Starpoint Resorts is a resort development company based in Las Vegas, NV. As an advocate for the adaptation of enhanced efficiency and safety measures in the vacation and travel industry, Starpoint Resorts frequently shares news of interest to both travelers and resort management.
After lockdowns and travel bans, people's expectations of vacation resorts have changed. From an increased focus on efficiency to a higher regard for unique experiences, from more group travel than ever before to a boosted concern for eco-friendly factors, resorts are adapting to keep up with these evolving trends.
Below, Starpoint Resorts dives into detail about the top five resort industry trends to look forward to in 2022.
#1 Wellness Resorts Need to Think Outside the Gym and Hot Stone Massages
Starpoint Resorts notes that a few years ago, a well-stocked gym and enchanting spa were the only things necessary to create an out-of-this-world wellness retreat. However, people starting to get all this at home now over the last two years means they’ll want more than that when they get to the resort.
Travelers increasingly focus on their overall wellbeing, which goes beyond fitness. The population is significantly more interested in living a health-centric lifestyle, so resorts and hotels need to inject wellness into every aspect of their establishment to stay on top of the game.
Tourists are likely to see more of the following in their favorite resorts as the industry shifts into an environment of warmth, wellbeing, and relaxation:
- Natural Light — The enforced work-from-home statutes mean people have been "in the office" outside. So, they're craving natural light, and resorts are looking for new ways to flood common and meeting rooms with it.
- Indoor-Outdoor Bars — Reconnections are set to be huge in 2022. This demand means more hotels incorporating rooftop bars with extra for large groups.
- Natural Elements — Resorts are starting to engage all five senses throughout their retreats to improve overall wellness. Ambient noises and natural aromas infiltrate many rooms and common areas.
#2 Starpoint Resorts Says Guests Expect Increased Efficiency
The pandemic began chaotically and unpredictably. But despite this, Starpoint Resorts says that people have managed to find new ways to add efficiency and convenience in their stay-at-home world. And while the planet is reopening, travelers expect these newfound efficiency and convenience ideals to be met in the resorts and hotels they visit.
A study conducted by
Blackbox Research and Dynata on 10,195 people from 17 countries shows that contactless travel is the new benchmark. 76% of survey respondents said they preferred destinations that provided touchless identity confirmation and contactless check-ins.
Resorts must adapt to the contactless "new normal" if they want to attract high tourist volumes in the coming year.
#3 Sustainability Needs to Be at The Forefront of Resorts' Minds
2022 travelers look to reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying themselves. American Express published its Global Travel Trends Report, which concluded that 77% of people concur they want to be more mindful about supporting local businesses while jet-setting.
Moreover, people want to remain loyal to brands they trust and align with their morals. Resorts can ensure they keep up with eco-friendly trends by eliminating single-use plastics, creating vegan suites, installing solar panels, and recycling hotel soap and bathroom amenities.
Not only are travelers themselves more concerned with sustainability than ever before, but so are government bodies around the world.
Highgate's vice sustainability president, Marianne Balfe, states that the resort and hotel industry must reduce their carbon emissions by 90% per room by 2050 to stay within the UN emissions reductions. With that in mind, it's clear that renewable energy plays a big role in resorts' futures.
#4 Increased Accessibility for Business Meetings and Conferences
2020 and much of 2021 were packed with Zoom meetings and conference calls. But in 2022, resorts should open dedicated meeting spaces to accommodate the renewed in-person meeting demands.
Wyndham Hotels ; Resorts and Hilton have already hopped on board this train. The former announced "The Meetings Collection," which is a branch of the Wyndham Business scheme. It was created to meet the needs of simple, streamlined meeting planning. The latter promoted its "WorkSpaces by Hilton," a special work-from-hotel solution for individuals and corporate clients, according to Starpoint Resorts.
#5 Travelers Value Unique Resort Experiences Over Anything Else
The demand for interesting, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and exploring new places have increased dramatically — almost 80% of Americans plan to take a trip on their bucket list over the next few months. Surveys conclude many people used the travel bans during the pandemic to save extra money for a dream vacation.
People are expected to "pack their passions" in the coming year. The pandemic boosted virtual learning, various digital wine tastings, and more, meaning in-person culinary experiences must be spectacular to compete effectively.
Resort companies willing to go the extra mile to either open establishments in sought-after locations or provide amazing experiences are set to do the best in 2022.
Starpoint Resorts notes that contactless entry, touchless ID verification, unique experiences, and work-from-hotel deals will set resorts apart from each other next year.
