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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cost-conscious Michigan families rethink their summer vacations
Michigan families are still getting out of town this summer but they're not traveling as far, or for as long. Faced with rising prices on everything from rent to groceries, many Michiganders are scaling back on summer travel. Families are driving instead of flying, opting for shorter getaways and looking for more budget-friendly options like cruises or trips closer to home. "The family customer is looking to cut costs whenever or wherever they can," Geoffrey Lenart, owner of the St. Clair Shores-based travel agency Seven Seas Travel, said in an email. He said his agency has seen a big drop in that business compared with 2022 and 2023. "Our agency used to book a lot of family vacations for the summer and we are not seeing that this year," he said. While travel remains a priority for most Michigan residents, the post-pandemic travel boom has cooled in certain ways. More than 80% of Michiganders said they plan to take at least one vacation for three or more days this year, according to a January survey by the American Automobile Association. June and July are the most popular months for Michigan residents to travel, followed closely by August and September, the survey found. This year, however, marks a shift. In the years following the pandemic, there was high travel demand, and prices rose as a result, peaking in 2023. More on how costs have risen: Inflation is slowing. Wages are up. So why does life feel costly for many Michiganders? It's becoming cheaper to travel Prices are declining, although they still remain well above pre-pandemic levels. The average cost of a flight from Detroit in the third quarter of last year (July, August and September) was $404, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The travel search engine Kayak found both domestic and international travel each saw a 9% decrease in airfare for Michiganders compared with last summer. U.S. hotel rates, meanwhile, fell slightly by 2% to $174/night in 2024 compared with 2023, according to 2025 Hotel Price Index. Overall, the average cost of a trip (a round-trip flight and a typical hotel) for Americans is down 6% compared with last summer, Kayak found. But consumer behavior has shifted ... to cruises Lenart said while he's seeing prices start to drop significantly on certain trips, cruises have become a more popular option with some travelers. He said Seven Seas Travel's cruise business is up at least 200% this year compared with last year. Brandon Javon Easley, 36, of Eastpointe, will leave in early August for a dream trip of his: a cruise around Greece for seven days, celebrating his and his wife's anniversary. Easley is leaving his two kids at home but he'll be joined by about 60 family members on the cruise, which was planned by Seven Seas Travel. He started using Seven Seas Travel to plan trips to Las Vegas but once he went on one cruise, "I've been hooked ever since." What Easley likes about cruises is that he can see multiple cities in one trip and also pay for the cruise in monthly installments far ahead. Traveling "becomes affordable because you're able to put down your deposit. They actually help you to set up a payment plan, and it's not so much that you take a large hit at one time. So being able to put down a minimum deposit and then turning around and being able to pay monthly or biweekly ... makes it very, very easy and affordable," he said. Even though these cruises aren't cheap — his cruise to Greece will cost about $7,000 — Easley said he's noticed that prices for cruises have become more affordable in recent years. Lenart said that with cruises, customers can pay up to 18 months ahead, which is common practice. 'Staycations' are growing in popularity Even if families aren't turning as much to travel agencies to book their summer travel, they are still traveling. While cruises are a relatively small but growing segment of Michigan travel, the most popular type of trip this year for Michiganders is a road trip, AAA found, with 45% of survey respondents saying they plan to take this type of trip in 2025. The vacation rental website Airbnb, meanwhile, found U.S. travelers who are looking to book through Airbnb are interested more this year in trips within 300 miles of their homes. Groups and families account for more than 60% of searches for rentals within 300 miles of home, according to a recent summer trend report from Airbnb. In fact, nearly 30% of Americans with children ages 18 or younger living at home said that they are choosing staycations over travel to other destinations, or are very likely to do so, according to an April online survey conducted by Panterra Research and Airbnb. Early insights from northern Michigan hotels indicate that Michigan residents are traveling to northern Michigan in record numbers. Typically, about 70% of northern Michigan tourists live in the state, executives at northern Michigan organizations that promote tourism say. Jim Powell, executive director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, said hotel occupancy in June was on track to match June's 2024 occupancy rate, which was a record June for the region. The week of the July 4 holiday weekend, he said some hotels did report having some vacancies on Monday and Tuesday but hotels were mostly full by the holiday weekend. Powell attributed that to people holding off to see what the weather would be and being unsure about taking a family vacation. "Coming out of COVID, we've had these wonderful growth years and that growth has continued," he said. "We keep predicting that it's going to fall back, but it's not." Powell said one reason why that growth has continued is because of the area's accessibility. "It's a three- to four-hour drive, so it's a tank of gas," Powell said. "We