Trends and factors in travel and tourism. by

Technological Innovations

255016_3 — 2025-01-09 16:00:03 UTC

According to ABTA Travel Trends report 2024 83% of people were booking their holiday online.

In 2017, 18-24 year olds, were booking their holidays online, the average percentage was 37% because they might find it more easier as they have more knowledge with the internet, however over 65s in 2017 only 4% used the internet to make holiday arrangements, by having less travel agents on the street this could negatively impact them. People are starting to use their phones more often when going to different places. Our mobile phones has become out tour guides, travel agency, best restaurant locator, map and more. According to Trip Advisor 45% of users use their smartphone for everything having to do with their holiday.

How technology is used onboard cruise ship

255016_3 — 2025-01-09 16:08:28 UTC

TUI used an app called Navigate. Navigate is used by customers to book photoshoots, excursions and book tables at their speciality restaurant. It also shows customers their itinerary and the cruise timetable of what's happening that day and where to go to take part. However, the people that are more likely to go on cruises are the older generation and the app might be a disadvantage because they might not be comfortable with technology. Cruise ships offer Wi-Fi, though the quality may vary. Some advanced ships use satellite technology to improve internet access even in remote locations. Many cruise lines provide wearable technology for passengers to unlock their rooms, make payments, or track onboard activities. Modern ships employ use technology to monitor the health of the ships, including the hull, engines, and machinery, and to ensure safety protocols are followed. Some cruise ships use RFID technology to track passengers, ensuring they're safety on board during port calls and improving crowd management during safety drills.

WIFI onboard and aircraft

255016_3 — 2025-01-09 16:13:46 UTC

Airlines have realised how important Wi-Fi is and how the features is important to their customers. Wi-Fi is available in the air depending on the airline customers are flying with, many airlines, like British Airways, offer Wi-Fi for a small fee but there are a handful of airlines that have free Wi-Fi onboard, Emirates and Turkish Airlines. Wi-Fi on cruise ships is often sold in packages. Prices can be high due to the challenges of providing internet at sea. Some luxury cruise lines may offer free or more affordable internet as part of their offerings, while others charge a premium. Wi-Fi on airplanes is typically faster and more reliable than on cruise ships because the plane is usually closer to land and travelling at high speeds with a direct connection to ground-base towers. Wi-Fi on airplanes is often available through pay-per-use models or as part of a premium service. Some airlines offer free Wi-Fi, particularly on domestic flights or for certain loyalty program members.

Online check-in

255016_3 — 2025-01-09 16:18:47 UTC

The perk of online check-in is to have time to go to the shops, buy food, buy gifts, and other things, and it has also cut down queues as most airlines allow customers to check-in up to 24 hours before their flight departs. You can choose your seat and manage other preferences. You get your boarding pass in advance, reducing stress on the day of travel. People used to spend hours in a queue to check-in at the airport, and they might not have time to go look around and buy something. Because of the latest security, they made a new scanning equipment to be able to process travellers quickly under the new regulations imposed by the UK government. Some airlines may not offer online check-in for certain flights or routes. If you have special requirements, you may need to check in at the airport instead. Birmingham Airport have launched their new technology including scanning equipment to be able to process travellers quickly under the new regulations imposed by the UK government.

Cost of living

255016_3 — 2025-01-16 12:04:06 UTC

The cost of living crisis refers to a period of time that the cost of everyday product that we need, e.g. food prices, gas prices, and bills are more expensive. In October 2022, prices of consumer goods and services rose by 9.6% which was the fastest rate in four decades. There is less disposable income for people to spend on luxuries such as holidays. There are 3 factors to contribute to the cost of living crisis such as Brexit, Covid-19, and War. Brexit is a factor because leaving the European Union the pound is weaker meaning that people get less for their money. As a result of Covid-19, there was supply chain issues that caused prices to rise. And the war led to the increase in oil prices and disrupted other exports including food, metals and gas. 2,000 people were asked to pick from a poll. 59% of people who are considering an overseas holiday said their plans were likely to be impacted by the volatility of sterling. A quarter said they would pick a cheaper destination and a third would cut their spending budget.

