Hotel rates are expected to increase slightly in 2020, especially in major cities like Chicago, San Francisco, and Toronto. Travelers will expect a more personalized experience based on their preferences. They also want seamless, simple end-to-end business travel experiences with better support and mobile booking tools. Some additional trends include traveling to lesser-known "second cities", food-focused trips, bringing pets along more frequently, prioritizing sustainable travel, and focusing on enjoying the journey over speed of arrival.

2. The new year brings new trends across
all industries, and travel is no exception.
While some patterns will continue, such
as the increase in solo traveling and
blurred lines between business and
leisure trips, travelers may set new
priorities in 2020.
Here are some trends to look out for in
the new year.

3. 1
Rate Increases
Hotel rates in North America are expected to see a minimal increase overall in the new year. However, American
Express’ Global Business Travel Hotel Monitor 2020 report projects that major cities like Chicago, San Francisco, and
Toronto will be up by as much as 4-5 percent.

4. 2
Personalization
It may be a little unsettling to think about your data being collected, but AI advances have paved the way for travel
experiences to fit each person’s unique preferences. Data collection means that travelers will want to automatically
see options that closely match their expectations and desires, and will grow to expect their experiences to align with
their preferences.

5. 3
End-to-End Experiences
According to the Skift 2020 Business Travel Survey, travelers want the tools and support to book and manage every
aspect of their trip for a seamless, simple end-to-end business travel experience. In fact, according to the study, some
of the most common problems they face when traveling for work include:
Having to pay for travel expenses on a personal credit card
Employer’s booking tool doesn’t have the best rates
Lack of support for fixing problems while traveling
Employer’s booking tool isn’t mobile friendly
Employer’s booking tool is too complicated
31.9%
29.3%
23%
10.9%
10.6%

6. 4
Second City and Foodie Travel
Travelers may look to take the road less traveled and visit lesser-known cities this year. These places, called “second
cities” because of their proximity to major cities, are usually more budget-friendly and less crowded. More travelers are
also centering plans around food destinations, not just going to big-name restaurants, but seeking out hidden gems to
try on their trips.

7. 7
Pet-Friendly Accomodations
According to American Pet Products Association (APPA) data, an increasing number of U.S. pet owners take their pets
with them when they travel — 37 percent, to be precise, up from 19 percent about a decade ago. Hotels and extend-
ed-stay corporate housing accommodations will have to increase available amenities for pets as more people priori-
tize bringing their furry friends along for their trip.

8. 5
Going Green
Protecting the environment has become one of the most important factors in planning a trip for many travelers.
In 2020, travelers may seek sustainable travel methods to reduce their impact, and companies will look for
programs that offset travelers’ CO2 emissions.

9. 6
Taking It Slow
Reducing environmental impact may go hand in hand with slower methods of transportation, like driving or taking a
train rather than flying. Experts predict that travelers in 2020 will focus on enjoying the journey itself over making it to
their destination as quickly as possible, which may mean more cars on the road and more congested highways.

10. 8
Rethinking Corporate Travel Expenses
Historically, travelers have been responsible for their own expense submission and management, which can mean a
lot of time waiting for business expenses to be reimbursed. In 2020, travelers will expect their employers to simplify
and streamline the payments process as part of their end-to-end travel experience.

11. clclodging.com
Learn more about CLC Lodging
CLC Lodging offers the tools to optimize your investment in travel in 2020 and
enhance your employees’ travel experience — from search and booking to hotel
payments and expense reporting. Learn more at clclodging.com.

12. clclodging.com
600,000+
Travelers
Supported
17 Million+
Annual Nights
Booked
$400 Million+
Savings for Our
Members Annually