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… and why is it a good idea?&nbsp;‘Hyperlocal’ was recently lauded by Phocuswire as the ‘new global’ for the travel industry, when it comes to curating experiences for travellers and the act of using informed data to do so. Hyperlocalisation refers to the use of big data and research analytics to engage with consumers in a highly specific, segmented basis, usually informed by factors such as regional preferences, demographics, and personal interests.&nbsp;When the recommendations reflect an authentic understanding of neighbourhoods and what they offer, we call them ‘hyperlocal.’Commonly used as marketing strategy to offer personalised marketing to customer segments as a way of increasing the likelihood of securing bookings, hyperlocalisation is something that the travel industry should be moving towards and inhabiting as a strategy as well, considering the benefits that this strategy offers to travel providers and sellers, but also bearing in mind the recent shift in consumer preferences for more meaningful cultural experiences.As well as ‘discovering their own back garden’ as it were, many travellers are making more thoughtful decisions when it comes to where they’ll go and what they’ll do when they arrive at their destination of choice. A desire for connection at a deeper level with local communities, as a base, is calling for recommendations from travel providers that take into consideration the fact that travellers are increasingly prioritising minimising the harmful impact of their journey on the planet, local communities and themselves.Therefore, hyperlocalising is a beneficial way of ensuring that as travel providers, you’re offering insightful recommendations that are informed by market data as well as macro and micro economic factors, and environmentalism.&nbsp;Why Going Hyperlocal Can Be Beneficial&nbsp;More and more people are expecting hyperlocalisation as standard.&nbsp;Data from a Google study suggests that online searches without ‘near me’ or location qualifiers (such as postcodes or city names) have grown 150% faster than searches which include these things. Users now more readily expect Google, and therefore other sources of information and recommendations, to automatically take into consideration their location when serving them results.What does this mean?Geo-location tracking is something that internet users expect as a standard, in order to serve accurate and relevant recommendations whenever they’re needed. This indicates a massive shift not only in attitudes towards real-time geolocation tracking, but also the relevance and real-time accuracy of the recommendations that customers expect. This relates, therefore, to the accuracy of recommendations they receive when booking travel.&nbsp;Travel is deeply personal, and for many it has been a chance to create genuine connection to a destination of choice; this is now more true than ever as travellers seek localised experiences, authentic connection with businesses, and informed recommendations from their travel providers.So, what shape might hyperlocal recommendations take?&nbsp;What Hyperlocalisation Looks Like For Travel ProvidersMachine Learning, Customer Data and AIRapidly advancing technology such as machine learning, and real-time insights driven by AI algorithms can be used to personalise the booking process and make recommendations based on traveller preferences, and booking behaviours in a providers’ market.&nbsp;This approach can not only help to streamline the booking process - for clients and providers alike - but it also improves customer satisfaction. For instance, travel companies can use machine learning algorithms to suggest local activities and restaurants based on a traveller’s past preferences.&nbsp;&nbsp;Customer data is the driving force in an unprecedented level of customer service, when we think about the hyper-localisation of the marketing industry in particular. Across industries, gathering relevant customer data has been at the forefront of most challenges that marketers in general, not just travel marketers, have faced. Now, with the advancement of technology like AI, and machine learning platforms, this brings a turning point that can allow for the collection, analysis and utilisation of customer data even easier.&nbsp;Of course, it’s important to remember that the advancement of technology like AI can only go so far - and has only gone so far. The benefits of AI is dependent on the people who shape this technology in the first place. We’ve recently seen first hand that platforms like ChatGPT can bring rise to questions and doubts regarding the legality, and morality of its use. AI is still dependent on the input of human knowledge.&nbsp;So in this sense, travel experts working in the market, communicating with other sellers and the end traveller are still very much in the driving seat when it comes to how we move forward with providing even more individualised recommendations for travellers.&nbsp;However, using intuitive booking platforms powered by effective algorithms can ensure that you’re getting the best of both worlds with efficiently ranked hotels influenced by customers’ preferences and specific requirements, and simultaneous access to a vast portfolio of accommodations which allows you to better meet traveller needs from the start.&nbsp;In fact, our Hotelbeds Booking Engine offers you exclusive access to 250,000+ properties across 170+ countries worldwide!Our&nbsp;Booking Engine is an intuitive, powerful booking platform which also:Accommodates the creation of complex itinerariesSupports built-in cross-selling and up-sellingOffers online assistance no matter the need&nbsp;&nbsp;It only takes a few moments to sign up as one of our valuable clients, to get exclusive access to a vast global portfolio of accommodation that meets every travellers’ needs.&nbsp;Doing so is a sure-fire way of opening up those valuable conversations that help you get insight into their specific preferences, so you can provide their perfect trip.&nbsp;Personalisation Is KeyOf course, the importance of personalisation can never be overstated, especially when it comes to really understanding what customers want in order to offer truly hyperlocal recommendations.&nbsp;Doing extensive research and using big data have become an unspoken part of hyperlocal marketing, as customers become more and more demanding. A recent study by WeTravel found that personalisation was the name of the game when it comes to customer expectations, with around 85% of tour operator respondents suggesting that this demand had led them to offer customisation options and add ons onto their tours.&nbsp;This notion of personalisation is equally important when you’re considering your offerings, how you’re meeting the needs of your customers, and also your online presence and the content or products that you’re recommending via social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;Why? Because product recommendations can be put in place in real-time, on many different communication channels all at once to offer personalised recommendations using omni channel marketing. This is one of the key benefits of hyperlocalisation - the act of being at the forefront of a customers’ mind when they search for activities or inspiration in a local area.&nbsp;&nbsp;Utilising big data, past customer data and current trends can inform your marketing decisions to help strategise in a way that ensures you are the travel provider offering relevant, unique and up to date content to travellers at the moment when they are most likely to be influenced by it.&nbsp;Regardless of whether it is e-mail messages or visuals on a website, your product recommendations to existing or new customers should always be unique and up to date with what your audience’s expectations are at the time. This means you need to be able to control which recommendations a customer sees or is served, based on their past behaviours - utilising advanced data touchpoints to tailor your online marketing to do so is a must in this digital era, when customer loyalty depends so much on personalisation from the start.Locally Owned Tours and Experiences As The Next Big ThingAt the heart of it, hyperlocalisation is as much about exploring that which is within, or near to, a travellers’ familiar area as it is getting into the ‘nitty gritty’ of a destination abroad.&nbsp;So, with this in mind, it’s important to consider how as travel providers you’re also able to accommodate domestic experiences, with a particular focus on businesses and suppliers which are locally owned.&nbsp;A recent study suggests that around 68% of global travellers plan to stay more within their own region in the coming months, and 35% have suggested that they plan to take more weekend trips - which indicates an increasing need for hyperlocal travel experiences.&nbsp;One way to offer hyperlocal recommendations - while also minimising negative impact on the local communities, which is key for many travellers today - is to focus on experiences, tours, transfers and hotels which are locally owned that resonate with the specific prferences and tastes of your travellers. Not only does this boost the local economy in the area, but it also offers travellers a chance to meaningfully connect with the people in their destination of choice.&nbsp;A key instance of focusing on locally run tours and experiences is that of tour operator Destinate Travel, which gives visitors to South Africa the chance to learn and share skills from locals across this vast region.&nbsp;&nbsp;With a focus on ‘connecting travellers to the places, experiences and people that will guarantee holidays of a lifetime’, this is a key business model that is excelling within today’s era of conscious travel, and effortlessly incorporates the idea of hyperlocal travel.&nbsp;Staycations and Workcations Are Here To ‘Stay’Feeding into the idea of the importance of locally owned businesses and ‘staycations’, many hotels and travel companies began promoting this type of travel after the massive impact of the pandemic on customer behaviours and the preference to stay closer to home. And although international travel is in demand again, these behaviours are still very much prevalent within the travel industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether a traveller is simply looking to explore their home region in more depth, or is perhaps embarking on a workcation, within their own home town or region, many travellers are more likely to have access to a personal bank of knowledge about the area, where to go, safety information, and personal associations which will inform their choices.&nbsp;But this does not mean that there will not be consistent demand to learn more about even the places they are familiar with, supported by the fact that domestic travel has remained popular even after global borders opened and international travel was more readily available.&nbsp;&nbsp;In this sense, it’s important that travel providers are able to offer emotionally resonant personalisation to travellers, and with this a unique chance for a traveller to connect more deeply with a region they may or may not already know and love.&nbsp;By using technology that offers real-time safety data, as an example, and combining this with a powerful Booking Engine can supplement recommendations made to travellers with data-rich insights at a granular level. This is where peak customer satisfaction lives!&nbsp;&nbsp;Explore the benefits of our exclusive Booking Engine today by signing up as one of our clients, and begin accessing an expansive global network of properties that form perfect base points from which your clients can explore their chosen destination.&nbsp;How Hotels Are Going HyperlocalIt’s beneficial to understand how hotels, whether global chains or boutiques, are accommodating to the shift in traveller preference for locally-focused recommendations.&nbsp;&nbsp;In other areas of the travel industry, hotels should consider what data-led, human-informed hyperlocal insights can do for them as providers. Real-time safety data is invaluable for everything from concierge recommendations to pricing models and elasticity.&nbsp;In this case, as with any recommendations that are offered to travellers, the depth of offering and the sincerity of the experience are key. Douglas McHugh, of London’s Bankside Hotel suggests that ‘guests want to feel a connection to the area in which they are staying, but not in a contrived way.’&nbsp;&nbsp;This is important to remember when providing recommendations for travellers, even if these are part of a wider portfolio offered during self-booking processes. Tailoring the booking process to each customer is vital, to boost the chances of travellers securing those bookings with you, and not another provider who is offering more tailored experiences to their specific requirements.&nbsp;From partnering with neighbourhood gyms or wellness coaches, offering exhibition spaces for local artists to display their work, to using local insider knowledge to influence bar, restaurant and experience recommendations to guests, or even having hotel designs that reflect the culture of the surrounding area, hotels are diving deep into the understanding that travellers want their stay to be more connected to the local area than ever and are finding innovative ways of incorporating that into their every day business structure.&nbsp;There’s no reason that, as travel providers, you can’t do the same!&nbsp;How Tourism Can Utilise Microdata&nbsp;In today’s digital age, technology has reached a point where through the use of mobiles, wearable tech and other devices, there is a far greater degree of hyperlocality that can be identified than ever before. The use of this data to inform and inspire travellers with refined, location-specific data that has crucial details about the local communities and safety, for example, is something that can change the game of travel completely. Travel providers, car rentals, hotels, and the tourism industry at large can harness this technological power.&nbsp;Apps like Google maps offer more hyperlocalised, real-time data than ever, and if the tourism industry and technology firms across the world worked in tandem, then travellers can be reliably encouraged to explore beyond their closest, most familiar destinations - incentivising and supporting the growth of local communities in a way that is sustainable, and far-reaching.&nbsp;&nbsp;The combination of advanced data and the expertise of travel providers is where peak customer satisfaction lives; because after all, algorithms don’t consider the uniquely specific needs of a four-person family planning their trip to the same destination as a solo traveller. This is where travel providers and your use of customer data and localised data from geo-location apps like Google maps, can create customer experiences that go beyond what they could receive if they planned their trip alone, and it’s where the key value of travel experts lies!&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course, it’s important that you’re supported by a vast global network of properties to offer your travellers - which is exactly what we offer at Hotelbeds!&nbsp;Our clients get exclusive access to 250,000+ properties in trending destinations worldwide, in an intuitive, powerful platform that is designed to:Streamline the booking process for travel provider and customer alikeEnsure that you're able to offer the very best opportunities for your clients - based on what's trending, customer ratings, and what has the most growth potential for you.&nbsp;Sign up today to become our client, and let us scale your success.Log in to your Hotelbeds account today, and start scaling your success.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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What Does 'Hyperlocal' Mean For Travel Providers? 

