Market Trends

🏠 Vrbo's "Built to Stay Report" surveyed 1,758 vacation rental travelers across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, UK, France, Germany, and Australia in April 2026. 92% of Gen Z would pay more for quality listings, prioritizing cleanliness (78%), core amenities (78%), and responsiveness (79%). Trust signals, such as verified reviews (68%), are crucial, with 81% willing to pay more for them. Promotions influence 91% of bookings, highlighting the importance of transparency in pricing.

📈 July 2026, Stanford University: Working from home (WFH) has risen since the pandemic, stabilizing higher than pre-COVID levels. Employer WFH plans align with actual trends since 2022. The top three WFH benefits from workers include flexibility. A Remote Work Conference is scheduled for October 28-30, 2026. Latest WFH data is available in Excel and JSON formats, and the data is now part of the FRED Database. Monthly updates on WFH trends are accessible.

🔍 In the latest analysis, 29% of high-volume search demand is decreasing, yet an equivalent proportion is increasing. This shift highlights changing user interests rather than an overall decline in search traffic. Understanding these trends is crucial for businesses and marketers to adjust their strategies effectively and target emerging areas of interest.

🏨 In 2023, the Handwritten Collection will enter the UK with The Queen at Chester Hotel, reflecting the rise of collection brands. Accor’s collection brands include approximately 180 open hotels with over 115 in the pipeline. MGallery has 125 hotels globally, and Emblems opened its first hotel in the UK. Handwritten Collection expanded to 40 hotels in 20 countries. Collection brands offer individuality while leveraging global brand platforms, with a significant growth opportunity in the under-penetrated UK market.

🌎 Travel experiences grew by 17% in 2024, nearly tripling overall travel growth. By 2029, the sector is projected to reach $342 billion. Despite this, digital adoption lags, with only 33% of tours, activities, and attractions booked online in 2025, compared to 64% for overall travel bookings.

🌴 Golden Rock Inn in Nevis offers 11 rooms on a 100-acre estate. East Winds in St. Lucia features 30 cottage-style rooms on 12 acres, offering all-inclusive packages with complimentary weddings. Mansión Xodó in Mérida, Yucatán, is a luxury hideaway with six suites in a 19th-century residence. The Virtuoso 2026 Luxe Report highlights a shift towards slower, personalized travel. Small Caribbean hotels provide unique experiences, targeting affluent travelers seeking cultural immersion and wellness.

📰 Marriott launched the Bonvoy Design Shop in May, showcasing the shift in hospitality retail. Chris Breen, CEO of Openhouse, highlights the importance of quality, functionality, and accessibility over exclusivity. Popular items include nylon and linen hats for summer, transitioning to wool caps and hoodies in colder months. High-volume products like polos and bags drive demand. Breen emphasizes that independent hotels can leverage their unique identity to succeed in retail, focusing on utility and material quality.

🌮 From September 15, 2026, to November 24, 2026, Trejo’s Tacos launches a 10-week pop-up at Puttshack Bank in London. The venture showcases Cal-Mex cuisine with dishes like Carnitas and Spicy Shrimp and signature cocktails. Events include a VIP launch and Day of the Dead celebrations. Founded by Danny Trejo, Trejo’s Tacos operates six LA locations. Puttshack combines tech-enabled mini-golf with premium dining and has four UK and 19 US venues.

🗺 84% of APAC travellers view travel as vital for mental reset. 90% prefer adapting over canceling plans amidst disruptions. 73% prioritize local experiences and value when planning trips. 98% link travel to positive emotions, and 86% find anticipation uplifting. Despite concerns like extreme weather (35%) and inflation (30%), resilience prevails, with 90% willing to adapt plans. 84% use digital tools for planning ease. Booking.com surveyed 10,136 individuals across 10 APAC nations in May 2026.

🏨 Harpreet Singh, owner of Kings Court Hotel near Stratford-upon-Avon, UK, transformed the hotel a year after acquisition by focusing on foundational improvements like upgraded Wi-Fi and electronic locks rather than mere refurbishment. Emphasizing a service-first culture and team overhaul, he repositioned the hotel’s pub as a local hub. This episode of *Hoteliers' Voice* offers insights into Singh's leadership and operational excellence. Listen to discover how a clear vision revitalized the hotel.