Skip to Content
Hilton MENU
Hilton Celebrates 100 Years
Hampton by Hilton
Select Hotel Brand
  • Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
  • LXR Hotels & Resorts
  • Conrad Hotels & Resorts
  • Canopy By Hilton
  • Signia Hilton
  • Hilton Hotels & Resorts
  • Curio Collection by Hilton
  • DoubleTree by Hilton
  • Tapestry Collection by Hilton
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton
  • Motto by Hilton
  • Hilton Garden Inn
  • Tru by Hilton
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton
  • Home2 Suites by Hilton
  • Hilton Honors
  • Hampton by Hilton
  • Read the News
    • Press Releases
  • About the Brand
    • Executive Bios
    • Fact Sheet
  • Our Properties
  • Media Resources
    • Download Photos
    • Press Inquiries
    • Logos
  • Hampton Hotline
  • Press Contact
  • Hampton by Hilton
  • MENU
    • Read the News
      • Press Releases
    • About the Brand
      • Executive Bios
      • Fact Sheet
    • Our Properties
    • Media Resources
      • Download Photos
      • Press Inquiries
      • Logos
    • Hampton Hotline
    • Press Contact
Leisure Travel

Hampton by Hilton Reveals New “Seekender” Traveller Trend

New Research Finds That “Seekenders” - Those Who Take Regular Short-Breaks and Choose Experiences Over Material Wealth – Hold the Key to Happy Holidaying

November 23, 2015 Europe

Share

When questioned about how they feel on return from a holiday, the data demonstrated that travellers feel just as “refreshed and raring to go” following a short-break (32 per cent) as they do after an extended getaway (33 per cent). Credit: Hampton by Hilton.
When questioned about how they feel on return from a holiday, the data demonstrated that travellers feel just as “refreshed and raring to go” following a short-break (32 per cent) as they do after an extended getaway (33 per cent). Credit: Hampton by Hilton.
Download Article Photos

Related Items

Hampton Seekender UK Infographic

LONDON, U.K. - Research out today by Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide's (NYSE: HLT) global brand of more than 2,000 mid-priced hotels, has revealed a trend among Brits to forgo the big, annual holiday in favour of regular short breaks, to seek value for money and to covet travel experiences over material possessions. These so-called "Seekenders", have discovered the exemplar way to holiday, according to leading health expert Dr. Dawn Harper and psychotherapist, Robert Stewart.

The survey of 3,000 adults across the UK revealed that travel ranks top (63 per cent) in the list of treats people will spend their money on, ahead of gadgets (26 per cent), designer clothes (11 per cent), handbags & jewellery (20 per cent), dining out (16 per cent) and days out with the family (41 per cent).

The research showed that taking several short trips and being clever with costs (42 per cent) rather than one blow-out getaway a year (17 per cent) is the most common way of taking holidays, with staycations (19 per cent) proving as popular as foreign escapes (20 per cent).

When questioned about how they feel on return from a holiday, the data demonstrated that travellers feel just as "refreshed and raring to go" following a short-break (32 per cent) as they do after an extended getaway (33 per cent).

Speaking exclusively about the findings, Dr. Dawn Harper (Embarrassing Bodies, This Morning, LBC Radio) said, "We are leading increasingly hectic lives and a getaway allows people to physically and mentally recharge. We react to stress with an adrenalin surge, which was useful in caveman days where stress came in the form of a mammoth on the horizon, but today's stresses come from work, home and modern life hassles. Taking the foot off the pedal and getting away from it all can make a big difference. Sometimes it can be easier to fit in a mini-break into busy schedules, and this can be just as beneficial as a longer holiday."

Psychotherapist Robert Stewart (BBC3) added, "Our working life involves a considerable amount of running on auto-pilot, whereas holidays elicit our conscious mind as we pay attention to all the details and absorb new experiences. A well-planned short-break can refresh the mind and body just as much as an extended getaway can. When we take a mini-break, there's also less stress around spending money and workload or chores building up while we're away. It's heartening to find that Brits value holidays and experiences more than material possessions. The dopamine kick of a new toy is very short-lived, whereas the feel-good oxytocin and serotonin factors gained from a holiday will last long into the return to daily life."

Other key findings that Hampton by Hilton discovered as part of the research include:

  • Brits place far more importance on experiences than wealth or possessions, with 71 per cent rating travel and new experiences as "essential" and "significant" to their lives
  • Visiting a dream destination was the highest priority for respondents, with 47 per cent of people saying this was top of their bucket list, above buying a fancy car, second home, jewellery, designer watch or meeting their favourite celebrity
  • People in Bournemouth find holidays significantly less of a priority, possibly due to the town's holiday resort aesthetic. 46 per cent of people from Bournemouth use some of their annual leave to holiday at home compared to a national average of just 20 per cent
  • Citizens of Chelmsford are the most likely in the UK to spend on travel, with over 80 per cent opting for holidays over materialistic goods
  • 11 per cent of Brits will not use all of their annual leave this year
  • 69 per cent of Brits prioritise value for money when choosing a hotel, closely followed by cleanliness, a comfy bed, a decent shower, central location and friendly service

"At Hampton by Hilton, our ethos is to enable travellers to discover new destinations in a way that's affordable," said Mark Nogal, Regional Head Focused Service Brand Management for Hilton Worldwide. "Our brand is in an exciting period of expansion with more than 100 hotels across Europe either open or under development including 17 across the UK and a further 19 in the pipeline. Our increasing presence is an excellent match for the Seekender generation. Our modern aesthetic is complemented by our many included extras, all with value for money, our brand guarantee and dedicated Hamptonality service firmly in place for our guests."