Long-haul travel has always played a pivotal role in the hospitality sector, contributing significantly to international market growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, the landscape shifted dramatically during the pandemic, leading to an increase of domestic travel due to varying country restrictions.&nbsp;Consequently, long-haul travel has been temporarily overshadowed in recent years, but now it’s time to revitalise this relevant segment for the industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;In this article, we present practical tips to entice more long-haul travellers to your property and boost your revenue stream. Additionally, we delve into an optimal way for establishing a strong international presence. Eager to learn more about this lucrative segment? Keep reading!Why The Long-haul Segment Is So Important for HoteliersInternational travellers are key to the success of the hospitality industry, but catering to their needs in recent years has been complex. The post-pandemic era significantly impacted various areas, with long-haul travel being notably affected.&nbsp;&nbsp;But why are these markets of particular relevance to the hospitality sector?&nbsp;&nbsp;International trips are complex to plan: They require time and a good budget. That’s why clients usually book further in advance and allocate more resources to their time in destination. This directly increases hoteliers profitability: in fact, long-haul guests tend to have bigger budgets than domestic travellers.&nbsp;Long-haul travellers stay for longer: This has a direct impact on reducing front desk costs and operational expenses such as laundry and housekeeping. In addition, having guests staying for more time amplifies opportunities for cross-selling ancillary services, including room upgrades and transportation options.&nbsp;&nbsp;Long-haul clients cancel less: And that’s a great benefit from this segment. Plus, it’s crucial to be aware of cancellation policy expectations in overseas destinations.&nbsp;&nbsp;As stated in a report by Oxford Economics, the long-haul share is expected to exceed the pre-pandemic peak from 2027 onwards. In fact, this report highlights the relevance of long-haul visitors, which will have a stronger growth than what’s expected for short- and medium-haul trips.&nbsp;&nbsp;But each region is different and has its own challenges. For instance, in Europe and according to Luis Araujo, President of the European Travel Comission (ETC), it’s necessary to boost long-haul travel because there’s an increasing economic instability. Since long-haul visitors tend to spend more money, it is important to focus on reactivating this market and setting Europe as a global travel destination again.&nbsp;&nbsp;Consequently, dedicated efforts are imperative to facilitate the return of these travellers.&nbsp;5 Ways To Enhance Hotel Reach to Long-Haul Travellers&nbsp;Now that we’ve emphasised the strategic importance of the long-haul segment – and how the market is evolving after the pandemic –, let’s delve into actionable tactics to effectively attract long-haul travellers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Craft tailored experiences: It’s essential to go extra mile to make international guests feel at ease. With travellers arriving from a very distant country, it’s essential that they don’t have a ‘cultural shock’.&nbsp;Tailored experiences addressing their unique preferences and needs are appreciated. Consider including services such as airport transfers, international TV channels, customised dining options, multilingual - and multicultural - staff, and curated city tours which&nbsp;highlight local cultural attractions.&nbsp;Related to this point, we’ve covered in recent articles the increasing relevance of sporting events tourism and film tourism, where we deliver practical and valuable tips to cater these travel trends. Capitalising on such trends&nbsp;could&nbsp;help you to&nbsp;boost the number of international travellers who come from around the world to visit a film location, specific competition, or any other topical driver for travel.&nbsp;Participate in international trade shows and exhibitions: Not only it’s important to make your property visible to the final consumer, but also it’s crucial to build relationships with key stakeholders like travel agents, tour operators, and other industry professionals.&nbsp;Identify relevant trade shows and exhibitions focused on travel and tourism in the long-haul markets you aim to target. These events are unmissable opportunities for you to expand your network, learn from the industry’s latest trends and disruptive&nbsp;technologies, among many others.&nbsp;In this regard, we at Hotelbeds have hosted our own industry-leading event since 2009:&nbsp;the MarketHub brings together top industry players from over 46 markets worldwide, and also features insights and panels from key industry influencers and leaders. Learn more about our flagship events by visiting our dedicated MarketHub website.&nbsp;Cultivate partnerships with airlines and travel agencies: Collaboration with industry leaders is paramount to forge partnerships with major airlines and travel agencies operating in your targeted long-haul destinations.&nbsp;Foster collaborative marketing efforts and strategic alliances, which could include joint promotions, bundled packages, and exclusive discounts that can help attract travellers who are already planning to visit the destination.&nbsp;&nbsp;Carry out digital marketing campaigns &amp; collaborations with personalities: Beyond the more ‘traditional’ options aforementioned, we can’t forget the digital realm and its huge influence.Consider investing in social media ads and Search Engine Marketing (SEM), like Google Ads or Bing Ads. In this way, you’ll exponentially&nbsp;increase the chances of being&nbsp;visible to your target audiences in long-haul destinations, as you will be fully in control to set up campaigns that reach the markets you want. Also, tailor your marketing messages and promotions to cater specifically to the preferences and cultural nuances of these markets.&nbsp;Additionally, do not underestimate the potential of influential travel industry personalities with a strong presence in your desired long-haul destinations. Map those important influencers and travel bloggers, and reach out to them to foster strategic collaborations as ‘brand ambassadors’.&nbsp;Join Hotelbeds’ exclusive programme for seamless long-haul market access: As TravelTech leaders, we offer an array of services to significantly grow your business.Specifically, we want to delve deeper into our Strategic Partner Agreement (SPA), an&nbsp;ideal opportunity for&nbsp;hotels willing to open to new markets.&nbsp;Keep reading!What Can You Take From The SPA programme?Our exclusive Strategic Partner Agreement caters to a select 5% of properties, enabling us to work closely with you to increase your bookings.&nbsp;&nbsp;In practice, our SPA programme offers unique benefits which will elevate your sales revenue while targeting long-haul markets. Here’s a glimpse of the main advantages for your property!Reach high-value clients from long-haul marketsTo begin with, we deliver your properties to high-value clients that come from long-haul markets. These customers spend more, stay for longer, cancel less and book further ahead. You’ll have access to over 60,000 travel distributors from 190+ source markets.&nbsp;Additionally, you won’t compete with OTAs like Booking.com nor Expedia to attract local travellers. With the help of our exclusive programme, you’ll get higher-value customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some of our strategic partners include British Airways, American Airlines, LoveHolidays, easyJet, TUI, The Lotus Group, Europlus Group, HaysTravel and Viajes El Corte Inglés.&nbsp;We highlight the quality of our network, as our high-value clients book early – 35% of bookings are made more than two months in advance. And 75% of our High Value Clients are from long-haul and intra-region source markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;Besides, thanks to our data analysis tools, we know that our clients book for an average&nbsp;5 night&nbsp;length of stay, and cancellation rates sit at just&nbsp;27%, compared to&nbsp;OTAs' 65.5%.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain preferential exposure across our channels and Sales callsBenefit from preferential exposure across our channels and priority positioning in Sales calls.&nbsp;Your properties will participate in marketing and promotional campaigns. Provided that certain conditions are met, you'll be featured on our exclusive, custom-built Star Collection microsite as well, which will give you access to items such as hotel promotion, prioritised ranking, training on emerging markets and loyalty points multipliers.&nbsp;&nbsp;You’ll also have the opportunity to opt into&nbsp;our Star Brochures resource, distributed among 60,000+ travel agents and their 100,000 travel bookers.&nbsp;&nbsp;And don’t forget that the SPA Programme will double your positioning on Hotelbeds’ algorithm, ultimately increasing your visibility.&nbsp;&nbsp;Embrace Comprehensive Data Analysis SupportDealing with data is crucial nowadays, yet it can also be a bit intimidating sometimes. But we’re here to assist on this as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Specifically, you’ll gain access to historical competitors and destination data analysis tools, which will allow you to identify opportunities, best practices and tips to increase your bookings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Besides, if you want to analyse pricing data for your market, we’ve got you covered! Our pricing tool ensures you maintain the most competitive rates across various channels.&nbsp;&nbsp;And last but not least, you’ll take advantage of our 360º Revenue Management tool that will help you increase revenues and drive demand.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is only a small part of what our SPA programme has in store. Wish to unlock all of our exclusive benefits and amplify your presence in long-haul markets? Reach out to your Hotelbeds Account Manager&nbsp;for further information.&nbsp;&nbsp;Haven’t joined Hotelbeds yet? Join us today and get access to our platform with over 60,000 travel distributors worldwide.&nbsp;

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How Hoteliers Can Tap Into Long-haul Markets [+ Our SPA Programme]


The phenomenon known as "set-jetting" has become a popular trend in the travel industry, with many travellers increasingly drawn to visiting the locations featured in their favorite movies and TV shows. The allure of experiencing these on-screen settings in person is heightened by the captivating storylines and intriguing drama associated with them, and film tourism has become a key marketing strategy for many travel providers around the world, to capitalise on demand for locations as a result of what's on screen, therefore maximising sales for these on-trend destinations.

Film tourism, as this form of cultural tourism inspired by the influence of film is known, has a significant impact on travel destinations. It not only shapes the way people choose their destinations and travel experiences but also influences their interactions with the places they visit, what they expect when they arrive, and their engagement with the destination and local communities, infrastructure itself.

So, what are the benefits of accommodating this type of travel as travel providers, and where are some of the best destinations to consider for this fast-growing, valuable audience?



Why Should Travel Providers Pay Attention to Film Culture and Film Tourism?

Film culture itself is undeniably impactful on today’s generations, with a proven influence over how people think, their social cognition, behavior, and even their values.&nbsp;

Furthermore, film-inspired culture extends beyond entertainment and film-induced products encompass more than just consumer goods. As a rapidly expanding and significant tourism trend, film-induced tourism fosters connections between individuals, characters, locations, stories, and ultimately, tourists themselves - making it a highly successful travel trend due to&nbsp;its ability to offer unique experiences and immerse individuals in different cultures in a way that other travel types may not.

By providing opportunities to witness and relive exciting moments through entertainment, this form of tourism has gained immense popularity as a current trend in the industry - which makes film tourists an opportune audience for travel providers looking to maximise sales and tap into an engaged, dynamic and responsive segment in today's ever-changing market.



What Are The Benefits of Cultural Tourism For Travel Providers?

Cultural tourism is a significant catalyst for economic expansion, and film and television are among the most influential consumable products when it comes to tourism itself, and the decision-making factors that potential travellers are exposed to. Alongside other decision-making, consumable factors like being exposure to local cuisine, souvenirs, and even word-of-mouth marketing, the mediums of film and tv play a pivotal role in promoting destinations and shaping the preferences and expectations of today's consumers and travellers.

It cannot be denied that the impact of films, series, and streaming platforms on today's traveller is significant, and that therefore, the potenital influence of&nbsp;combining destination marketing and film or tv can be enormous.

But what does this mean for travel providers?

Films and tv productions can be a powerful way to elevate a destination’s profile, its tourism offerings both for domestic and international travellers, and can even help showcase a country’s natural assets.

For host destinations, culture tourism can help grow local economies, and for travel providers, utilising film tourism can be a hugely impactful way of informing, inspiring and influencing where travellers go.

An excellent illustration of the influence of film can be seen in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Despite being released in 2001, it is estimated that approximately 72% of current and prospective international tourists visiting New Zealand at present have watched at least one film from this famous trilogy. While, naturally, it’s impossible to say whether this was the sole factor in these travellers’ destination choices, it is nonetheless a significant motivator to consider. Similarly, in the UK, the filming of worldwide successes like Harry Potter and Downton Abbey in the past decade has resulted in a surge of tourism which remains profitable to this day.

For travel providers, it is important to recognise that travellers who are interested in film tourism demonstrate a high level of engagement with their selected location. This presents a unique opportunity for you to promote customised itineraries and highlight the destination in a way that may be overlooked, or considered unncessary by other travellers. Many film tourists won't be satisifed with a superficial look at their destination of choice! They want detail, and this is a critical factor to keep in mind when curating a clients' ideal trip.

Additionally, it is worth noting that film tourists are highly committed. For instance, let's look again at the example of the Lord of the Rings film franchise - tourism in New Zealand experienced a significant increase of approximately 50% within the ten years after the series concluded.

This data implies that individuals who are drawn to the more specialised elements of screen tourism possess a longstanding fascination with these particular destinations. Consequently, they can be considered a dependable target audience&nbsp;when it comes to the potential success of film-inspired destination marketing and effectively capitalising on demand.



Use The Booking Engine To Promote Popular On-Screen Destinations

Of course, it is important to consider that many screen tourists seek specific details and are often unsatisfied with a regular visit to a single filming location. Often, travellers who visit a location from a film or TV production are curious about the specific filming locations. They have a deep knowledge of the product, in this case, the film or TV show itself, and are enthusiastic about exploring this interest further.

Therefore, as travel providers you need to be equipped with a portfolio of activities that ensure that visitors to a location are encouraged to stay longer, and spend more. In many cases, guided tours can be one of the best ways to enrich a visitors’ stay!&nbsp;

Fortunately, our Hotelbeds portfolio offers a vast array of hotels perfectly suited to all preferences where film tourists can rest, relax and refresh themselves for all the exploring they will do. We offer&nbsp;over 300,000 hotels in 195 destinations worldwide,&nbsp;in some of the most popular on-screen locations that your clients will love!

Combine this with the perfect in-destination activity, and even global transfer coverage for seamless navigation and enjoyment once your clients reach their location, and you've got all you need to craft the ultimate experience for travellers.

Not only this, but using our exclusive Booking Engine offers travel providers:


	AI-powered insights influenced by real-time market data for tailored recommendations, every time.
	Time-saving search filters to really narrow down what your customers want.
	Integrated cross-selling features to seamlessly add in hotels, experiences and transfers, for efficient customer service!


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This means that not only can you offer your customers a trip in a destination that really captivates them, but you can also enhance their experience with one-of-a-kind experiences, and a perfect hotel at the end of each day!&nbsp;

Sign up today to start maximising your performance and bookings.

Log into your account to start scaling your bookings!&nbsp;

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So with that in mind, we deep-dive into some of the most must-visit ‘TV tourism’ destinations:

Recent On-Screen Destinations For Film Tourism Lovers

Here are just a few key destination recommendations to get your customers from in front of the screen, to behind it.
Don’t forget to take a moment to explore our portfolio, which offers&nbsp;exclusive access to over 300,000 hotels in over 195 worldwide destinations, including many of these inspiring locations from some of the best recent films, TV and streaming hits.&nbsp;



THE USA

New York

New York, being one of the most frequently filmed cities in the world, offers an array of on-screen destinations that cater to the taste of TV and film enthusiasts worldwide. From timeless movie classics to recent blockbusters, this city serves as a hub for captivating locations. Some of the iconic spots that have graced the screen countless times include Central Park, East Village, Grand Central Terminal, the Flatiron Building, Times Square, and Washington State Park.

Plus, with a wide array of stunning New York city hotels in our exclusive portfolio, we're in the perfect position to help your clients find their perfect accommodation while they explore the sights!

Alberta &amp; Calgary, Canada - The Last Of Us

HBO's The Last Of Us, one of the biggest shows of 2023, serves as a prime illustration of the significant impact that film can have on the tourism and consumer industries. This production, the largest ever filmed in Alberta and one of the biggest in Canada, has unquestionably contributed to the rise in Canada's popularity as a sought-after destination, and this trend is expected to continue as the excitement surrounding the show continues.

Key highlights include Calgary as the real-life location of the ‘Boston Quarantine Zone’, Fort Macleod’s Main Street, Downtown Calgary, and the Alberta town of Canmore as the on-screen survivor camp in ‘Jackson.’ The best way to visit these locations is for travellers to rent a car, to truly experience the wilderness of Alberta and Calgary’s landscapes and cities.



EUROPE&nbsp;

Budapest, Hungary - Shadow and Bone

Budapest and Keszthely, located in Hungary, served as the primary shooting locations for the highly acclaimed Netflix fantasy series&nbsp;Shadow and Bone. Fans of the series will undoubtedly recognise iconic landmarks such as Buda Castle, The Lion's Court, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the city's Main Square. Hungary has also been the filming location for other beloved fantasy shows like Moon Knight and The Witcher, solidifying it as a dream destination for fantasy enthusiasts.

