Hold Calm & Carry On: Trends Shaping Journey Now

Earlier this month, Hilton launched its 2026 TrendsReport, providing a worldwide take a look at the developments shaping journey within the 12 months forward. The report uncovers each leisure and enterprise traveler insights and views.  

Key findings embrace:  

Context: On Oct. 22, Hilton released its 3rd Quarter financials, reporting progress in revenues 12 months over 12 months whereas RevPAR (income per out there room) declined 1.1%. In October, Hilton reached its 9,000th property milestone with the opening of the Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort and Spa. Hilton authorised 33,000 new rooms for growth throughout Q3, bringing its growth pipeline to a document 515,400 rooms as of Sept. 30, representing progress of 5% 12 months over 12 months. 

How do these findings affect conferences and occasions? We sat down with Hilton Director Marina Nicholson at IMEX America to dive deeper into the info.  

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Here are 5 key takeaways from our dialog, or watch or take heed to the complete interview. 

 1. Why-cation Trend: Nicholson highlighted the shift in direction of purpose-driven journey, the place attendees concentrate on the “why” quite than the “where.” This development emphasizes significant engagement and neighborhood connection throughout occasions.  

2. Bringing Local Flavor to Events: Hilton is dedicated to integrating native tradition into occasions at their resorts. Nicholson shared an instance from an occasion in Columbus, Ohio, the place native snacks like buckeyes had been ready to offer attendees a style of the area. 

3. Tech Innovations for Planners: Hilton is making it sooner and simpler to plan for smaller gatherings, particularly occasions for fewer than 35. This DIY tool (navigate to “Book event spaces” beneath “Gather your group”) permits planners to handle all the pieces on-line—from room bookings to meals packages—streamlining the method with out having to make a cellphone name.  

 

4. Creating Spaces for Solitude: Recognizing the necessity for private downtime for enterprise vacationers, Hilton has launched silent pods of their new resorts. These areas provide attendees a quiet place to compensate for emails or make personal calls. For instance, the brand new 36-story Hilton:  Arlington Rosslyn – The Key options a number of silent pods within the pre-function area proper subsequent to the assembly area, mentioned Nicholson. In visitor rooms, Hilton gives visitors with complimentary entry to Calm, a psychological well being app designed to assist meditation and sleep. 

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5. Community Engagement: Hilton encourages occasion attendees to attach with native communities by way of service actions. Nicholson shared a memorable seashore cleanup in Tulum, highlighting the significance of giving again throughout company occasions. 

Behind the numbers: The report was compiled from inner insights paired with a worldwide survey of greater than 14,000 vacationers throughout 14 nations. Find the complete report here.