Traveling can be a fun and exciting way to experience new cultures, see different sights, and create memories that will last a lifetime. But there are many factors that go into planning and executing the perfect trip. One of the most important is your choice of accommodation. Whether you are a budget backpacker, a luxury seeker, or somewhere in between, your hotel will have an impact on your overall travel experience. So, how can you ensure that your next trip is the best one yet?
According to Morning Consult’s Summer 2024 Travel Demand Outlook, travelers’ preference for experiences is expected to fuel performance gains in the premium segment. As a result, interest in private rentals, bed and breakfasts, recreational vehicles, and camping is up this summer as consumers look to get more out of their travel budgets by seeking out authentic and culturally immersive experiences.
Travelers are also choosing to spend more time at their accommodations, which is putting pressure on hotels to provide the comfort and conveniences that they crave. To combat this, hotels need to focus on providing services like faster and easier check-in/check-out times, 24-hour front desk support, and improved mobile accessibility.
For millennials, who value convenience over price when it comes to their accommodation choice, a hotel’s location is a key factor in the booking decision. Millennials are willing to pay more for a hotel that is within walking distance of restaurants, public transportation, and local attractions than any other generation.
However, it is not just location that matters for this millennial demographic, as 81% say they would prefer a hotel with an integrated app and virtual reality capabilities. As a result, this demographic is driving innovation in the hospitality industry by demanding seamless and integrated technologies that are easy to use and enhance the overall travel experience.
In the future, it is projected that more and more people will start traveling as the world becomes more accessible, which means that the hospitality industry has a lot to offer for everyone. There will be plenty of opportunities for hotels to make the most out of this, especially by catering to unique travel styles that are emerging around the globe.
For example, in Asia, the desire for meaningful experiences is leading to more travelers looking to stay in unique accommodations such as bunkhouses and hostels. This trend is also helping hotels boost their revenue in this part of the world as travelers are willing to pay more for accommodations that are more in line with the culture and history of the area they are visiting. Having a clear understanding of what your target market is looking for will help you tailor your offering and create more effective marketing campaigns. This can be done by analyzing country-based data that shows what type of traveler your hotel typically attracts. This way, you can prepare offers that will appeal to these guests and increase your chances of securing their business.
