When you dream about your next big adventure, what transforms that daydream into action? What takes you from “That would be amazing, someday” to “Let’s book it now”?
NB: This is an article from Amadeus
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Maybe it’s a stunning photo on social media that sparks your imagination, a captivating blog post, or an inspiring conversation with a friend or family member. Whatever the trigger, something shifts – and suddenly, the idea of travel starts becoming a plan.
According to our Travel Dreams report, the travel journey can be broken down into four distinct phases: inspiration, book, experiencing, and post-trip reflections, or takeaways. The inspiration phase is about determining where to go, what to do and see, and what sources to trust for ideas and motivation. But when a traveler moves from this daydreaming phase into an actual plan to travel, this is where ideas become commitments, and the adventure truly begins.
From vision to vacation
For a traveler, the motivation to hit the “book now” button is the result of a thoughtful process – one that weighs a variety of factors. Price and value for money top the list, with nearly half of travelers surveyed (49%) identifying this as the most important feature when choosing a hotel. Location is also key, cited by 50% of survey respondents, with British travelers (55%) placing even greater emphasis on it. Reviews and ratings influence 30% of travelers, while a quarter of those surveyed find hotel amenities and the hotel brand to be important in their decision making. For hotels and travel providers, understanding these factors is essential to presenting the right offer at the right time.
Business travelers bring their own set of priorities, favoring access to a business center (20%), flexible room rental options such as early check-in or short-stay bookings (19%), and loyalty programs (13%). Once travelers narrow down their options, specific hotel features can become deciding factors.
Enticing extras
Not surprisingly, 98% of travelers consider hotel amenities important in their decision-making, according to the Travel Dreams report. This presents a clear opportunity for hotels to showcase the features that matter most to their guests, and to tailor messaging accordingly. One of the most valued amenities is an included breakfast; 48% of travelers cite it as a key motivator. That percentage rises to 51% among leisure travelers, with boomers and those over 70 especially appreciating the convenience and value of a complimentary morning meal. Other hotel amenities that influence booking decisions include the availability of wi-fi (48%), airport shuttle service (29%), room upgrades (27%), and a swimming pool (26%).
Smart upsells: Unlocking additional revenue
Beyond the basics, some travelers are willing to pay more for added comfort or convenience – on average, 12% more than the Average Daily Rate (ADR) for specific amenities. Whether it’s a preferred floor, a scenic view or a special service, these extras present real revenue opportunities for hotels. By using data and personalization, hotels and travel providers can identify which amenities are most attractive to different traveler segments and offer them as options in a way that add value. In fact, this willingness to pay more can add up – potentially generating an additional $5,383 per room, per year in revenue.