Spain and Croatia - House of the Dragon

Cáceres and Trujillo in Spain are prominently showcased in House of the Dragon as the iconic setting of 'King's Landing', and can be conveniently accessed by car from Madrid. Additionally, Croatia's capital Dubrovnik also served as the backdrop for some of the most stunning on-screen shots of 'King's Landing' in both House of the Dragon and its predecessor Game of Thrones. This captivating city is also recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site, making it a must-visit for travellers seeking an authentic dive into European history and an ideal basepoint for travellers keen to explore this on-screen destination.

Sicily, Italy - The White Lotus

The majority of filming for Netflix's The White Lotus took place in Sicily, specifically in Taormina, Noto, Palermo, and Cefalù. By visiting these on-screen locations, your customers will have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of southern Italy firsthand. Additionally, Taormina, which is just a couple of hours away from Sicily, can be offered as an exquisite additional destination for fans seeking to relive the enchantment of The White Lotus in a beach town with a rich history tracing back to Ancient Greece!

Bath, The UK - Bridgerton

Netflix's Bridgerton undeniably captivated millions of fans worldwide, and as one of the UK's most popular destinations, just as Downtown Abbey did before it as a similar Victorian-era serial drama hit. And as one of the UK’s most popular cities, Bath already attracts a significant number of tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the charming ambiance of this historic city. Notable on-screen landmarks featured in the series include the Holburne Museum and the Royal Crescent, which offer a glimpse into Bath at its most iconic.

But for a quintessential stay, we recommend a stay in luxurious Bath, or even nearby London, for the best of the rolling green hillsides and delightful cobbled city streets that the Somerset area has to offer ccombined with the glitz and glam of the UK's much-loved capital.



JAPAN

Tokyo - Alice in Borderland

Japan is not only the setting for beloved classics like Godzilla, but it has also captivated audiences with recent adaptations of popular manga such as Alice in Borderland. In addition, Japan has been showcased as one of the top destinations to visit in the world by National Geographic and Lonely Planet! Which means that now is the perfect opportunity to encourage your clients to explore all that Japan has to offer.
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While the tourist-hotspot of Tokyo has more than enough to entertain travellers for months, let alone days or weeks, Tokyo is also perfectly positioned as a transport hub to many of Japan’s other must-visit locations like Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Mount Fuji! This makes it the ideal place for travellers to make the most of this stunning country.



NEW ZEALAND

Hauraki, Piha and Fiordland National Park - The Rings of Power

Travellers looking to be taken ‘into the wild’ and dive into the heart of the land behind The Lord of the Rings: The&nbsp;Rings of Power&nbsp;can venture to Fiordland National Park, the largest national park in New Zealand, or enjoy the picturesque black sand beaches of Piha, to truly feel like they’ve been transported to Middle-Earth.

But of course, one does not simply recommend New Zealand without showcasing The Shire! This idyllic locationfrom the ever-iconic original&nbsp;Lord of the Rings trilogy&nbsp;in the Waikato region is so popular that travellers can take a hobbit tour and immerse themselves in the life of a Middle-Earth Shire citizen for the day.


Sign up today to discover our Booking Engine today and begin tailoring your clients’ next experience to their perfect on-screen destination!&nbsp;

Log in to your account today and begin tailoring your clients’ next experience to their perfect on-screen destination!&nbsp;
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'Set-Jetting': The Benefits of Cultural Tourism For Travel Providers

It’s no secret that big sporting events are synonymous with success for the hospitality industry. Sport tourism attracts more travellers to host cities, boosts spending, and has a positive impact on the local economy. &nbsp;&nbsp;France experienced this during the latest Women’s World Cup in 2019, where all nine host cities achieved an impressive 90% occupancy rate. With over 1.2 million attendees and&nbsp;40% foreign visitors, the event generated approximately EUR 248 million to France’s gross domestic product (GDP), greatly benefiting the hospitality sector.&nbsp;This year, it’s time for Australia and New Zealand to host the Women’s World Cup. In recent years, women's sports have taken their rightful place in the sports spotlight, and it’s expected that millions of people will attend this event.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In light of the upcoming 9th Women's World Cup – which will take place between July 20th and August 20th –, and the overall importance of sports tourism for hoteliers, we have compiled a list of major sporting events in the next twelve months. Additionally, you will find suggestions on how to capitalise on each of them.&nbsp;Discover the main tournaments and events that will take place close to your property, and make the most of them!&nbsp;AUGUSTUS Open, Tennis, New York: Aug 28th-Sept 10thThe first event to be included in this list couldn't be any other than the US Open, which always takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Queens, New York.&nbsp;&nbsp;With 128 players competing in amazing matches, this is certainly the biggest and most famous tennis event in the country. It’s so popular that over 800,000 fans come each year, making the US Open the highest-attended annual sporting event in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;The tournament generates more than $750 million per year in direct economic impact to New York City.&nbsp;Our recommendationsEvery year, the USTA sets up a kiosk for organisations to distribute information about restaurants, cultural sites, and destinations. Consider getting in touch with the USTA and proposing collaborations with them to feature your property as the ideal accommodation for visitors.&nbsp;Besides, since the event always occurs in the same place, it’s worthwhile to secure some tickets and create special packages for your guests.&nbsp;And don’t forget to promote local activities and tours, allowing visitors to explore more about Queens, like the ‘Fan Week’ prior to the tournament with practice matches, performances, and other free activities.&nbsp;SEPTEMBER&nbsp;Rugby World Cup, France: September 8th-October 28th&nbsp;The tournament will be played across nine French cities (Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Lille, Bordeaux, Saint-Étienne, Nice, Nantes, Toulouse), with the final taking place in the capital.&nbsp;&nbsp;With 20 national teams qualified, the Rugby World Cup is expected to be a major sporting event which draws in a significant number of supporters to the Gallic country.&nbsp;&nbsp;An example of the Rugby World Cup’s success can be seen in the 2019 edition held in Japan, which exceeded predictions and generated $6.1 billion for the host nation.&nbsp;A report also highlights that the average length of stay was 16 nights, with over 242,000 international visitors from 178 nations, and 60% of fans visiting Japan for the first time.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our recommendationsYou can offer packages for groups of friends travelling together to watch the matches, including discounts for longer stays.&nbsp;You could also consider airing the matches at the hotel, especially the semifinals and final. If that’s not possible, you can recommend the best places to watch them if your guests don’t have tickets. You’ll ensure a fantastic and unforgettable stay!&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, consider partnering with excursion companies to take tours in the different cities where the event will take place. You could even create an offering which includes transportation packages between these cities.&nbsp;Asian Games, Hangzhou, China: September 23rd-October 8thThe 19th edition of this international competition will be held this year in China. It’s the biggest multi-sport event in Asia, attracting athletes from 45 countries every four years, with over 450 matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Asian Games will take place in 44 venues, mostly in Hangzhou city and nearby areas, including Deqing, Jinhua, Ningbo, Shaoxing, and Wenzhou.&nbsp;&nbsp;To better understand its impact, let’s look at the results for Jakarta (Indonesia), the last host city. A survey revealed that during the 2018 games, tourists spent $244 million, and foreign tourists stayed an average of 13 days.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our recommendationsThese games are significant for Asian countries, so it’s worth capitalising on them. As they will be held in China, a country with an impressive culture and gastronomy, foreign travellers will expect to experience it during their stay.&nbsp;&nbsp;We encourage you to partner with local restaurants and tour companies to offer discounts on a complete cultural experience. Consider hosting themed dinners in your own restaurant to allow guests to enjoy Chinese culture without leaving the hotel. Also, providing big screens to watch the main events can enhance their experience.&nbsp;Invictus Games, multi sports, Düsseldorf: Sept 9th-16th&nbsp;Founded by Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games is a very special multi-sport event which embodies diversity, inclusion, resilience, and pride. It aims to inspire recovery and rehabilitation for wounded servicemen and women worldwide.For the first time, the Games will be held in Germany, and it’s expected to be even more successful than the last edition in The Hague (The Netherlands), which attracted nearly 100,000 visitors in one week.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our recommendationsTake this opportunity to showcase the wonders of the German country and Düsseldorf. Highlight the city’s beauty and its best spots to immerse your guests in the national culture.&nbsp;&nbsp;Collaborate with local tourism boards to provide guests with information about other attractions, sightseeing tours, and cultural experiences. Offer packages that combine the sporting event with unique local activities, showcasing the city's broader offerings.&nbsp;FEBRUARY&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;NFL Super Bowl LVIII, Las Vegas, United States: February 11th&nbsp;The NFL Super Bowl LVIII, which will be held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in 2024, is one of the most popular and profitable sporting events of the year.&nbsp;Hosting the Super Bowl is a significant opportunity for a city to gain worldwide recognition, and Las Vegas aims to further boost its already well-known status through this event.&nbsp;According to a report by the NFL, the Super Bowl influences the city’s future business more than any other event or convention in the United States. For example, the economic impact of the Super Bowl in 2023 generated around $600 million in revenue for Arizona, attracting over 100,000 visitors, 80%-90% of whom were foreign travellers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Notably, tickets for the Super Bowl are usually expensive, with the most expensive ticket in 2023 costing $6,200. Fans willing to pay such high prices are likely to have a generous budget, making them an attractive market for luxury hotels and upscale rooms.&nbsp;Positioning your property as a fantastic option for these travellers is essential, as hotel rooms during the Super Bowl weekend are sold at triple the average rate.&nbsp;Our recommendationsThis event is unique, so consider offering an immersive experience to your guests. For instance, why not incorporate motifs and symbols related to the Super Bowl in the hotel decor to build on the exciting atmosphere?&nbsp;Furthermore, providing Super Bowl guests with discounts, vouchers, points, or rewards for future hotel stays can incentivise them to become repeat customers.&nbsp;Consider hosting pre-event receptions or gatherings to connect guests who share a &nbsp;passion for sports, and encourage staff to wear sports-themed uniforms or badges.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, have in mind offering special discounts for longer bookings, as well as providing convenient transportation options, which will be highly appreciated.&nbsp;Lastly, setting up a large screen for guests to watch the match will be crucial to offer the best experience possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;MAYMonaco Grand Prix: May 24th - 26thThe FIA Formula One World Championship is undoubtedly the highest class of international racing.&nbsp;The prestigious motorsport event generates millions of dollars from ticket sales, hospitality packages, sponsorship, and merchandise.&nbsp;&nbsp;The glamorous lifestyle associated with F1, renowned for its luxury and extravagance, makes Monaco’s Grand Prix one of the best locations to host a F1 race. Each year, many celebrities and wealthy individuals come together to indulge in a weekend of luxury. As an alternative, Singapore's F1 Grand Prix (with its ticket prices of around £1k) may appeal to affluent attendees from the APAC region, or even those just passing through. Pairing a decadent excursion like this with a night or two in a high-end hotel will certainly appeal to guests with finer taste - &nbsp;if you happen to own a hotel close to an event like this, consider how to capture their attention.&nbsp;Also, don't hesitate to check out our article on luxury travellers if you want to go deeper on the luxury travel segment.&nbsp;Our recommendationsTo capitalise on this opportunity, create exclusive packages&nbsp;that include accommodation, race tickets, and additional perks like access to rooftop viewing areas or after-race parties. Emphasise the luxury and excitement of experiencing the Grand Prix from your hotel.&nbsp;Offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the event venue, ensuring convenient transportation for attendees. Securing VIP access to the event can also attract high-end clientele.&nbsp;JUNEUEFA Champions League Final, London: June 1stDon’t miss out the UEFA Champions League Final, a must-attend event for every football lover. In 2024, this event will be held at the famous Wembley Stadium, a place that has hosted the match several times in the past.&nbsp;Apart from its sporting importance, the final brings significant tourism and economic benefits to the host city and its surroundings, making it a highly sought-after destination.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our recommendationsJust like with the Super Bowl, create special packages including tickets, transportation and local tours to enhance your guests’ experience in the city and encourage their spending.&nbsp;Also, set up screens at your hotel to broadcast the match while offering some drinks to create a fantastic atmosphere.&nbsp;&nbsp;JULYOlympic Games, Paris: July 26th - August 11thThe Olympic Games are the ultimate sporting event. Paris will host the next edition along with other 16 cities across metropolitan France and even one in Tahiti (French Polynesia), for the Olympic surfing competition.&nbsp;&nbsp;After an exceptional situation during the Tokyo 2020 Games, where no spectators were allowed, the next Olympics are expected to attract thousands of visitors. This will not only benefit the well-known capital of France, but also will give smaller, lesser-known cities the opportunity to shine and showcase their charm.&nbsp;Our recommendationsSince it’s one of the most international events, why don’t you bring this international atmosphere to your property? For example, you can develop sports-themed menus or offer dishes inspired by participating countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, consider offering perks such as discounted room rates, event tickets, exclusive access to sports-related amenities, or themed merchandise.&nbsp;As the games will take place in various cities, partner with excursion companies to help your guests discover the wonders of each location.&nbsp;&nbsp;AUGUSTParalympic Games, Paris: August 28th - 8th September&nbsp;When the Olympic Games come to an end, the Paralympics will take over. With 549 events scheduled and including 22 sports, it will ensure&nbsp;high occupancy rates in France for almost one month and a half.&nbsp;Our recommendationsMaintain the same strategies we suggested doing for the Olympics, as both events are similar. It will help you make the most out of this significant sporting event.&nbsp;Final Tips to Keep in Mind About Sports TourismAs we approach the end of this article, here are some final suggestions to consider regarding sporting events. So far, we’ve covered major events - but it doesn’t stop there! Take a note of the following tips:&nbsp;&nbsp;Don’t overlook low-profile or second-tier events. People not only travel to watch sports but also to participate in them, opening a huge potential for sport tourism to a wider range of destinations.&nbsp;As a hotelier, stay informed about what’s happening in your city or region. Speak to local and regional authorities, or leisure centre managers to stay updated.&nbsp;&nbsp;Create accommodation and ticket packages, especially for smaller events.&nbsp;There is a great deal of interest in women's sports these days, so make sure you are aware of the events near your property and promote them through your marketing efforts.&nbsp;Finally, working with Hotelbeds will ensure you reach your desired audience. If you have already registered your property with Hotelbeds, access here and keep taking advantage of our multiple benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;Still not part of our worldwide network? Access over 60,000 travel distributors by signing up today. Are you ready to be part of the game?&nbsp;&nbsp;Plus, don't forget to download our free guide on the main travel trends in 2025. Discover valuable tips and insights to better understand today's travel industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Capitalising on Sporting Events: A Winning Strategy for Hoteliers