have a variety of hotel products here, everything from some old school motels and hotels that are super affordable and priced right. Then we have the other end of the spectrum." Trevor Tkach, president and CEO of Traverse City Tourism, said he knew based on surveys that consumers are thinking about their finances. They also said that their intent to travel never wavered. Tkach said this year through June, the average length of stay at a hotel in Traverse City dropped slightly compared with last year. The percentage of visitors staying overnight is down from about 80% to 77%, suggesting to him that people are still visiting Traverse City, but they are staying for fewer nights than they otherwise might and could be driving in for the day instead of staying overnight. He said the average hotel room cost has dropped compared with 2024, which he said could be partly due to the significant increase in hotel inventory in Traverse City this year. The average hotel price in Traverse City based on data from 28 hotels is $219, with high season averages around $408, according to an analysis from More Michigan travel ideas: 3 small Michigan towns are made for a summer shopping trip Trips are last to be sacrificed A Panterra poll confirmed that travel remains a priority for many people. It found that vacations are the last thing to be cut from people's budgets, with the majority of those surveyed saying they are more likely to (or will) spend less on dining out, entertainment or will change brands to stay in budget. That's how Chris Sherrod, 35, of Westland, feels. Sherrod has five children but still makes it a priority to travel. Often, that travel is around his children's out-of-town sports tournaments, and he and his wife find free activities to do with their children to make a vacation out of it. Most years at the beginning of summer, he and his family drive to Disney World in Florida for their annual summer vacation, but, this year, they couldn't get their schedules to line up. So instead, Sherrod is taking an adults-only vacation with his wife and some friends and family to Puerto Vallarta, a resort town on Mexico's west coast. He used an AAA travel agent to help him identify the weeks with the cheapest flights and book flights within his budget, which was $800 per person for a round-trip flight. The travel agent helped him find flights for $600 per person. Leading up to the trip, Sherrod is making sure to keep expenses in check, such as spending no more than $125 on groceries per week. Contact Adrienne Roberts: amroberts@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Cost-conscious Michigan families rethink their summer vacations
Skift
6 days ago
- Business
- Skift
U.S. Traveler Trends 2025
Americans are back on the road — guided by experiences, wooed by AI, wary of hidden fees, and booking wherever the value clicks. Report Overview Our latest U.S. Traveler Trends 2025 report offers a comprehensive, data-driven look at how Americans are traveling — from motivations and booking habits to accommodation choices and loyalty behaviors. Now released annually, the report draws from a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults who traveled in 2025. It explores key themes including the rise of experience-driven travel, digital influence in trip planning, shifts in booking patterns post-pandemic, and the evolving role of loyalty programs. The report also offers a comparative lens, drawing on insights from travelers in Europe and Asia to highlight where U.S. behaviors align or diverge globally — across booking channels, travel motivations, accommodation preferences, and more. From AI-powered planning tools to the continued rise of vacation rentals, the report captures the changing dynamics shaping travel in 2025. It's designed to help travel brands better understand and connect with today's traveler — and stay ahead of what's next.
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Central Hotels & Resorts sees 25% spike in leisure stays as Dubai staycations boom
Dubai, UAE: As Dubai cements its position as a year-round destination not just for international tourists but also for domestic explorers, Central Hotels & Resorts, one of the fastest-growing hospitality management companies in the UAE, is reaping the benefits of a new hospitality landscape defined by leisure, locality, and lifestyle. The homegrown hotel group has recorded a 25 per cent increase in bookings from UAE residents in recent months, driven by the rise of staycations and summer getaways among families, couples, and millennial groups opting for curated experiences closer to home. This growth mirrors wider trends in the UAE travel industry. According to Visa's 2025 UAE Travel Pulse, domestic travel spending rose by 68 per cent year-on-year, with Dubai accounting for nearly 70 per cent of all in-country bookings and travel spend. Similarly, STR's latest report confirms that Dubai welcomed 18.7 million overnight visitors in 2024, achieving an average occupancy rate of 78.2 per cent and a RevPAR of AED 421—impressive figures that reflect the city's strategic positioning as a leisure powerhouse. For Central Hotels & Resorts, this shift is more than just a seasonal trend. It represents a fundamental evolution in guest expectations and travel behaviour. 'Dubai's residents are falling in love with their own city all over again,' said Abdulla Ahmad Ali Al Abdulla Al Ansari, Chief Operating Officer and Group General Manager of Central Hotels & Resorts. 'We are seeing a strong and sustained increase in domestic leisure travel, particularly from Emirati families and long-time residents who are discovering the charm of a short escape without the stress of airports or long-haul planning. In fact, family travel now contributes to nearly 30 per cent of our domestic revenue, and demand for interconnecting rooms and suites has risen by more than 40 per cent this summer compared to the same period last year.' 