And not only because, logically, we must adapt to our customers, but also because many of these trends are here to stay and are not just passing fads. Today we will see some new trends and others that have been around for some time and that are still booming and with some changes that reinforce them.
Adventurous changes. A technological 2018.
As early as 2014, several studies appeared that predicted how tourism would be changing right up to the year 2018. In fact, this was the theme of the World Travel Market (WTM) three years ago.
Of course, new technologies were one of the most talked-about topics, and we have seen how day by day (albeit without much haste) new apps and new functionalities have been included in the tourism sector.
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Wearable technology, real-time information and projections of holograms to interact with were some of the most talked-about predictions. Of course, as predicted, smartphones have continued to be the protagonists in the search and sale of tourism products.
According to data from the 2014 WTM Global Trends Report, prepared by Euromonitor, it was expected “that mobile bookings will account for 35% of online bookings by 2018.” In this Bankinter article you can get more information regarding this study.
Going back to 2017, let’s take a look at what the tourist looks like and will look like these next few months.
The immediate tourist
How many websites offer information on travel bargains? And even the airlines themselves offer tickets for sale between destinations at ridiculous prices. How could a good traveler miss this opportunity?
So, if a user buys a ticket on impulse, because it has a good price, what is missing now? Exactly, an accommodation. It is even possible that the tourist embarks and arrives at the destination without having previously booked accommodation.
So? Of course, this traveler will make use of his most precious tool: his cell phone. If your booking engine is not adapted to the
responsive design
you will lose that sale. Another great tool to reach this type of tourist is to have your hotel’s profile in Google My Business updated and very well positioned.
With this tool, which is connected to Google Maps, users looking for accommodation near your location will find you with a direct link to your website. So you can also get a direct booking!
At this guidewe talk about the importance of Google My Business for this type of travelers who, once in the destination, are looking for an accommodation adapted to their needs. In addition, we explain you how to register and how to use this tool step by step to improve your SEO!
Luxury hostels
In recent years, hostels have ceased to be those low-priced and low-quality accommodations. In recent seasons there have been (and will continue to emerge) accommodations that, even though they are called hostels, are really cozy places, with a vintage touch in many cases, and sometimes located in spectacular renovated historic centers.
Millennials are looking for this type of accommodation, since it puts them in the center of the destination city, allows them to interact with other travelers and, usually, they can cook their own food in a common space.
This type of accommodation will continue to grow in the coming seasons and its reception by tourists will continue to be excellent.
Mobile check-in
It is now a reality that tourists do not have to stop to leave their information at the hotel reception desk. A clear example is the Marriott International hotel chain. For some time now, Marriott has been offering its guests a mobile app from which they can check-in without having to wait at the front desk.
This way, the guest simply has to pick up their room key and the Marriott front desk team can spend more time on other matters. Everything to enhance the guest experience.
At this article from the blog of FERGUS Hotels Expansion we can see how Marriott International knew not only how to encourage their guests to use this new tool (they already have 5 million downloads of the app), but also how to take advantage of this pull to prepare a viral marketing campaign, including a video that already has almost 4 million views.
We even know the case of other hotels such as Hotel Izelai, where the reception is non-existent. The guest arrives at the hotel and automatically checks him/herself in. An ATM-like machine hands you your card to open your room and that’s it!
Who said business trip? Bleisure hotels.
Bleisure hotels are those that cater to travelers who, while traveling on business, also want to enjoy the destination. The number is increasing when we talk about these travelers who extend their stay to enjoy the city they are visiting.
In this post ‘Do you know bleisure hotels? Find out about the new trends.We have already talked about the characteristics of bleisure hotels and presented some examples.
Tourists reconcile with the environment
More and more people are opting for environmentally friendly products and services. This trend, of course, also includes the tourism sector. It seems that the well-known ecotours will gain momentum this year 2018. Tourists are willing and looking to visit natural parks and protected landscapes. Following this trend, more exclusive hotels will start to emerge, with few rooms and low-rise buildings.
Green hotels, even if they are not located in protected environments, will also grow in number of guests. In the same way, those accommodations that facilitate the stay of cycling lovers, for example, or offer activities in contact with nature, will gain points among this new green tourist.
Of course, the gastronomy elaborated with organic products is also very fashionable and a guest can choose one hotel or another according to this characteristic. Some hotels even have their own organic garden, using their seasonal fruits and vegetables to prepare food for their guests. If these people take care of themselves at home, why wouldn’t they want to take even more care of themselves when they are on vacation?
Social networks
While this is not new, it will continue to be a major trend: guests are constantly sharing their experiences on social media. So, offer them something amazing to tell!
We have spoken many times about the importance of properly managing your hotel’s social media profiles. social profiles of your hotel. For example, responding to comments and private messages (within no more than 24 hours), even if they are negative.
Of course, you must be constantly updating yourself according to new trends in social networks. Where are your guests? Then your hotel should also have a profile there.
We take this opportunity to remind you to encourage your guests to leave reviews on platforms such as Facebook or Google Plus. Google reviews are the ones that are immediately seen when a user searches for you in the metasearch engine and, in addition, they help you to position yourself among the competition. Of course, reviews on other platforms such as Booking or Tripadvidor are also essential, but don’t forget to get reviews ‘at home’ as well.
In short, we see how new technologies will increasingly drive tomorrow’s tourism, tourists will continue to change the way they travel at will and according to their generation, and you must adapt. We will help you!
