Travelers want more than a comfortable room and scenic view. They crave experiential travel, which focuses on unique, memorable experiences that connect them with a destination’s culture, history and local way of life.
Experiential travel, also known as immersive travel, goes beyond sightseeing and traditional tourist attractions. It's about immersive experiences that allow guests to truly connect with a place.
This could involve:
Experiential travel can cater to various interests, from food and wine lovers to history buffs and adrenaline junkies. The key is to offer authentic experiences that reflect the unique character of your locale.
Is experiential travel really all that different from other forms?
Here’s how it differs from traditional tourism:
75% of travelers prioritize experiences over material possessions when making travel decisions. This shift in travel preferences presents a significant opportunity to differentiate your hotel and attract guests seeking experiential exploring.
Give guests the one-of-a-kind experiences they crave by checking out the immersion travel trends below.
Experiences that offer a deep dive into the local community and way of life.
Experiences that minimize environmental impact and support local conservation efforts.
Experiences that promote physical and mental well-being.
Experiencing a destination through its food culture.
Crafting experiences tailored to individual guest interests and preferences.
Experiential travel doesn’t just benefit guests. By incorporating immersion travel options, your hotel can reap several benefits:
How can you leverage the experiential travel trend to attract guests and boost loyalty? Use these tips to turn guests’ stays into an experience they will never forget.
Collaborate with local guides, restaurants and artisans to offer unique experiences. For instance, you might work with a nearby winery to provide exclusive tasting sessions for your guests or team up with a local artist for in-hotel workshops.
These partnerships not only enrich your guests' stay but also strengthen your connection with the community.
Create custom packages that showcase your destination's unique offerings. This could include a “Taste of the Town” package featuring a guided food tour of local eateries or an “Adventure Awaits” package with curated outdoor activities like guided hikes or kayaking trips.
Signature upsells give guests something memorable and unique they can’t find elsewhere and increase your hotel’s revenue.
Implement a hospitality management system like Canary Technologies to streamline operations, manage bookings and personalize guest communication for experiential offerings.
This technology allows you to tailor experiences to individual guest preferences, offer seamless booking for local tours or activities and send tailored recommendations before, during and after their stay.
Train your staff to be local experts who can recommend authentic experiences. Equip them with knowledge about the best-hidden spots, from off-the-beaten-path attractions to local dining favorites.
Encourage them to engage with guests about their interests and suggest personalized activities that will enhance their stay.
Showcase your experiential offerings across your website, social media channels and booking platforms. Highlight unique experiences with captivating visuals and detailed descriptions, and share guest testimonials to build credibility.
Consider creating video content that gives potential guests a taste of what they can expect when they book with you.
By embracing experiential travel, hotels can transform ordinary stays into extraordinary adventures. With careful planning and execution, you can create unforgettable experiences that not only delight guests but also drive significant revenue and foster long-lasting loyalty. Remember, it's not just about offering activities; it's about crafting authentic connections between travelers and your destination.
Everything you need to perfect the guest journey, boost revenue, and automate processes….
