Predicted tourism trends for 2011

With austerity measures threatening to hit the travel industry where it hurts next year, what’s the shape of tourism going to look like in 2011? Which areas will continue to grow? We sent our airport parking comparison team to WTM to find out…

The boot camp

Long a favourite with our lardy cousins across the pond, the boot camp or fat farm fits in perfectly with the idea of belt tightening, despite being a super-quick way to lose pounds of the monetary variety.

2011 is apparently going to be the year where the luxury boot camp spa becomes a favourite with us Brits too, enabling hefty holidaymakers from these isles to be licked into shape in gloriously opulent surroundings.

It’s all in the nose

Another slightly peculiar trend predicted to take the travel industry by storm next year, is the use of scents or perfumes to inspire brand loyalty among holidaymakers.

It’s an idea that emerged from Japan - where else - where hotel chains and tour operators already pump unique signature scents into their hotel foyers and airport lounges to give customers a sense of familiarity and wellbeing.

Our olfactory senses have a hidden, yet significant impact on our decision-making processes apparently, making them ripe for manipulation by clever marketing types.

The grey market

With the increasingly ageing population across Europe and America continuing to hanker after travel, hotel chains around the world seem poised to respond positively with a range of infirmity busting services next year.

From specially developed eating plans and accessible hotel rooms, gyms and pools, to intelligent furniture such as adjustable beds and chairs, things are about to get that bit more comfortable for 70 and 80 somethings who refuse to hang up their passports.

Mmmn, let’s just hope that the airlines respond too, otherwise we may be forced to stay that bit closer to home.