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The pandemic has impacted travelers' concerns, with health, safety, and flexibility becoming increasingly important. Furthermore, staycations, sustainable travel, and road trips have become increasingly popular. We can see a clear difference between travelers' concerns before and during the pandemic. If accommodation managers are aware of these changes and provide additional, albeit simple, essential amenities, it will yield positive and long-term benefits.
Here are some ways that accommodation businesses can attract more new guests in 2021 and the years to come.
"Workcation" - More than just Wi-Fi and workspace
Workplace flexibility is increasingly important as remote workers seek to escape the confines of working from home. Contrary to popular belief, a good Wi-Fi connection alone isn't enough to attract "digital nomads," who seek comfortable accommodations for extended work trips or remote work. Beyond providing a stable internet connection and a private workspace, accommodations offering home-like amenities for "workcation" travelers are incredibly helpful, such as fully equipped kitchens, coffee makers for self-catering, in-room breakfasts, and various entertainment options.
Gym facilities in the room.
Maintaining good fitness is arguably a top priority for many after the pandemic, and many want to continue their exercise routines even while traveling. Therefore, providing simple exercise equipment like yoga mats, jump ropes, or small dumbbells in rooms or as part of a health-safe hotel service can make an accommodation stand out to health-conscious travelers.
Check-in from afar, but not from the heart.
While social distancing remains a priority when traveling, minimizing contact during check-in is essential. However, providing a warm and welcoming experience for guests is still crucial to ensuring they feel comfortable and at home.
While travelers expect accommodations to maintain safety measures, they don't want to feel like strangers or unwelcome. If accommodations prioritize safety while proactively assisting guests with local knowledge, or leaving handwritten notes and small gifts to welcome them upon arrival, it can create more personalized and memorable experiences.
Sustainable experience
Recent research from Booking.com shows that the slowdown in global travel has led 88% of Vietnamese travelers to prioritize sustainable travel in the future. Furthermore, 100% of Vietnamese travelers are eager to stay in sustainable accommodation at least once after the pandemic. As sustainable travel becomes an increasingly top priority for Vietnamese travelers, accommodations that implement sustainable practices will help satisfy travelers in their accommodation choices.
In fact, it's not necessary to invest heavily in implementing sustainable measures; simply taking small steps can help achieve larger environmental goals. Policies such as eliminating single-use plastic waste from plastic water bottles or plastic shower gel and personal hygiene products are extremely simple actions to minimize environmental impact.
Booking.com is also encouraging its accommodation partners to regularly update their sustainability information on the website, including 32 impactful activities across five categories: waste, energy, greenhouse gases, water, supporting local communities, and environmental protection.
Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular to meet health and safety needs. It's a factor that can make a significant difference between an ordinary experience and one that exceeds expectations. For example, voice-assisted technology can provide a service experience as if you had a personal butler who is customizable and always responsive to your needs.
Meanwhile, smart lighting systems can help customers automate lighting modes or control them remotely, eliminating the need for wall switches. Beyond enhancing customer trust, investing in smart technology also benefits hospitality business managers by reducing heating and cooling operating costs by up to 23%, or using key card systems to save on labor costs.
Experience the local cuisine.
Travelers often have high expectations for enjoying local cuisine when they travel, with 53% of Vietnamese travelers surveyed recently by Booking.com saying they enjoy sampling local specialties while traveling. Therefore, accommodation partners need to offer more thoughtful services than just beds and breakfast, such as creating food guides with recommendations for nearby restaurants/eateries.
Furthermore, providing information about food delivery or takeout services will help guests avoid the hassle of searching for them. In addition, establishing partnerships with the local community can be a commendable gesture, as they may offer authentic dishes at discounted prices to guests.
Easy access to accurate information
In a world saturated with information, easy access to accurate and relevant information is a valuable asset. The latest news has become even more crucial during a pandemic, as destination and travel information is constantly being updated. Therefore, providing up-to-date and accurate information on local guidelines is essential to building trust with travelers and helping them make the best choices during their stay.
Furthermore, providing the latest updates on nearby attractions such as parks and tourist spots, including whether they are open or have any safety requirements, is crucial. Additionally, disseminating information about safety and health restrictions at the destination and accommodation can help gain the trust of guests.
