SPECIAL REPORT
Alternative accommodations
GO MAINSTREAM
AS WORK / LIFE BALANCE SHIFTS , TRAVELERS SEEK OUT EXPERIENCES OUTSIDE A PERCEIVED NORM THAT IS BECOMING MORE MAINSTREAM .
By ANAYAT DURRANI
Alternative lodging has come a long way . The days of a homeowner renting out a backyard shed for some extra cash have given way to heightened , elaborate experiences , whether it ’ s a fancied-up hostel or glamping , travelers not quite feeling a hotel stay have lots more colorful options to choose from . And with a backdrop of the pandemic , it ’ s no surprise the alternative accommodation sector is booming — and not just among those with an adventurous spirit .
“ Fueled partly by the societal paradigm shifts stemming from COVID , namely increased hybrid work opportunities and consumers ’ prioritization of spending on experiences as opposed to physical goods , demand for alternative accommodations has skyrocketed ,” said Ophelia Makis , senior analyst at JLL Hotels Research .
Alternative lodging refers to accommodations that are other than what
28 hotelsmag . com Mar / Apr 2023