ROCKVILLE, Md. — Pricey airfare, loyalty program perks and free Wi-Fi are some of the trends predicted to continue capturing U.S. travellers’ interests in 2016, according to a study published by Choice Hotels International and conducted by online survey operator Newlio.
“Without a doubt, 2016 is going to bring new and inventive ways for consumers to travel,” said Patrick Pacious, EVP, and COO at Choice Hotels International. “The travel industry continues to evolve on a daily basis. From the blending of business and leisure travel to the growing consumer demand for stronger loyalty programs, it’s important that we keep a pulse check on travellers around the country.”
According to “The Choice Hotels 2016 Travel Forecast”, expensive airfare will cause travellers to defer a trip. Yet there is budding interest in loyalty programs and special promotions, as 33 per cent of travellers said they are not members of loyalty programs but check for loyalty program special promotions when booking their stay. Also, combining a leisure trip with business travel is predicted to surge in 2016, with 31 per cent of travellers saying they plan to add a leisure trip onto the beginning or end of a business trip in 2016.
Meanwhile, free Wi-Fi, cable TV and complimentary toiletries are three amenities that U.S. travellers can’t live without in a hotel room.
