Travelers have traditionally sought out the shoulder and off-peak seasons to snag the best deals, notes Ginger Taggart, Vice President, Brand Management, Global Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts. “My view, informed by the trends revealed in Crowne Plaza’s new ‘The Future of Blended Travel’ whitepaper suggests that is all about to change.”Blended travel—business and leisure travel together—provides greater flexibility and has empowered the traveler of today, stresses Taggart.“We are now witnessing a profile of traveler who is more adaptable and flexible, likely more opportunistic to itineraries and destinations as well, thus travel is not bound to peak/off-peak restrictions like before. It’s an exciting time for travel and we’re keenly following the ‘blended travel’ evolution.”Viator’s “2022 Travel Trends Report” also indicates shifted consumer travel choices following the pandemic, including a craving for the outdoors that is stronger than ever before. And that’s another reason the shoulder travel season has become more popular in many destinations—experiences can still be enjoyed outdoors while the weather is still agreeable.
According to the report, the ten fastest-growing experiences categories (and 18 of the top 20) were all related to outdoor activities. And almost half (48%) of the experiences booked this year were pre-canceled outdoors.
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