As a new year begins it is always key to identify what are the trends and tendencies for the upcoming year and keep them top of mind as one plans for 2019 – I sit back , think , discuss and plan and most importantly then make it happen !

Notably, experiential travel is on the uptick, with travelers seeking out authentic, can’t-miss experiences in new places. And while some trends are relatively new, what we’re seeing is a continuation of travel habits that have grown in popularity over recent years. Here are five of the most notable trends that I see on the horizon from where I sit and play in Punta Mita

Weekend Trips & Short Getaways

More then 50% of travelers will plan to take more weekend and “mini-trips” in 2019. However, even though they may be shorter trips, travelers still expect authentic experiences that are personal, rewarding and tailored to their interests. Most notably, visitors are leaning towards unique types of accommodations to get the most authentic travel and destination experience, even on the shortest of stays. Expecting more rentals in Punta Mita – keep an eye on our target markets that are within a three hour airline radius of PVR Collaborate with our PM stakeholders to plan events that appeal to these short-term travelers and will encourage 3 – 4 night stays

Gourmet Tourism

Without doubt and more so in Mexico there has been a growing demand around culinary travel, and this trend is expected to continue through 2019 as more travelers plan their trips around food. Social media is largely responsible for driving this trend, as travelers today have the ability to share their edible adventures with friends and even strangers — particularly through Instagram. Long considered a niche market, Food Tourism is moving into the mainstream as more destinations recognize the benefit of curating culinary experiences to attract these travelers.

This continues to be a great opportunity for Punta Mita and de Mita — time to craft unique itineraries that appeal to foodies, wine connoisseurs, tequila , mezcal craft beer enthusiasts, and the like. The whole idea is to create unique experiences to attract visitors – in Punta Mita our calendar of events has many such experiences in mind as do our 2 hotels the Four Seasons Punta Mita and St Regis Punta Mita – The area has certainly become a gourmet destination and will only get better

Bleisure Travel

I have been an advocate of this trend for years now and it increase year on year. While not totally for Punta Mita it is for ou hotels and their ability to attract individuals for pre and post stays — some data over 70% of travelers who combine business and leisure travel have reported that there are destinations they have visited or will visit in the future for business that they would like to extend for leisure travel

Families Want Adventure

Children play an influential role in family travel planning, with clear ideas about what constitutes an ideal trip. And families as a whole are starting to forego traditional beach vacations and Disney trips in favor of adventurous, off-the-beaten-path experiences. This preference for experiential travel over consumer-driven trips is beginning to have an impact on travel & tourism and is expected to play a dominant role in 2019. We must take into account our marketing efforts accommodate the preferences of multi-generational family travelers, and put together family-friendly itineraries that appeal to this desire for adventure. Remember: adults are no longer the only decision-makers when it comes to planning a trip.

Instagram is Taking Center Stage

It’s no secret that Instagram can be a destination’s best friend. This social platform continues to take the industry by storm, making “insta-tourism” an important marketing tool. Travelers are beginning to formulate entire trip plans based on photogenic spots captured on Instagram. When Sabine and I were planning our trip to Bordeaux last year we chose a Villa based purely on what we had seen on Instagram. For people seeking out travel inspiration, this visual platform provides a more genuine “insiders look” at a destination than, say, a tourism brochure. I think it goes without saying that maintaining an active presence on Instagram is a must — but I’m saying it anyway People engage with Instagram 10 times more than with Facebook, making it an ideal place for our destination to feature its most attractive offerings. To elevate our brand we must continue to partner with influencers. Partnering with these influencers where possible is an exceedingly effective way to influence the travel plans of our target markets.

Wellness

In 2018 I sat on a panel on this subject and was amazed in my investigations as to its impact – no doubt a key niche to focus on.

The global wellness industry is continuing to boom at lightning speed. As part of the universal movement embracing all things health and a shift back to holistic, preventative, and natural wellness solutions, wellness tourism is on the rise. The wellness travel industry currently boasts a staggering 6.5 percent annual growth rate, which more than doubles that of overall tourism. 

The increasing number of people looking to specialized retreats and getaways to combat the physical and mental implications of the fast-paced, high-stress, and chemical-filled contemporary lifestyle and improve their health across the board has given rise to a selection of niche holiday options for those filled with wellness wanderlust. 

Technology detox 

All you have to do is take a look around you in any public place to see how the smartphone has taken hold of society, with masses glued to their screens at cafes, walking down the street, and even when spending time with their friends. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Laptops, tablets, smart watches, television — the infiltration of technology is everywhere we go. While living in the digital age no doubt has myriad perks and benefits, the science is also showing that too much of a good thing is harming our

Enter the concept of the “digital detox,” where you abstain from technology and instead reconnect with the self.

Transformative wellness holidays

You no longer have to choose between a relaxing holiday or an adventure experience when booking your next wellness trip. Becoming known as “transformative wellness holidays,” this trend embraces the endorphin release from activities that will have your blood pumping and sweat dripping, such as mountain trekking, kayaking, and abseiling — and harnessing this as a handy tool for mental and physical self-improvement and development.

These are but a few of the key points I had in mind when planning 2019 for Punta Mita and building on 2018 which was a great year for the destination – we must continue to be innovative creative and focused on delivering unique & memorable experiences to each individual that passes through our gates

Viva Punta Mita