LET'S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 1 - leonardo.com
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 2 04 The Millennial Traveler The Leisure Traveler let’s talk 40 06 Millennial Travelers are Visual Consumers 42 Leisure Travelers are Social Creatures targeting ///////////////////////////////////////////// 08 09 Millennial Travelers are Information Hungry Millennial Travelers are Value Hunters 44 46 Leisure Travelers are Workcationers Leisure Travelers are Multi-Screen Investigattors 10 Millennial Travelers are Technology Addicts 48 Leisure Travelers are Value Seekers Reaching the 12 Millennial Travelers are Social Butterflies 50 Leisure Travelers are Precise Planners Desired Hotel 14 Millennial Travelers are Luxury Indulgers 51 Leisure Travelers are Eager for Experience Customer 15 Millennial Travelers are Truth Seekers Segments ///////////////////////////////////////////// 53 Top Tips for Targeting Leisure Travelers 17 Top Tips for Targeting Millennials Table of Contents 58 The Meetings and Events Traveler ///////////////////////////////////////////// 22 The Business Traveler 60 Meetings & Events Travelers are Aware of the Numbers leonardo.com 24 Business Travelers are Workaholics 62 Meetings & Events Travelers are Big Dreamers 25 Business Travelers are Constantly Connected 64 Meetings & Events Travelers are Schedule Specific 27 Business Travelers are Video Enthusiasts 65 Meetings & Events Travelers are Expecting Ease 29 Business Travelers are Convenience Cravers 67 Meetings & Events Travelers are Tech Savvy 31 Business Travelers are Experience Seekers 33 Business Travelers are Reward Reapers 69 Top Tips for Targeting Meetings and Events Share this eBook 35 Top Tips for Targeting Business Travelers leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 3 Thanks for downloading! To tell a story that impacts travel shoppers, first you must understand what stories resonate with them. Millennials, business John McAuliffe travelers, leisure travelers and event planners are all searching for President the right hotel property, but their requirements are very different. This eBook will help you understand the travel shopping habits and requirements held by the most popular guest segments. Each of the four sections uncovers the characteristics, preferences and behaviors of these groups, backed by reputable data. It also offers practical tips for targeting each segment with your digital marketing and highlights hotels that are doing it well. Share this eBook Armed with this knowledge, you’ll have a deeper understanding of who your target market is, and how to reach them more effectively. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 4 Chapter One the millennial traveler leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 5 The Millennial Traveler The Millennial Generation (Generation Thus, there is a huge potential market Y) has grown up. Born between 1980 to be tapped, but the Millennials have and the early 2000s, this generation is a set of expectations that are vastly one of the largest since the Baby Boom. different than previous generations and According to ComScore, there are 79 understanding them is crucial to telling million Millennials in the US, while only 48 visual stories that resonate with them. million Generation Xers.1 This section will explore the top This generation has now established itself characteristics that define millennial in the workforce, and they are traveling travelers and how you can use visual a lot for work. Worldwide, business stories to target them. travelers age 30 and under are going on trips 4.7 times per year. 30-45 year olds are only going 3.6 times per year.2 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 6 Millennial Travelers are 1 Visual Consumers Millennials live and learn visually. Instagram, a purely visual social network, appeals to Gen Y more than any other age group. YouTube is now the second largest search engine after Google.3 They respond far better to photos and videos than text and consume media quickly and constantly on their computers, tablets and smartphones. leonardo.com 4
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 7 80% of Millennials say they want brands to entertain them. visual content – Edelman 6 IS PROCESSED IN THE BRAIN 60,000x FASTER than text – 3m corporation 5 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 8 Millennial Travelers are 2 Information Hungry In a single month, Millennials spent four full days online on all types of devices. – ComScore 7 Pet Peeves of Millennials: The most important thing 65% 52% that you can offer a Millennial is information. Millennials are uncomfortable making decisions without a lot of Finding missing or unavailable Not finding this information information to support them. When they visit your website, information. quickly and easily. their expectation is that you – The Millennial Impact 8 will provide comprehensive and easy-to-find information. