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TOURISTS ARE PROJECTED to maintain or increase their travel spending in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to American Express Travel's "2024 Global Travel Trends Report". Approximately 84 percent of respondents from countries including the U.S., Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Mexico, and the U.K. anticipate spending the same or more, with 77 percent prioritizing the quality of their travel experience over cost considerations. "Travelers are focused on creating the right itineraries and building memories, whether that means booking a trip to see a favorite sports team compete or taking a once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise," said Audrey Hendley, American Express Travel's president. "Our 'Global Travel Trends Report' sheds light on what is driving global travel bookings and provides inspiration for where to go next." About 65 percent of respondents express greater interest in embarking on a major trip in 2024 compared to previous years, the report said. Additionally, 72 percent prefer saving money for a major trip over spending it on social outings with friends. More than half of respondents intend to save for a major trip over a span of six months to two years.

CONSUMERS ARE EXPECTED to reprioritize travel in 2024, albeit with demand fluctuations for various products and amenities in 2024, according to Deloitte's 2024 Travel Outlook. The report says hospitality providers need to enhance the experiences they offer or risk losing travelers' attention and Those adept at applying technology to create personalized and flexible services will do better than others this year. The pent-up demand seen following the pandemic that led to travel surges in the prior two years is dwindling, the report said. It's being replaced, however, by a steady increase in traveling for experiences, aided in some cases by the increased prevalence of remote working, meaning travel remains a priority for many consumers. An economic downturn could dampen that enthusiasm, according to the Travel Outlook. However, technology can help provide the flexibility to offer affordable, personalized packages that may compensate for consumers' responding parsimony.

IHG HOTELS & RESORTS recently introduced new prototype options for its three suites brands - Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, and Atwell Suites - focusing on space and efficiency while maintaining key features from current designs. These prototypes are scheduled to be available by the second quarter of 2024, with the first properties featuring them expected to open as early as 2025, IHG said in a statement. Initially, the prototype designs will only be accessible to U.S. properties, with the possibility of future adoption in Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. "IHG continues to build on our nearly three decades of leadership in the extended-stay and suites space by evolving our prototype designs to increase owner value while offering the spaces and amenities short- and long-term travelers value most," said Kevin Schramm, IHG's senior vice president for development, mainstream brands, U.S. and Canada. "Our new concepts reflect guest and owner feedback, and enable new and existing owners to deliver our modern suite experiences-in various forms-to more markets without compromising consistency or quality."

BWH HOTELS HAS partnered with Tesla to introduce electric vehicle charging stations at its North American properties, with plans for international expansion. The installation of Tesla's Universal Wall Connectors at selected hotels will begin in 2024. The charging stations are designed to charge a variety of North American EV models, BWH Hotels said in a statement. "This collaboration with Tesla underscores BWH Hotels' unwavering commitment to sustainability and dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences," said Michael Morton, vice president for brand management and member services, BWH Hotels. "As the hospitality industry evolves, we will continue to blend eco-conscious initiatives with the service, value and comfort that guests expect from BWH Hotels." EV charging stations are an attractive amenity for travelers with electric vehicles, the statement said. In line with its Earth, People, and Community initiative, BWH Hotels collaborates with hoteliers to broaden sustainability efforts by installing EV charging stations across the U.S., Mexico and Canada.