2016 SPECIAL..... TRENDS 2016 TRAVEL

2016 TRAVEL

What will be in vogue this year? Be ahead of the times as seen below about the future

TRAVEL

BLEISURE TRAVEL

Business travellers are combining leisure (Bleisure) with their work-related trips as the emphasis is on work-life balance. They are bringing their family along or extending business trips over the weekend. At the same time, they are getting work done on the move by making use of Wi-fi.

TRAVELLERS ARE THE NEW BRAND AMBASSADORS

Ever-increasing connectivity is proving to be highly beneficial for the travel sector. By staying active on the internet and social media 24X7, passengers share more of their travel experiences with friends and family, acting as influential brand ambassadors. A lot of hotels are offering cellphones with up-to-date travel guides and in-built apps that the guests can use to enhance his or her experience.

PERSONALISATION

Personalisation will go a step further as the top travel trend of 2016. An emerging trend in the last few years with technological advancement, it is now possible for consumers to receive traffic updates while travelling to the air port, find pre-ordered goods (snacks, pillow, extra blanket etc.) on their seat upon boarding the flight and have tailored information ­ like `today's meal specials', sent straight to their phones throughout the holiday.This year, using knowledge about travel habits and holiday preferences, airlines and hotels will walk a step ahead and come up with unique services suited to specific needs of various consumers.

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

Who says the multi-generational family travel doesn't exist anymore?
In fact, it's getting an update.

Grandparents, parents, and young children alike are increasing ly planning once-in-a-lifetime trips to exotic places that offer fun and adventure for all ages. Travel curators play a major role here by helping the families customise a trip that accommodates several generations and their specific needs.

HOT-SELLING DESTINATIONS

Some of the best travel magazines and guides have predicted a striking lineup of prime travel destinations for the coming year, for reasons historical, environmental, athletic and more. Fiji, Greenland, Uruguay, Australia, Latvia, Poland, Palau, Japan and Botswana are promi nent on the must-go list. A striking new entrant is Iran. As global relations improve with Iran, foreign travel companies and travel planners are set to enter the otherwise closed territory. With 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and over a dozen ski resorts, Iran is likely to provide a rewarding experience to undaunted, curious travellers.

-Shikha Shah

TL3JAN16