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How To Capitalise on Global Sporting Events

While solitary travel has undeniably been on the rise for years, it’s becoming more and more evident that women are diving headfirst into traveling alone. The future of solo travel might well be female!Search interest in ‘solo female travel’ has increased six-fold during the lasts four years. Not only this, but 70% of hotel website visits are carried out by women as standard, and women make the overwhelming majority of bookings, whether that’s for themselves, families, friends or parents and colleagues. &nbsp;Women are the influencers that should matter to you as hoteliers.&nbsp;So, it makes sense that your services as hotel owners are delivering on what women want, especially when it comes to solo female travellers. &nbsp;We’ve explored several idea kick-starters you can use to ensure you’re meeting those demands and being as inclusive as possible when it comes to your accommodation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Understand What Solo Female Travellers Look For In Their Destinations&nbsp;A study carried out by Solo Female Travelers in 2020 found that traveling solo was a choice, not necessarily a ‘lifestyle’, with many respondents choosing to travel alone for the flexibility that it provided and the ability to adhere to their own schedule. 38% said it was to ‘challenge’ themselves.&nbsp;Within their chosen destination, many women said that cultural sightseeing, immersion, and nature and wildlife experiences are important for them during their stay – along with the eco-friendliness of businesses they support.&nbsp;However, 73% still said that safety was their main concern, and 42% of female travellers who hadn’t yet traveled solo cited this as the main reason they’d not made that leap yet.&nbsp;Some factors that might be of consideration for female travellers looking to set off alone:Whether the country or region is a major tourist destination.How good the tourism infrastructure is as a consequence.What the crime rate of the destination is.What online review sites, blogs, friends and family and social media groups say about the safety of the country or destination – many suggested that TV and online ads were not as trustworthy.How affordable the destination is for a solo trip – especially considering accommodation.The overall reputation of the country and how it treats women.&nbsp;It is important to consider these against your current facilities, location and offerings for this traveller type. How have you positioned yourself in the market for women travelling solo? How are your competitors conveying themselves to this segment, in a way that's different to you?It is worth being aware of what solo travel for women means, especially when travellers are in the crucial decision-making process and the smallest detail about how your hotel is presented could determine whether they book their stay with you or not.Cater For The Luxury Solo Female Traveller&nbsp;In the last several years, women taking solo trips within the luxury travel sector have increased significantly, and we think this is a prime opportunity to understand and accommodate, this important audience to boost your success as a travel agency and ensure you’re as inclusive as possible for today’s traveller.&nbsp;For example:&nbsp;Scott Dunn, a leading UK luxury tour operator, reported that they’d seen a dramatic uplift in solo bookings in the last three years, and that of those, 60% were women.&nbsp;Up Norway, a company that curates high-end excursions through Scandinavia, suggested that bookings from solo female travellers were up 40-50% compared to 2019.Bespoke tour operator Morocco by Design revealed that a full quarter of its bookings now came from women traveling alone.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not only are women looking to explore the world alone more frequently, but many solo female travellers are looking to travel within the luxury sector, with bespoke trips curated specifically for their preferences. &nbsp;The industry is starting to take note of this increase in demand for luxury solo travel, so it’s important that as hotel owners you are aware of the opportunities out there! &nbsp;From ‘Alonemoons’, offering solo travellers the deluxe experience a couple on their honeymoon might enjoy; women-only group travel; to tour operators and travel bookers offering amenities catering specifically to women traveling solo, there are many ways that the industry is providing opportunities when it comes to solo travel for women.&nbsp;Ensuring that your hotel is accessible and appeals to women travelling alone is a sure-fire way to begin capitalising on this growing audience and keep your hotel front of mind when tour operators are upselling their clients on these experiences. &nbsp;The first step is gaining maximum visibility to the right traveller at the right time! Over 66,000 travel providers all over the world have exclusive access to our portfolio, from which they can offer the very best accommodation to in-market travellers across even the most hard-to-reach markets thanks to our global network.This means that hotels who make it clear they acccommodate to women travelling alone are top-recommended in our AI-driven Booking Engine when travel sellers are booking this type of client!&nbsp;Gather Crucial Audience Insights &nbsp;&nbsp;There are numerous ways that you can gather more understanding of what existing and new customers want when considering booking solo trips, including:&nbsp;Existing Audience Research&nbsp;Send out an email to existing customers within this demographic – ask for honest opinions on their travel with you. Incentivise this with a small discount or offer that makes your existing customers feel like they’ve given you valuable feedback and received something in return. &nbsp;Create social posts for your social media platforms – whether you create a poll, a post inviting comments, or ask customers to get in touch via email, organic socials are a great way to see what your audience expects of you.&nbsp;Set up market research discussions – bring together a control group of women interested in traveling alone, or who have in the past, to evaluate your current facilities and destinations and offer in-market feedback.&nbsp;Competitor Research&nbsp;Review trusted blog websites – Solo Traveler World and Solo Female Travelers are examples of valuable, trusted platforms where insights, shared experiences and customer-centric recommendations are shared by women for women looking to travel solo. &nbsp;Keeping a close eye on platforms like this can provide interesting insights into how other hoteliers are catering for the growing audience of solo female travellers.&nbsp;Organic competitor research – identify your most direct competitors and scope out how their facilities compare to yours: what services are they offering that you aren’t? Have these competitors made specific accommodations that would attract more female solo travellers, and how might you incorporate these into your own business model? &nbsp;Review Relevant Travel Forums&nbsp;Considering that a study conducted by the aforementioned Solo Female Travelers found that 76% of women trust relevant solo female travel groups Facebook groups more than they trust the recommendations from friends and family (73%), reviewing such travel forums and social pages can be invaluable.&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid The Single Supplement&nbsp;In many cases, the single supplement can mean that solo travellers are still paying double occupancy, because many rooms, tours and cruise accommodations are packaged in a way that they are priced per person based on double occupancy.&nbsp;This charge is one of the main turn offs for solo travellers – especially considering that female millennials are considered the thriftiest – so if you want to cater for more solo travellers you need to start focusing on ways to avoid or reduce your single supplement.&nbsp;Here’s how:&nbsp;Consider absorbing some of the cost of a single room into the cost of a double room by amending this in your business model.&nbsp;Waiving the single supplement during the shoulder seasons (between peak and low) as standard – as solo travellers tend to be more flexible around when they travel – this would also be a great way to encourage customer loyalty!&nbsp;Consider waiving this single supplement charge on any unsold hotel rooms to encourage last minute bookings.&nbsp;Host ‘matching’ services, which brings together solo travellers who are happy to share a room for a section of their journey to work around this fee.&nbsp;How Maxiroom Can HelpOf course, one of the best ways that you as hotel owners can ensure you're aware of, and meeting the needs of this high-value segment is by working with a global distribution partner like HotelbedsAs our partner, you'll gain exclusive access to our intranet, Maxiroom, which offers you all the tools and resources you need to maximise your occupancy rates, including the option to create bespoke rates and fees that can be offered to travellers all around the globe on a more individual basis. &nbsp;Maxiroom also offers:A fully interactive calendar - to allow easier amendements to availability and rates across room types.An intuitive content manager - maximise the quality of your content with our user-friendly interface.&nbsp;The ability to make numerous updates at once - using our integrated update tool means you can quickly update your availability and prices across multiple rate and room types.A global dashboard - so you can easily review current&nbsp;arrivals, bookings and cancellations, as well as comparisons between your competitors.Sign up to gain access to this time-saving resource, and begin optimising your occupancy rates today.Log in to your account to begin optimising your occupancy rates today.&nbsp;&nbsp;Consider How Your Services Reflect What Solo Female Travellers Want &nbsp;Understanding what solo female travellers want is the first step – evaluating this against your current facilities is the next. &nbsp;The key here is that you don’t have to only&nbsp;cater to&nbsp;women travelling solo, just make it clear you accommodate them. This means that you don’t have to restructure your business model or revamp your packages completely – unless you want to! &nbsp;Just make it obvious that you are aware of what women want when they travel and that you can deliver on this.&nbsp;Practical ways you can cater for solo travel for women:Consider implementing women-only floors – the Four Seasons Riyadh and the Dukes Hotel in London are already doing this!&nbsp;Som Dona in Mallorca has gone one step further and made this location women-only which has proved incredibly popular.&nbsp;Ensure that you have up to date information regarding your facilities on your website and any profiles with distribution partners (like our Booking Engine) – i.e., up-to-date CCTV coverage, information on women-only or inclusive timeslots in your leisure or spa facilities.&nbsp;Set up 24-hour receptionists and door security.&nbsp;Stage inclusive social events to encourage solo travellers to interact with like-minded people while away.&nbsp;Turn the lobby into happy hour, organise women-only or inclusive activities to help travellers feel part of a community and to combat loneliness. &nbsp;Add more transfer options with trusted providers for women travelling solo&nbsp;– especially after-dark airport transfers!&nbsp;With a connected community of other hoteliers, and access to over 66,000 travel sellers around the world, combined with a fresh approach to data intelligence, working with Hotelbeds is one of the best ways that you as hotel owners can reach your desired audience and curate the ideal experience for your guests.Why not consider signing up as one of our valuable partners today?Log in to your account to take your business even further.

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How Hotel Owners Can Effectively Target Solo Female Travellers

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While solo travel has undeniably been on the rise for years, it’s evident that more women than ever are diving headfirst into solo ventures. The future of solo travel might well be female!

With the majority readership of large publications like Solo Traveler World being women, online searches for ‘solo women travel’ increasing by a staggering 230% in 2019, and popular social media platforms like Pinterest logging a 350% increase in pinned articles about female solo travel, it’s evident that more women than ever are travelling alone.

So with that in mind, we dive into how travel providers like you can ensure you’re meeting and exceeding the needs of women travelling solo - and why you should want to capture this growing audience of high-value customers!

Understand the Unique Characteristics of Solo Travel For Women



It’s important that you understand the challenges, sensitivities and experiences of female solo travel and this traveller type, so that you can better cater for this valuable segment.

Some factors that many women travelling solo consider when booking or planning a trip are:


	Whether the country or region is a major tourist destination.
	How good the tourism infrastructure is as a consequence.
	What the crime rate of the destination is.
	What online review sites, blogs, friends and family and social media groups say about the safety of the country or destination – many suggested that TV and online ads were not as trustworthy.
	How affordable the destination is for a solo trip – especially considering accommodation.
	The overall reputation of the country and how it treats women.


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These are important factors to consider when promoting destinations to solo travellers, and even more so for women travelling alone; and are equally crucial for when you are building an idea of destinations that you would recommend from your portfolio in future consultations.

Use Our Digital Star Brochure



Our Star Brochure is a fully online, interactive travel brochure designed to make the lives of travel providers all over the world easier and more enriched when it comes to offering exactly what your customers want.

The ‘best for solo travellers’ icon highlights a wealth of hotels and accommodation around the world that are ideally suited for solo travellers of any kind. Spread across global hotspot destinations, this handy icon means it is easier than ever to pick out the properties - whether that’s affordable hotel rooms or luxury resorts - that perfectly meet the needs of solo female travellers during the booking process.

What does this mean for women travelling solo? They feel supported. Accommodated. And delivering a bespoke service is one of the most important things to today’s consumer across all industries, not just travel, with 71% of customers expecting personalised service!

Simply put, if you’re not ensuring your products can cater for bespoke communication for the travel segment you’re trying to secure bookings from, it’s not going to work.&nbsp;

What’s more, with our customisation tool as part of the Star Brochure, you can create travel brochures tailored on a client-by-client basis for an even more personalised experience! Create your very own female-focused content or use our own inspiring articles and Q&amp;A sections, highlight the best angles of those ‘best for solo travellers’ hotels, and secure even more bookings from this key segment!

While our game-changing Star Brochure is available for you to browse, the customization feature is exclusive to our clients - so sign up today to start making the most of this invaluable tool and grab those bookings!&nbsp;

Make Dedicated Information Easily Accessible&nbsp;



Create hubs on your website with relevant information about how your services can be tailored to female solo travel.

Whether this is FAQs, or dedicated pages in your service collections, make sure you list which hotels, tour operators and destinations are recommended for women travelling solo and why.

Don't forget to offer unique fee/payment information upfront - be clear on your fees, refund, and cancellation policies for solo travellers! Especially when it comes to unique fees like single supplements and cancellations if plans change.

This is critical when you consider that it takes the average consumer around 50 milliseconds (that’s 0.05 seconds!) while looking at a website to form an opinion not only about your brand but about whether they want what you’re offering.&nbsp;

One of the best ways to do this is a design technique called progressive disclosure - essentially, you’re streamlining important content into a user-friendly format which improves navigation and allows the user to discover more information about your brand and offerings without being bombarded all at once. And consider that once they’re on your site, the average user spends around 5 seconds reading written content.

So, ensuring that your prospective audience understands, quickly, that you can offer the services or experiences they’re after is key.

Cater For The Luxury Solo Female Traveller



In the last several years, women taking solo trips within the luxury travel sector have increased significantly, and we think this is a prime opportunity to understand, and accommodate, this important audience to boost your success as a travel agency and ensure you’re as inclusive as possible for today’s traveller.

For example:


	Scott Dunn, a leading UK luxury tour operator, reported that they’d seen a dramatic uplift in solo bookings in the last three years, and that of those, 60% were women.
	Up Norway, a company that curates high-end excursions through Scandinavia, suggested that bookings from solo female travellers were up 40-50% compared to 2019.
	Bespoke tour operator Morocco by Design revealed that a full quarter of its bookings now came from women travelling alone.


