October to November. Thus, despite the hopes raised by the active vaccination drive, the hotel sector was hit by new restrictions throughout Europe at the end of 2021 and in January 2022, thus hampering the hotel activity.
The performance of the European hotel industry fell back in December due to the Delta and the new Omicron variant, although the dynamics remain highly variable depending on the country.
After a decrease in performance in September, the hotel industry is recovering.With the generalisation of the vaccination and health pass, the gradual resumption of events and the arrival of the holidays at the end of the month... the hotel industry is showing correct results in October.
Summer 2021 which had given a glimmer of hope to the tourism sector comes to an end. After a summer that was not very sunny but which provided reassurance to hoteliers, particularly in Southern Europe, European tourism activity fell back again in September due to the absence of corporate and international clientele. Although the events sector is slowly picking up, it is not yet in full swing.
