2025 Travel Trends Influencing Construction and Renovations at Your Summer Destination

DENVER, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - As the peak vacation season approaches, hospitality owners are striving to meet their guests' needs, spurring construction projects to align with emerging travel trends.

Today's guests are looking for thoughtful amenities, sustainable practices, and personalized experiences. Influenced by social media, advancements in technology and cultural movements, travelers are driving trends that shape what hotels and resorts offer to attract guests.

In honor of the summer vacation season, the hospitality construction experts at PCL Construction reflect on how the guest experience has changed and what the future holds for hospitality properties across the country.

Renovations vs. New Builds:
To stay competitive in a fast-changing market, many hotel owners are choosing to renovate rather than build new construction. PCL experts say they're seeing major hotel brands refresh their properties every five to seven years.

These updates go beyond aesthetics – modern renovations often include smart technology, energy-efficient systems and flexible spaces that adapt to evolving guest needs.

"Renovations allow owners to preserve their property's identity while integrating new amenities and tech," says Julio Vasquez, a PCL construction manager who led a recent renovation at Hawaii's Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. He notes seeing more demand for upgraded retail, dining and adaptable spaces that enhance the guest experience.

Eco-tourism:

Sustainability is becoming a top priority for travelers. This shift is driving demand for hotels that meet green standards and offer low-impact, culturally connected experiences.

To meet this demand, many properties are pursuing certifications like LEED, WELL, and Green Globe, incorporating features such as energy-efficient systems, water conservation and renewable energy.

Health and Wellness Amenities:

Wellness tourism is experiencing an unprecedented market boom. Travelers are seeking hotels that support both mental and physical well-being through upscale fitness, nutritious dining and advanced amenities like infrared saunas, IV therapy and aesthetic treatments.

"Wellness is about creating spaces that leave guests feeling better than when they arrived," says Caleigh Raymer, preconstruction director with PCL's California offices. "We're building environments that promote health, rejuvenation and connection to the surroundings."

Advanced Technology:

Technology is now central to the guest experience, with many travelers preferring hotels that offer tech-forward features including automated check-ins and keyless entry. Some properties are even exploring generative AI for voice-activated services.

"Our clients are pushing the envelope to deliver cutting-edge experiences," says Vasquez. "We focus on building spaces that can evolve with technology and meet future guest expectations."

Group Travel:

Group travel is on the rise, with more families, corporate teams and event-goers vacationing together. Hotels are responding by designing spaces that cater to larger parties. At Evermore Orlando Resort, for example, The Flats offer four-bedroom condos ideal for group stays, while the adjacent Conrad Orlando provides event spaces and amenities for all generations.

Self-perform Construction:
Labor shortages and supply chain issues have challenged the construction industry in recent years, but self-performing key scopes has helped contractors maintain control over quality, schedules and staffing.

"For large-scale resorts, self-performing major scopes like concrete can be critical," says David Keeler, a senior project manager at PCL who led projects like Conrad Orlando and The Flats at Evermore. "Having the skills and labor in-house helps us deliver on time and to a high standard."

For more information on PCL's hospitality construction projects and the trends that are driving them, view the full story on PCL.com.

About PCL Construction
PCL is a group of independent construction companies that operates throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Australia. As one of the largest contracting organizations in North America, PCL completes more than $8 billion USD in work annually, building projects that shape communities. The company's 100% employee ownership model fuels a culture of commitment for clients in the buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industrial and solar markets. With a strategic presence in more than 30 major centers, PCL's leadership teams consistently drive innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence, bringing unparalleled skill to every project. Watch us build at PCL.com.

SOURCE PCL Construction