Understanding Your Guests: What Today’s Travelers Are Looking For

The travel landscape is constantly evolving, with today’s guests seeking experiences that go beyond a place to sleep. Modern travellers value convenience, flexibility, and personalisation, and adapting your serviced accommodation to meet these expectations is essential for staying competitive. Whether it’s catering to remote workers or offering unique touches for longer stays, understanding your guests’ preferences can help you provide exceptional experiences and boost your occupancy rates. Here’s what you need to know about today’s travellers and how to meet their needs.

1. The Rise of Remote Work and Digital Nomadism

Remote work has become a defining trend in recent years, and many travellers now blend business with leisure, a concept known as "bleisure travel." These digital nomads require accommodations that cater to their professional and personal needs.

What Guests Are Looking For:

• High-Speed Internet: A fast, reliable internet connection is non-negotiable for remote workers.
• Dedicated Workspaces: A comfortable desk and ergonomic chair can make your property more appealing to business travellers.
• Quiet and Privacy: Guests working remotely value properties with minimal distractions and private spaces.

How to Adapt Your Property:

• Offer work-friendly amenities, such as adjustable lighting and charging stations.
• Highlight these features in your property listing to attract remote workers.
• Consider creating a package for long-term stays, offering discounts for guests who book for a month or more.

2. The Demand for Long Stays and Flexible Options

Today’s travellers are increasingly booking longer stays, whether for work relocations, extended vacations, or flexible living arrangements. This shift requires accommodations to offer a home-away-from-home experience.

What Guests Are Looking For:

• Fully Equipped Kitchens: The ability to cook meals is a top priority for long-term guests.
• Laundry Facilities: Access to washing machines and dryers is essential for extended stays.
• Homely Touches: Comfortable furniture, ample storage, and a welcoming design make long-term guests feel at home.

How to Adapt Your Property:

• Invest in practical amenities like a washer-dryer and a fully stocked kitchen.
• Create a cosy, inviting atmosphere with thoughtful decor and personalised touches.
• Offer flexible booking policies to accommodate guests with uncertain schedules.

3. Personalised Experiences and Unique Stays

Modern travellers value unique, memorable experiences that reflect their personal tastes. Cookie-cutter accommodations are becoming less appealing, while properties with character and customisation stand out.

What Guests Are Looking For:

• Unique Design: Properties with a distinctive theme or aesthetic often attract more bookings.
• Local Insights: Guests appreciate recommendations for nearby attractions, restaurants, and activities.
• Customised Stays: Small gestures, like a welcome note or local treats, can leave a lasting impression.

How to Adapt Your Property:

• Incorporate a theme or design elements that align with your location or target audience.
• Provide a guidebook with personalised recommendations for local experiences.
• Offer add-ons like airport transfers or special packages for celebrations.

4. Focus on Sustainability and Wellness

Sustainability and wellness are becoming increasingly important for travellers. Guests are drawn to properties that minimise their environmental impact and support their health and well-being.

What Guests Are Looking For:

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Guests appreciate efforts like recycling, energy-efficient appliances, and reduced single-use plastics.
• Wellness Amenities: Features like yoga mats, air purifiers, or access to green spaces can enhance the guest experience.
• Healthy Options: Providing healthy snacks or highlighting nearby fitness centres can cater to wellness-focused travellers.

How to Adapt Your Property:

• Introduce sustainable practices, such as refillable toiletries and eco-friendly cleaning products.
• Create outdoor spaces or highlight nearby parks and nature trails.
• Include wellness-focused amenities to appeal to health-conscious guests.

5. Seamless Technology and Contactless Solutions

Convenience is a top priority for today’s travellers, and technology plays a significant role in creating seamless experiences. From booking to check-out, tech-savvy solutions can enhance guest satisfaction.

What Guests Are Looking For:

• Easy Booking: A user-friendly website or app simplifies the booking process.
• Contactless Check-In/Out: Digital locks and automated processes reduce friction and enhance safety.
• Smart Home Features: Voice assistants, smart thermostats, and streaming services are appreciated extras.

How to Adapt Your Property:

• Invest in a streamlined booking system and offer multiple payment options.
• Install smart locks to enable contactless check-ins.
• Equip the property with smart technology to enhance convenience and comfort.

Adapting to Meet Modern Travel Needs

Understanding and adapting to the changing preferences of modern travellers is key to thriving in the serviced accommodation market. By catering to trends like remote work, long stays, and personalised experiences, you can ensure your property meets guests’ needs while standing out in a competitive landscape.

At Noki Stays, we specialise in transforming properties into high-performing serviced accommodations that align with today’s travel trends. Let us help you optimise your property to attract modern travellers and achieve maximum profitability.