&nbsp;

Not only are women looking to explore the world alone more frequently, but many solo female travellers are looking to travel within the luxury sector, with bespoke trips curated specifically for their preferences.&nbsp;

The industry is starting to take note of this increase in demand for luxury solo travel, so it’s important that as travel providers you’re aware of the opportunities out there!&nbsp;

From ‘Alonemoons’, offering solo travellers the deluxe experience a couple on their honeymoon might enjoy; women-only group travel; to tour operators and travel bookers offering amenities catering specifically to women travelling solo, there are many ways that the industry is providing opportunities when it comes to solo travel for women.

Consider how you can accommodate this type of traveller; what changes would have to be made to the partnerships you have with tour operators, or indeed to your tours themselves if you’re organising them for the end client?

Plus, when you work with a travel partner like Hotelbeds, you’re immediately boosting your visibility to this growing audience.

Tour operators, you’re opening up a whole new avenue of distribution for your experiences; while travel providers, you’re accessing a massive, ever-growing portfolio of over 16,000 experiences and 300,000 hotels in trending destinations worldwide!&nbsp;

This allows you as travel providers to capitalise on reaching and catering for the right audience, with the right resources you need.&nbsp;

Sign up today to start boosting your bookings from the valuable solo female travel segment!

Log in to your account to start maximising your sales from this valuable market!

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How The Compass Can Help&nbsp;

And so, keeping up with industry trends in your market is more important than ever, as more and more women seek out solo trips. You can do this easily with our destination and marketing tool The Compass for travel providers!

Designed to offer market-specific insights, gathered from thousands of daily searches and booking data from our users, The Compass allows you as a travel provider to see what’s being booked in your market and when.&nbsp;

What’s more, you’ll receive tailored opportunity alerts when your competitors are booking destinations or accommodation you haven’t taken advantage of yet - which means you never lose out on an opportunity again.

This time-saving, sales-boosting tool is exclusive to our partners, so sign up today to start scaling your success with The Compass!

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Offer Women-Only Group Travel



Quite often, travelling solo can be daunting, and for many the idea of venturing on a long-haul journey even to their dream destination is overwhelming no matter who is embarking on the journey. This is where group travel can be so valuable, especially to solo female travellers.&nbsp;

While some women travelling solo won’t necessarily feel the need to travel in a women-only group, for some travellers this will significantly decrease any concerns or doubts around travelling alone amongst a group.

Many tour operators around the world have already begun introducing women-only tours to great success - for instance, the tour company Trafalgar introduced women-only tours in early 2022, and suggested that 61% of bookings came from women travelling alone.

So, there’s never a better time to make sure you’re filling your portfolio with tours and experiences offered by tour operators and travel providers catering to this valuable segment, in order to meet the needs of the female solo traveller, and therefore boost your bookings.

Our ever-growing portfolio is the perfect place to start, with tours and experiences uniquely designed for solo travellers and access to thousands of travel sellers worldwide!

Do Your Research



In ‘standard’ communication narratives, the solo female traveller is not usually the focus. Many decision-makers in travel, including travel agencies, cannot relate to the challenges of women travelling solo.

This presents a significant opportunity for savvy travel providers to get to know this audience better and offer products and destinations that cater for their demands and challenges.

By doing so, you’ll position yourselves as the ones to beat for this particular audience.
Competitor and market research is an invaluable practice no matter the age, experience, or reputation of your travel agency, and even more so if you’re interdependent!

And considering that successful female-focused travel organisations like the Solo Female Travelers Club are already offering consultations for businesses to reevaluate their offerings in light of the growing demand from female travellers going it alone, it’s important that you’re viewing your offerings through the lens of a solo female traveller and consider where any opportunities for improvement might be.

Here are just a few ways you can do your research, and therefore identify any gaps in your business or offerings:

Read trusted insights

Our Client Resources page is packed full of regularly updated insights, inspired and influenced by global travel trends, and driven by our very own wealth of industry data gathered from thousands of bookings from travel providers all over the world. Check back regularly for insightful and inspiring content for travel agencies!

But as we mentioned before, Solo Traveler World and Solo Female Travelers Club are examples of valuable platforms with high social-proof attached to them where insights, shared experiences and customer-centric recommendations are shared by women for women looking to travel solo. Keeping a close eye on platforms like this can provide interesting insights into how other travel providers are catering for the growing audience of solitary female travellers.

Organic competitor research

Identify your most direct competitors and scope out how their facilities compare to yours: what services are they offering that you aren’t? Have these competitors made specific accommodations that would attract this segment, and how might you incorporate these into your own business model in a way that makes you stand out?&nbsp;

Utilise customer feedback

Getting insights from past or existing customers about their experiences with you is invaluable, and is one of the best ways that you can highlight any shortcomings with how your agency handles female solo travellers, and accommodates this type of traveller needs. Ensuring you’re GDPR compliant, of course!&nbsp;

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So there you have it! This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to catering for solo female travel, and it’s especially important that if as a travel agency you’re going to accommodate this type of traveller specifically, you really dedicate time to understanding the unique needs and preferences of women travelling alone.

But one of the best ways to start is by working with a travel partner dedicated to connecting the world of travel, no matter the audience or segment! At Hotelbeds, our global network and portfolio allows you to attract and keep your ideal audience, even in hard to reach markets.&nbsp;

Sign up today today to get started!&nbsp;

Log into your account today to get started!&nbsp;
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How Travel Providers Can Effectively Target Solo Female Travellers

Sustainable travel has become a significant concern for individuals around the world. As hotel guests become increasingly aware of environmental issues, they expect the companies they support, including hotels, to prioritise sustainability in their operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;In light of Plastic-Free July, it is crucial for hoteliers to address the issue of single-use plastic and to commit to implementing plastic-free policies in their properties.&nbsp;&nbsp;This article aims to guide hoteliers interested in embracing sustainable practices and attracting environmentally-conscious guests. We will explore why guests are on the look-out for plastic-free hotels, how the hotel can benefit by making the change, practical tips to eliminate single-use plastics, and a successful case study from a leading hotel chain.We will also share how hoteliers can communicate their plastic-free initiative to a network of 60k travel distributors, using the ‘Single-use Plastic free’ filer in our Partner Portal.&nbsp;Why Do Guests Prefer Plastic-Free Hotels?It’s no secret there has been a paradigm shift that has influenced the lifestyle of millions of people, affecting all areas of life - including travel and leisure.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sustainable travel has become a significant concern in today’s world, and there are many ways to support the cause. Focusing specifically on one of the main issues – &nbsp;single-plastic use –, we believe that hoteliers have a great potential to become a force for good.&nbsp;Guests believe it as well, and by paying attention to their concerns and catering to their needs, your hotel could benefit from improved positioning in front of eco-conscious travellers…and increase your room nights.&nbsp;●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;People are more aware of environmental issues and expect companies to share their feelings; this includes how hotels address sustainability within their operations. The way they do it influences the decision-making process when travellers book one property or another. For instance, 81% of travellers surveyed by Statista highlight that sustainable travel is important to them.&nbsp;&nbsp;●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Some statistics report that least 74%&nbsp;of travellers &nbsp;want travel companies to offer more sustainable choices. Meanwhile,&nbsp;65% state that they would feel better about paying for accommodation with a sustainable certification or label.&nbsp;Additionally, 56% of people consider it essential to reduce the usage of single-use plastic in their daily lives, which could extend into their behaviours when travelling, too.&nbsp;●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;It is also vital to take into account that a company’s reputation could be at risk if there’s not a clear commitment to addressing plastic pollution and the damage single-use plastics can have. For this reason, it is important to take sustainability considerations seriously in order to do right by your guests, and for the planet.How Can Plastic-Free Initiatives Benefit Your Properties?Whether it’s individual boutiques or large hotel chains, implementing changes in your properties requires a lot of time and effort. But it will be worthwhile.&nbsp;&nbsp;Want to learn more about the advantages that your property could benefit from? Helping the planet should be incentive enough, but here are some pointers to keep in mind.&nbsp;&nbsp;●&nbsp;&nbsp; As part of HBX Group, Hotelbeds’ 2023 Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) report states that there had been a 30% growth in travellers looking for both eco-friendly and plastic-free properties on our platform.&nbsp;●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;If your hotel takes steps towards becoming more sustainable – such as by reducing single-use plastic – it may be eligible to be included in our Sustainable Hotels Programme. In short, you’ll be more visible to our 55,000+ distributors and their customers who are seeking properties with eco-credentials. We’ll give you more details on its benefits and how to join later in this article.&nbsp;&nbsp;●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;In terms of competitive strategy, having a defined, valuable sustainability plan could enable your hotel to stand out from the competition. Attaining a hotel sustainability certification will &nbsp;help to better position your property and attract a wider range of traveller segments.&nbsp;&nbsp;●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Additionally, bear in mind that there’s an increasing number of regulations around this issue from many countries and regions around the world. Be sure to keep up-to-date with regulations and expectations on a country-by-country basis.&nbsp;However, do remember that these benefits will be limited if you don’t communicate your actions and let potential clients know your commitment to sustainable travel and no single-use plastic.&nbsp;&nbsp;As we mentioned in our article on the importance of going green for hoteliers, only one third of green hotels are communicating their sustainability efforts, such as implementing alternatives for single-use plastics. It's vital to communicate your policies on this matter so that you can attract people committed to this cause – an audience which is increasing day by day, awaiting the perfect offering.&nbsp;No matter what the size of your hotel, small actions can make a big change. Are you lacking in ideas? Keep reading, as we provide you with some valuable tips.&nbsp;Practical Steps for Hotels to Embrace SustainabilityThere are certain items that you can replace or reduce in your objective to become a plastic-free hotel.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, there’s one thing that you should take into account to help you reach your goal in the most seamless way possible: it’s necessary to educate your suppliers and employees to better understand how important this purpose is and how they can easily commit to it.&nbsp;For example, you could start by creating a working group where employees from the departments using single-use plastics participate. In this working group, it would be beneficial to identify all single-use plastics in your operations and try to propose alternatives.&nbsp;&nbsp;But it doesn’t stop there: it’s also important to chat with your suppliers and explain your aim to reduce plastic in your properties. They may be able to help you with the task by giving you ideas of which options they have available, such as multi-use items or products made of responsible materials.&nbsp;&nbsp;To help you get started, here are some examples of items to be replaced or eliminated in order to go plastic-free.&nbsp;6 Essential Tips for Eliminating Single-Use Plastics in Hotels1. Eliminate plastic bottles and offer glass or metal ones instead, which have to be refilled by the staff. If possible, consider installing water bottle filling stations for guests to use. Modern versions of these stations can refill a one-litre bottle in 10 seconds to minimise queues, whilst other stations cut off the water after 20 seconds to prevent wastage.&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Consider using bulk bathroom amenity dispensers. Offer shampoo and gel packaged in wall-mounted refillable dispensers, or consider providing these amenities only on demand. Switching to plastic-free hotel amenities, such as toiletries, is one of the easiest changes to implement, but is also a change which will be first recognised by your guests!&nbsp;3. Offer non-plastic slippers that are washed in-house and reused. Replace items such as stirrers, shoe shiners, razors, combs, sewing kits, and plastic packaging materials with sustainable alternatives, or remove them altogether.&nbsp;4. Use recyclable paper for wrapping bathroom amenities, reusable bathroom cups, reusable fabric laundry bags, and paper containers for takeaways, among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Offer biodegradable rubbish bags that are more environmentally friendly alternatives. Make sure that they’re truly biodegradable.&nbsp;6. Choose tableware and cutlery made from durable, biodegradable materials. For example, cut down on plastic straws and replace them with ones made of bamboo.&nbsp;Additionally, there are consultancy firms which provide assistance on how to tackle the issue of single-use plastics. They can help you address this issue and know where you can cut single-use plastics and start using the aforementioned alternatives.&nbsp;Accor Hotels: A Successful Case Study In Going Plastic-FreeSome major hotel chains have already made a step forward in order to tackle this issue. One good example is Accor Hotels, which joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) in 2022 and have since announced two global partnerships with Green Key and Green Globe certifications.&nbsp;&nbsp;As previously mentioned, going plastic-free could be a challenging task. But here’s the proof that such an aim is both attainable and rewarding. In the following video, Jordane de Villaret Bentinck, VP of Sustainability Communications &amp; Change at Accor, explains the actions the chain has implemented so far and how they have been received by customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Enhancing Plastic-Free Communications with Our Sustainable Hotels ProgrammeWe’re getting close to the end of this post, and we don’t want to finish it without helping you to communicate your plastic-free efforts.&nbsp;&nbsp;You’re aware of the importance of committing to the cause and which steps your hotel can start taking to become more sustainable. Whether you are starting to change or you have already successfully implemented actions, there’s one step left that is almost as important as taking action.&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s crucial that you communicate these changes to the world so that potential guests and investors are aware of your initiatives. By joining Hotelbeds’ Sustainable Hotels Programme, you can gain further visibility as an environmentally-conscious member of the travel industry, and can also begin to cater to a real demand by helping travel bookers to identify those properties committed to sustainability&nbsp;To date, the Sustainable Hotels Programme portfolio contains over 38,000 properties certified as sustainable. As mentioned earlier, our 2023 ESG report revealed that those same properties had seen a 30% increase in bookings over 12 months, demonstrating that the demand for plastic-free properties is there - so, how can you ensure that your hotel is among those which are performing better than ever?&nbsp;Our Partner Extranet will be your ally: to gain a prime position in front of 71k travel advisors and their clients, mark your hotel as single-use plastic free by following these steps:&nbsp;●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Log into the Partner Portal●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Select ‘Hotel Info’●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;After clicking ‘About Hotel’, scroll to the section titled ‘Things to Keep in Mind’●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Tick the ‘Single-use Plastic Free’ boxIf you have already registered your property with Hotelbeds, access here and select this filter now.&nbsp;&nbsp;Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be visible under the ‘Sustainable Hotels’ filter in our Booking Engine. But this won’t be the only benefit – you’ll also be eligible for relevant, sustainability-focused campaigns, in which we will push sustainable hotels to our clients.&nbsp;Still need to register your hotel with us? Click here: it’s easy, free, and in a short time, your property will be seen by worldwide network of 60,000 travel distributors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Plastic-Free Initiatives To Boost Hotel Profitability, And Why They Are Important 

With more travellers prioritising sustainability as part of their plans than ever before, it’s vital that travel distributors can cater to the changing demands for eco-conscious travel. Up to 50% of travellers feel there aren’t enough sustainable options being actively promoted or available, carving a significant opportunity for distributors to offer eco-friendly travel products.