'This shift has led us to refine our offering with an even greater focus on convenience, connectivity, and comfort. Our city and beachfront properties, such as Royal Central Hotel The Palm, Canal Central Hotel Business Bay, and C Central Resort The Palm, are ideal for guests seeking immersive experiences, whether it's lounging poolside with the kids, enjoying curated dining menus with regional flair, or simply waking up to uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf or Dubai Canal. We've introduced 'Kids Go Free' promotions, enhanced family packages, and added thoughtful touches like flexible check-in/out timings and upgraded leisure facilities that turn a weekend into a real holiday,' added Al Ansari. Located in some of Dubai's most sought-after neighbourhoods, Central Hotels & Resorts benefits from strategic locations that offer guests both the escape of a resort and the connectivity of a city stay. Whether it's a last-minute summer weekend or a curated staycation around long weekends and school holidays, the group is positioning itself as the go-to choice for discerning domestic travellers who value both service and setting. This domestic shift has also helped balance seasonality. With international travel often peaking in the winter months, Central's summer performance is increasingly buoyed by UAE residents seeking familiar luxury in a fresh way. 'We expect domestic leisure travel to account for 35 per cent of our total occupancy this summer, up from 28 per cent last year, helping us maintain strong performance even during what was once considered the low season,' said Al Ansari. As Dubai continues to lead the region's tourism recovery with bold initiatives and new attractions, Central Hotels & Resorts is doubling down on its promise to offer personalised, value-driven hospitality for every type of traveller, and particularly for the growing number of UAE residents who no longer need to leave the country to feel like they're on holiday. -Ends- About Central Hotels & Resorts: Launched in 2015, Central Hotels and Resorts – headquartered in Dubai, one of the fastest-growing Hospitality Management companies in the UAE was established to cater, to both leisure and business travellers looking to experience the best of Arabian hospitality in the heart of the city. With the competitive industry comes our continuous expansions, focused on making our service, facilities, and standards distinctive in the Gulf Region. Product diversification and innovation, sound fundamental values, commitment to excellence, quality service and expansion in key destinations are the hallmarks behind Central Hotels' amazing growth. Spread across the Middle East, the group is now poised to conquer other markets. Created and based in Dubai, Central Hotels offers a full spectrum of choice in terms of hotel categories, a comprehensive selection of accommodations, and services to suit all budgets and clientele. For more information, visit
Skift
7 days ago
- Business
- Skift
Indian Travelers Upgrade to Premium Despite Fewer Trips
Travel disruptions due to unforeseen events may have led to fewer bookings among Indians, but they are making up for it by spending more for the premium experience of travel. The demand for premium travel to and from India is increasing, according to data shared by travel brand Trevolution Group. The company noted that despite lower volumes on outbound booking from India in the first half of 2025, its gross total bookings reached $68.36 million, up 6% from last year. This increase, it said, was driven primarily by higher spending and a greater share of premium-class purchases. 'The demand for business class bookings increased by 27.12%, while economy class demand saw a modest 0.78% rise, reinforcing the trend toward value-added, premium travel options,' the company said in a statement. For outbound travel from India, business class travel surged by 17.6%, 'pointing to a higher concentration of corporate and high-net-worth travelers.' 'We are now seeing more deliberate, higher-value travel to and from India, especially in business class,' said Alex Weinstein, the founder of Dyninno Group of Companies. 'The demand for trip protection and comfort is growing, as well as the demand for secondary hubs. This shows the evolving mindset of the Indian traveler.' The Inbound Travel Story: The overall surge in gross total bookings, however, was driven by inbound travel – which increased from $50.29 million to $56.10 million. According to Trevolution, this showed 'rising consumer spending and sustained interest in long-haul and purpose-driven travel to India.' It's worth noting here that expat Indians visiting friends and relatives form 20% of the numbers for inbound. The group issued over 39,000 airline tickets to India in the first half of 2025. This was a 4.21% increase over th
Zawya
22-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ATM outlines why luxury hospitality leaders view personalisation as key to revenue growth
