5 Trends Shaping the Next Decade of Hospitality

Over the last decade Airbnb rattled the travel industry.  They altered booking patterns, raised guest expectations, and shifted consumer preferences.

We predict that the coming decade will see a similar shift. This time thanks to The Modern Traveler.

The operators, developers and STR hosts who adapt to these five trends are going to capture the lion’s share of bookings and revenue.

1. The Shift in Spending Patterns

Millennials are entering their peak spending years (25-40), coinciding with record-high female workforce participation (77.8%) and century-low birth rates.

The result? More disposable income and fewer family responsibilities.

But the extra cash is not being spent on nicer cars or more clothes. This generation is spending their extra income on experiences. 

What does this mean for hospitality operators?

Every aspect of our properties and operations should be designed to deliver memorable moments.

From immersive environments to curated local activities, we must create stays that resonate with the Modern Traveler's desire for meaningful experiences.

2. Social Search Engines

For years operators have relied on OTAs to drive bookings to their properties. Attracting bookings in the coming years will look like a totally different ball game.

As the Modern Traveler’s demands shift, so do their booking habits.

Legacy OTAs are going away. They will always have their place.

Need to filter by price? Find a walkable hotel from the metro?

OTAs are your friend.

But it’s not The Modern Traveler’s go-to for booking. They want to be inspired before booking. 

The rooms. The resort. The experiences. All brought to life through videos on social media. Guests can now envision how their trip is going to look & feel. 

Something the 20 images on OTAs don't allow them to do.

3. Blurred Lines of Work and Play

The era of remote work has ushered in a new set of problems for the Modern Traveler. 

One of their most common problems: When to close the laptop?

Grabbing a 200 sqft room in London and working on the bed is not their solution.

They need dedicated work areas. Fast wifi and space to work that isn’t a cold hotel lobby.

Vacations are becoming as much work as they are play. The Modern Traveler is traveling for longer periods of time and working more thanks to the remote work boom.

Do you want to increase your bookings in this next decade of hospitality? Make sure your guests have a place to work in their unit. This is soon to be as important as the location of your property.

4. One-of-One Personalization

Social media has transformed the way we travel. We now discover new destinations from our social feeds, and feel inspired to book a trip so we can experience it ourselves.

But here’s the kicker…

Travelers don’t want their posts to look exactly like the rest of their feed. They also don’t want a run-of-the-mill experience while they’re there.

They want personalized dinners. Thoughtful in-room touches. Private photo shoots. Stories they can share forever.

Take Leobo Private Game Reserve in South Africa. In a market saturated with safari lodges, they've carved out a niche with over-the-top adventures:

• Helicopter paintballing between game drives

• Skydiving over the savanna

• Swimming with crocodiles

• Heli-picnics atop remote cliffs

By offering these one-of-a-kind experiences, Leobo has transformed from a lodge into a bucket-list destination. It's not just a safari; it's an adventurer's paradise.

The lesson? In a world of cookie-cutter stays, personalization is your secret weapon. Create moments that guests can't wait to live— and share.

5. “Micro-Travel” and “Staycations”

The Modern Traveler's appetite for experiences is growing, but their approach is evolving. They're not splurging on suite upgrades or premium flights. Instead, they're opting for more frequent, shorter trips.

Why? Five overseas vacations a year isn't feasible for most. Enter the rise of "micro-travel" and "staycations."

The pandemic accelerated the trend towards drive-to destinations, and data shows it's here to stay. Quick weekend getaways within driving distance are now complementing, not replacing, bigger trips.

The appeal? Easy escapes from the daily grind that don't require extensive planning or time off. These travelers seek nearby destinations that offer:

• Minimal travel time

• Maximum experience

• A punch of novelty
  
  
  

For hospitality operators, this trend opens new opportunities to cater to local and regional markets with unique, accessible experiences that feel worlds away from home.

The Modern Traveler has arrived with new expectations, reshaping the landscape almost overnight.

To stay competitive, we must do more than adapt—we need to lead.

These trends are your compass. Use them to guide operational decisions, identify prime assets, and design projects that captivate. By embracing these shifts, you can create experiences that don't just meet expectations—they exceed them.