Demand for sustainable travel is on the rise


The demand for sustainable travel options is undoubtable, and is only expected to grow. According to the World Economic Forum, sustainable travel is now a priority for four out of five travellers globally, with 71% committed to travelling more sustainably. Travel distributors are perfectly placed to get ahead of the competition and offer sustainable travel options for conscious travellers, and would be wise to do so, since the sustainable travel market predicted to grow by $335.93 billion by 2027 (Global Sustainable Tourism Market 2023-2027).&nbsp;

As leaders in the global TravelTech space, Hotelbeds are experts in sustainable travel and have already helped thousands of travel providers to better offer sustainable travel options to their clients. If you’re ready to maximise the potential of this growing market, keep reading.

How to maximise the potential of the growing sustainable travel market




1.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Expand your sustainable property portfolio

Hotels worldwide are investing and developing their sustainability practices in line with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles to appeal to customers and stakeholders alike. This poses significant opportunities for travel distributors to advertise eco-friendly hotels and green incentives. Prospective travellers are proven to be doing more research and due diligence on sustainability before booking, so it’s absolutely vital to be promoting these credentials, particularly since, according to Avantio:
-&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;40% of travellers want booking sites to clearly show sustainable properties&nbsp;
-&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;37% of travellers want a filter option to show sustainable accommodation more easily

Ready to expand your sustainable property portfolio? You can access over 38,000 sustainable hotels with ease via Hotelbed’s ‘Green Hotel’ filter on our Booking Engine. In the past year, the programme has seen a 30% growth in travellers choosing eco-friendly hotels. Join the B2B travel partners already taking advantage of the Green Hotels Programme by clicking&nbsp;here.&nbsp;

Beat plastic pollution

This year’s theme for World Environment Day is Beat Plastic Pollution, drawing attention to one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time. Thankfully, the travel industry can play a part in the solution by catering to the increasing demand for plastic-free. In fact, Hotelbeds has seen an 84% increase in our plastic-free hotel portfolio, with 30% more customers seeking both an eco-friendly and plastic-free hotel in the past year. This is a fantastic opportunity for travel distributors to clearly advertise products which meet this criteria. Learn more here.&nbsp;

2.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Maximise high-margin products through sustainable ancillaries&nbsp;



Are you maximising the potential of high-margin ancillary products? For example, nature-based packages are predicted to account for 57% of travel packages globally, according to Euromonitor. This demonstrates the increasing demand and opportunity for sustainable ancillaries, from off-grid retreats to immersive experiences, which you can easily add to your offerings for sustainable travellers to choose from.

Hotelbeds can help travel distribution partners to offer sustainable ancillaries: in fact, our mobility and experiences portfolio countains 16,000 activities overall, giving plenty of choice to your clients.

EMERGING TREND: REGENERATIVE TRAVEL

Sustainability is about protecting both people and the planet. Offering tours which are experience-rich and help improve communities and/or natural spaces, known as regenerative philosophy, will become essential to appeal to the traveller of tomorrow. With competition higher than ever before, plus more choice and greater traveller independence, it’s vital to offer unique, values-based experiences which sustainable travellers can’t refuse.&nbsp;

3.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Broaden your customer base with options for all budgets



It is widely accepted that sustainable travel comes with a price premium, although those willing to pay varies across customer segments. Although some segments (like luxury travel and high-impact conservation) are seeing a boom, the global economic landscape is certainly impacting some travel behaviours. With inflation considered a primary issue impacting travel plans in the next 12 months, it’s vital to vary your offerings to suit budgets across traveller types. For example, whether a beach holiday or city break, emerging destinations are a fantastic opportunity to capture cost-conscious travellers who want to spend less, support local economies, and have authentic experiences. &nbsp; &nbsp;

●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Access our Star Brochure to get ahead of the competition with key emerging destinations for 2023 for a range of traveller types.&nbsp;

4.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Increase your credibility to increase customer loyalty&nbsp;


Travellers are more discerning than ever about greenwashing in tourism, the marketing of products or companies which claim to be sustainable without any evidence to support these claims. In fact, the World Economic Forum reported one of the main barriers for sustainable travellers is concern around the claims which travel companies make about the sustainability of their products.

By working with credible partners and offering packages and services which are proven or certified to be sustainable (like the Hotelbeds Green Hotels Programme), with transparency and good reporting, you will gain valuable customer loyalty and see travellers return to you for years to come, all the more important in an increasingly competitive market with travellers exercising more independence than ever before.


The important role travel distributors play in sustainable travel

Travel distributors play a crucial role in protecting the planet through sustainable offerings. As the demand increases for sustainable travel, with more people understanding that eco-friendly doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing luxury or comfort; travel distributors can certainly benefit from, and even lead the way in, these changing ideas around sustainable travel. After all, environmentalism is definitely not going anywhere, so make sure your travel business is primed and ready to help sustainable travellers protect and enjoy the planet for years to come.&nbsp;

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Ready to start selling sustainable experiences? Log in now.

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Ready to start selling sustainable experiences? Register now!
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World Environment Day: Your Guide to Selling Sustainable Travel

The recent economic and global challenges of the past few years have caused a shift in how businesses approach technology for the long term.According to a recent study by McKinsey &amp; Company, companies of all industries have increased the digitization of their customer and supply chain interactions, some by as much as three or four years, while the adoption of digitally enabled products has also accelerated, by up to seven years - and as much as ten years in Asia.This rapid acceleration of technology adoption is transforming the business landscape and presents new opportunities for growth and innovation.&nbsp;Across many industries, a narrative shift is taking place wherein technology is no longer solely recognized for its cost-saving capabilities, but as a crucial aspect of any business. The rise of technological solutions is not a new concept, but the increasing reliance on technology to meet customer demand and replace outdated communication methods is noteworthy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Of the changes to the adoption of digital processes, the largest are the most likely to be here for the long term, including:&nbsp;Changing customer demands or expectations - such as, for example, increased hygiene awareness and online communication/purchasing&nbsp;Increasing migration of cloud-based assets&nbsp;Increasing use of advanced technologies within business operations - such as artificial intelligence, automation and analytics.&nbsp;In fact, 32% of attendees at our MarketHub Americas event suggested they were planning to embrace tech and AI above anything else this year, and 28% planned to innovate more.&nbsp;Within the context of the travel and hospitality industry, it is imperative for hotel owners to consider how they can effectively integrate advanced technology to enhance customer interactions. This raises the important question of how hotel owners can adapt to an ever-evolving digital landscape, and what innovative tools and strategies are already being utilised to optimise customer experiences in the hospitality sector.&nbsp;Smart Hotel Technology&nbsp;In response to the growing expectations of digital-savvy travellers, hotels are expanding their horizons by offering innovative facilities such as mobile check-in, smart room technology and partnering with new tech companies to cater to their everyday needs.&nbsp;To be considered a top-tier hotel, it is essential to provide guests with cutting-edge technology that enhances their experience. Smart hotels achieve this feat by enabling customers to control devices and services using Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), or digital connectivity. Examples of such travel technology include voice control, energy efficiency controls, facial recognition, and automation.&nbsp;The implementation of smart hotel technology is a vital aspect of customer experience. By utilising AI machine learning to collect and process customer data during a stay, hotels can gain valuable insights into customer preferences and provide a more customised experience.&nbsp;What are some other real-life examples of travel technology partnerships or innovations within the hotel industry?Marriott International recently partnered with Groups360 to streamline the process of booking rooms, meeting spaces and events for its corporate guests.&nbsp;The Maho Group, offering hotels and resorts in the Caribbean, partnered with Cendyn to power its CRM, revenue management and business intelligence, offering personalised experiences to encourage customer loyalty by tracking individual guests’ preferences.&nbsp;IHG Hotel and Resorts recently partnered with PPDS to offer Chromecast in select locations, providing guests with the ability to stream content from their smart devices.&nbsp;DistrictHive offers its guests a ‘human recharding pod’, an ‘off-grid’ space where AI systems manage energy consumption and can change external stimuli like sounds or smells based on external conditions.&nbsp;Ascott’s Lyf One-North Singapore provides a co-living property for guests, where they can trade digital art and engage in virtual activities.&nbsp;Hilton has been working with Meta and SweetRush to create VR scenarios to train members of the team to deal with complex guest situations and provide a better experience for future guests.&nbsp;How Do We Encourage Tech Development at Hotelbeds?In order to enhance the traveller's experience and ensure a seamless process, we have forged a partnership with Wayra, an open innovation centre operating within the telecommunications firm Telefonica to create the TravelTech Lab by Hotelbeds.Designed to allow us to support upcoming tech startups, this collaboration means we can work&nbsp;together with startup partners to create customer-centric products, platforms, and services that have a significant impact in the travel industry. Our goal is to continuously innovate and improve the travel experience for our customers.&nbsp;A diverse and data-driven distribution strategy is crucial to enhancing exposure and relevance within the travel industry, particularly in the valuable B2B marketplace. At Hotelbeds, with our extensive network of over 54,000+ travel distributors worldwide, we are well-positioned to amplify the success of your hotel(s).&nbsp;Not only this, but our exclusive extranet is a hotel marketing solution that combines the benefits of our distribution channel with valuable digital tools to effectively manage availability, rates, content and more to maximise room occupancy.&nbsp;Sign up today to become one of our valuable hotel partners today!Log in to your Hotelbeds account today to begin maximising your distribution.Green TechnologyThe tourism sector, research has shown, is responsible for as much as 8% of global CO2 emissions, with around 2% of this directly produced by the hospitality industry. This, and recent insight from CBRE demonstrates the urgency around the need for hospitality and leisure infrastructures, businesses and establishments to reduce their carbon footprints in comparison to other real estate classifications. Hotel carbon emissions alone are shown to be 96kgCO2e/m².&nbsp;And although there has been tangible progress to reduce carbon footprints in order to meet the terms of the globally recognised Paris Agreement, there is still much work that can be done not only to ensure the development of their business, but to keep in line with the fact that sustainability is now, by necessity, a guiding principle of the travel industry.&nbsp;Here are just a few examples of sustainable technology which hotels around the world are adopting:&nbsp;Operational systems:&nbsp;such as Energy Management Systems (EMS), Guest Room Management Systems (GRMS), Property Management Systems (PMS), and Building Management Systems (BMS).&nbsp;&nbsp;Online check-in and automated ticket management for guest requests&nbsp;Digitised communications and collaboration technology:&nbsp;for shareholders, corporate communications and even for guests, to reduce the carbon footprint that comes with printed or physical resources.&nbsp;Renewable sources of energy:&nbsp;solar or photovoltaic - to lower the impact of high-consumption services like air conditioning.&nbsp;Why Is Sustainable Technology Important?&nbsp;As previously highlighted in our traveller of tomorrow discussion, the Gen Z traveller profile is one of the most influential in the travel industry. This demographic is particularly vocal in their support of sustainable travel, with Millennials also ranking the ecological impact of transportation, accommodations, and activities as a significant factor in their booking decisions. Google Insights also reports that more than half of surveyed travellers consider environmental impact when making travel plans.&nbsp;And after all, the guests of the future will be Gen Z and Gen Alpha (the children of Millennial families); and as the 'voice of sustainability', these generations prioritise eco-friendly practices, making it critical for hotels to adapt in order to remain relevant and successful in the industry.&nbsp;As part of our recognition that providing sustainable travel opportunities to end travellers is so vital, at Hotelbeds we’ve worked to ensure that hotels that can be categorised as ‘sustainable’ can easily be found in our portfolio. This is true when travel providers are locating their clients' perfect hotel using our Booking Engine thanks to our ‘Sustainable Hotel’ filter, or browsing top-recommended hotels in our Star Brochures digital brochure.&nbsp;This is because we know that it’s critical that your properties are receiving not only maximum exposure, but that the defining qualities of these properties are highlighted to the right traveller at the right time in order to increase occupancy rate.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up today to become one of our valuable hotel partners, and benefit from responsible, expert distribution as part of our global network.Recognition TechnologyRecent data indicates that incorporating self-service technology in hotels can increase guest satisfaction, with around 73% of travellers preferring to stay in hotels that offer such technology. From facial recognition to voice control and voice search, recognition technology offers valuable opportunities to implement self-service travel technology, and is one of the more accessible ways to do so.&nbsp;&nbsp;Facial recognition technology however can also be used throughout the entire customer experiences to provide:&nbsp;Faster check-in and check-out.&nbsp;A more reliable payment system.&nbsp;Higher security - particularly helpful for travellers embarking on long-haul journeys or who want to ensure their details are protected in far-away countries.&nbsp;A dematerialised experience - reducing not only the need for wasteful resources like printed paperwork, but also a less stressful experience for travellers.&nbsp;The modernisation of previously manual or analog processes in order to streamline a customers’ experience also brings us to our next point.&nbsp;Customer-Centric Artificial Intelligence&nbsp;As the demand for travel continues to expand, and customers of all demographics are more expectant of digital processes in their daily lives, travel providers must dramatically rethink how they’re ensuring customer satisfaction.&nbsp;The integration of artificial intelligence into businesses has become more prevalent in recent years, though it has been in existence for quite some time. And while the use of machine learning and AI does present some logistical challenges, the potential of this type of tech cannot be ignored. It is essential, however, for the hospitality industry to strike a careful balance between the benefits of automation and the necessity of delivering personalised experiences.&nbsp;The most significant example of customer-focused AI when thinking about travel technology for the hospitality industry, is Chatbots. Using natural language processing (NLP) this technology accurately responds to and engages with users to streamline and enhance the customer experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;The benefits of integrating chatbots into customer service strategies are supported by research from Meta, indicating that approximately seven out of ten customers feel a greater connection to businesses that offer messaging options. In addition, 65% of consumers prefer contacting businesses via chat. These statistics emphasise the importance of utilising chatbots as a professional and effective means of enhancing customer satisfaction.&nbsp;From pre-booking enquiries to post-booking assistance, Chatbots offer:A direct channel of communication from customer to business, simplifying the way that customers used to contact travel providers in the past.&nbsp;&nbsp;Seamless customer service - when implemented correctly.&nbsp;The ability to gather crucial data - allowing businesses to learn about their customer needs to better meet them.&nbsp;Our CEO Nicolas Huss, suggests that technology like chatbots allows travel distributors to ‘provide an elevated personalised experience by remembering preferences and automatically implementing them each time an individual books their next trip.’&nbsp;Tech-Owned Hotels and Resorts&nbsp;Another noticeable way that the ownership of hotels and how this may impact the hospitality industry is the increasing instances of technology companies branching out into hotel ownership.&nbsp;For example, tech-company Heli, who have specialised in providing a booking platform and software to heli-skiing experience providers, purchased their own property in a move to expand into the industry in an all-new way.&nbsp;This expansion into the hospitality industry directly challenges existing hotel owners and hospitality providers, as established travel technology companies such as Heli are approaching the travel market with a high level of understanding about both sides of the market - what it takes to run a successful business, and also how to keep customers happy.&nbsp;&nbsp;What does this mean for hoteliers?Travel tech companies moving into the hotel ownership sphere will result in an increasing level of competition for existing hotel owners to ensure that they know what their guests want, and have the appropriate resources, facilities and internal tech solutions to provide this.&nbsp;Technology and Remote Working/Bleisure TravelAs we previously discussed in our article covering the best destinations for remote workers, the impact and influence of the remote worker on the travel landscape is significant, and does not seem to be dissipating. In fact, by 2022, the number of remote workers had grown to 35 million, with around 16% of companies around the world operating on a fully remote basis, and 76% respondents to a TravelPerk survey suggesting their company was hybrid.&nbsp;'Bleisure’ travellers are also an increasingly prominent segment, and the combination of business and leisure travel not only changes&nbsp;the needs that guests have during their stay, but also their search criteria during the booking process and businesses that lack the facilities or technology solutions to cater for this segment may find themselves at a disadvantage.&nbsp;&nbsp;This continual blurring of the line between business and leisure travel can cause several challenges for hotels, such as determining the travel motive for their guests, and changing travel behaviours which are leading to fewer ‘shoulder’ seasons throughout the year amongst other changes across the industry. This will have long-term impact on the considerations that hotel owners should be keeping top of mind when it comes to attracting, and retaining this segment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here are a few crucial technologies that hotel owners should consider implementing for remote and bleisure travellers:Secure, superfast WiFi - while this may seem obvious, the importance of reliable WiFi that will allow remote workers to conduct their business as usual is vital to attracting this type of traveller, and ensure positive word of mouth marketing as a result of their experiences.&nbsp;Access to tools like printers, desktop computers, and smart TVs - this supports a productive environment and ensures spaces are convenient for a wide range of needs.&nbsp;Cloud-based technologies - offering coworking or meeting spaces which offer online or cloud-based solutions ensures you’re meeting the variable needs of the remote worker.&nbsp;Nomad Stays is also looking to take their accommodation of remote workers even further, by offering a booking platform that focuses on the sense of community that this type of traveller is often looking for. This marketplace will provide travellers with ideas of where to buy relevant software to create meetups, coaching and training sessions, consultation services and more - and it’s a key example of how travel providers everywhere are beginning to change their business models to incorporate this high-value segment.&nbsp;Why is it important that hoteliers are accommodating remote workers?The notion of ‘hybrid hospitality’ encompasses the opportunity for hotels today, and how businesses utilising the spaces available in their hotels throughout the day and at different times can significantly uplift revenue generation. For example, by ‘stacking’ a co-working model onto the hotel real estate, a 24 hour window of revenue generation opens up, and several hotels found that by doing this it grew their revenue by 20%; just by offering remote workers space to conduct their business in.&nbsp;By offering a combination of spaces where their business travel and leisure travel needs meet, you’re offering the level of flexibility that today’s travellers are looking for.&nbsp;&nbsp;VR As A Hotel Marketing ToolVirtual Reality (VR) offers travel providers and travel sellers all over the world to build a sensory experience of a destination, attraction, or activity, which can then be used to complement or even replace traditional promotional tools much like printed travel brochures.&nbsp;However for hotels, VR offers a multitude of opportunities to increase occupancy rate, by emphasising the physical environment which is being sold to travellers. By engaging with VR experiences or materials, potential travellers can make a more informed judgement of a new destination, hotel or tourism experience. VR, when used as a hotel marketing tool, provides travellers the chance to more intrinsically understand what will be offered to them and therefore better influence the decision-making process.&nbsp;When guests can see themselves using the hotel facilities, or even relaxing in their room, the likelihood of them booking this hotel increases.&nbsp;Some real life examples of successful VR marketing include:&nbsp;Unveiled at Fitur 2023, Amadeus announced plans to offer virtual experiences and previews of trips for travellers to travel agencies with its ‘Triportation’ program. This innovative development will provide a mix of ‘VR, AI and metaverse’ to enhance the travel experience at critical moments in the booking journey.&nbsp;The use of a VR web portal (Bihor360) was used to successfully promote sustainable tourism in Romania, with positive effects on the awareness, protection and conservation of historical and cultural monuments.&nbsp;We predict that the use of virtual reality and augmented reality (AR) will continue to expand as travellers become increasingly familiar and reliant on this type of technology during the travel booking process. This includes utilising it to inspire them at the initial “dreaming” stage all the way through to their departure.&nbsp;So there you have it! These are just a few of the ways that travel technology is being integrated into the hospitality industry, whether that’s with a customer-centric approach, or with initiatives designed to improve the sustainability of hotel facilities, or even to train members of the hotel team to better serve their guests.&nbsp;&nbsp;At every level of the travel and hospitality industry technology is being recognised far and above its efficiency-increasing capabilities, and is becoming a crucial component of any business. At Hotelbeds, this integration of technology is something we hold as one of our central pillars, from the TravelTech Lab by Hotelbeds to the wealth of data we collect and use to offer our partners informed, market-relevant insights to improve their business.&nbsp;Sign up today to join the ranks of hotels around the world benefitting from our global network of travel distributors, responsible distribution and data-driven growth strategies.&nbsp;Log in today to begin maximising your exposure with our global network of travel distributors, and grow your revenue!

