Ed Brock is an award-winning journalist who has worked for various U.S. newspapers and magazines, including with American City & County magazine, a national publication based in Atlanta focused on city and county government issues. He is currently senior editor at Asian Hospitality magazine, the top U.S. publication for Asian American hoteliers. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Ed began his career in journalism in the early 1990s as a reporter for a chain of weekly newspapers in Baldwin County, Alabama. After a stint teaching English in Japan, Ed returned to the U.S. and moved to the Atlanta area where he returned to journalism, coming to work at Asian Hospitality in 2016.
AMERICANS ARE WILLING to travel during this summer of the COVID-19 pandemic, but with stipulations, according to a survey from travel agency GetYourGuide. Crowded venues involving a lot of indoor activities, such as theme parks and museums, are out in favor of outdoor activities and walking tours.
The primary questions were if the respondents planned to travel, when they would and what factors they would consider before deciding to take a trip. Some of the major reasons people are afraid to travel are:
Fear of catching the coronavirus – 63 percent are (more than any other country surveyed)
Getting stuck or quarantined in another state or country – 53 percent
Uncertain about what is open – 45 percent
Uncertain about government regulations in each destination – 35 percent
Afraid of losing money if they need to cancel – 33 percent
Most respondents said they would prefer to stay in a friend or relative’s house when they travel, and more than 60 percent said they would take precautions when traveling, such as wearing masks and social distancing. Preferred destinations include outdoor attractions over indoor ones.
When asked what conditions would encourage them to travel again, 55 percent said the release of a vaccine against COVID-19; 48 percent said a drop in infections; 43 percent said the desire to see friends and family; and 40 percent said travel deals would lure them out. The travelers also would prioritize the hygiene standards of tours, trips that avoid crowds, cancellation flexibility and smaller group tours.
The survey also found that 40 percent of respondents are considered Eager Travelers, or those who plan to travel within the next one to six months, and 56.9 percent of that group are over the age of 45.
"Even as lockdowns across America and around the world ground leisure travel to a halt, our research showed that the world never stopped dreaming about travel," said Emil Martinsek, Chief Marketing Officer at GetYourGuide. "Now, as travelers take their first cautious steps out into the world, it's clear that the flexibility to change or cancel plans is their top priority. That's why we've revamped our cancellation policy to give travelers one less thing to worry about.
Previously, travel data company Arrivalist forecast that more than 36 million people will travel in the U.S. over July 4 weekend.
Sonesta launched Americas Best Value Studios, an extended-stay version of ABVI.
The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping.
The brand meets demand for longer-term, value-focused stays.
SONESTA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS Corp. launched Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta, an extended-stay version of its franchised brand, Americas Best Value Inn. The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping, optional fitness center and lobby market along with standard brand requirements.
The brand aims to address the growing demand for longer-term, value-driven accommodations, Sonesta said in a statement.
"Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta represents a strategic evolution of our trusted Americas Best Value Inn brand," Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s executive vice president and president of franchise development, said. "We are expanding our offerings to directly address the increasing demand within the extended-stay segment, providing a practical solution for travelers seeking longer-term lodging at value. This new brand type allows our local franchised owner-operators to tap into a growing market while maintaining the community-focused experience that Americas Best Value Inn is known for."
ABVI has a majority presence in secondary and tertiary markets, the statement said.
The extended-stay brand’s operational model features a front desk, bi-weekly housekeeping, on-site laundry and pet-friendly accommodations, Sonesta said. Guests can also earn or redeem points through the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.
In August, Sonesta named Stayntouch its preferred property management system after a two-year review of its ability to support the company’s franchise model. The company operates more than 1,100 properties with more than 100,000 rooms across 13 brands on three continents.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Asian Media
Group USA Inc. and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.