Each traveler - especially millennials - embark on an online booking journey when they look for accommodation. Is your inn a part of that journey, or are you missing out?
These insightful statistics from the Millennial Traveler Report, released by Future Foundation and Expedia, point us in the direction.
Stage 1 - Dreaming
At this stage, something triggers that desire to travel - and since millennial travelers value experiences over possessions, holidays are right up their alley.
They may be inspired by an upcoming public holiday or a milestone they’d like to celebrate, but 42% of millennials openly admit that they are inspired by their peers’ social media posts.
This is why it’s so important for small accommodation providers to have an online presence, and use social media networks to your advantage.
● Get listed on Google, TripAdvisor, and Yelp.
● Regularly ask guests to give you reviews.
Stage 2 - Planning
At this stage, millennial travelers are planning the elements of their trip itinerary, and doing their research online.
Millennials head to expert opinion websites, review sites, and friends and family to gather information.
This is why small accommodation providers need to be on popular review sites like TripAdvisor to make the cut.
● Make sure your property descriptions, photos and videos on listings are up to date across all websites.
● Make sure that your website is in the best shape it can be, as it’s likely that millennials will come across it in their research.
The Art of Guiding Millennial Travelers to Your Inn