Are you ready to transform your hotel’s group business? Today’s corporate planners are demanding more than just standard meeting rooms and beds. And social travelers are seeking more personalization than ever.
NB: This is an article from Tripleseat
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and stay up to date
Groups are looking for immersive, holistic experiences paired with distinctive extras that set hotels apart. We delve into the crucial trends of wellness, engaging activities, and bleisure travel, and demonstrate how your hotel can not only meet these demands but thrive by leveraging the right strategies and tools.
Trend to Curate Fun Group Activities
Gone are the days when group travel agendas were limited to meetings, meals, and departures. Even social groups also want curated experiences that leave them with memories. Your hotel group business is contingent on providing the fun. Planners are eager to infuse their itineraries with unique and fun activities that can foster bonding and offer a taste of local culture. Offering a range of fun group activities, from axe throwing to boat cruises, requires efficient booking and communication, which is streamlined through dedicated group sales software. Consider experiences around culture (local tours, cooking classes), relaxation (wine tasting, boat cruises), or team-building (escape rooms, interactive workshops). The desire for engaging and memorable experiences extends beyond just structured activities. A significant trend highlighting this is the resurgence of shared travel experiences, aptly dubbed “Group Therapy” by luxury travel experts Black Tomato. These experiences not only enhance the trip but also contribute to more dynamic and engaging corporate events.
Embracing Bleisure Travel as a Group Travel Trend
Bleisure travel—the blend of business and leisure—continues to gain popularity, with more travelers opting to extend their work trips for personal enjoyment. Offering flexible options for groups to extend their stay and inviting friends or family to join can significantly influence the booking decision. To further entice guests, consider creating specific “Bleisure Packages” with discounted rates for extended stays, including perks like late check-out or vouchers for local attractions. Provide curated local guides (digital or print) highlighting nearby attractions and restaurants. Facilitate transportation by offering information on local transport options or partnering with ride-sharing services. If your hotel caters to families, highlight family-friendly amenities to encourage bleisure extensions with loved ones. This allows guests to make the most of their business trips, turning obligatory travel into an opportunity for exploration and relaxation. Facilitating bleisure extensions, including managing varying stay dates and potential guest room changes, is made easier with robust software that provides a clear overview of bookings.
