SSP report outlines new travel trends

SSP has released a new white paper that outlines the findings and insights from research into the key factors affecting travel and travel hospitality. The report, published this morning, covers the trends impacting the behaviour of the travelling consumer and why they matter. SSP has categorised these changes into three tiers. Firstly, there are the macro shifts in the way people think and behave across the world that impact the wider population. These global trends include geopolitical factors that shape the global order, demographic and societal shifts such as ageing populations and changing family constructs, and environmental trends relating to sustainability, climate change and biodiversity. Secondly, the white paper debates the megatrends that prompt changes in what consumers want from the businesses they engage with, and the shifts that are shaping the future of the consumer landscape. These include the desire for new experiences and the way consumers are seeking the distraction of memorable events that engage multiple senses. With the acceleration of the development of digital technologies, the demand from consumers for products and services that speed up and simplify their experiences is increasing. At the same time, consumers are seeking reassurance from brands on how digital enhancements will work alongside human interaction in the future. Consumers are increasingly taking a holistic approach to health, seeking products that support them mentally and physically. They want to make healthier food choices, reducing the amount of sugar, calories, salt and alcohol in their diets while allowing for indulgence. Economic instability and the impact of inflation means value matters more than ever. People are becoming increasingly conscious of how their choices and purchases impact the environment, people and their local and global communities. As a result, many are actively seeking to reduce their environmental footprint by choosing brands and products that align with their values. Finally, SSP’s white paper also explores current trends in the way consumers think and behave while they are travelling. Travel remains a priority for consumers who are now travelling more for leisure than business. Interest in ‘bleisure’ trips – travel combining business trips with holiday travel – continues to increase. Travellers are also planning more trips outside traditional holiday seasons. Commenting on the publication of the white paper, Jeremy Fennell, Group Chief Operating Officer at SSP, said: “We are the food travel experts – and that expertise must be underpinned by a profound understanding of how the travelling consumer thinks and behaves. To deliver fantastic experiences wherever we operate, we stay close to our customers’ evolving demands and what needs to be done to help our clients meet those needs. In the fast-changing post-covid world, the pace at which trends have emerged has accelerated at an unprecedented rate, meaning keeping abreast of change and reacting to it quickly is an even more demanding process. Across our business, we run a spectrum of some of the most comprehensive studies within our industry to identify and track emerging trends as well as map the regional differences in these shifts. And of course how we use knowledge we have gathered is crucial. Here at SSP, it’s the foundation of our planning, and we use it to create innovative brands, on-trend menus, and inspiring environments that delight passengers today, and will continue to delight them in the future. This is how we achieve our purpose of being the best part of the journey.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]