When it comes to guests choosing to stay at your property, it’s important to know what’s driving them to come and capitalize on it.
NB: This is an article from TravelNet
Gone are the days of being able to have the standard room where a guest is going to sleep. Today, guests are looking for experiences to soak up the city they’re in, without feeling like a tourist. It’s your job to give this to them.
The Evolution
As Millennials and Gen Z has joined the workforce and begun traveling for business and pleasure, the hospitality industry has seen a shift from guests looking for a “traditional” stay to a more personalized, “feels like home” experience. This isn’t the first time the industry has been focused on creating unique experiences. However, Millennials have been a catalyst for industry leaders to see how crucial it is to subtly brand their experiences while continuously building a relationship with travelers through loyalty programs and a great web presence. By adopting this way of thinking, brands have a better chance to become the first choice for travelers when they looking for a place to stay.
Not Just Tourists
Hearing the word tourist turns many travelers off, and although we are talking about experiences, it should be clear that travelers aren’t looking to get sucked into being a tourist. In fact, when surveyed respondents said they felt overwhelmed with crowds while traveling and found a crowded vacation/getaway to be as stressful as doing their taxes. More surprisingly, only 26% of travelers felt their last vacation exceeded their expectations. Knowing that travelers put a lot of time and money into research, planning and going on vacation, your business should do everything it can to provide the best experience possible for every guest.
MARKETING TIP: Use your Facebook page to share local entertainment that helps involve them in part of the community.
These experiences don’t have to be over-the-top and expensive, but can range from connecting with a local bar or restaurant to set up a special for guests (local beer tasting, anyone?) to experiencing one of the best kept secrets in your town.
Give Them What They’re Asking For
In the words of one of Airbnb’s campaigns, guests are looking to “live there” and it’s your job to provide the experiences so many are yearning for from the first time a traveler lands on your website. Once the traveler has booked, it’s important to provide those experiences that will make your business their “go-to destination” when they’re in your area.
Brand With Your Website
Using a resource you already have is a great way to help market the experiences that you are offering, as well as what are being offered locally. Millenials and GenZ are the two generations that have taken to the blogging world the most, so help convert those lookers into bookers by selling your property on your blog.
- Use attention grabbing feature images
- Do not put sales blogs up, use this spot as educational
- Write to the readers wants and needs
