TOP 7 TRENDS OF THE CHANGING TOURISM SECTOR

Overtourism has become a buzzword as cities such as Venice struggle to manage the overwhelming tourist influx. The solution to this phenomenon involves seasonal adjustment, where visitors are encouraged to explore less crowded destinations during off-peak periods. It is also essential to protect cultural heritage sites such as Venice from erosion. One potential solution could be implementing access limits to the most congested areas. To make sustainable tourism more profitable, tourism education can encourage responsible behavior.

The struggle between hotels and owners of rental apartments in tourist cities is becoming more apparent. A solution could be implementing stricter regulations, allowing both parties to operate fairly. Florence's mayor for example has suggested introducing a tourist tax on short-term rentals to fund tourist infrastructure.

Last-minute bookings are becoming increasingly popular, and dynamic pricing policies can help operators optimize the revenue. Businesses can maximize their earnings by using algorithms to adjust prices based on real-time demand. However, flexible cancellation policies are equally important to attract last-minute travelers.

More families travel together, creating a demand for personalized activities for all ages. Accommodation facilities respond by creating family areas and promoting intergenerational activities.

Solo travelers are on the rise. To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and complete experience for solo travelers, providing them with local safety information and organizing social events where they can mingle is crucial. Online communities can also be created to encourage solo travelers to share their advice and experiences with others who travel alone.

The concept of workation refers to combining work and leisure activities in a new way. Providing essential infrastructure for work, such as high-speed internet connections and dedicated workspaces, is crucial. Moreover, flexibility in check-in and check-out times can enable travelers to disconnect and take a break from work if needed.

Sustainability has become a key topic in the tourism sector. Tourist managers need to create sustainable experiences and avoid misleading practices. This can be achieved by obtaining sustainable certifications, promoting environmental education, and developing local partnerships to create projects that benefit tourists, the environment, local communities, and the economy.