2020 had been a roller coaster of a ride that brought Hongkongers a slew of both positive and unfortunate moments— circumstances that impeded on a comfortable and habitual lifestyle. In spite of the unexpected events of last year, it brought about a handful of booming lifestyle trends that had caught on quicker than Covid-19. Though the pandemic stretches into 2021— overstaying its welcome, these lifestyle trends are here to stay.
Wellness Staycations
With travel restrictions hammered down, Staycations have never been more popular. The city saw its highest spike in staycation searches in 2020, setting a record high of Google searches, according to data provided by Google. The trend was quickly captured by luxury hotels like Hyatt, Peninsula, W Hong Kong and Rosewood by meeting the demands of local residents for a ‘wellness getaway’ right in their own backyard. Rejuvenation spa treatments inclusive in Staycation packages were the highlight of these promotions, offering home-bound residents a relief from their citylife burdens. And as long as travel restrictions are still in place, sumptuous Staycations are here to stay.
Home cooking
The widely used photo and video sharing platform, Instagram witnessed a boom in mouth-watering home-cooked delicacies last year. With social distancing firmly in place, home cooks turned their hand to baking and other culinary experiments, as a a safer option to dining out; Putting all that extra time away from the office and social gatherings to developing a new skill. This trend was observed by Nielsen, global measurement and data analytics company, stating that “77% of consumers in Hong Kong planned to eat at home more often than before”.
Local adventure
Although hiking was initially a call to form healthier habits whilst gyms and swimming pools remained closed, the rediscovery of the natural landscapes that occupy almost 70% of the city quickly became an Instagrammable trend featuring lesser known landscapes and beaches. But beyond the noteworthy scenic views, trekking the forested hillsides and rocky coastlines of Hong Kong is also an activity city dwellers in-need of an urban getaway and can to return to long past the pandemic ends as studies have shown that a 90-minute walk in nature reduces depression, according to Proceedings of the Natural Academy of Science.
Home workouts
A virtual trend that solved fitness needs for both fitness centres and members while the gyms were forced to close their doors, at-home workouts offered flexibility and convenience that fitness enthusiasts increasingly bacome keen on. Even though it is expected that members will return to physical gyms and fitness studios once social gathering restrictions lift, the availability of fitness apps, online classes, and luxury home-gym equipment serve a community that had previously been hindered by their hectic careers from living an active lifestyle. The global online and virtual fitness market is projected to continue its growth until 2027, reaching $59,231 million according to Allied Market Research.
Veganism
Plant-based food is making its move to take over the dining table. Alternative meat options such as OmniPork and Impossible Foods have won over the loyalty of health-conscious diners and supporters of sustainable living. With the pandemic bringing new light to the health concerns of meat products, consumers are making their switch to veganism. A research by DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences and Ipsos has revealed new data that shows significant increase in the demand for plant-based meat and is predicted to grow to US$1.7 billion, marking a 25% increase in the next five years.