The rise of sleep tourism

According to Hilton's third annual trends report, this year will be a year of special emphasis on wellness travel. “Rest and relaxation” This is recognized as a pivotal trend that will shape the travel landscape in 2024. Beyond traditional offerings such as spas, sunrise yoga classes, and fitness centers equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, the pursuit of personal health is undergoing a major transformation. As a result, today's travelers have become increasingly focused on prioritizing healthy sleep and rest, whether on a business trip or a leisurely vacation with friends and family.

This phenomenon, known as sleep tourism, refers to the growing trend of travelers seeking destinations and accommodations that specialize in improving sleep quality and overall health while traveling. From carefully selected sleep packages to innovative amenities dedicated to improving sleep quality, the hospitality industry is helping travelers seek better sleep, especially at home and from stressors that don't always allow for a good night's sleep. We're seeing a wave of change as people seek better sleep when they don't have it.

But important questions arise. How can hoteliers ensure a stay that values ​​their guests' sleep and pays even more attention to their habits?Creating a comfortable atmosphere and ensuring a energized night (or day) To cater to people's need for a restful stay, hoteliers must first focus on enhancing the functionality of their guest rooms.

But first, we need to understand the context behind the rise of sleep tourism and the prioritization of sleep health.

Why is sleep tourism in high demand?

The rise of sleep tourism can be attributed to a confluence of factors that reflect evolving trends in travel and wellness needs. In response to the growing importance placed on overall health, this type of tourism has proliferated, with travelers looking for hotels that not only offer all the amenities they love and normally use during their stay, but also unique and rejuvenating. We are looking for destinations that also offer a sleep experience. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the important role sleep plays in maintaining health and productivity, coupled with a desire for unique and thoughtful experiences centered around relaxation and tranquility.

With so many people not getting the recommended eight hours of sleep, sleep quality has always been an important topic, becoming the most important factor influencing travel decisions and now hospitality It's permeating the industry. Travelers understand the important connection between restful sleep and overall health. Just as I try to get her eight hours of sleep at home, I also want my guests to have a good night's rest when they travel. This evolution has led the hospitality industry to respond with customized services to meet the growing demand in travel destinations to prioritize rejuvenation of the mind and body through a tranquil and revitalizing sleep environment.

In response to growing awareness of the important connection between restful sleep and overall health, the hospitality sector has evolved to meet the needs of travelers seeking a tranquil and revitalizing sleep environment. To meet this demand, hotels are now offering specialized sleep amenities that go beyond the conventional wisdom. Pamper yourself with premium mattresses, pillows, and bedding for added comfort and support. A personalized sleep concierge service helps you tailor your sleep environment to your personal preferences, and blackout curtains ensure a dark, quiet space for undisturbed rest. Innovative features like white noise machines, aromatherapy, and sleep-inducing technology help create the perfect atmosphere for a restful night.

Additionally, hotels may offer customizable room features such as adjustable lighting and temperature control to cater to diverse tastes. By offering services such as specialized sleep programs, hypoallergenic options, and natural sleep therapies, the hospitality industry is prioritizing rejuvenation for both mind and body, making sleep an integral part of the travel experience. .

Additionally, advancements in sleep technology and increased awareness of the importance of quality sleep for overall health are further accelerating the development of travel products that incorporate innovative sleep solutions. Today, as managing stress and burnout becomes a mainstream topic in society, destinations that offer relaxation and sleep improvement programs are rapidly gaining traction and are being booked far in advance. The evolving landscape of sleep tourism reflects broader societal changes where people are prioritizing overall well-being when making travel plans. Whether it's a luxury hotel or a wellness resort, it's important to offer comfort and relaxation packages.

How indoor air quality affects sleep

One of the often overlooked aspects that can affect the quality of your sleep is air quality. In fact, clean air is a major factor determining the comfort level of guests. Traditionally, concerns about air quality have revolved around outdoor pollutants such as smog, allergens, and smoke, which are especially problematic for people with respiratory problems. But the importance of indoor air quality can't be ignored, especially for travelers, as there are potential threats such as mold spores, bacteria, and fragrances to improve the atmosphere, making outdoor concerns a must. Although it is meant to improve the atmosphere, it can cause irritation. guest.

