Given the fact that every individual was confined to their four walls involuntarily during the pandemic, they are now wanting to step out desperately! As we approach 2022 many countries have cautiously reopened after months of lockdowns while people are seeking to return to normal life in their own safe ways. The pandemic has not just changed the nature of work; it has also changed the way people vacation as well.
If 2019 was the year of road trips, 2020 & 2021 have been the years of Resorts and Campgrounds.
With the ongoing ‘workcation’ trend, people are now planning on spending multiple short weeks away. Of course, part of this has to do with the travel restrictions to countries, making domestic travel more convenient. These large facilities encompassed in nature give a sense of safety as well.
Short-week stays are on the rise especially with small families who are willing to spend for an all-inclusive facility with kids’ play zone, waterpark, and spas that can be enjoyed throughout their 5-7 days stay! A survey conducted among the Campgrounds in the US and Europe concluded that the campgrounds have had profitable business in the last 2 years of lockdown! Club Med Sandpiper Bay, an all-inclusive resort between Miami and Orlando, has seen a 9% year-over-year increase in 4-5 night reservations from June to October. 4-6 night stays are up 55% over last year at The Foundry Hotel, a boutique hotel in Asheville, N.C. Such growth statistics are not uncommon.
As the global phenomenon of JOLA (Joy of looking ahead) settles in, families and groups are planning way ahead and paying in advance for their upcoming short stays.
Campground chains like Jellystone in US and Capfun in Europe have benefited immensely from uplifting their spaces. North Jellystone in Texas calls it their ‘’Best Decision Ever’’ to add a waterplay structure to their facility which has helped them double their reservations.
It is evident that with families making the short stay trend famous, they are looking out for facilities where kids can enjoy the entire day and beat the heat while parents work virtually. Thus it becomes more and more important to have a play zone and a water attraction zone in your facility where kids and adults spend hours. Converting an open space in a dry play zone, revamping an existing pool with a slides tower, adding a waterplay structure, or a small spray park in a vacant space will add that extra bling to your facility and help stand out keeping the guests entertained for days. The addition of an entertainment / water zone automatically translates to added revenue for the facility.
As the after effect of the pandemic, people across the globe are ready to take the plunge, move out and spend on the travel and relaxation, and travel industry is set to move towards guest experience than just service.