How Hotels Can Unite to Boost Demand for Overnight Stays

Hotels often view the demand for overnight accommodation as a constant factor they cannot change. The purpose of travel to a particular destination determines the demand for hotel rooms, so the appeal of the destination is crucial for the success of hotels. Despite this common knowledge, hotels are reluctant to take action to influence travel purposes. Instead of each hotel focusing on capturing as much of the market as possible by luring guests away from competing hotels, hotels should work together to enhance the appeal of traveling to the destination.

This blog post will explore ten ways hotels can collaborate to increase the overall demand for overnight accommodation. By working together and leveraging various strategies, hotels can significantly boost the attractiveness of their destination, benefiting both the hospitality industry and the local economy.

Increasing Overall Demand for Overnight Stays in a Destination

Enhancing the overall demand for a destination is crucial for long-term growth and sustainability. Here are ten strategies for increasing the overall demand for overnight stays in a destination.

1. Collaboration with Local Tourism Boards

Destination Marketing Campaigns: Partnering with local tourism boards to create compelling marketing campaigns that promote the destination to a broader audience. Highlighting unique attractions, cultural heritage, and special events can attract new visitors.

Travel Trade Shows and Expos: Participating in international travel trade shows and expos to showcase the destination and attract tour operators and travel agents to include the destination in their packages.

2. Hosting and Sponsoring Events

Large-Scale Events: Collaborating to bring large-scale events such as international conferences, sports events, music festivals, and cultural festivals to the destination. These events can significantly increase the number of visitors. Here are a few examples:

United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP)

COP is an annual conference where the parties to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) meet to review progress in dealing with climate change. Each year, a different country hosts COP. Hosting COP significantly boosts hotel occupancy and room rates, increasing revenue and enhancing global visibility for the host city's hospitality sector.

FIFA World Cup

The world’s most widely viewed and followed sporting event, held every four years, featuring national soccer teams worldwide. It generates a massive tourism influx, with fans traveling around the globe, significantly increasing demand for accommodations and related services in the host country (e.g., Qatar 2022, USA/Canada/Mexico 2026).

3. Annual Festivals

Annual Festivals: All destinations can develop annual festivals or events that become well-known and attract repeat visitors year after year. Annual events unique to the location are hard to copy and will drive travelers to a specific destination. Here are three examples:

Oktoberfest - Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival annually in Munich, Bavaria. It typically runs from late September to the first weekend in October. The festival features traditional Bavarian music, cuisine, and various beers. Visitors also enjoy parades, carnival rides, and cultural events. Oktoberfest attracts millions of visitors worldwide each year, resulting in high demand for accommodations in Munich and the surrounding area.

Carnival - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Rio Carnival is one of the most famous and vibrant festivals globally. It is held before Lent every year and is considered the biggest carnival globally, with two million people daily on the streets. Highlights include samba parades, street parties, and elaborate costumes. The main event is the parade at the Sambadrome, where samba schools compete in dance and music. Rio Carnival draws tourists from all over the globe, filling hotels and generating significant revenue for the local economy.

Cherry Blossom Festival - Japan

The Cherry Blossom Festival, or Hanami, is a traditional Japanese event celebrating the blooming of cherry blossoms. It typically occurs in late March to early April. Visitors engage in picnics under cherry trees, enjoying traditional food and drinks. Primary locations include Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The festival draws visitors worldwide, with many traveling specifically to witness the cherry blossoms, resulting in high demand for hotels and travel services.

4. Developing New Attractions and Activities

Investment in Infrastructure: Investing in new attractions such as theme parks, museums, adventure parks, and cultural centers can create new reasons for travelers to visit.

Enhancing Existing Attractions: Upgrading and improving existing attractions to make them more appealing and visitor-friendly.

5. Creating Tourism Packages

Integrated Packages: Working with local businesses to create integrated tourism packages that include accommodation, meals, transportation, and entry to attractions can make it easier for travelers to choose a destination.

Thematic Routes: Developing thematic routes or trails (e.g., wine tours, historical trails, culinary tours) that offer unique and structured experiences for visitors.

Read about the remaining five strategies here: https://www.demandcalendar.com/blog/how-hotels-can-unite-to-boost-demand-for-overnight-stays