Smartphone revealed as one of the most important items for two in five travelers' to pack in their suitcases. The survey found that the smartphone is fast replacing the traditional postcard with 64 percent of respondents saying they use it to text friends and another 32 percent to Skype friends and family back home, while on vacation.
ATLANTA – Forget the sunscreen, magazines and guide books, new research released by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) reveals that of more than 10,000 travelers across 13 countries worldwide, the must-have item for a vacation is your smartphone.
According to the research by IHG Rewards Club, nearly 40 percent of travelers agree that their smartphone is the most important item to take on vacation – and 67 percent agree that they will use it every single day. As a result, 1 in 10 travelers clock an impressive average of 70 hours online while on vacation – almost 20 percent of the actual time spent on a two-week vacation.
IHG Rewards Club is the first and largest hotel loyalty programme in the world, with nearly 80 million members worldwide. IHG is one of the world’s leading hotel companies, with over 4,700 hotels around the world and a family of nine trusted hotel brands.
IHG Rewards Club members are IHG’s most valued guests. In line with its aim of rewarding them for their loyalty, it surveyed more than 10,000 of its members worldwide in order to gain further insight into their relationships with their loyalty program and to learn more about their travel needs.
The survey found that the smartphone is fast replacing the traditional postcard with 64 percent of respondents saying they use it to text friends and another 32 percent to Skype friends and family back home, while on vacation. However, recounting vacation experiences with friends and family still remains one of the most enjoyable ways of sharing a vacation, with one in ten travelers saying this is as enjoyable as the vacation itself.
Planning a vacation is, nearly, half the fun – (45 percent) of all travelers say it is the best part of a vacation and more than a third (37 percent) spend over a day researching a vacation.
Susanna Freer-Epstein, Senior Vice President Customer Loyalty Marketing, IHG said:
“IHG is a brand and consumer driven company. We use insight to anticipate consumer trends and behavior. This research shows how mobile technology is revolutionizing the holiday experience – from enabling travelers to dream about and plan their holidays, to helping enjoy the trip itself and share their experiences with their friends and family.”
The survey also uncovered that 42 percent of travelers check social media every day while on vacation, with 25 percent of them even saying they always check Facebook before going to sleep. Taking selfies is also increasingly becoming one of the most popular ways to share vacation experiences, with 25 percent of travelers surveyed saying they use their smartphones for vacation selfies.
As part of the global survey, IHG Rewards Club has launched a digital hub at ihgrewardsclub.com/rewardingexperiences. It showcases the experiences available to nearly 80 million members worldwide – from a cultural experience at some of the world’s most famous museums, to a special family celebration or a once in-a-lifetime relaxing spa experience. It includes reviews from members and global travelers from all around the world.
The top ten uses of smartphones by vacation makers are:
- Checking work emails – 68%
- Navigation / Maps – 67%
- Texting – 64%
- Taking vacation photos – 51%
- Making calls – 42%
- Snapping pictures of meals – 35%
- Updating Facebook / Twitter – 32%
- Skype-ing friends/family – 32%
- Playing games – 27%
- Taking selfies – 25%
IHG Rewards Club conducted global research with 10,159 IHG® Rewards Club members across 13 countries.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
