3 Traveller Insights That Will Drive More Revenue To Your Property
What do your guests want?
That’s the million dollar question, isn’t it? Have you asked them?
Thankfully we have! Our partners at
Expedia and
eZee Technosys conducted a survey asking travellers what they are looking for when it comes to booking accommodation for a vacation. From the
results, they have determined the top three traveller insights. Understanding these traveller preferences and catering for them will drive more revenue to your property and empower you to increase the success of your business.
Let’s find out these top three insights and what they actually mean:
1. TRAVELLERS WANT TO STAY LONGER
Just because your guests have only booked to stay for a week, or three nights, or however long - doesn’t mean that’s how long they want to stay with you! With the right incentive, guests could easily be encouraged to book an extra night. Here are the top reasons guests are more likely to book an extra night:
- A discount
- Free breakfast
- Upgraded room
- Drink or food vouchers
- Attending an event or experience unique to the location
Could you use any or all of those incentives to encourage your guests to stay a little longer? Losing a few dollars in giving away a free meal, or moving them to a nicer room that might otherwise be vacant, could pay off for you if it means they spend a lot more overall by staying an extra night or two.
Another way to encourage guests to stay longer is by allowing them to book further in advance - even over a year before their stay! This will encourage repeat custom - getting guests to book for “the same time next year” and get them to plan ahead, which may mean they can organise more time away from home or work.
The longer your guests stay, the more money they are going to spend - increasing your revenue!
2. TRAVELLERS WANT FLEXIBILITY
Travellers are increasingly looking for flexibility in their bookings - if recent history tells us anything, travel plans can change and change quickly!
Many properties have significantly relaxed their cancellation policies, some even eliminating cancellation fees entirely to align with guests’ changing expectations.
As many as one in three guests filter accommodation searches by refundable cancellation policies - meaning when these guests are looking for somewhere to stay, they will only see properties on their screen that offer those properties - they won’t consider staying anywhere else!
Could you offer a flexible or even a refundable cancellation policy? This gives guests peace of mind. Offering that flexibility to guests also means you will be more likely to keep the booking rather than having it cancelled outright - maintaining your revenue.
If your property does offer a flexible and/or refundable cancellation property, make sure you advertise it and let your prospective guests know! It could be the difference between a guest booking with you or booking with one of your competitors across the road.
3. TRAVELLERS WANT TO ENVISION THEIR STAY
Envision (en-vizh-uhn) - verb, used with object - “to picture mentally, especially some future event”
The anticipation towards a getaway is something all guests enjoy - at times that can even be the most favourite part of the vacation! As an accommodation provider what can you do to build that anticipation before they even check in?
Guests want to be able to “see” your property - so let them! How? By providing accurate and abundant photos of your property!
Guests want to see your amenities before they use them - they want to see them before they even book their stay. 57% of survey respondents said that a variety of detailed photos would give them the confidence to book a particular property.
What sort of photos do guests want to see? In the survey respondents were asked “What photos are most important to travellers?”
- 72% said room photos
- 53% said bathroom photos
- 52% said photos of property amenities such as the pool or lobby
- 49% said photos of the property exterior and
- 48% said photos of on-property dining and food.
Give guests what they want - put these photos on your website, your social media channels, and your online booking pages. Don’t forget to make sure the rooms are clean before you take the photos.
The amenities you offer at your property are important too - 70% of travellers would be willing to pay extra for their favourite amenities and services. What sort of amenities?
- Spa treatments
- In room jacuzzi/hot tub
- High Speed Internet
- Upgraded room service
- Refrigerator
- Heated swimming pool
- Balcony/Patio
- Onsite parking
Does your property offer these amenities? If they do, do you advertise them to prospective guests?
77% of respondents also indicated they expected properties to offer the following must have technology:
- High speed internet
- Streaming services
- Conveniently located USB ports
- Contactless check in
- Smart home speakers
- Home office facilities (i.e. printer, scanner)
Maybe you need to consider a few minor upgrades to your rooms!
Whatever amenities and services you offer at your property, make them visual and visible to your guests - make sure they know that they are available at your property. Take photos and put them online, list them all so guests can make an informed decision before they book their stay. Then once they’ve booked with you they can envision themselves relaxing in your pool and build anticipation of their getaway!
Now that you know what your guests want, you can go about giving it to them. If your property has what they want, they will stay with you - and book to stay with you time and time again. More bookings means more revenue, ensuring the success of your business for years to come.
RezExpert’s Online Booking and Reservation Management System is especially designed to assist you in driving more revenue to your property. To find out more about RezExpert, contact us today.
