• Almost half of travellers will spend more on travel overall in 2023 – with many planning on more holidays as the sector continues a strong recovery – but look to save money where they can
• Travelling at different times of the year, and holidays without the children are ways UK consumers plan to maximise their travel budgets this year
• Wellbeing-led holidays set to be the most popular type of holiday for UK travellers in 2023
• Hybrid working will see millions of workers log on whilst away to avoid taking annual leave
• After price, cleanliness, location and peace and quiet are now the most important considerations when booking holiday accommodation for UK travellers
• Sustainability is also a key consideration for most holidaymakers

  British adults will be safeguarding spending on holidays in 2023, with most (80%) planning to go away, and many (34%) planning more breaks than in 2022. This is, in part, thanks to more confidence that holiday plans won’t be impacted by Covid this year, and the fact that travel remains a priority for UK consumers in 2023. Sustainability also plays an important role in 2023 travel plans, whilst ‘having a break from it all’ is key for holidaymakers.   These are the UK findings of Marriott Bonvoy’s 2023 Travel Trends research, which analysed the 2023 travel plans of 14,000 travellers across Europe and the Middle East.   Furthermore, data on hotel bookings from Marriott Bonvoy shows a clear return of confidence to book further ahead for travellers from the UK. In October 2022, hotel bookings from the UK for 61-180 days ahead were up 79% compared to the same month in 2021. Meanwhile in November they were up 52%.   Wellbeing Warriors Seeking Authentic Travel   Wellbeing-led holidays that allow people to get away from it all will be the predominant type of break UK holidaymakers will be taking in 2023 (44%). Of those going on these holidays, 59% say they have become more aware of their wellbeing, 41% say they need a break from everyday life and 37% don’t wish to come home from a holiday feeling more tired than when they left.   Authentic travel is also key, with many wanting to immerse themselves in a complete change of culture, with over half (55%) wanting to explore new destinations and cultures, and four in ten (39%) saying they love exploring local dining options whilst away. To truly soak up local culture, 11% plan on taking an ‘extended holiday’ of three weeks or more in one destination.   Of those going on an extended holiday, 36% say that it is the first time they have done so, with the need for an extended change of scene (50%) and wanting to live like a local (34%) being key reasons. Three in ten (29%) of those going on extended holidays also highlighted that being able to work remotely allows them to take a long holiday without having to take annual leave for the whole break.   In fact, hybrid and remote working has had a significant impact on travel plans in 2023. One in ten British adults (10%) plan to take a ‘work-away holiday’ – where they will continue to log on and work whilst away, thus allowing them to experience a new place without taking annual leave - a benefit highlighted by 43%.   Travellers Expect a Premium Experience   In 2023, 40% of UK travellers plan to spend more on their holidays compared to the previous year, with just 19% planning to spend less. Around one in eight (12%) plan to splash out and stay in true luxury accommodation, whilst all-inclusive (17%) and self-catering apartments (14%) will also be popular options.   As a result, UK consumers have high expectations with regards to their holiday accommodation on aspects such as cleanliness (60%), location (60%) and peace and quiet (30%). Likely impacted by the pandemic, cleanliness is now the joint-second priority for accommodation, alongside location and only beaten by ‘price’ (71%) which will undoubtedly continue to be a key factor.   Safeguarding 2023 Spend on Holiday and Savvy Travelling Tips   With 80% of respondents planning to go away, the majority of travellers are clearly trying to ring fence spending for holidays. Overall a third (34%) of those planning to go away say they will be going on more holidays in 2023 compared to the previous year, whilst 26% say they will be doing fewer, suggesting a continued upwards trajectory for the industry post pandemic.   Amongst the minority (20%) of those not planning to go away, a lack of disposable income (66%) alongside the cost of living crisis and inflation specifically (48%) were the key reasons.   Travellers are being smarter in the ways they are planning to save so they can safeguard their premium holiday experience – for example, to ensure they can still go to the destination they want, 42% plan to travel at different times of the year, whilst 35% say they will make do with the clothes they wore on holiday last year. Only 28% say they would opt for a less expensive destination, whilst just 27% will opt for cheaper accommodation.   To ensure they can still go to their favourite destinations and hotels, some say they’ll share a room with other people they are travelling with (15%) whilst 20% of parents say they will share a room with their children rather than getting them their own room. In fact, one in ten (9%) of those with children under the age of 18 say that they will leave them at home in 2023. And it could also be bad news for grown up children still relying on their parents for free holidays, with 13% of those with children over 18 saying they won’t take them away this year.   The Sustainability Factor    Sustainability is now a key factor when it comes to UK travel plans, with 63% saying environmental considerations now have some impact on their arrangements. Four in ten (41%) say they are conscious of the environmental impact of their holidays, whilst 22% go as far as to say environmental considerations define their travel plans and they will only spend money with companies that have a positive environmental impact.   As a result, 40% of British holidaymakers plan to have a staycation in the UK in 2023. Short haul trips will also be in demand, with Spain the next most popular choice (34%), followed by Italy (16%), France (14%) and Greece (14%).   Neal Jones, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Marriott International - Europe, Middle East & Africa: “Travel trends for 2023 are more interesting than ever due to the unique situation we are in, as we look ahead to the way consumers plan to travel this year.    “What comes across very clearly is a resurgence in the sector based in large part on increased confidence amongst travellers in the UK market, with four in ten planning to spend more than last year. This clearly shows great optimism, but also that people will be ring-fencing holiday spending. Perhaps as a sign of the times, travellers will be focusing their spending on the core elements of their trip - accommodation, travel and destination - but will take a more conservative approach to spending on less vital elements of the holiday, such as presents or new clothes.”   “We are also seeing other, existing trends come into sharper focus. I’m delighted to see the priority that so many UK travellers are putting on sustainability, with most taking it into consideration and many shaping their holidays around this. The pandemic also hastened the increase in remote working and it is clear that many plan to take advantage of this, using the opportunity to get away without taking annual leave.”  

