Over the past few years, fun pool floats have become the must-have summer accessory, with celebrities and influencers alike posing with inflatables that resemble everything from oversized pizza slices to unicorns. To acknowledge the fact that many vacationers purchase pool inflatables and then abandon them at the end of their trip, Hotels.com established the 'Inflatable Sanctuary.' With the Inflatable Sanctuary set up at the Hipotels Gran Playa de Palma, over the next three months guests now have the chance to "adopt" pool toys and give them "a new lease of life" by taking them home.
With the Inflatable Sanctuary service, donuts, crocodiles and flamingo floatation toys that have been previously discarded by holiday-goers are effectively transformed into memorable keepsakes.
A poll conducted by Hotels.com reveals that inflatables are the most commonly left behind items on holidays, right after sun creams.
Pool Toy Sanctuaries
Hotels.com Letting People Adopt Forgotten, But Fun Pool Floats
Trend Themes
1. Pool Float Adoption - The trend of adopting abandoned pool floats presents opportunities for businesses to create sanctuaries or programs that give new life to discarded inflatables.
2. Memorable Keepsakes - Creating memorable keepsakes from previously abandoned pool inflatables can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for companies in the tourism and hospitality industry.
3. Sustainable Pool Fun - The trend of reusing pool floats promotes sustainability and offers a window for innovative businesses to develop eco-friendly and durable inflatable products.
Industry Implications
1. Tourism and Hospitality - The tourism and hospitality industry can seize the opportunity to establish inflatable sanctuaries and programs to provide guests with a unique experience and promote sustainability.
2. Product Design and Manufacturing - Companies in the product design and manufacturing sector can explore disruptive innovation in creating durable, eco-friendly pool floats that can be reimagined and repurposed.
3. E-commerce and Retail - E-commerce and retail businesses can tap into the trend of adopting abandoned pool floats by offering platforms or initiatives that connect vacationers and buyers interested in purchasing used inflatables.