Travel restrictions in 2020 and 2021 have facilitated the rise of the staycation. Even with international travel opening back up, between airline price hikes, Covid testing requirements and the complicated bureaucracy involved in going abroad now, many deem foreign travel either too expensive for a big family vacation or not worth the hassle for the weekend breaks of the past. Hence, opting in favor of the staycation trend instead, or simply travelling much less than pre-pandemic levels.

In fact there are a multitude of reasons vacationers may also be choosing to stay closer to home, such as for environmental or budgeting reasons, with this year having seen a marked uptick in holidays spent more locally. Lucky for those who live in an already tourism-rich, picturesque country with a pleasant climate.

The staycation is a relatively new concept within the tourism industry. In fact, it is actually somewhat contradictory. At the very core of tourism is the movement from one’s home to a holiday destination. Yet, a staycation is exactly as it implies- staying at home.

A staycation is a form of domestic tourism. It essentially involves undertaking tourist-based activities that are located not too far from home. Similarly, staycations became popular during the Coronavirus outbreak, when travel was restricted in many parts of the world.

Staycation, A Movement Born From The Economic Crisis

Staycation appears like a great solution for the Economic Crisis. It is a great way of spending joyful vacations while helping one’s pocket and the environment. In fact, staying close to home eliminates the budget for accommodation and transport. 

A staycation is a form of alternative tourism that is fully in line with the slow tourism trend. Slow tourism invites you to live in the present moment. It encourages you to take your time, discover nearby landscapes, reconnect and spend more time outdoors in nature with the people you enjoy.

There are no fully-booked days, you do what you feel like doing and there is no rush to go from one activity to another just to stay busy all the time.

Hence, provided you stimulate your curious mind and push yourself to find out new tracks and new things to do.

• Staycation limits the stress related with organizing a trip: from finding accommodation to preparing multiple suitcases filled with clothes that many times aren’t even used;
• It allows carrying out activities that you never do because of a busy schedule during the year – such as visiting the permanent collections of museums, taking advantage of the good weather to  practice some sports in the nearby parks;
• Staycation also promotes the local economy. You can take advantage of vacations to take a tour on the local markets, go to the farm to pick fruits and vegetables, take part in the seasonal sports or artistic courses; or even to spend a night in an interesting hotel nearby;
• Discovering or rediscovering the beauty of your city or region, which we often forget to notice due to stress and the power of habit is another potential benefit of staycation;
• Last but not least: staycation allows you to learn how to take advantage of the present moment.

How staycation became a new trend in COVID-times

The COVID-19 pandemic has led the world to cancel vacations, reunions and business trips this year. The embattled travel and hospitality industry has been hit with waves of cancellations. Now, as countries cautiously reopen after several months of lockdowns, people are searching for safe ways to return to some pretense of normal life. Here the idea of staying at a comfortable and safe home-away-from-home with great views and without worrying about contracting the virus is the perfect one. That is precisely why hotels and resorts around the world are promoting staycations, and simultaneously attracting customer attention to the extensive steps they are taking to minimize the chances of infections.

Staycation is an increasing trend because it’s an easy way to take a break without travelling too far. It is a wonderful way of spending joyful vacations while aiding one’s pocket and the environment. In fact, staying close to home eradicates the budget for accommodation and transport. There are no burdened or work-load days, you do what you feel like doing and there is no hurry to go from one activity to another just to remain busy all the time.

The wider hotel and hospitality market has long been occupied by business travellers and conferences. Before Covid-19 struck, half of all Preferred Hotels guests were corporate travellers, while leisure guests made up between 20% and 30%, but now the situation has altered. As the rules of work and play are fading, professionals are discovering creative ways to spend leisure time with family and friends. Owing to the time-crunch experienced by people, spontaneous staycations in their own cities with leisure breaks are becoming highly popular.

Destination Management Companies are playing a larger role in helping guests in optimizing their Staycation experience. As the preferred technology partner, Vafion helps Destination Management Companies to offer innovative solutions that enhance the guest experience. 

 

For more details contact info@vafion.com

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