As the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the desire to travel has surged, with individuals eagerly seizing the opportunity to embark on more frequent and larger-budgeted trips after being confined to their homes for an extended period. As people gradually return to their pre-pandemic lifestyles, travel is gradually returning to normalcy. Travelers now approach their plans with increased mindfulness, carefully considering budget constraints and scheduling to ensure they secure the best deals. Against this backdrop, 2023 is expected to witness the emergence of several notable travel trends:
- Purchasing power as the driving force: In 2023, the inflationary environment will compel households to reconsider their travel habits and seek value-for-money options.
- Farewell to “Revenge Travel”: The travel market will stabilize in 2023, after the initial surge in bookings following the reopening of various destinations. The industry is poised to return to a state of normalcy.
- Thriving cultural cities: According to a study conducted by Hotels.com, Abritel, and Expedia, bustling cities rich in cultural experiences, such as Paris, Milan, and New York, will continue to be highly sought-after destinations, with significant demand growth observed on Expedia.
- Film tourism prevails: Locations featured in popular films, such as the old town of Dubrovnik in “Game of Thrones” and the Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines showcased in “Avengers: Endgame,” have experienced increased visitor influx. A survey by Hotels.com, Abritel, and Expedia revealed that two-thirds of global travelers consider booking trips to destinations they have seen in movies.
- Responsible travel: Over 60% of tourists now prioritize responsible travel, aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. This includes supporting local businesses, opting for train travel over flights, and embracing longer stays. Millennials, in particular, are driving the popularity of this type of tourism.
- Wellness vacations: Travelers now recognize the importance of their physical and mental well-being. A study revealed that 79% of respondents consider well-being synonymous with their leisure time, making it a non-negotiable priority. Consequently, the tourism industry is investing heavily in spas, wellness retreats, and detox programs to cater to this demand.
- Embracing nature: Camping, trekking, and glamping trips are gaining popularity as both seasoned and novice adventurers seek immersive experiences in natural settings.
- Rise of solo travel: Solo travel is emerging as a prominent trend, with a 20% increase in searches for solo travel reported by flight and hotel comparator Kayak during the last quarter of 2022 compared to 2021. Nearly one-third of travelers are considering embarking on solo trips in the coming year.
Taking advantage of these travel trends, Simplenight is poised to launch SigeGo in June, recognizing vast opportunities in the Philippines. Simplenight, under the visionary leadership of CEO Mark Halberstein, has transformed personalized concierge services into a comprehensive network of bookable goods and services through its omni-channel platform technology. SigeGo, powered by Simplenight’s cutting-edge technology, will introduce a revolutionary omni-channel platform in the Philippines. This platform will enable users to book experiences effortlessly, utilizing a seamless combination of clicks and swipes, offering unprecedented convenience to both Filipinos and global travelers. While initially focused on travel experiences encompassing hotel reservations, flights, transportation, tours and activities, and more, SigeGo’s true distinction lies in its user-friendly technology and its diverse array of bookable products and services extending beyond the travel sector.
David Palmieri, President and CEO of SigeGo and acting Chief Commercial Officer of Simplenight, emphasized the significance of the Filipino market, stating that SigeGo is primed to consolidate the unique content the Philippines has to offer onto a single platform, supporting local businesses and brands. With consumers eager for seamless and efficient booking experiences, SigeGo is set to disrupt the market and become an integral part of daily life.
As SigeGo prepares for its launch, expect further updates and announcements in the coming weeks. The future of travel is about to be transformed, and SigeGo is leading the way.
