Lifestyles in Western society are changing gradually. For tourism, this influences the tourist’s perception of personal needs and behaviour.
Consequences for the tourism sector:
1 Though relevant investments may be made, the interest in ‘Bed & Breakfast’ is lessening, since it is regarded as cheap.
2 As ‘status’ is less important than it used to be, leisure behaviour is becoming more personalised, leading to increased demand for smaller sized accommodation units (like smaller authentic family hotels and tourist farms).
3 The shift in perception regarding life and lifestyle will result in a decline in the demand for fully escorted tours.
4 Suppliers will benefit more if they are able to create completely new products, concepts and services that distinguish themselves by their added value.
5 Increasing specialisation from suppliers relating to specific hobbies and interests will become more important, and will more often be combined with holidaymaking.
6 The increased preference for solid ‘anchors’ as secure holds in a more uncertain world will stimulate the desire to possess second homes, especially in areas near smaller regional airports.
7 The trend of ‘back to basics’ will result in preferences for more simple holidays: from hotel to bungalow, from caravan to tent.