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How Hoteliers can Cater for Travel Trends: Travel Tech/AI 

Responses to the economic and global challenges of the last few years have changed how businesses interact with and adopt technology, for the long haul. A recent study by McKinsey &amp; Company suggests that companies across all sectors and industries have dramatically accelerated the digitisation of their customer and supply chain interactions - some by as much as three or four years. The adoption of digitally enabled products has accelerated by seven years - and in the case of Asia, as much as ten years.&nbsp;There is a narrative shift occurring within many industries, where technology is not only recognised for its ability to offer cost efficient ways of working; but is recognised as a critical component of a business itself. Of course, the increase of technological solutions or advantages is not news - but what is illuminating is the weight being placed on technology to cater for demand, to replace outdated modes of communication with customers and curate more efficient, personalised experiences for consumers.&nbsp;Many of the changes we’re seeing in usage of digital products are likely here for the long term, including:&nbsp;Changing customer demands or expectations - such as, for example, increasing online communication/purchasingIncreasing migration of cloud-based assetsIncreasing use of advanced technologies within business operations - such as artificial intelligence, automation and analytics.&nbsp;So, in relation to the travel industry, this becomes an increasingly interesting and important question of how can travel providers ensure they’re meeting the needs of customers in a digital landscape? And also, what are some of the ways that advanced technology is already shaping interactions between travellevers and travel distributors?&nbsp;Data Usage To Create Personalised ExperiencesPersonalisation is one of the key consumer trends that all industries are seeing, not just travel, and it’s something that will continue to shape the considerations of travel providers globally. Especially given that, according to Google, 57% of US travellers think that brands and service providers should tailor the information provided based on personal preferences and past behaviours - and that was several years ago. Now, personalisation and using customer data and analytics to do so is critical.&nbsp;&nbsp;Customer data means there is more opportunity to personalise travel experiences, plus, and provide a more rounded, connected experience for the customer. In fact, 13% of all attendees at our 2023 MarketHub Americas event suggested that they were planning on offering more personalised services, with 11% planning to create and use more data to do so.&nbsp;By collecting customer data and combining this with powerful tools like predictive analytics, travel distributors and travel tech companies can better predict customer behaviour, trends in the market, and keep ahead in this fast-paced industry.&nbsp;McKinsey &amp; Company also suggest that brands will increasingly use ‘ecosystems’ to personalise journeys from beginning to end - meaning that personalisation for customers won’t stop when they arrive in their destination or at their hotel, but continue in partnering ecosystems which include the restaurants they eat in, the bars and clubs and shops they visit during their stay. Doing so requires customer data, to build out these ecosystems using past behaviours and customer preferences, to build an infrastructure of travel providers which is connected enough to offer wide-reaching customer service, which even includes their in-destination experiences!&nbsp;This focus on analytics within tourism is something that we at Hotelbeds are dedicating our energy to. The customer data available through the distribution of activities within our global network, for example, allows our partners to obtain additional information about customers and as our CEO Nicolas Huss explained at our MarketHub Europe event, ‘by knowing who they [customers] are, it is easier to meet their needs.’&nbsp;&nbsp;Insights&nbsp;is an ideal example of how we at Hotelbeds utilise customer data, but delivered in an anonymised, market-centric way, to provide key insights and allowing our partners to:Identify growth opportunities and market-specific booking patternsmarket.&nbsp;Save, anchor or discard recommendations to better influence our intelligent system.Create personalised marketing materials to capture client interest and increase the likelihood of booking.&nbsp;Using market-based data in this way, and combined with technology that enables our partners to meet customer preferences and learn from those, is one of the ways that we at Hotelbeds are working to maximise on the opportunities that using customer data offers without compromising on client experience or personal data security.Sign up today to join our global network of travel distributors dedicated to taking the industry further! Get access to key insights, a vast portfolio of properties, and intuitive travel platforms offering you those chances for all-important personalisation.Green Technology&nbsp;As much as 8% of global CO2 emissions are produced nowadays by activities in the Tourism sector (transportation, construction, catering, services, land promotion activities, etc.); while UNWTO suggests that around 2% of this is directly produced by the hospitality industry. Recent insight from CBRE indicated the urgency for hospitality and leisure establishments to reduce carbon footprints compared to other real estate classifications, with hotel carbon emissions at 96kgCO2e/m².&nbsp;And although there has been tangible progress to reduce carbon footprints in order to meet the terms of the globally recognised Paris Agreement, there is still much work that can be done not only to ensure the development of their business, but to keep in line with the fact that sustainability is now, by necessity, a guiding principle of the travel industry.&nbsp;Here are just a few examples of sustainable technology which hotels around the world are adopting:&nbsp;Operational systems:&nbsp;such as Energy Management Systems (EMS), Guest Room Management Systems (GRMS), Property Management Systems (PMS), and Building Management Systems (BMS).&nbsp;Online check-in and automated ticket management for guest requests.Digitised communications and collaboration technology:&nbsp;for shareholders, corporate communications and even for guests, to reduce the carbon footprint that comes with printed or physical resources.Renewable sources of energy:&nbsp;solar or photovoltaic,&nbsp;to lower the impact of high-consumption services like air conditioning.Artificial Intelligence and software solutions: to reduce food wastage, by tracking food production and inventory, as demonstrated by the innovative partnership between The Iberostar Group and Winnows AI to become carbon neutral.Why Is Sustainable Technology Important?&nbsp;As we explored in our discussion about the traveller of tomorrow, one of the most valuable and influential traveller profiles for the travel industry as a whole is Gen Z. The move towards sustainable travel is loudly supported by Gen Z most notably; though Millennial travellers also suggest that the ecological impact of transport, accommodation and activities is influential on their travel booking decisions. According to Google Insights, over half of surveyed travellers suggested that environmental and sustainable considerations were essential to them when planning travel.&nbsp;&nbsp;And after all, the guests of the future will be Gen Z and Gen Alpha (the children of Millennial families) and considering their status as the ‘voice of sustainability’, so catering for the values and preferences of this vast travel segment is critical for a hotel to remain relevant and successful, and for the industry as a whole.VR As A Marketing ToolVirtual Reality (VR) offers travel providers and travel sellers all over the world to build a sensory experience of a destination, attraction, or activity, which can then be used to ‘complement, or supplant traditional promotional tools’, much like printed travel brochures for example.&nbsp;&nbsp;Similarly to the ways that VR saw such significant success during COVID-19 as a result of its immersive nature, which allowed users to experience new destinations or take virtual tours of attractions around the world from the comfort of their home, VR allows potential travellers to make a more connected judgement of a new destination, hotel or tourism experience. It offers them a chance to more intrinsically understand what will be offered to them, and therefore influence the decision making process and make interested travellers more likely to book.&nbsp;Some real life examples of successful VR marketing include:&nbsp;Unveiled at Fitur 2023, Amadeus announced plans to offer virtual experiences and previews of trips for travellers to travel agencies with its ‘Triportation’ program. This innovative development will provide a mix of ‘VR, AI and metaverse’ to enhance the travel experience at critical moments in the booking journey.The use of a VR web portal (Bihor360) was used to successfully promote sustainable tourism in Romania, with positive effects on the awareness, protection and conservation of historical and cultural monuments.&nbsp;We anticipate that the use of virtual reality and augmented reality (AR) will only grow as travellers become more acquainted and expectant of this sort of technology throughout the travel booking process, from inspiring them at the ‘dreaming’ stage through to when they jet off.Customer-Centric Artificial Intelligence&nbsp;As the demand for travel continues to expand, and customers of all demographics are more expectant of digital processes in their daily lives, travel providers must dramatically rethink how they’re ensuring customer satisfaction.&nbsp;Of course, artificial intelligence itself has existed for many years, but it is only recently being integrated into businesses at a higher rate. And while the use of machine learning and AI does present some logistical challenges, the potential of this type of tech cannot be ignored. However the hospitality industry in particular needs to ensure that there is a careful balance between the ease and efficiency of automation, and the need to deliver unique, personalised experiences for today’s traveller.&nbsp;The most promise in this realm lies with features like intelligent Chatbots - which use natural language processing (NLP) to accurately respond and engage with users.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chatbots allow businesses to cater to a wide range of customer requests from pre-booking enquiries to post-booking assistance. And considering that, as suggested by research from Meta, around seven out of ten customers feel ‘closer’ to businesses that offer messaging options, and 65% consumers prefer contacting businesses via chat.&nbsp;&nbsp;From pre-booking enquiries to post-booking assistance, Chatbots offer:A direct channel of communication from customer to business, simplifying the way that customers used to contact travel providers in the past.&nbsp;Seamless customer service - when implemented correctly.The ability to gather crucial data - allowing businesses to learn about their customer needs to better meet them.&nbsp;Our CEO Nicolas Huss, suggests that technology like chatbots allows travel distributors to ‘provide an elevated personalised experience by remembering preferences and automatically implementing them each time an individual books their next trip.’Sign up today to join our vast global network of travel distributors!&nbsp;VR and AR Experiences For TravellersFrom immersive galleries, museums and exhibitions from the likes of techLab, with locations all over the world, the to mixed reality playgrounds of technology-driven installations from companies like Meow Wolf in the USA, and VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) games from Gamebox in London, the way that travellers engage with technology in-destination is changing. AR is fast becoming easily accessible in major destinations globally, and even theme parks like Super Nintendo World are bringing guests a wide range of immersive activities, rides and exploration spaces.&nbsp;But what is emerging is a whole new way for travellers to discover their destinations of choice, with app-based VR and AR experiences paving the way for a whole new realm of tourism where travellers’ experiences are enriched with interactive technology.&nbsp;For example, in Japan Kumamon Land is the result of a collaboration between Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture and a leading tech-organisation and marketing agency, to offer an app-based metaverse space where users can explore a virtual landscape inspired by the real-life destination of Kumamoto. Meanwhile Singapore’s National Heritage Board released BALIKSG, an augmented reality trail app that offers immersive trail routes where travellers can discover the country’s history through the use of augmented reality. Qatar Airways also recently launched Qverse, which is an immersive experience offering travellers the chance to navigate the Hamad International Airport, check in, and even interact with ‘Sama’ - a MetaHuman cabin crew!&nbsp;These explorations into all-new travel tech challenge the previously separate worlds of virtual and augmented reality and travel, breaking down boundaries within the travel experience.&nbsp;Smart Hotel TechnologyFrom mobile check-in and smart room technology to new tech partnerships that cater to the everyday needs of travellers, many hotels are broadening their horizons in terms of the facilities on offer for increasingly digital-product expectant travellers.&nbsp;&nbsp;A smart hotel can be defined by its ability to offer customers the ability to operate devices and services through either Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR) or digital connectivity. This could include smart room technology such as voice control, energy efficiency, facial recognition and automation. In-room technology could also be controlled by apps and mobile devices, such as guests adjusting air temperature, lighting and air conditioning through app-based platforms or smart metres.&nbsp;Smart hotel technology is also a crucial development for the advancement of customer experience, as the appropriate collection of customer data during a stay, processed via AI machine learning, could help hotels learn more about customer preferences and curate an even more bespoke experience. Even investing in cloud-based technologies could simplify operations, reduce staffing needs, and provide a better guest experience.&nbsp;To further help create a frictionless experience for the traveller we have also recently partnered with Wayra, an open innovation centre within telecom company Telefonica, to create the TravelTech Lab by Hotelbeds, an initiative which supports tech startups and actively change the way that tomorrow's travellers move, connect and explore. This collaboration allows us to innovate with start-up partners to deliver customer-centric experiences through the creation of products, platforms and services that have a high impact in the world of travel.&nbsp;&nbsp;What are some other real-life examples of tech partnerships within the hotel industry?Marriott International recently partnered with Groups360 to streamline the process of booking rooms, meeting spaces and events for its corporate guests.The Maho Group, offering hotels and resorts in the Caribbean, is working with Cendyn to power its CRM, revenue management and business intelligence, offering personalised experiences to encourage customer loyalty by tracking individual guests’ preferences.IHG Hotel and Resorts partnered with PPDS to offer Chromecast in select locations, providing guests with the ability to stream content from their smart devices.Hilton also recently partnered with Amadeus’s distribution system, to better share valuable information to scale operations more effectively.&nbsp;The benefit of a diverse distribution strategy also cannot be overstated when it comes to increasing exposure and relevance within the travel space - especially the high-value B2B marketplace. And with a global portfolio of 250,000 properties in 170+ countries worldwide, at Hotelbeds we’re in a prime position to take your travel distribution even further.&nbsp;Sign up today to take your travel distribution even further with our leading insights, technology solutions and global portfolio.Log in today to take advantage of our leading insights, technology solutions and global portfolio.&nbsp;

