Trends & Insight
October 21, 2022

Hospitality trends for 2023 and beyond

In the last couple of years we have seen many trends rise and fall in the hospitality sector, from Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), boutique hotels and the growth of peer-to-peer booking sites such as Airbnb; to the global pandemic forcing the whole sector to reset and cease trading in many key markets.

The hospitality industry is continually evolving and adapting to new realities and trends as opportunities arise. With much to be optimistic about within the sector, AM+A has selected four key hospitality trends to look out for below, while offering examples of how hotels can maximise this. 

1. The Rise of ‘Wellness Tourism’

credits: Dean Dubokovič, arhiv Sava Turizem d.d

According to a new report by Grand View Research Inc, the global wellness tourism market size is expected to reach 1.02 trillion USD by 2030, making it one of the fastest growing hospitality trends in the world. 

This comes as no surprise given the appetite for post-lockdown holidays, but with an increased focus on re-setting their mind, body and soul through wellness programs or nature focused destinations. Hotels don’t have to make big changes to become more wellness-conscious, sometimes offering more choice when it comes to restaurants, breakfast bars, and wellness packages is enough.

Slovenia is one destination that has refocused its strategy into a highly green and wellness heavy destination offering plenty of hospitality packages and hotels that allow you to focus on your health and inner serenity. Visitors are invited to sample everything from Green Wellness Cycling Routes to unique boutique accommodation such as Sunrose 7.

2. Environmentally-Friendly Rooms

Credit: Monzie

Sustainability is at the centre of hospitality development for 2022 and it will continue to be a core focus in 2023, with increasing emphasis placed on the creation of environmentally-friendly rooms. Expect to see hotels implementing elements of green recycled materials, from cushions to draperies, as well as energy-efficient and cost-saving technologies. 

Bohinj ECO Hotel is an award-winning sustainable hotel located in the heart of Slovenia’s Bohinjska Bistrica at the edge of Triglav National Park, known for its unique renewable energy systems, aquapark heat generators and technology specifically designed to decrease its carbon footprint.

3. Implementing Smart Technology in Hotels

Credit: Smart LYZ Hotel

Hoteliers have been forced to adapt to new technologies and a rapidly changing consumer mindset. Internet-connected devices or ‘Internet-Of-Things’ is making our daily lives easier, from managing our light, heating and home entertainment, allowing us to save electricity. Hotels are keen to replicate the feelings of comfort and convenience felt in our homes, and are now implementing smart technologies to offer just that.

How are hotels changing the guest experience? Hyper-connected hotels, ranging from small boutiques to large luxury hotels, are now enabling facilities such as virtual book-ins, in-room voice assistants and a ‘knowing’ air-conditioner that will turn itself off as soon as you step out of the room. Major hotel groups Hilton and Marriott are now developing their own ‘Internet of Things’ programmes, leading us into the future of smart hotels.

4. Personalised Guest Experience

Credits: sdecoret

Travellers are becoming highly mobile and independent, illustrated by the rise in self-bookings as opposed to booking through travel agencies. This is built on their desire to have personalised, local and authentic experiences. There are many ways hotels can adapt to this emerging trend; one way is offering more programs or activities that can be tailored towards different age groups and interests. 

The new generation of travellers are looking to authentically engage with the space around them. Having travellers interacting with locals, including eating locally-sourced food and drinking locally-brewed beer, would offer them the social engagement desired. This type of engagement would also be suitable for smaller hotels focusing on solo travellers or voluntourism.

Are you interested in learning more about future trends and AM+A’s work in the hospitality sector? Please contact malin@welcometoama.com

Latest News & Insight