Hampton by Hilton hotels across the globe offer guests a hot breakfast included in their stay and a range of amenities including a 24-hour complimentary fitness room, complementary Wi-Fi and Hampton by Hilton's 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. All rooms feature an HDTV, in-room coffee and tea maker and the brand's signature Clean and fresh Hampton bed® to ensure complete comfort for every guest during their stay

Hampton by Hilton team members proudly exhibit a unique culture described as Hamptonality. This term describes each hotel's approach to friendly customer service and anticipation of guests' needs and providing travelers with helpful suggestions about area attractions, historical facts and fun things to do around town. Additionally, hotels are infused with local photography and artwork, highlighting each property's connection and support to its own community.

Hampton by Hilton hotels participate in Hilton HHonors®, the only hotel loyalty programme that allows members to earn Points & Miles® on the same stay and No Blackout Dates on reward stays. HHonors members always get the lowest price, along with HHonors Points, digital check-in and no booking fees only when they book directly through Hilton.

Read more about Hampton by Hilton at www.hampton.com and news.hampton.com.

Notes to Editors:
*OnePoll surveyed 3,000 UK adults between 2 and 9 November 2015, using online and mobile polling. OnePoll is a member of ESOMAR and employs members of the MRS. www.OnePoll.com

About Hampton by Hilton

As the number one ranked lodging franchise for the last decade and one of the top five brands of the century, according to Entrepreneur®, Hampton by Hilton – including Hampton Inn by Hilton and Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton – serves quality-driven and value-conscious travelers at more than 2,500 properties in 29 countries and territories. The brand continues to lead its segment by providing guests with high-quality, thoughtfully designed accommodations and amenities, such as modern and spacious rooms, complimentary WiFi, free hot breakfast with healthful options, and On The Run™ breakfast bags. Hampton by Hilton Team Members are committed to delivering exceptionally friendly and authentic service all backed by the 100% Hampton Guarantee™. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. For more information about Hampton by Hilton, visit www.hampton.com or newsroom.hilton.com/hampton, and connect on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 17 world-class brands comprising nearly 6,000 properties with more than 954,000 rooms, in 117 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its mission to be the world’s most hospitable company, Hilton earned a spot on the 2019 World’s Best Workplaces list, and has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its 100-year history. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, more than 100 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy, plus enjoy instant benefits, including digital check-in with room selection, Digital Key, and Connected Room. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Download Article Photos

Contact

Jennifer Hughes
Director, Brand Public Relations, Hampton by Hilton +1 901 374 6518

Rochelle Raven
Senior Manager, Brand PR EMEA, Hilton Worldwide +44 0 20 7856 8547

When questioned about how they feel on return from a holiday, the data demonstrated that travellers feel just as “refreshed and raring to go” following a short-break (32 per cent) as they do after an extended getaway (33 per cent). Credit: Hampton by Hilton.
When questioned about how they feel on return from a holiday, the data demonstrated that travellers feel just as “refreshed and raring to go” following a short-break (32 per cent) as they do after an extended getaway (33 per cent). Credit: Hampton by Hilton.

Related Items

Hampton Seekender UK Infographic

View More News

Photo Download

These photographs are protected by copyright laws and are only to be used with authorization from Hilton, which may be revoked by Hilton at any time, in Hilton's sole discretion. Changing of the material through photo compositing to through other electronic means is strictly prohibited. These photos are to be used associated with editorial material about Hilton, Hilton's world-class brands, or specific Hilton properties. Each photo may be used after downloading from this site for these purposes unless and until Hilton revokes your permission to use such photos, which Hilton may do at any time, for any or no reason. Usage of the photos for other means requires prior written approval. For use in media publications, please use "© 2019 Hilton". The usage is free of charge if not noted otherwise. By downloading this photo, you agree to these terms.

In order for this site to work properly for you, please make sure your browser cookies are not disabled.

Okay

Connect

  • Site Map
  • RSS Feed
  • Book A Room
  • Customer Service

Media Contacts


7930 Jones Branch Drive
McLean, VA 22102
Media Inquiries
  • About Hilton
  • Our Brands
    • Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

    • LXR Hotels & Resorts

    • Conrad Hotels & Resorts

    • Canopy by Hilton

    • Signia Hilton

    • Hilton Hotels & Resorts

    • Curio Collection by Hilton

    • DoubleTree by Hilton

    • Tapestry Collection by Hilton

    • Embassy Suites by Hilton

    • Motto by Hilton

    • Hilton Garden Inn

    • Hampton by Hilton

    • Tru by Hilton

    • Homewood Suites by Hilton

    • Home2 Suites by Hilton

    • Hilton Grand Vacations

    • Hilton Honors

  • Corporate News
  • Sign up for Email Alerts
  • Awards
  • Contact Us
    • Hilton.com
    • Development
    • Careers
    • Corporate Responsibility
    • Investors

Hotel Feedback