Market Trends

📚 TrustYou's consumer research reveals generational differences in travel review behaviors. Millennials and Gen Z (18-39) read (84%) and write (66%) more reviews than Baby Boomers and Gen X (40-65), especially after a positive experience (37% vs. 24%). Baby Boomers and Gen X prefer hotel websites for reviews, while younger generations favor Google. For surveys, 83% of older travelers respond to emails, whereas 33% of younger ones prefer text messages. Negative reviews are considered genuine by 68% of older vs. 57% of younger travelers. Cleanliness is vital for Baby Boomers and Gen X (7/10), and Wi-Fi is crucial for 43% of Millennials and Gen Z. Younger travelers expect rapid responses to negative reviews, with 55% stating a response doesn't change dissatisfaction. The survey included 800 U.S. hotel bookers, 45% aged 18-39, and 55% aged 40-65, conducted in September 2022.

🥪 Mango habanero flavor is increasingly popular in the U.S., featured in various dishes and drinks. Despite habanero's spice, these mixtures highlight the pepper's floral notes and mango's sweetness. Market research by Datassential shows a 118% menu presence growth over four years, now at 4.8%. Its popularity is notable among Gen Z, millennials, and Hispanic consumers.

🍷 Orange wine, also known as amber wine or ramato, is a white wine that gains a unique taste similar to a dry red wine from extended skin contact during production. It pairs well with various dishes and reflects ancient winemaking practices. As per Datassential, orange wine appears on 1.1% of U.S. restaurant menus, marking a 32% increase in the last four years.

📈 PAR Punchh released its "PAR Punchh Loyalty Trends Report," revealing innovative loyalty program strategies in the restaurant industry. Key findings: loyalty programs drove a 12% increase in loyalty sales from 2022 to 2023, a 5% overall rise in consumer spending, morning sales growth due to office returns, and a 25% loyalty sign-up rate among Gen Z. In-store ordering accounted for nearly 40% of transactions, underscoring the value of omnichannel presence and POS systems. CEO Savneet Singh emphasized the importance of understanding loyalty behaviors for market success. The report is based on data from Punchh's platform, used by over 30% of top 100 restaurant brands.

🍠 Summer squash, including zucchini, pattypan, and chayote, has grown in restaurant menu appearances by 38% over the past four years, now found on 1.4% of U.S. menus. 81% of U.S. consumers recognize summer squash, which stands out for its versatility in various dishes without adding excess moisture, according to Datassential market research.

🍔 Sahib Rana, CEO of Toronto-based Lazeez Shawarma, partnered with Revel Systems to implement a flexible, cloud-based POS across 61 locations, as highlighted at the MURTEC Executive Summit Canada on June 20 & 21 at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto. Established in 2013, Lazeez sought a scalable solution for rapid growth and enhanced guest experience. Revel's platform includes a Kitchen Display System (KDS), which improved efficiency by replacing paper tickets, and a Customer Display System (CDS) to ensure order accuracy and promote specials.

🏠 The Global Wellness Institute valued the wellness tourism sector at $651 billion in 2022, projected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2027. Wellness travellers spend significantly more per trip compared to other sectors. Hotels can capitalize on this growth by offering activities that promote a healthy mind and body without necessarily incurring high costs. Strategies include marketing existing wellness elements like gyms, leveraging local culture, offering food options for various dietary needs, and partnering with fitness and wellness instructors. MasterCard’s report highlighted a 65% increase in spending on experiences from 2019 to 2023, suggesting a shift towards experiential and wellness travel.

🍜 Georgian cuisine from the former Soviet republic is gaining attention in the U.S., distinguished by local meats, cheeses, fresh produce, nuts, spices, and ancient winemaking traditions. Influences span across Ottomans to Russians due to the historic "Silk Road." Notable dishes include satsivi, pkhali, kharcho, nigvziani badrijani, khachapuri, khinkali, and churchkhela. Georgia's population is around 3.7 million, with its food scene expanding notably since 2016 in cities like North Miami Beach, Fla., and Chicago, where restaurants like Kavkaz and Chicago Diplomat Cafe thrive on word-of-mouth and social media promotion. Supra and Tabla in Washington, D.C., offer traditional and contemporary Georgian dishes, emphasizing the cultural "supra" experience of togetherness and hospitality.

Hotels are shifting to a relationship-focused model, utilizing data and mobile technology to provide personalised guest experiences. By integrating systems like PMS, CRM, and POS, and creating Single Guest Profiles, hotels can meet the evolving expectations of various demographics, ensuring tailored services and enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty.