Coming to a hotel near you: Digital detox
More hotels are offering ‘digital detox’ holidays aimed at helping stressed consumers to relax and unwind – without the tyranny of texts and emails.
The WTM Global Trends Report 2012 – in association with Euromonitor International – said there has been a rise in the number of hotel "technology-free" packages, with the chance to relinquish smartphones, tablets and laptops, and indulge in treatments such as massages.
The report cites Hotel Monaco in Chicago, which has a "tranquillity suite" and a "technology break" package; the Quincy in Washington DC, which has a "Be Unplugged" package; and the UK’s Lifehouse Country Spa Resort, which offers the "BlackBerry Creche".
Kristina Bush, director of sales and marketing at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel – which offers a Zen and the Art of Detox package – said, "Digital detox packages have to be offered as part of an overall experience rather than just aiming to keep customers away from their devices.
Caroline Bremner, Euromonitor International head of travel and tourism research, said offering a relaxing alternative for consumers to step off the relentless ‘digital’ treadmill "is another example of how hotels are filling a gap in the market and helping to boost their bottom line at a difficult economic time".
Ian Jarrett
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