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 9 Millennial Travelers are 3 Value Hunters 65% of Millennials like to compare prices across different sites before purchasing something online. – Scarborough Research 9 One reason for this is their desire for the best rate that can still offer a unique experience. They want to be sure that they’re getting the maximum vacation for their time and their money, and will go to great lengths to find the best deal. On average, a Millennial will check 10.2 sources before booking. – Hotel Interactive 10 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 1 0 Millennial Travelers are 4 Technology Addicts 80% of Millennials sleep next to their phones. – The Millennial Generation Research Review 11 Millennials thrive on technology. A wired world is all they have known and the Internet is their primary The biggest pet peeve of Millennials who source of information, and increasingly the mobile use smartphones was trying to navigate internet. Your website must be optimized for mobile non-mobile friendly sites (76%). technology if you plan to cater – The Millennial Generation Research Review 12 to this demographic. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 11 60% of millennials use their smartphone or over half OF tablet to access travel MILLENNIALS information. SAID THEY WOULD RATHER sense OF – Rosetta 13 GIVE UP THEIR smell THAN THEIR TECHNOLOGY – rosetta 14 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 1 2 Millennial Travelers are 5 Social Butterflies Outgoing Trendy Ambitious Artistic Loud Lively Colorful Foodie Creative Big Spender Independent Fancy Polished Friendly Hipster Connected Social Involved Environmental Active Adaptive According to Pew Research, 89% of people aged 18-29 used social media in 2013.15 Social media is where Millennials are looking for justification for their Confident Successful Bright Charistmatic Charming Cool Stylish purchases. In earlier times, it would have been difficult to find someone else who stayed in a particular hotel and ask about their experiences. With social media, it’s Contemporary Innovative Cutting Edge Modern Intelligent Imaginative Aspiring easier than ever to see travel photos from guests who have stayed at your hotel. Energetic Original Fresh Versatile Sincere Savvy Perceptive leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 1 3 PDATED Americans under 63% S TAY U Percentage of Millennials Who Use Social Media the age of 34 more frequently posted through negative reviews of on bran d s hotels (26%) within the last year, versus 14% of their older works 91% 46% 39% 27% 17% et peers. socia l n – ComScore 18 – Egencia 16 – Ipsos 17 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 1 4 Millennial Travelers are 6 Luxury Indulgers Millennials are predicted to surpass the spending power of Baby Boomers by 2018. Millennials gravitate toward luxury – Oracle.com 20 services. According to Egencia, 42% business travelers aged 18-30 said they would spend more company money on high-end meals, and 37% of the same demographic said they would spend more More than 70% would rather spend company money on room service.19 Other demographics do this at roughly half the money on an experience than on a rate. material item. – Forbes 21 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 1 5 Millennial Travelers are 7 Truth Seekers One of the core values of Millennials is authenticity. 77% consider travel reviews very or somewhat important and to this visual hungry demographic, a photo or video of your hotel is a review.22 8 in 10 Millennials say that user They can smell marketing spin from a mile away. They generated content on company websites want to know what your hotel really looks like and how other somewhat influences what they buy. guests experience it. – Bazzar Voice 23 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 1 6 Of the top purchases Millennials won’t complete without user generated content, HOTELS RANK 3RD AT 39%. – BAZZAR VOICE 23 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 1 7 Chapter Two top tips for targeting millennials leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 1 8 Top Tips for Targeting Millennials Make visuals first and frequent Move your website to a visual-first experience, meaning large, prominent visuals and text that is short and to-the-point. Take every opportunity to provide information in visual formats rather than text. Move to multi-channel marketing Make sure your story is relevant, snackable and compelling everywhere these travelers are finding your hotel from online travel agencies to review sites to social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterst, Vine, Google+. Hotel Rafaello taps in to the largest network of travel websites to reach billions ChicagoRaffaello.com of online travel shoppers on thousands of channels with their visual stories. