COVID-19 has taken center stage in so many ways this year and it’s been particularly frustrating for many travel lovers across the world to find themselves without a green light for adventure. But despite the reduction in travel opportunities, the travel industry, at least high-end travel, hasn’t died. It’s simply started to shift.
So, what can we expect from the high-end travel industry in 2021?
National Travel
Exploring close to home…
It’s most likely that the popularity of national destinations in 2021 will continue to grow. International travel remains problematic on so many levels. Aside from the bureaucracy, additional paperwork and temporary entry requirements that international travelers must go through, there’s always the fear of being outside the U.S. in case borders begin to close or flights home suddenly disappear.
The world is in such a state of constant uncertainty that the idea of leaving home turf seems to be a little too unsettling, for even the most avid traveler. Naturally, this is great news for anyone willing to convert their home into a vacation home.
5-Star Homes vs. 5-Star Hotels
Homes before hotels…
The type of guest who chooses to stay in an Omnifique home is looking for 5-Star hotel excellence, but within the comfort and secluded environment of a private home. Our guests want pools, massages, private chefs, breathtaking views and personal trainers to keep them in shape using in-home gym facilities.
A home that can offer the same, if not better, 5-Star services than a hotel, provides an appealing alternative. It’s one of the reasons why we’ve taken care of a constant flow of travelers throughout 2020.
A Feeling of Freedom
Enjoyment is everything…
If hotels do manage to open and remain open in 2021, they may still find it difficult to compete with the feeling of freedom that a 5-Star home provides. For instance, face masks are only necessary when leaving a 5-Star home, but in a 5-Star hotel face masks would be mandatory at all times. If having to choose between wearing a face mask or not wearing a face mask, when relaxing by the pool, we know which option would be our preference.
The other thing to remember is that 5-star hotels tend to be located in busy areas of the country, whereas many of the 5-star homes at Omnifique are situated in beautiful secluded, but well-connected, spots. Getting away from areas of the country where the effects of COVID-19 are ever present, will most likely be highly appealing for many travelers throughout 2021.
Corporate Retreats
Taking care of business…
2020 has been a difficult year. Many of us are dealing with additional stress caused by the pandemic and it’s for this reason that we may even see an increase in corporate retreats in 2021.
Large companies, committed to the wellbeing of their employees, are no doubt searching for ways to help encourage their teams to relax and to inject a little creativity and enthusiasm into bodies of staff that have been under a lot of stress for the past 12 months. Happy employees are always better for business and with 5-star hotels seemingly out of the picture, 5-star homes provide an exciting alternative.
If you have friends, colleagues or family members who might be interested in opening up their homes to the world, feel free to send them our way. We’d be happy to match them with our high-end guests.