2024 is in full swing, but the travel season is just getting started. So rest assured you haven’t missed the boat on knowing the trends that will be hitting this year. The world of Outdoor Hospitality travel is set to witness another exciting year with opportunities to cater to diverse traveler preferences, which are heavily influenced by tech trends and evolving consumer preferences. Let’s explore 9 key trends that are reshaping the way people plan, book, and experience their outdoor adventures.
Where Tech Meets Wanderlust
Automated bookings, a prevailing trend driven by our tech-centric lives, are set to soar in 2024. The online travel booking market is projected to reach $833 billion by 2025. (To give you an idea, in 2020 the online travel booking market was worth $432 billion) (Crimtan). And what are automated bookings exactly? An automated reservation system automatically takes reservations from different platforms and syncs them so there is no confusion regarding booking dates, availability, prices, and so on. This means more time back in employees’ days and less frustration for guests. Tailor your messaging based on what your customers are searching for, guiding them straight to that ‘book now’ moment.
Capitalize on this trend: Ensure your website is user-friendly and optimized for mobile bookings. Offer exclusive online deals to encourage visitors to hit the ‘book’ button without a second thought. And make sure your profiles are up to date on all the best OTA’s.
The Need for Swift Engagement
It’s not a marathon, it actually is a sprint. In 2024, it’s all about quick decisions and fast fingers. 70% percent of travelers are using their smartphones to book their outdoor adventures, and 72% of these bookings happen within two days of a Google search (Crimtan). Holding more than 90% of the search market share, Google is undeniably an essential platform for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry (trustyou.com). Engage potential campers through mobile platforms with eye-catching ads and don’t let them slip away. Timely retargeting is the secret – show them what they want, and watch those bookings roll in. When looking for inspiration, these are the top three resources guests access: Social media – 77%, Travel blogs & review websites – 49%. Destination’s website – 45%. (trustyou.com) And your park needs to stand out.
Capitalize on this trend: Invest in mobile-friendly advertising. Consider targeted promotions for last-minute bookings or special offers for those who’ve shown interest but haven’t booked yet.
More Personalization
Tailored experiences that feel like they were made just for you? In 2024, travelers are expecting that personalized magic, with 71% expecting customized interactions (Crimtan). For parks, this is a golden opportunity to showcase all your diverse offerings. Whether it’s a sporting event for a fan, a ski break for a winter warrior, or a hike for an adventure seeker, your guests come for all different reasons, so your advertisements need to acknowledge that. Tailored advertisements resonate with travelers on a personal level, so create some real FOMO with photos of your park showcasing your diverse and unique offerings.
Capitalize on Personalization: Create themed packages or offers tailored to different interests. Highlight special events or amenities that cater to specific guest preferences. And call them by name when you can.
Work meets Leisure
Business trips just got a whole lot more fun. “Bleisure” travel is the new name for the not-so-new kid in school, with over 89% of people planning to mix business with pleasure (Crimtan). For parks, this means tapping into the growing trend of work breaks turning into mini vacations. Showcase leisure activities and nearby destinations to entice business travelers to extend their trips and maybe even bring the whole family along.
Capitalize on this trend: Promote your campground as an ideal place for workations. Highlight Wi-Fi availability, quiet spots for remote work, and family-friendly activities.
Surge in Sustainable Tourism
Sustainability is taking center stage in 2024. With 69% of travelers putting eco-friendliness at the top of their checklist, parks can shine by embracing environmental responsibility (Crimtan). Showcase your green initiatives, from recycling programs to eco-friendly amenities. Let GREEN be your marketing partner. If you’re interested in just how to make your park go green, or greener, apply for your park to be a part of the OHI Plan-It Green Program.
Capitalize on this trend: Promote eco-friendly practices and initiatives in your marketing materials. Consider offering discounts for campers who arrive in electric vehicles or participate in eco-conscious activities. And be sure your commitment to environmental friendliness is easy to gauge through your website.
And we didn’t forget the FUN trends, either
Now, let’s dive into the trends reshaping outdoor experiences, where guests are traveling for captivating stargazing, unique musical adventures, and more.
Astro Tourism
Less screen time, more gazing at stars time. Astro tourism is the cosmic trend inviting travelers to escape the virtual world and explore the universe. Parks, this is your chance to be the ultimate stargazing destination. April 8, 2024, will be the last time you can view a total solar eclipse in the U.S. until 2033 (and that’ll only be in Alaska!). Join the parks already going all out for this event and get guests to experience it with your park. Check the path of totality and start marketing your park as the destination to experience this rare event.
Capitalize on this trend: Organize stargazing events and create special camping packages for celestial travelers. And be the spot where people think back and remember viewing the 2024 total solar eclipse.
Beyond the Stadium
Sports tourism is evolving, and it’s not just about cheering for your favorite team anymore. Travelers are turning their game-day trips into full-blown adventures. Parks in sports-centric areas, this is where you come in. Highlight local attractions, create specialized reservation deals, and make your park the go-to spot for fans looking to up their gameday stay.
Capitalize on this trend: Promote your campground as the perfect base for sports-themed vacations or a local upcoming sporting event. Offer shuttle services to nearby events, set up the watch party, or just be a unique way to stay for incoming gamegoers.
“Coolcationing”
Hot summers, meet cool vacations. Coolcationing is the antidote to hot summer temps, and families are seeking refuge in cooler destinations. It’s the Uno reverse to snow-birding. Market your site as the ultimate coolcation spot, complete with refreshing activities and shady sites.
Capitalize on this trend: Emphasize your campground’s cool amenities like swimming pools, shaded areas, and family-friendly activities. Create special offers for families planning a refreshing summer getaway. Christmas in July anyone?
Gig Tripping
Gig tripping takes a cue from the Taylor Swift Effect, making music artists the new influencers in travel. So, parks, let the music play! If a concert or festival is coming to an area near your park, offer special packages for music festival or concert-goers, and turn your park into an extension of their planned event. Your guests are already excited for their music event, make it even better with a stay at your park while they’re in the area.
Capitalize on this trend: Partner with local music events or market around them, offer exclusive stay packages or create a festival-friendly atmosphere at your park.
2024 in the travel world isn’t just about picking a spot on the map; it’s about creating seamless, personalized, and purposeful experiences tailored to what each traveler loves while embracing the tech trends that get travelers where they’re going. The more you know about upcoming travel trends, the easier it will be to accommodate your outdoor adventurers.