Social changes

255016_3 — 2025-01-23 12:09:57 UTC

Social changes in travel and tourism refers to shifts in consumers behaviours, preferences and demographics that will influence the way in which people travel. This is often linked to external factors including technology, economic developments and trends. The grey market means the older generation that are living longer and with better health care . The grey market have more disposable income and more free time because they don't have work or a family to take care of which makes them an important customer type for travel and tourism organisations Millennials represent the age group born during the mid 90's to early 2000's. Millennials are staying at home for longer meaning that they have more disposable income as they don't have to spend their money on getting a house. They may be starting a family later in life meaning that they don't have to spend money of things for the child so they will spend more money leisure activities. The rise of smartphones, social media, and travel apps has transformed how people plan, book, and share their travel experiences.

Solo Travellers

255016_3 — 2025-01-23 16:02:40 UTC

Solo travellers are people who go on holiday by themselves. Solo travel continues to grow, around 18% of global bookings, solo travel is becoming ever more popular and has increased by 7% in the last year alone. 38% of people who traveller by themselves will do so again. Hotelscan.com noticed 170% increase in the last 18 months for those looking to book a room for themselves with popular destinations including Thailand, Peru, Sydney, Portugal and Vietnam. Some cruise operators have also noticed the increase in solo travel and they now have to adjust their offerings to cater for higher number of passengers traveling alone. Norwegian cruises adapted to this trend by launching studio rooms especially designed for single travellers.

Cruises are growing in popularity

255016_3 — 2025-01-23 16:16:35 UTC

The amount of people who have taken a cruise in the last year hasn't declined however, more than half of the people who have taken a cruise in the last 12 months are planning on taking another one in the next year. Cruises offer a wide range of experiences, from luxury to more budget-friendly options, and cater to diverse interests such as adventure, relaxation, family activities, and fine dining. This variety attracts a broader audience. Many cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages, excursions, which can make cruising seem like an easier and more predictable vacation choice. With more cruise lines expanding their itineraries to include less traditional destinations, such as remote islands, cultural cities, and even polar regions, travellers are being offered more unique and exciting options. Cruises are becoming more family-oriented, with amenities and activities designed for children, teenagers, and parents, making them appealing to multi-generational travellers. Improvements in transportation, better port infrastructure, and a rise in affordable travel options have made cruising more accessible to people from different regions of the world. Social media platforms have boosted the appeal pf cruising by showcasing the unique experiences on board through video, photos, and travel bloggers, influencing potential travellers to try a cruise. Many modern cruise ships now focus on health and wellness, offering state-of-the-art fitness centres, spas, and healthier dining options, catering to growing consumer demand for wellness-focused vacations.

Changing consumer trends

255016_3 — 2025-01-30 11:24:35 UTC

The things in society are changing constantly, meaning that the demands for things are changing as well. After Covid-19 travellers have remembered all the things they love about travelling and exploring the world and how their travel impacts the world. Due to this new trends have accelerated.

Sustainability

255016_3 — 2025-01-30 11:45:25 UTC

Sustainability, is about looking after the environment and it's a priority for travel and tourism organisations. In a report made by Mintel suggests that 75% of people want to do more for the environment when travelling. In the same report it shows that 25% of UK adults agree that the environment is a priority now than before the pandemic. UK Travellers have been adopting new practices when travelling to ensure they are being more sustainable according to a Booking.com survey. 56% of UK travellers turn the air conditioning off at accommodations when they aren't there, up 33% from 2022. 70% of the UK travellers re-use the same towel multiple times, up to 36% from 2022. Whilst 54% of Brits use their own reusable water bottle, up to 22% from 2022.