Marriott International announced its expansion into apartment-style accommodations with the launch of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy. The company is tapping the growing consumer interest for more space for stays, propelled by the blending of work and leisure travel. It is building upon its experience with Marriott Executive Apartments, its serviced-apartment brand in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. With the introduction of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, the company expects it will enhance portfolio growth globally and bring the serviced-apartment concept to Marriott guests in the US and Canada. “The introduction of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy offers developers a premium product backed by our trusted name and distribution platform,” said Stephanie Linnartz, President, Marriott International. “With Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, guests will be able to shop a wider array of accommodation options within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.” Marriott plans to introduce Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy in the upper-upscale and luxury segments, distinguished from Marriott’s existing extended-stay brands. Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy will feature a separate living room and bedroom, full kitchen, and in-unit washer and dryer.

Marriott International released its 2022 Serve 360 Report presenting data from 2021 on its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts. In support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Marriott’s sustainability and social impact platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, guides the company's commitment. Launched in 2017, the company is celebrating five years of Serve 360’s impact. In addition to showcasing data on company diversity, sustainable operations, volunteerism, and other ESG activities, 2021 highlights include:

• Committed to set a science-based target and reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by no later than 2050.
• Announced an accelerated goal to achieve global gender parity in executive positions by 2023 – two years ahead of the original goal.
• Established the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership to help build a pipeline of diverse talent by inspiring Black students to enter the hospitality industry.
• Launched the next iteration of Marriott’s human trafficking awareness training, which uses real-life scenarios to support the 2025 goal to train 100% of on-property associates.
• Piloted Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy to provide guests the opportunity to create a positive impact across communities in the Asia Pacific region.

Marriott International has officially opened its new global headquarters in downtown Bethesda, Maryland. The 21-story building is the new workplace for corporate associates, which supportg over 8,100 hotels in 139 countries. It taken six years of planning, design, and construction Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International said: “The campus has been designed to better connect our global workforce in support of our hotels and teams around the world.” Marriott’s new HQ campus includes the new Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ. The new building will also serve as a global hub for Marriott’s research and development operation, featuring its Innovation and Design Lab, a premium test kitchen and beverage bar, as well as ‘model’ hotel rooms in the adjacent Marriott hotel. The Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ servess as an extension of Marriott’s Design Lab, containing 13 sample ‘test rooms,’ each customizable for different brands. These active rooms can deploy design, technology, and new product and service offerings with customers and other key stakeholders.

Luxury tour operator If Only have teamed up with Marriott International to launch a new campaign ‘Stay Your Way with Marriott’, designed to inspire travel to Marriott International hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The multi-channel marketing campaign runs from August until December 2022. If Only will provide marketing materials to enable agents to engage their customers, from e-shots sent directly to travel agents to social media offers plus other additional content. The hotels to be featured during the campaign are: Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, The Ritz Carlton Dubai, W Dubai – The Palm, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, The Westin Dubai Mini Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Grosvenor House, Habtoor Grand Resort, Bvlgari Dubai and W Dubai – Mina Seyahi. To support travel agents in driving bookings, If Only have established a dedicated campaign hub on Google Drive. The hub contains downloadable posters featuring exclusive offers, which can also be used to promote the campaign, plus a campaign landing page: ifonly.net/campaigns/stay-your-way-with-marriott-international Travel agents will also have the chance to win a six night luxury stay at Marriott United Arab Emirates properties, plus an Al Maha Bedouin day package which will be awarded to the top booker during the campaign. To enter, agents simply have to make as many bookings as possible until 31December 2022 with If Only to the focused Marriott International properties. Prizes include: 2 night stay at W Dubai – The Palm 2 night stay at Ritz-Carlton Dubai (Jumeirah Beach) 2 night stay at St. Regis Abu Dhabi (Corniche) Al Maha Bedouin day pass including breakfast and lunch plus activities More at ifonly.net/agents/incentives

Marriott Bonvoy has released a revamped version of its Android mobile app. The roll-out of the newest features on the Marriott Bonvoy app offers more seamless options for users. New travel shopping options give access to more Marriott offerings, including 65,000+ luxury vacation rentals from Homes & Villas by Marriott International alongside Marriott Bonvoy’s 30 brands and 8,000+ hotels. The launch on Android follows the update that launched on Apple’s iOS operating system in 2021. The app allows members to customize their experience through contactless check-in and check-out, and request services and amenities via chat and mobile requests. “We’re excited to be able to offer Android users the chance to enjoy the new features now,” said Sarah Searls, Senior Vice President Digital, Marriott International. “The enhanced app simplifies the travel planning process, allows for the most frictionless experience before and during your stay.” Updated searching allows users to search and book accommodations by hotel brand, destination, price, or points needed for a free night’s stay. It is also easier for members to earn points: They can see relevant promotions on the home screen and their account page, giving them easy access to promotions for stays, Uber rides or Uber Eats, airline partners, and more. The app is available in seven languages – English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Chinese, with more to come.