Skift Take
From a rising middle class to an aging population, the most powerful leaders in hospitality agree demographics are key.
Yes, AI is going to be everywhere one day, and yes, lifestyle hotels are the hot new thing. But if you want to track the future of travel, the answer lies in demographics.
A "bulging" middle class, an aging population, and a global shift eastwards are among the most powerful forces in the industry, according to recent comments from global hotel CEOs at IHG, Accor, Hilton, and Marriott.
Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta, at a conference in Saudi Arabia last week, said responding to demographic shifts would help usher in a new era of growth. "My own view is we’re at the beginning of a golden age of travel," he said. "Three things are driving that. One is demographics: We’re going to have over five billion in the middle class by 2030. Middle-class growth is huge."
"When you wake up in 20 years and you look at the growth in the industry, the bulk of the growth will be in the mid-market. Why? Demographics. The