Sustainability- airline response

255016_3 — 2025-02-25 22:27:52 UTC

In 2022, British Airways stopped using plastic items such as drinks stirrers, packaging, water bottles, and retail bags. They replaced them with environmentally friendly alternatives from bamboo, paper, and recycled plastics. This may be a small change, but it has had a considerable impact, and British Airways aimed for these changes to result in 700 tons of single-use plastic being eliminated from their flights annually. Emirates has also been combatting single-use plastic waste since 2019. The airline began simply by replacing plastic straws with paper ones, then paper bags for inflight purchases instead of plastic ones. Airlines are increasing their use of sustainable aviation fuel to lower carbon emissions. It can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. Airlines are adopting eco-friendly practices by reducing single-use plastics, improving recycling onboard, and offering sustainable alternatives. Jet engines are currently powered by a blend of traditional kerosene and sustainable aviation fuels. On November 28th, 2023, Virgin Atlantic made history by flying from London to New York using 100% sustainable aviation fuel.

Sustainability- hotel response

255016_3 — 2025-02-25 22:42:48 UTC

Premier Inn has been working hard towards its sustainability targets. In Swindon last year they opened a new hotel. The hotel uses renewable electricity with help from its many solar panels. The hotel has been made not to use gas, this is a pilot scheme for Premier Inn and if successful they will grow their portfolio of properties by removing gas connections to it's hotels by 2040. The hotel will include low energy LED lighting, re-use of heat generated by electrical equipment, and air source heat pumps to keep the building at an optimal temperature in all seasons. Some hotels are installing low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets to reduce water consumption. Encouraging guests to reuse towels and lines to reduce laundry-related water and energy consumption.

Social media

255016_3 — 2025-02-26 20:50:44 UTC

Social media is a factor that has contributed to the forever changing trends that the UK travel industry faces. Social media is used for finding travel inspiration, and you can book through apps on your smartphones. According to a recent study by Statista, 75% of travellers rely on social media for travel inspiration. TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest are all emerging as the go-to platforms for discovering new destinations, hidden gems and unique travel experiences. With Instagram ads reaching 96.6% of active users every month, there is a total of almost 2 billion potential customers. This undoubtedly shows how social media has become a defining factor in holiday bookings. A study by We Are Social revealed that 37% of users get inspiration from photos and videos, 32% through recommendations and 24% via branded travel ads. Social media has streamlined trip-planning process, enabling travellers to research, book and manage their itineraries seamlessly. The rise of travel-focused apps, such as Booking.com and Airbnb, integrated within social media advertising has empowered users to access personalised recommendations. This enhances customers' overall booking experience and has become the fastest and easiest way to plan holidays. Travel content has the ability to draw significant attention to a region, giving rise to "trending" destinations. A scroll through Instagram or a search on TikTok will shed light on the growing hotspots for travellers. Property investors in these areas benefit from significant demand from tourists and the ability to charge premium rates.

Reference list

255016_3 — 2025-02-27 11:26:03 UTC

https://store.mintel.com/report/uk-sustainability-in-travel-market-report-2022

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-67147782

https://www.xola.com/articles/how-social-media-has-permanently-changed-the-travel-industry/

https://www.ship-technology.com/features/cruising-into-the-new-year-top-trends-to-look-forward-to-in-2023/?cf-view&cf-closed

https://www.mintel.com/press-centre/travel/pushing-the-boat-out-cruise-sector-set-to-grow-faster-than-the-wider-overseas-holiday-market

https://www.carricktravel.com/blog/so-why-is-cruising-so-popular-these-days/

https://cruisemiss.com/2018/07/11/why-are-cruises-so-popular/

https://www.abta.com/news/abta-research-reveals-year-year-rise-solotravellers#:~:text=Almost%201%20in%205%20(19,from%20just%206%25%20in%202022

https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/articles/costofliving/latestinsights

https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/cost-of-living-to-impact-almost-half-of-peoples-holiday-plans

https://geeklesstech.com/how-technology-is-changing-the-travel-and-tourism-industry/

https://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/latest-news/halfway-there-the-story-so-far-of-bhxs-securityhallbuild/#:~:text=Work%20on%20the%20new%20security,customers%20more%20effectively%20and%20efficiently

Teacher Feedback

HalesowenCollegeTravelandTourism — 2025-03-03 19:17:04 UTC

Wow - well done Maya, you have been able to describe the different developments that have shaped the UK Travel and Tourism Industry. You included an excellent level of detail and used a wide range of sources. Fantastic work Maya and keep up the good work. You have achieved a distinction for this assignment - well done.