In addition to providing a clean breathing environment, they actively improve air quality, making a significant contribution to the health and well-being of your guests. Healthy air quality not only reduces stress, but it also promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality in ways that many people don't realize because they don't usually think about indoor air quality. Optimal air quality makes it easier to breathe, helps the body transition into a state of rest, and facilitates entry into REM sleep. Freed from the need to fight airborne particles, the body is able to achieve a state of rest more efficiently, so guests wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Good sleep is essential for travelers facing important meetings and presentations, early morning exams, or adjusting to different time zones. This positive impact on sleep quality has paramount implications for hotel guests' overall health during their stay.

Additionally, rooms with access to purified air can be transformative for guests who suffer from allergies or asthma, even those who aren't typically sensitive to allergens while traveling. For example, even people who are not normally prone to allergic reactions may experience sensitivities to local plants, such as Arizona cactus flowers. Additionally, elevated levels of airborne particles increase the risk of carrying harmful viruses and bacteria. Improved air quality not only improves comfort, but also reduces the chance of airborne infections for your guests. In a post-pandemic era where travel hesitancy is prevalent, prioritizing air quality can give guests peace of mind and encourage them to return to properties that put their health first.

Allergen protection for optimal sleep environment

To compensate for this, hoteliers should also consider introducing hypoallergenic mattress protectors and pillow cases to protect against dust mite allergens. This additional layer of protection minimizes the body's efforts to fend off especially unfamiliar airborne particles, allowing guests to wake up feeling refreshed and energized. A dual focus on air quality and allergen protection underscores our commitment to providing guests with a restful sleep environment. Addressing allergens and irritants in the sleep environment is critical to breaking the cycle, promoting rejuvenating sleep, and contributing to the long-term health of our guests.

Our focus on both air quality and allergen protection underscores our commitment to creating an optimal sleep environment, which is critical to breaking the cycle and not only promotes restful sleep, but also helps our guests' long-term It also contributes to your health. In line with the growing demand for holistic wellness experiences, this initiative reflects a strategic approach to guest satisfaction and recognition of the interconnectedness of sleep and overall health. By recognizing and investing in improved air quality, hoteliers can make a strong commitment to wellness, meet growing demand, and help their properties stand out in the booming wellness tourism market. .

For the future

According to Grandview Research, the global wellness tourism market was valued at $814.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.42% from 2023 to 2030. As the wellness tourism market continues its upward trajectory, hoteliers are in a unique position to increase the level of business. Improve the guest experience by improving air quality. It's also important to educate your employees on this topic and continue the conversation. It is important for hoteliers to train their employees to understand the importance of air quality, how to maintain it, and how to communicate its benefits to guests.

Our knowledgeable staff serves as ambassadors of the hotel's wellness efforts. It also allows hotels to continue to have conversations with guests and get their feedback, allowing hotels to continue to improve and keep their wellness services up to date. In addition to overall guest satisfaction, offering wellness benefits also increases hotel revenue.

In the evolving modern travel landscape, the rise of sleep tourism represents a transformative shift in tastes, with more people seeking rejuvenating sleep-centered experiences. In response to growing recognition of the essential connection between restful sleep and overall health, the hospitality industry is adapting to meet these evolving demands.

Today's travelers are actively prioritizing destinations and accommodations that offer an optimal sleep experience, and are no longer satisfied with simply comfortable accommodations. Wellness travel is more than just luxurious robes and fancy restaurants. We strive to create the purest rooms that meet the wellness needs of every traveler, so that relaxation and sleep come naturally. This strategic approach reflects not only a commitment to guest satisfaction, but also a recognition of the interconnectedness of sleep and well-being in today's fast-paced world, where health is a top priority.

Reprinted from Hotel Business Review with permission from http://www.hotelexecutive.com/.