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 1 9 Sam Houston Hotel on Facecebook Top Tips for Targeting Millennials Tell interesting stories Feature your chef’s signature dish or cocktail on your hotel’s Instagram feed, start a Pinterest board with decorating ideas from your hotel’s interior designer. Social channels offer you the opportunity to get creative, so use your imagination. In addition to posting interesting visual stories on their Facebook timeline, The Sam Houston Hotel also uses multi-media apps to tell stories about their hotel, from the dining options to the fitness center to the current promotions they have running. Optimize, optimize, optimize Optimize your website for all devices so that it is easy to navigate and your visual media loads quickly. Do you offer special promotions to those who book via a mobile device? Mobile-loving Millennials may appreciate the perk. Check out the Marriott Courtyard Chevy Chase’s website (CourtyardChevyChase.com) from your smartphone or tablet to experience the multi-media driven smartphone and tablet versions of their hotel website. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 2 0 Top Tips for Targeting Millennials Be authentic Deliver what you promise in your online storytelling. Instead of trying to guess what Millennial guests are craving, ask them on your social networks. What kind of perks would win them over to your brand? You’d be surprised what an in-room iPhone charger can do to create loyalty from this crowd. Encourage their visual storytelling Guests are some of your most valuable content creators, sharing content and telling stories on your behalf. Don’t be shy about asking them to tag, tweet and pin photos they take during their stay then get their permission to feature some of your favorites on your website. 1888Hotel.com.au leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 2 1 Top Tips for Targeting Millennials Focus on the experience Show the unique experiences that await guests in and around your hotel. You’re offering more than four walls and a bed, express to them what they’ll experience when they stay with you, from where they’ll dine, who will greet them and what there is to do in the neighborhood. Using a dynamic web gallery, Hampton Inn & Suites Austin showcases the “essence of Austin” by featuring art by local artists. HamptonInnAustinTx.com leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 2 2 Chapter Three the business traveler leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 2 3 The Business Traveler Business travel is undeniably a lucrative out as they are behaving more and more The increase in the number of segment for hotels to tap. In 2014, like leisure travelers. unmanaged business travelers presents this demographic is expected to take opportunities for hotels to reach and 461 million trips collectively, and total This is partially due to the fact that more engage them in new ways on new business travel spending is expected to business travelers are unmanaged, or channels. Hotels that shift their digital rise to $289.9 billion representing a 6.6% “going rogue.” This phenomenon occurs marketing to better target these travelers increase over last year.24 when a business traveler goes outside will be rewarded with a bigger piece of of their company travel program and the business travel pie. Reaching this customer segment books their own arrangements through requires hotel marketers to understand the channels of their choosing. With This section will explore some of the who today’s business travelers are, and the increasingly blurred lines between top characteristics that define the what they are looking for when planning business and leisure travelers, many modern business traveler and offer and booking travel. Clocking in at an customers in this segment choose not tips on how you can effectively target average age of 46 years old, business to book through company mandated and engage them. travelers are frequent fliers and glued to channels, but to make their own plans to their smartphones.25 In addition, today’s maintain flexibility. business travelers can be difficult to point leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 2 4 Business Travelers are 1 Workaholics 29 27 Traveling around the world for business may sound prestigious and fun, but those who do it actually work more 28 hours than those who stay in the office. According to PC Housing, business travelers work for 240 more hours per year than the average American worker.26 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 2 5 Business Travelers are 2 Constantly Connected Move over dogs, mobile is man’s new best friend. According to PC Housing, 59% of business travelers said they would feel disoriented, distraught, or lonely without their smartphones for just a week.30 More than half (57%) of business travelers are using their mobile devices as travel information tools before and during travel.31 The bottom line is that