New study examines what guests want from their hotel stay, airlines urge the White House to lift pre-travel testing, and last chance to get tickets to next week’s HD Awards ceremony. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
Zaha Hadid Architects envisions solar-powered yacht
A rendering of the Oneiric catamaran
Set to be presented during Milan Design Week next week will be the presentation will be a new eco-friendly 144-foot luxury yacht, reports Dezeen. Designed by London-based Zaha Hadid Architects and developed my Italian shipyard Rossinavi, the two-hulled watercraft will boast solar panels across three levels, allowing it to cruise in full-electric mode with zero emissions during day times. “The design of the yacht’s exterior and interior is informed by the fluidity and dynamism of ocean waves,” the architecture and design firm said in a statement. “The sinuous lines and reflective surfaces of the yacht’s exterior are continued throughout the interior, blurring the boundaries between vessel and sea.”
New report delves into travelers’ hotel preferences
A just-released study commissioned by Oracle Hospitality and Skift examines how guest expectations have changed over the past two years and how hotels are accommodating these shifts. The Hospitality in 2025: Automated, Intelligent…and More Personal report, which surveyed 5,266 consumers and 633 hotel executives in spring 2022, found that 73 percent of travelers want to use their mobile device to manage their experience, including checking in and out, ordering food, and more. Further, 40 percent of hotel execs believe an “unbundled” room rate model is the future of hotel revenue, and 87 percent of travelers said they would be inclined to book a hotel that allowed them to only pay for the amenities they use. Additionally, the survey found that 92 percent of travelers don’t miss being around other people while at a hotel property and 73 percent are more likely to stay at a hotel that offers self-service technology that minimize contact with the staff and other guests.
Airline and travel industries push to end COVID testing requirement
Earlier this week, representatives from Airlines for American and the US Travel Association met with White House officials to advocate for an end to pre-departure COVID-19 tests for international travelers. The airline and travel industries argue that the requirement for vaccinated individuals does not match COVID-19’s current threat and that it is negatively impacting the U.S. economy, CNN reports. “Other countries with whom we directly compete for global travelers have removed their pre-departure testing requirements and reopened their tourism economies, putting the U.S. at a serious competitive disadvantage for export dollars,” said Roger Dow of the US Travel Association.
TikTok gives New York City restaurants a boost
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Whether an established staple or a recently opened concept, many Manhattan eateries are noting an uptick in business due to exposure on TikTok, according to Eater. For Skirt Steak, the influence was especially hard to ignore. The NoMad restaurant opened in November, was visited by the influencers behind @sistersnacking weeks after in December, and immediately saw an increase in customers—at least 100 patrons formed a line outside the walk-in-only establishment the day after the account posted its review, which has now garnered more than 5.9 million views. Other restaurants are leaning into the trend by creating their own accounts or inviting influencers to enjoy comped meals, while others are opting to take a more passive approach by letting the creators and the app algorithm steer the way.
It’s not too late! Get your tickets to the HD Awards
KOL Izakhaya in Johannesburg, South Africa, designed by Tristan du Plessis Studio; a finalist in the Upscale Restaurant category
In four days, the winners of the 18th annual HD Awards will be revealed live on stage in New York. The evening kicks off at Cipriani South Street with a cocktail reception at 7 p.m., followed by the awards show. In addition to this year’s project and product winners, the recipients of HDAC’s Awards of Excellence, the Hotelier and Design Firm of the Year, and the HD/West Elm Student Product Design Competition will also be honored. Purchase tickets now!
