Group Travel Trends to Know: How to Elevate Your Hotel with Unique Experiences

Are you ready to transform your hotel’s group business? Today’s corporate planners are demanding more than just standard meeting rooms and beds. And social travelers are seeking more personalization than ever. Groups are looking for immersive, holistic experiences paired with distinctive extras that set hotels apart. This blog will delve into the crucial trends of wellness, engaging activities, and bleisure travel, and demonstrate how your hotel can not only meet these demands but thrive by leveraging the right strategies and tools, such as Tripleseat for Hotels.

The Rise of Wellness in Group Travel Trends

Wellness is no longer just a personal priority but a significant consideration in group travel planning. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness economy hit an impressive $6.3 trillion in 2023—and it’s only going up, with projections reaching nearly $9 trillion by 2028. This rapid growth shows just how much wellness is becoming a priority across all industries, including corporate and social group travel.

Companies recognize the value of promoting health and well-being among their employees, even while on the road. Leisure travelers also increasingly seek wellness amenities as a key part of their travel experience. Offering organized onsite wellness activities such as yoga classes and healthy food options or providing access to state-of-the-art gym facilities can make a property stand out. Get creative on how you market these amenities. Instead of just “yoga classes,” mention specific types like “sunrise yoga on the terrace” or “mindfulness and meditation sessions.” Include examples like the ones listed below. These amenities not only cater to the individual’s physical well-being but also promote mental health.

Spa & Hydrotherapy Treatments – Luxury travelers prioritize access to spas, saunas, steam rooms, and hydrotherapy pools.

Fitness & Movement – Onsite gyms, outdoor yoga decks, guided hikes, and fitness classes are a must for active travelers.

Healthy Dining Options – Guests expect nutritious, locally sourced menus with plant-based and functional food options.

Mindfulness & Relaxation – Meditation spaces, sleep-enhancing programs, and digital detox retreats are growing in popularity.

Nature & Sustainability – Eco-resorts, forest bathing experiences, and wellness-focused nature retreats appeal to travelers prioritizing mental well-being.

Trend to Curate Fun Group Activities

Gone are the days when group travel agendas were limited to meetings, meals, and departures. Even social groups also want curated experiences that leave them with memories. Your hotel group business is contingent on providing the fun. Planners are eager to infuse their itineraries with unique and fun activities that can foster bonding and offer a taste of local culture. Offering a range of fun group activities, from axe throwing to boat cruises, requires efficient booking and communication, which is streamlined through dedicated group sales software. Consider experiences around culture (local tours, cooking classes), relaxation (wine tasting, boat cruises), or team-building (escape rooms, interactive workshops). The desire for engaging and memorable experiences extends beyond just structured activities. A significant trend highlighting this is the resurgence of shared travel experiences, aptly dubbed “Group Therapy” by luxury travel experts Black Tomato. These experiences not only enhance the trip but also contribute to more dynamic and engaging corporate events.

The Rise of Group Therapy

Group travel is making a major comeback, and the trend, dubbed “Group Therapy” by luxury travel experts Black Tomato, highlights the growing desire for shared experiences with family and friends. With bookings for groups of eight or more rising by 35%, travelers are prioritizing quality time together, whether on multigenerational trips, foodie getaways, or adventure-filled excursions. From curated Italian culinary tours to scenic railway journeys through Scotland, these trips emphasize connection, ease of planning, and unforgettable moments. As solo travel and intimate escapes remain popular, the resurgence of group travel proves that sometimes, the best memories are made together. This “Group Therapy” trend presents a significant opportunity for hotels. By offering spacious accommodations, communal areas, and facilitating the organization of group activities and dining, hotels can position themselves as ideal hosts for these connection-focused trips. Emphasize personalization by offering a menu of activity options that planners can choose from to tailor the experience to their group’s interests.

Embracing Bleisure Travel as a Group Travel Trend

Bleisure travel—the blend of business and leisure—continues to gain popularity, with more travelers opting to extend their work trips for personal enjoyment. Offering flexible options for groups to extend their stay and inviting friends or family to join can significantly influence the booking decision. To further entice guests, consider creating specific “Bleisure Packages” with discounted rates for extended stays, including perks like late check-out or vouchers for local attractions. Provide curated local guides (digital or print) highlighting nearby attractions and restaurants. Facilitate transportation by offering information on local transport options or partnering with ride-sharing services. If your hotel caters to families, highlight family-friendly amenities to encourage bleisure extensions with loved ones. This allows guests to make the most of their business trips, turning obligatory travel into an opportunity for exploration and relaxation. Facilitating bleisure extensions, including managing varying stay dates and potential guest room changes, is made easier with robust software that provides a clear overview of bookings.

1. Flexible Workspaces & Connectivity

• Offer co-working lounges with high-speed Wi-Fi, private meeting pods, and tech-equipped conference rooms.
• Provide hybrid meeting solutions with seamless virtual integration for remote participants.
• Ensure guest rooms have ergonomic workstations with charging ports and good lighting.

2. Group-Friendly Social & Wellness Activities

• Host networking events like wine tastings, happy hours, or local cultural experiences.
• Provide guided wellness options such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, or fitness challenges.
• Partner with local businesses for team-building excursions like food tours or adventure activities.

3. Premium Leisure Offerings

• Offer extended stay incentives (e.g., discounts for weekend extensions or spa credits).
• Provide concierge-curated itineraries for leisure activities, dining, and sightseeing.
• Design packages with family-friendly options, so attendees can bring partners or kids.

4. Streamlined Booking & Payment

• Make it easy for corporate travelers to add leisure days through direct booking integrations.
• Offer corporate bleisure rates that cover both work and leisure stays.
• Provide Tripleseat-integrated event planning to simplify group bookings and expense management.

The Role of Group Sales Software

Coordinating the diverse elements of modern group travel requires precision, flexibility, and efficiency. This is where robust group sales software like Tripleseat for Hotels becomes indispensable. With the ability to manage room blocks, schedule out the day in detail, and track preferences all in one platform, hotel teams can ensure that every detail is accounted for. From the initial inquiry to the final billing, having a comprehensive tool that keeps track of all the moving parts simplifies the planning process for both the hotel staff and the travel planners.

As group travel continues to evolve, hotels have a unique opportunity to differentiate themselves by offering more than accommodations and meeting spaces. By focusing on wellness, fun activities, and the flexibility of bleisure extensions, properties can cater to the modern traveler’s holistic needs. Implementing a powerful group sales software like Tripleseat for Hotels ensures that these complex logistics are easily handled, allowing hotels to craft unforgettable group travel experiences.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your hotel’s group business? Don’t get left behind as group travel trends evolves. Sign up for a personalized demo with Tripleseat for Hotels today to see how our platform can streamline your operations, enhance your offerings, and help you capture the growing demand for modern group travel experiences.