Travel Trends & Insights for Hoteliers in 2024: Tips to Stay Ahead

As we approach 2025, the travel industry continues to see shifts in traveler preferences and booking behaviors. Understanding these trends is essential for hoteliers looking to stay competitive and drive revenue. In this newsletter we will take a closer look at the biggest changes in the travel trends and how you can laverage them for your hotel's success.

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1. Global Increase in Travel Searches

According to Expedia’s latest report, there’s been a 21% increase in global travel searches this quarter, on top of last year’s growth. The tourism sector is set to surpass pre-pandemic international arrivals, with projections indicating a 17.23% rise in 2024.

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This year, some unexpected destinations have seen a huge spike in popularity, with Albania taking the top spot. Searches for Albania have shot up by an impressive 117% compared to last year!

Other destinations catching travelers' attention include:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina: up 126% (12,000 additional searches)
• Chile: up 96% (14,000 more searches)
• Algeria: up 88% (10,000 extra searches)
• Montenegro: up 83% (reaching a total of 100,000 searches)

It’s clear that travelers are now seeking out these hidden gems for unique and budget-friendly experiences beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

What Hoteliers Can Do:

Capitalize on this trend by targeting travelers exploring new hotspots like Albania and Montenegro. Tailor your marketing to highlight your property's proximity to these trending locations.

Target Domestic Travelers: You can focus on domestic tourists If your property isn't located in a trending destination. Offer staycation packages, nature experiences, and special deals. This aligns with the ongoing travel industry trends favoring local getaways in 2024.

Leveraging Google Trends for Local Optimization

Not every property is located near trending global destinations, but you can still tap into local demand by using Google Trends. This tool helps identify regional travel interests and seasonal peaks.

How to Use It (full guide on our website):

1. Spot Local Demand: Use Google Trends to identify what travelers are searching for in your area. Enter relevant keywords (e.g., “romantic hotels in Tuscany”) and check for seasonal peaks to align your offerings with rising demand.
2. Capitalize on Seasonal and Event Demand: Look for search spikes around local events or holidays. Adjust your packages and pricing to match these trends, such as offering last-minute deals if searches surge in December.
3. Optimize Your Marketing: Incorporate trending keywords into your SEO strategy across OTAs, websites, and social media. For example, if “wellness retreats” are popular, highlight your spa services to attract interest. Keep your content fresh and aligned with the latest trends.

Did you know Booster? automates research to help you stay ahead of travel industry trends. This smart algorithm analyzes data from OTAs like Booking.com. Thanks to data-analysis it can identify the factors that boost your listing’s search ranking. By adjusting these parameters, Booster? helps your property climb to the top, resulting in more bookings and higher revenue.

2. Embracing Last-Minute Bookings

The trend towards spontaneity is growing, with a 15% increase in searches for trips within a 0-30 day window. This shift is fueled by flexible work arrangements and a desire for impromptu getaways.

Actionable Tips:

• Offer last-minute promotions to attract these spontaneous bookers.
• Implement flexible cancellation policies to boost your conversion rate. This flexibility can increase bookings by up to 20%.

3. Focus on Event-Driven Travel

2024 is set to see increased travel linked to major events like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and the EuroCup in Germany. Expedia reports a 60% rise in searches during event periods.

What Hoteliers Can Do:

• Adjust pricing dynamically around major events to capture demand.
• Create event packages that include extras like transportation or early check-in.
• Highlight your property’s proximity to event venues to attract attendees.

Conclusion

The travel trends for 2024 point towards increased spontaneity, regional exploration, and event-driven travel. By leveraging these insights, hoteliers can better align their strategies to capture demand, boost bookings, and enhance revenue.

Want to optimize your listings and maximize bookings? Book a call with Otamiser today to learn how we can help you stay ahead of the competition.