Marriott International illustrates travel trends with first Global Travel Tracker

Many people go on holiday to decompress, de-stress and take a mental break from the rigours of work. According to international respondents of the Global Travel Tracker released by Marriott Rewards, SPG and Ritz-Carlton Rewards, while a vast majority of people choose a nap over getting the heartrate pumping with a long run (67 percent vs. 33 percent), it’s not as cut and dry in how to return to work more relaxed. Coinciding with Marriott’s Global Travel Day on Friday 14 October, and in celebration of the recent, historic acquisition of Starwood by Marriott International, the global travel tracker isa new survey that illustrates trends among travellers worldwide.

More than 6,600 travellers in 14 international cities including London, Paris, Munich, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Washington, DC, Toronto, Mexico City, Mumbai, Dubai, Tokyo and Shanghai participated in the online survey that show trends in traveller’s habits on the road.

“It’s fascinating to see that the habits formed and stories gathered might be personal in nature, but universal in experience,” said Karin Timpone, Global Marketing Officer, Marriott International. “Global Travel Day celebrates the merger of Marriott and Starwood and the linking of our loyalty programmes, so now travellers everywhere can find the perfect hotel almost anywhere around the world.”

According to the study, travellers from around the world have a host of stories to share:

• The lure of email: Rather than unplugging and recharging, travellers prefer to stay connected with work via email, with less than half those surveyed (47 percent) being able to completely disconnect while on holiday. While women do a better job than men (34 percent vs. 23 percent), men tend to return to work less stressed than women (44 percent vs. 36 percent). Travellers from Tokyo reported to be the most stressed after a holiday (35 percent) and those from Mexico City the least stressed (four percent).
• Destination relaxation: Although the list of fitness activities can be endless, the majority get their exercise by walking around town (56 percent). Travellers also overwhelmingly enjoy relaxing at the spa (86 percent) and beach time is favoured over hiking in the mountains (71 percent vs. 29 percent). Women are more content to skip exercise and lounge by the pool (27 percent over 17 percent) when given the option of exercising.
• Let someone else make the bed: Nearly one-third (30 percent) of travellers say that not making the bed or leaving their hotel room a mess is their biggest holiday indulgence, while one in four (25 percent) indicate that staying in bed and ordering room service is their biggest holiday splurge.
• Squad goals: When it comes to favourite travel companions, 60 percent of all travellers would choose their spouse / significant other or their family. Washington, DC residents are the most likely to travel with their spouse (39 percent) while 17 percent of those from Mumbai travel with extended families most.
• Getting to know your colleagues: One quarter (25 percent) of responders have had to share a guest room with a colleague. Travellers from Mumbai (38 percent) share rooms the most, while business travellers from Tokyo, the least (10 percent).

The findings also reveal that travellers in certain cities return to work less stressed than others, while some travellers prefer staying connected while away. Residents of Tokyo are most stressed returning to work after holiday, with 35 percent of respondents reporting some levels of stress. Residents of Mexico City reported the lowest levels of stress on return from holiday at just 4 percent.

Ranking of international cities from most to least stressed when returning to work after a holiday:

1. Tokyo (35%)
2. Munich (22%)
3. New York City (20%) London (20%)
4. Shanghai (18%) Miami (18%)
5. Chicago (17%) Los Angeles (17%) Paris (17%)
6. Washington, DC (16%) Toronto (16%)
7. Mumbai (13%)
8. Dubai (10%)
9. Mexico City (4%)

Ranking of international cities from least to most connected to work while on holiday:

1. Munich (60%)
2. Tokyo (55%)
3. Toronto (54%)
4. Paris (51%)
5. London (50%)
6. Mexico City (49%) Miami (49%)
7. Los Angeles (48%) New York (48%)
8. Shanghai (45%)
9. Washington, DC (44%) Chicago (44%)
10. Mumbai (35%) Dubai (35%)

In celebration of travel, Marriott International held the first-ever Global Travel Day block party, at the iconic Rockefeller Center in New York City, on Friday 14 October. Marriott showcased its 5,700 properties across 30 brands, located in more than 110 countries, through an interactive 4,140 square-foot map. The walkable map featured 30 larger-than-life push pins fitted with RFID chips that members of Marriott Rewards, SPG or The Ritz-Carlton Rewards loyalty programmes could swipe with a provided key-card, for a chance to win exciting travel prizes. In addition to the map experience, Marriott placed 250 larger-than-life push pins in front of all Marriott properties in New York City, signifying the vast array of brands and properties available to travellers now that Starwood has merged with Marriott International.

The post Marriott International illustrates travel trends with first Global Travel Tracker appeared first on Hospitality & Catering News.