Demographic Trends and Factors

Demographic trends and factors

Two words cropped up time and again when our panel was asked to describe the nature of the modern traveller--'demanding' and 'educated'.

The demographic group which is approaching adulthood now is sometimes known as Generation Y. Like their Generation X forebears, the members of Gen Y have been raised in a gadget-filled world of choice. And they're likely to be even more demanding than their predecessors. Many Generation Ys will expect you to confirm their booking via SMS. After all, they get back account statements this way. Can the firm deliver that?

They will expect broadband in their rooms, and way wish to download music, videos and movies over the hotel network. Could the firm handle the demand?

A young Generation Y business traveller may want to reserve some time in the spa at the same time he books his room online. Are systems of the firm geared up for that?

We are all different 'people' at different times. You may be a business traveller one day and a leisure traveller the next. You may be both during the course of one hotel visit.

Technology is likely to provide the answer.

Technology is getting smaller. The functionality that used to be the preserve of the PC migrated first onto laptops, then PDAs and now onto mobile phones.

The use of these smaller devices for booking travel is not yet commonplace - but it will be. Now that the browser technology built into them is so good, and wireless network speed limitations are not really an issue anymore, a consumer may want to book a trip as soon as he or she sees an ad on the bus. They won't want to remember the URL and look it up when they get home. They will want to confirm a booking via SMS.

The technology platforms used by hospitality companies must support and enable all user interfaces, from phone to fax to PC to PDA to mobile. They must be able to adapt each time without the need for data to be re-keyed or for any other human intervention.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has entered into a joint venture with Silverstein Properties and Dune Real Estate Partners to develop a 444-room luxury resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. Construction is set to begin on what will be the largest Four Seasons resort in the world this December, with a target opening date in 2014.

Four Seasons is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality.

Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels and residences in major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the world. Currently with 85 properties in 35 countries, and more than 50 projects under development, Four Seasons continues to lead the