During ATM 2025, senior executives from Minor Hotels, Fairmont and Marriott highlighted the rise of 'hyper-personalisation' in the luxury hospitality industry The ATM Travel Trends report states that 85% of hoteliers view personalisation as a crucial driver of commercial value Next-Gen travellers are driving demand for luxury experiences that focus on meaning over opulence Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Personalisation is emerging as a growing trend in travel and tourism, particularly within the luxury segment, as travellers increasingly seek experiences tailored to their individual preferences and lifestyles. At Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, senior executives from leading hotel groups, including Minor Hotels, Fairmont and Marriott, examined the rising influence of 'hyper-personalisation', which moves away from one-size-fits-all services to offering bespoke guest experiences. Leveraging tools such as AI-driven customisation and chatbots, as well as personalised welcome amenities and bespoke dining options, these brands are redefining the customer journey in the luxury travel segment, which is witnessing a continued surge worldwide. According to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, developed by ATM in partnership with Tourism Economics, 85% of hoteliers now consider personalisation as a key driver of commercial value, with tailored experiences shown to generate additional revenue of up to 5%. Furthermore, insights by market intelligence firm Future Market Insight Inc, has revealed the global customisation and personalisation in travel market is expected to reach US$620.71 million by 2032. Speaking during the panel, experts defined hyper-personalisation as providing individualised experiences that anticipate both expressed and unspoken guest needs. While technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are instrumental in delivering customised offerings at scale, the panellists agreed that human connection remains essential for a truly personalised hospitality experience. Nicolas Hauvespre, VP of luxury brands at MEA Marriott, said: 'When it comes to hyper-personalisation, for many brands, this goes far beyond traditional service. It's about creating something highly tailored and curated through leveraging technology and building on your culture, so you can develop that anticipatory service and meet both the explicit and unspoken needs of your guests.' The panel, which also included Loay Nour, Vice President Fairmont Brand and Marketing Communications, and Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President Minor Hotels, also discussed the importance of establishing an emotional connection, anticipating guest needs, and building this over time. 'Luxury is not one size fits all, it's no longer about recognising someone by the name or knowing their preferences in their profile, because you need to understand that those consumers are not only hotel consumers, they are exposed into the ultra level of personalisation from other brands and other industries that they work with, so they have a certain minimum of expectations,' said Nour. In the Middle East and Africa, Marriott is embracing this shift while maintaining brand distinctiveness, expanding its luxury footprint with projects such as the Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Nujuma in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, which is rooted in immersive, cultural experiences. Upcoming openings elsewhere in the region include a portfolio of curated Ritz-Carlton safari lodges in eastern Africa, which will pioneer new destinations and provide guests with highly authentic experiences. Meanwhile, owner-led hospitality companies, such as Minor Hotels, are using their lean structures to pilot new concepts in-house before rolling them out globally. This operational flexibility has enabled the company to invest in curated, experience-driven offerings that prioritise quality over quantity. A recent success story includes the 22-room Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi in Ghantoot, which has outperformed expectations by focusing on hyper-personalised offerings in a unique setting. Commenting on these insights, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'As luxury travel evolves, so too does the definition of what it means to deliver highly personalised experiences. Today's travellers are looking for more than exceptional service; they expect tailored journeys that reflect who they are and what they value. At ATM, we are witnessing how hospitality brands are rising to the challenge, providing guests with luxury experiences that are personalised, sustainable and connected to people and place.' Luxury travel will be under the spotlight at Arabian Travel Market 2026, which will be held from 4 to 7 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. In parallel, travel technology will remain a key focus as innovation continues to reshape the future of the industry and transform every stage of the traveller's journey. Now in its 33rd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading global platform driving growth and innovation across every sector of travel and tourism. Held annually in Dubai – the gateway to global travel and tourism with its unmatched connectivity – ATM is where the energy of opportunity comes to life. More than just an event, ATM is a dynamic hub for industry communities, with forums, experiences, and networking that continue well beyond the show floor over the week. Now in a period of rapid expansion, ATM has grown 16% year on year, attracting over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries. The next edition of ATM will take place in Dubai from 4–7 May 2026. About RX RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. About RELX RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are: WTM London is the world's most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes. Next event: 4 to 6 November 2025 at ExCel London. WTM Latin America takes place annually in the city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking and business opportunities. In this its ninth edition – there have been eight face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021 – WTM Latin America continued to focus on effective business generation, and achieved the advance booking of six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents and exhibitors in 2022. Next event: 14 to 16 April 2026 – Expo Center Norte, SP, Brazil. WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019. Next event: 13 to 15 April 2026 – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week's digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology. WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub.