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How to Cater for Travel Trends: Travel Tech/AI

Within any sphere of travel it’s important to understand where audiences are looking to go, what they want from their experience, and how their needs are changing.&nbsp;&nbsp;To keep ahead of the curve, as hotel owners it’s important to re-evaluate what was once considered ‘luxury’ travel, as many of todays’ travellers are moving away from purely exclusive resorts and disconnected retreats. And despite the fact that many countries are experiencing financial crises, the demand for luxury travel is anticipated to be ‘higher than ever’ in the next five years.&nbsp;What Luxury Travellers Want In 2023Here are just a couple of key insights into what luxury travellers are looking for from their trips include:&nbsp;&nbsp;Clients want to ‘get under the skin’ of a destination&nbsp;&nbsp;An increasing focus on exploring hidden gems, activities, and neighbourhoods - what GlobeTrender calls ‘Gamma Destinations’&nbsp;With this in mind, we take a closer look at some of the most notable current and upcoming trends within the luxury travel sphere, what opportunities these present for hotel owners, and how Hotelbeds are ideally positioned to offer hotels access to travellers within this segment.&nbsp;More Conscious LuxuryGiven that one of the prerequisites of luxury travel is a closer, ‘exclusive’ look at a destination of choice, there are many overlapping similarities between luxury travel and conscious travel. This intersect can be more clearly seen when we look at a few aspects of the ‘hierarchy of needs of the luxury traveller’:&nbsp;Indulgent Experience (meets/exceeds)&nbsp;Authentic Experience (cultural, not mass travel)&nbsp;This narrative shift towards conscious travel, where authenticity is becoming more highly priced than ‘pan-global luxury’ is apparent across the travel industry as a whole, however with regards to luxury travel and what travellers are looking for from their experience, there are key considerations for the hospitality industry - particularly, the need for green initiatives.&nbsp;Mostly, the importance of offering sustainable accommodation for consciously minded luxury travellers is never more apparent, in order to remain relevant within a market whose definition is rapidly changing.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), at Hotelbeds we understand how critical it is not only for hotel owners to remain successful, but for the industry as a whole to shift towards conscious travel. Our Green Hotel Programme and Plastic-Free initiative are just two of the ways that we’re responding to the very real demand from environmentally conscious travellers, offering simple and effective tools for our travel trade clients to not only make green choices in how they’re selling experiences and hotels to end travellers, but to make positive change within the industry.&nbsp;Sign up to connect with our network of thousands of travel distributors to help attract the right guest at the right time today.&nbsp;The Re-Emergence of China&nbsp;Even though it will take time for China to be fully reinstated into the world travel market, the growing wealth across the region is a promising sign for outbound travel growth. According to Oxford Economics, there is potential for outbound travel to reach 48% of 2019 levels in 2023, which means roughly 17 million additional Chinese travellers will be exploring both international and domestic travel markets.&nbsp;The reopening of China's tourism industry presents a wonderful opportunity for the growth of luxury travel. With the affluent demographics of Asia showing a strong demand for this style of travel, we can expect a massive outbound source market to emerge in the next few years.&nbsp;As a global travel partner with a vast network of travel distributors, as well as valuable ancillaries for end travellers to enrich their trips, we’re ideally positioned to not only increase the visibility of our partners’ hotel(s) through a non-competing distribution channel, but also to a group of guests who:&nbsp;&nbsp;Have longer lead-times than other distribution channels.&nbsp;Cancel less often - for example, the cancellation rate for European hotels during FY22 was 31% when booked through our distribution channel, compared to the 65.5% seen in OTA bookings.&nbsp;Largely belong to long-haul markets&nbsp;We offer all our clients access to fast-growing travel segments even in the most hard-to-reach spaces, while our cloud-based technology platforms provide fast, simple access to a network of global travel products to curate your clients’ bespoke travel plans. Put simply, working with us at Hotelbeds puts you in the right position to access some of the most valuable travel segments out there.&nbsp;Sign up today to become one of our dedicated hotelier partners.Log in to your account today and begin managing your hotel offerings.&nbsp;Pay Attention To Generation Alpha&nbsp;A recent study from Globetrender highlighted this trend, revealing that these families are not afraid to spend big and travel far. The study also predicted a substantial hike in family trips, estimating an increase of 185% between 2021 and 2022, which we anticipate will carry over far and beyond 2023. As we look ahead to the next few years, it is safe to assume that luxury travel will see a sharp and sustained increase, particularly among wealthy families.&nbsp;And as a passive but young demographic, Gen Alpha is reliant on their Millennial parents to spend for them, which means:&nbsp;&nbsp;Millennial travellers will be looking to accommodate their children - an increasingly influential and young demographic accustomed to regular travel and the digital era.&nbsp;Luxury travel and luxury familial experiences may change as a result - from the rise of parent-child bonding trips to the increase in long-haul adventure trips, the way that luxury families go on holiday is changing.&nbsp;It's essential to recognize the changing face of the modern family and adapt your offerings accordingly. For instance, in the UK, many families are led by single parents, around 90% of which are women. So, it's vital to question your preconceived notions about family travel and make sure your offerings meet the diverse needs of today's travellers. But what is clear is that there is no better time to cater for the elite and their younger generations.&nbsp;‘Premium’ Travel As One To Watch‘Premium’ travel has many names, but this segment can mostly be identified by where travellers sit on the plane - namely, those at the front. And while the premium segment may not be quite the same as luxury, the motivations, needs and travel styles are in a similar vein, so travel distributors would be remiss to discredit the growing opportunity that premium travellers present. Travel analytics companies like Forward Keys, in fact, have outlined premium travel as one to watch.&nbsp;Recent insights suggest that the premium travel segment is recovering much faster than the economy segment in relation to 2019 levels. Interestingly, premium travellers also:&nbsp;Travel more regularly than economy travellers&nbsp;Spend more than average once in their destination of choice&nbsp;Stay for longer durations in their chosen destinations each time&nbsp;&nbsp;In fact, at the end of 2022, premium segment travellers in America had stayed 14% longer compared to 2019 levels, with particular growth within small groups and families.&nbsp;&nbsp;What opportunities does this present for hoteliers?This is a rapidly growing segment of travellers who are willing to spend more in-destination, stay longer, and travel more frequently than those in the economy segment. So this means that recovery, in terms of revenue, is happening faster than visitor numbers, which is great news for host destinations and also great news for hotel owners looking to make the most of a high-spend, high-frequency traveller.&nbsp;The Rise of High-Impact ConservationAs suggested in our article detailing some of the top travel trends for 2023, high-impact conservation remains another exciting opportunity within the luxury travel segment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pelorus, a provider of luxury trips, noted that many high net-worth travellers are no longer impressed by the type of excess that ‘luxury travel’ used to once mean, and that luxury is becoming more about the privilege of contributing to preserving and protecting the world’s environments. From spending time with marine biologists to joining conservationist efforts in Africa, the ultra-wealthy are beginning to fund experiences that make a tangible difference to the climate crisis, and capitalising on this type of traveller could lead to a huge uplift in your success as a hotel owner.&nbsp;Partnering with in-destination organisations who offer a deeper experience than more ‘tokenistic’ give back schemes can be a key step for hotel owners looking to capture the interest of high-net worth clients looking to make a real difference. It’s critical to ensure that any partnerships offer tangible, real value to local communities and environments, in order to attract the calibre of luxury traveller looking to make an actual difference during their experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luxury Wellness TourismCNTraveller suggests that ‘mindful movement is the new buzzword’ when it comes to luxury wellness as one of the top travel trends for 2023 and beyond, and we’re inclined to agree - though mindful movement is certainly not new as a concept! From hypnotherapy and nutritional assessments to astrology, forest bathing or sound baths, the concept of holistic wellness as a mainstream driver for travel has deserved a place on the radar since 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;Marketing wellness experiences is therefore becoming a key factor in many luxury hotels’ strategies, and our Star Collection Programme offers the perfect platform to maximise visibility to the right guest, as part of our dedicated marketing solutions for hotels - available exclusively to our hotel partners!&nbsp;&nbsp;In order to remain relevant and keep up with demand, many hotels and hotel chains around the world have had to increase their wellness offerings by incorporating innovative, attractive experiences and facilities into their properties. In fact, some hotels are taking this one step further, incorporating high-tech medicine into wellness regimes and pushing the boundaries of what ‘wellness’ means - from hotels offering traditional Chinese medicines featuring nutrigenomics (the relationship between between diet and genes); on-site assessments that curate bespoke stress-relieving activities; or even offering clients treatments believed to increase ‘health span’ including stem-cell therapy, DNA analysis and customised immune-boosting.&nbsp;In fact, at Hotelbeds we have seen a significant increase in luxury bookings with many destinations experiencing growth exceeding 50% in the last couple of years as more travellers than ever prioritise mind and body wellness, and preventative care. This prompted an incredible opportunity to expand our portfolio with The Leading Hotels of the World Alliance, offering even greater access to the luxury travel segment and building our existing ability to connect luxury travellers with the right hotels and experiences.&nbsp;Sign up to become a dedicated hotel partner today, and maximise your occupancy.Log in to manage your properties and maximise your occupancy.