Ted Turner, founder of Cable News Network, once said that ‘to be happy in this world, first you need a cell phone and then you need an airplane.’ An increasing amount of people seem to be living through this quote, which fails to mention anything of ‘friends’ or ‘company’. In fact, Hostelworld has stated that there has been a 42% increase in solo traveler bookings over the past two years. Why? We no longer need to rely on those who can read maps, speak the language or know the best spots. Google maps, Google translate, and Google search suffice. People are more informed and more independent, so they are more confident about exploring the world on their own. Take advantage of this travel trend, and entice the solo traveler to your hotel today!
Get Rid of Your Single Supplement
According to Sojern, from January to March 64% of long haul and 59% of short haul travelers went solo. In other words, the majority of those looking for a room, are looking for a single one. This means that if your hotel charges a ‘single supplement’, it is losing out on the majority of business.
You may view singletons as less profitable for your hotel, as only one person will spend money at the restaurant bar, or hotel facilities. However, according to HolidayPirates, the vast majority of solo bookings are off-season, with less than 1% travelling in July or August. You therefore should not be penalising solo travelers with an extra cost for enjoying their own company, but rewarding (and enticing) them with a discounted package for filling your rooms during these off-season periods!
Be Female-First
Solo travelers, in particular those that are female, are undeniably a lot more vulnerable, and your hotel must acknowledge this. According to Mower’s survey of 400 U.S women, nearly two-thirds of female travelers research the safety of their destination before they go. Encourage reviews from previous solo female travelers to give others a better idea of what to expect. Furthermore, post a blog article on your website about the safest parts of your hotel’s location and local knowledge of where is best for those travelling alone. This will protect them from the danger of misinformation or wandering into an unsafe area.
