Summer travel may return with a vengeance – Hotels.com ™ searches are up 5% compared to the same period in 2020.
Hong Kong – 2021 has been a waiting game for wistful travelers as we hope for good news that will allow us to once again explore destinations we love. The data from Hotels.com takes us into the minds of aspiring travelers and indicates changes in behavior over the past year and their different expectations when planning upcoming summer trips.
The mood of travelers suggests an improvement in travel relaxation
According to data from Hotels.com, the total number of travel searches increased in 2021, with Hong Kong summer holidays increasing slightly by 5% compared to 2020 over the same period. As aspiring travelers gradually regain confidence in travel and domestic travel, it is at the forefront of travelers’ thoughts.
London moves up on the #destination list as travelers’ preferences for dream destinations change
Although international travel is still limited, Hong Kong travelers still crave outbound travel. In 2021, London will join the list and become the most searched destination for travelers on Hotels.com, followed by Tokyo, Hokkaido, Bangkok and Taipei.
When it’s time to rest at the end of a day of travel, Hotel is king – it holds its own at the forefront of the types of accommodations customers are looking for on Hotels.com. Travelers have seen a nearly 13% increase in interest in 4 to 5 star hotels compared to 2020. This shows the travelers’ strong desire to take a break from their intense city life.
Reach for the stars: The post-COVID mentality paves the way for #YOLO getaways
After the pandemic outbreak, stays have peaked as Hong Kong residents seek luxury replacements for international travel. A rising trend has been observed on Hotels.com since 2020: the star rating is the top criterion when looking for hotels, while 4-5 star hotels have achieved a price advantage with Hong Kong residents.
Traveling in small groups and short vacations double the summer fun
Traveling alone is too lonely, but too many people are too crowded. Hong Kong travelers on Hotels.com searched for room types for two the most frequently, followed by 1 person and 3 people in summer. Data also showed that the small escape habit of Hong Kong travelers is evident. When it comes to staying, 1 to 2 nights outperformed the room nights.
Zoe Chan, Asia Pacific director of brand communications for the Hotels.com brand, said, “Travel options have changed dramatically, from international to domestic and from city to suburb. However, these shifts have not dampened the desire of travelers to travel forward. While international travel has been largely restricted over the past year, it hasn’t stopped aspiring travelers from searching for their #dreamvacay locally. “
