Times they change. Seasonal high places no longer get cold during the shoulder season—thanks, in part, to people who work remotely.
Travelers have always looked for off-peak and off-peak times to find the best deals, says Ginger Taggart, Vice President, Brand Management, Global Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts. “My view, prompted by trends published in Crowne Plaza’s ‘Future of Blended Travel’ whitepaper, suggests that this is about to change.”
Mixed travel—business and leisure combined—provides greater flexibility and empowerment for today’s traveler, says Taggart.
“We are now witnessing the nature of a flexible and flexible traveler, who is likely to have access to destinations and destinations as well, so travel does not have to go up/far-over the restrictions as before. It is an exciting time to travel and we are eagerly following the evolution of “mixed travel”.
Viator’s “2022 Travel Trends Report” also shows changed consumer travel choices following the pandemic, including a desire to travel abroad stronger than ever. And that’s one reason why the shoulder season has become popular in many places – activities that can be enjoyed outside even if the weather is still agreeable.
According to the report, 10 of the fastest growing activities (and 18 of the top 20) are all related to outsourcing. And almost half (48%) of the events booked this year were booked out.
“More people have canceled their trips in 2020 and 2021 and have more vacation time than ever,” said Travis Vaughan, CEO of Tourbase, an online travel agency that focuses on tours and activities in the Caribbean, Alaska, and select National Parks in the area. U.S.
“Combined with their ability to work remotely, we are seeing more holidays continue into the shoulder season. While people used to schedule their summer vacations before Labor Day, we’re now seeing a much busier September and even October than we did before the pandemic. This is especially true in parts of the U.S. and national parks. “
“Labor Day used to mark the end of our peak season,” says Jake Hatch, Director of Sales and Marketing at Sanderling Resort in Duck, North Carolina. “With more travelers able to work anywhere, in the last two years the Outer Banks has seen an increase in tourists choosing to visit after the dog days of summer, taking advantage of cheaper rooms and accommodations.” And good weather.
Cape Cod and the Islands are also riding the shoulder wave season. Garison Beale, general manager of the Graydon Hotel Group on Nantucket says: “Middle season bookings are increasing significantly year after year. restaurant scene.”
Due to the travel restrictions, the demand for the last few years has been transferred to places to drive and look out, says Philip Cham, Bridgeton Holdings, Hospitality Director, group operating Marram Montauk. “We were the perfect location and facilities for travelers from New York and the Northeast.”
And, Cham says, Marram Montauk saw a 20% increase in occupancy during the shoulder months over the year. “Shoulder months are still more affordable than normal months, despite higher prices across the market. We have and believe we will continue to see a busy season as the travel situation has exposed Marram for the first time to many new first time visitors. “
The shoulder season is gaining popularity in the safari world, too, says Emily Hancock, Senior Safari Specialist & amp; Marketing Director, The Wild Source. There are many reasons:
In the Caribbean, the Aurora Anguilla Resort & amp; The newly opened Golf Club venue (formerly CuisinArt) announced last week that they are staying open for the shoulder season this year – the only venue on the island to do so. Traditionally, resorts here close in September and October.
“We welcome the decision of the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club to operate year-round, which represents a great vote of confidence in our island and our tourism industry,” said Anguilla’s Director of Tourism Stacey Liburd. This fall, the resort will unveil several new golf courses and a reimagined Japanese restaurant.
Shawn Richards, Expedition Coordinator at Ultimate Kilimanjaro said that while many travel businesses are seeing an uptick in bookings that can be attributed to the off-season, it presents another challenge for travel businesses to consider.
“The term ‘seasonal workers’ is well known, but now it is up to businesses to see if they need more of the team at all,” he said. “Yes, every business will go through times like this, but especially for tourism businesses in the post-pandemic world – with some restrictions still in place – the idea of bringing team members full time can be difficult for these businesses. after they have already lost a lot of money during the lockdown and the pandemic.”
