Hilton Spotlights Travelers’ Changing Expectations as a Record Year of Travel Concludes

2023 trends report reveals focus on frictionless travel, more engaging experiences, a sense of caring and enhanced wellness offerings

If 2022 was the year of the changed traveler, 2023 is the year of the evolved traveler. Today, Hilton released its 2023 trends report, The 2023 Traveler: Emerging Trends that are Innovating the Travel Experience, A Report from Hilton, which reveals the latest consumer expectations following a year when travelers showed up in record numbers. Based on a global survey and analysis of current travel trends, today’s travelers are looking for a balance of technological and human innovations, deeper connections and care, embedded wellness experiences and more.

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Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Resort (Photo: Business Wire)

“In 2022, motivated travelers sought out new experiences around the world and reconnected with the people and places they love,” said Chris Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton. “The 2023 Trends Report showcases travelers’ evolving preferences and how eager and optimistic they are about their future adventures. Our Hilton team members are ready to welcome them and create a great stay experience at our more than 7,000 properties worldwide.”

The new report is the result of evaluating both quantitative and qualitative data research paired with insights collected by more than 7,000 travelers across the world in a survey commissioned by Hilton and conducted by Material, a global strategy, insights, design, and technology partner. The research uncovered four consistent themes for 2023 travel, driven by traveler experiences over the last three years.

People will turn to travel for deeper, more engaging, human experiences and connections

Travel is a gateway to discovering different perspectives and rich traditions. In 2023, travelers will focus on travel to create deeper connections with family, friends, colleagues, customers, cultures and the planet. Nearly half (49%) of survey respondents want to be immersed in local culture and products while traveling, and another 40% want personalized access to unique experiences or activities, such as performances, events, spa treatments, or classes.

From destination-focused culinary travel packages to impactful programs like Hilton’s Travel with Purpose, which helps guests positively impact the communities they visit, travelers are looking to create meaningful change through more immersive travel experiences. In fact, Hilton is witnessing signs of this growth through its reimagined Hilton Honors Experiences, which saw a 77% year-over-year increase in Hilton Honors Point redemption during the first nine months of 2022, allowing members to connect with their passions through new, exclusive artist and celebrity events.

People will recognize travel as an essential part of their wellness routine

Overall wellness remains a priority for travelers as half (50%) of respondents seek travel experiences in 2023 that align with their wellness goals and priorities, addressing the mind, body and spirit.

For about 1 in 2 (47%) travelers, physical wellness and accessibility to fitness amenities like centers or activities will be top of mind when it comes to traveling in 2023. Guests will also seek moments of connection with their communities, as well as insights and solutions that improve their mental and emotional health. Addressing mental health on the road will be prioritized by 35% of global survey respondents. Meanwhile another 49% of those employed will be looking to travel to disconnect from work.

Hilton remains committed to meeting the needs of these travelers, and recently announced a new, industry-first partnership with Peloton Interactive, Inc. (Nasdaq: PTON), making Hilton the first hospitality brand to feature at least one Peloton Bike in fitness centers across its entire U.S. hotel portfolio of 18 award-winning brands.

Travelers will want to be taken care of more than ever

Next year, Hilton anticipates travelers will have a renewed appreciation for being cared for, with 86% of survey respondents indicating they want recognition and personalization while on the road and another 25% saying they want travel and hospitality companies to accommodate their personal needs in 2023. Specifically, 54% are looking for personalized food and beverage options and 50% are looking for personalized experiences and activities.

Travelers know the importance of wanting to feel valued for their loyalty – both in their wallet and as an individual. In fact, 42% of survey respondents indicate that loyalty perks—such as earning/redeeming points and loyalty benefits—will matter to them when traveling in 2023.

Whether providing exceptional guest service for value-driven families or accommodating a pet coming along on vacation, Hilton understands the importance of delivering reliable and friendly service to every guest, every time. In fact, Hilton’s “Pet Friendly” booking filter is the third most engaged booking search feature on Hilton.com.

Travelers want frictionless travel innovations that are both technology- and human-led

2022 uncovered unexpected friction points in travel. Hilton’s global research found that more than half (56%) of travelers will prioritize adopting solutions that make travel easier in 2023. Nearly 9 in 10 (86%) survey respondents will look for at least one thing to be personalized during their travel experiences and interactions, and 26% of respondents anticipate hotel technologies will be important to them for a seamless stay.

To reduce travel’s strongest tension points, guests will seek out the most logical and purposeful solutions. They will look for the hospitality and service that they expected pre-pandemic, whether that’s personalized dining recommendations or reservation adjustments. Within the technological innovations, they will continue to embrace efficiencies like Digital Key in the Hilton Honors app, which allows travelers to bypass the front desk and go straight to their rooms, and enhanced booking options like Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton, which allows families and friends to reserve adjoining rooms when booking online.

For more information and a complete view of the 2023 Report, visit Stories.Hilton.com/2023Trends. To start planning 2023 travel, visit Hilton.com.

Methodology

Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to determine the emerging trends detailed in this report. Hilton conducted stakeholder interviews across the organization to gain perspectives on what travel looks like today and determine what is top of mind going into 2023. Business Divisions included: Business Travel/Events, Food & Beverage, Wellness, Sustainability, Design, Digital Innovation, Workplace Culture. In addition, Hilton commissioned an online omnibus survey with Material, fielded August 2022 among general population consumers 18+ years of age in several markets with questions targeting behavior related to travel. Specifically, the survey was fielded to: n=1,002 in Australia, n=1,002 in China, n=1,002 in Germany, n=1,002 in Japan, n=1,002 in Mexico, n=1,002 in the U.K. and n=1,018 in the U.S. Additionally, a Hilton Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 1,000 U.S. Adult Travelers, between August 23rd and August 30th, 2022, using an email invitation and an online survey. This data has been weighted to ensure accurate representation of U.S. travelers. “Travelers” are defined as those who took a trip in the past 24 months that required an overnight stay.

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more than 7,000 properties and more than 1.1 million rooms, in 123 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For list and been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for five consecutive years. Hilton has introduced several industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 146 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

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Hilton spotlights travelers’ changing expectations as a record year of travel concludes.