A new global survey has revealed that travellers want the travel industry to be more inclusive, and authentically reflect all types of individuals.
The study, carried out by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle Collection, revealed that 85% of travellers want travel industry brands’ social media content to be more inclusive of all kinds of people. Travellers from Australia, Japan, the UK and the US found an overwhelming need for more authentic and varied travel content ,as well as a high demand for travel brands to do more to feature inclusive and diverse content creators and experiences.
The research revealed that 84% of travellers believe that travel brands could do more to support a diverse set of travellers; especially those in the US (88%) and millennials (88%). The figure is higher in the US, where 90% believe that travel industry brands’ social media content should be more inclusive of all kinds of travellers.
REALISTIC & AUTHENTIC CONTENT
Overall, the survey found a large discrepancy between travel content currently on social media and the true desires of consumers, who reported that the pressure to be “social media-worthy” negatively impacts their travel experiences. In fact, over three-quarters (76%) feel that more realistic depictions of travel from content creators on social media would be more valuable than existing travel content. Americans are the group most likely to say that the content makes them feel self-conscious (24%). Additionally, 15% of US respondents say that travel industry content on social media makes them feel left out. Respondents in the UK, however, are most likely to say that the travel industry content on social media makes them feel jealous (29%).
More than one-third of survey respondents say they are not well-represented when it comes to demographic factors, such as gender, race, age and body size. They are also unsure if they are well represented in the content they see from travel creators (34%). The figure is slightly higher in the UK at 38%.
FULFILLING DIVERSE TRAVEL NEEDS
Nearly half of survey respondents have some negative feelings (jealous, self-conscious, etc.) towards the current travel industry content seen on social media (46%). One-third of respondents (33%) feel that their travel style or personal needs are not being met; or might not be met by offerings from travel brands. Additionally, 21% are unsure that travel content from creators on social media is inclusive of different travel styles.
“We know that social media and marketing content within the travel industry hasn’t always reflected the people and experiences that truly make up our global community. That’s why we are committed to diving deeper into the foundation of our Stay Human brand ethos with new brand commitments that will continue to change the way we work with creators, the imagery we share and the experiences we offer,” said Kathleen Reidenbach, Kimpton’s Chief Commercial Officer. “We want our guests and our employees to be comfortable and embraced for being their most authentic selves, no matter their pronoun, skin colour or body type.”
STAY HUMAN CAMPAIGN EXPLAINED
In response to the traveller pain points uncovered in the survey’s findings, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has introduced new brand content commitments that pledge to show more diverse and inclusive creators and experiences in its brand-level social media and marketing content moving forward through its Stay Human Campaign, by:
- Working with creators that reflect the diversity of the wonderful world around us. This pledge will extend to the content on our brand channels and the UGC we share. To do this Kimpton is expanding our existing representation commitments to diversity in race, gender and sexual orientation to include a pledge to feature more creators, guests and models with diversity in ethnicity, religion, language, size, age and disability.
- Addressing current gaps in travel content on social media – beginning with a commitment to present zero digital distortion of individuals and enhancing how we share information that is critical for travelers with disabilities to ensure our social media content is truly accessible to all. To start, we will require all of those in the Kimpton Creator Collective to post on social media with alt-text and image descriptions to increase the level of accessibility for disabled audiences.
- Creating its first-ever Kimpton Creator Collective made up of creators with diverse perspectives who will serve as consultants to the brand advising on brand content and property experiences; and continuously consult, engage and evolve the Collective.
- Being the first brand to throw away the traditional brand-issued “creator content brief.” Rather than dictating what creators should create, it will empower and encourage creators to showcase travel their way while also embracing the Kimpton brand rather than limiting them within the confines of strict creative requirements.
- At least 75% of Kimpton brand-contracted creators will reflect its commitments to increased inclusivity and authenticity of perspectives and experiences (such as race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, language, size, gender, age and disability) to better reflect the diversity of real travellers.
DIVERSE CREATORS
To help shape these commitments and advise on how they can come to life in the guest experience, Kimpton worked with a select group of diverse creators with varying interests and passions from across the globe to form its first-ever ‘Stay Human’ Creator Collective. The creators gathered in London last month at the Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel, where they collectively took part in experiences rooted in and inspired by human connection. The group explored varying travel styles and discussed what fuels their individual and authentic passions. Kimpton’s 2022 ‘Stay Human’ Creator Collective includes:
Shayne Tino (@shaynetino), Australia
Shayne Tino is an Australian art director, designer, model and creative authority who has launched retail campaigns across the world, and founded and directed his own fashion brands Rimagind and C&talyst.
MYRNE (@myrne), Singapore
MYRNE is a DJ, Producer and Artist from Singapore. In addition to playing sold-out home crowds, MYRNE has an impressive history of live shows; In 2018, MYRNE was the first Singaporean act to play at dance festivals Ultra Miami and Tomorrowland Belgium.
Anna Whitehouse (@mother_pukka), United Kingdom
Anna Whitehouse is a journalist, editor, author and Heart radio presenter. She hosts a hugely successful podcast, Dirty Mother Pukka, and is the founder of Mother Pukka, a portal for news, events and honest reviews on parenthood trials and tribulations. She lives in Londonwith her husband and their two children Mae and Eve.
Tess Daly (@tess.daly), United Kingdom
Tess is an Influencer from Sheffield who just so happens to have a disability. Her content centers around fashion, beauty, and lifestyle from a unique perspective of somebody who lives life in a wheelchair.
Dan Brown (@simplydanbrown), Australia
Dan Brown is a Sydney born and based fashion model signed to Chadwick Models. He has been featured in GQ AUS 2021, and credited for inspiring Aussie men to dress differently.
Rei Shito (@reishito), Japan
Rei is a Tokyo-based street-style photographer and journalist featured in Vogue 2020. She worked for a number of publications including ‘Street’, ‘Fruits’ and ‘Tune’ magazine, before launching STYLE from TOKYO, a blog centered on the street style of Harajuku.
STAY HUMAN PACKAGES
In February 2023, Kimpton will roll out bookable Stay Human packages at select hotels around the world catering to diverse travel styles and personalities. The packages will be informed by real insights from Kimpton’s global consumer survey and its ‘Stay Human’ Creator Collective. Kimpton guests also will be invited to enjoy activities that bring the brand’s ‘Stay Human’ campaign to life. This includes curated social hour menus, themed pop-up events, social media contests, and more. Starting in early February, guests can view and book the packages at kimptonhotels.com.
This campaign serves as a continuation of IHG Hotels & Resorts commitment to fostering a diverse culture where everyone can thrive. IHG is dedicated to championing gender balance and a doubling of under-represented groups across leadership; cultivating a culture of inclusion for colleagues, owners and suppliers; supporting colleagues in prioritising their own wellbeing and that of others; and driving respect for and advancing human rights.
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