business travelers will be staring at a screen more often than not so optimizing for smartphone and tablet website visitors is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 2 6 The average business traveler will check their smartphone 34 times a day. 33 – PC Housing 32 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 2 7 Business Travelers are 3 Video Enthusiasts Viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video compared to 10% when reading it in text. – Insivia 35 Video is an effective way to reach and engage travel shoppers as they research and compare hotels online. Corporate travelers are no exception. In fact, nearly 20% more business travelers watch online travel videos than leisure travelers.34 Due to their busy schedules, business travelers especially crave short, snackable content that gets straight to the point, and video fits the bill. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 2 8 Travel video viewing is on the rise, 36 69% of business travelers watch online travel videos, up 5% from 2012. – Google 2013 Traveler 37 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 2 9 Business Travelers are 4 Convenience Cravers With hectic lifestyles and packed schedules, business travelers crave 64% of business travelers start the travel convenience in every aspect of their travel. They want to be able to find process with online search. and book their hotel quickly using the – Google 2013 Traveler 39 device of their choosing and they want convenience during their stay. A testament to just how much travelers crave convenience, a study revealed that 79% of travelers stated that they will happily exchange personal information about their preferences for a more customized and streamlined experience at a hotel.38 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 3 0 67% of EMPLOYEES save some type of PERSONAL INFORMATION ONLINE TO STREAMLINE THE BOOKING PROCESS. – EGENCIA 40 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 3 1 Business Travelers are 42% of those aged 18 to 30 spend 5 Experience Seekers more company money than their own on pricey meals. – Egencia 42 Today’s business travelers are looking for unique and social experiences at hotels. 35% of business travelers state they are looking for “more boutique-style, more social-type hotels for their travel experience”.41 What’s around the hotel is also important, because when these busy business travelers take a break (especially the Millennial ones) they want to experience the local culture, dining and attractions. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 3 2 Location matters over everything when business travelers book hotels, with travelers most frequently citing it as the most important feature. – Egencia 43 72% of business travelers are interested in the ability to view hotels on a map using their mobile devices. – Sabre 44 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 3 3 Business Travelers are 6 Reward Reapers 83% of travelers worldwide feel that they should be personally entitled to travel reward points when traveling on business. – Egencia 45 The allure of loyalty programs to business travelers who travel frequently is the ability to quickly rack up rewards on business trips then cash in on them for personal trips in the form of free stays, upgrades, and other services. Business travelers under the age of 45 tend to feel more entitled to their points. – Egencia 46 leonardo.com
COMPLIMENTARY MOVIES VALET SERVICE RESTAURANT DISCOUNTS IN-ROOM CHAMPAGNE LOCAL ATTRACTION PASSES UPGRADED ROOMS PREMIUM TIERED INTERNET SERVICE MUFFIN BASKETS AIR MILES FREE HOTEL STAY LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 3 4 LATE CHECKOUT WEEKEND DISCOUNTS FREE SPA SERVICE – Google 2013 Traveler 47 booking by 84%. DRINK VOUCHERS LOUNGE ACCESS WITH BREAKFAST A hotel loyalty program increases the likelihood of business travelers EVENT TICKETS leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 3 5 Chapter Four top tips for targeting business travelers leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 3 6 Top Tips for Targeting Business Travelers Make your marketing more visual Creating a visual-first experience on your websites and ramping up your visual storytelling on travel websites including corporate self-booking tools will have a big impact on busy business travelers. Use fresh and compelling images, videos, and virtual tours to show how your hotel will make the business traveler’s trip successful. The Hilton Lexington/Downtown has corporate travel shoppers covered with plenty of high-quality visuals on their websites that highlight amenities that matter most to these travelers. ChicagoRaffaello.com leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 3 7 Sandestin.com Top Tips for Targeting Business Travelers Optimize everything Since business travelers are mobile addicts, make sure your website is optimized for convenient use on any type of smartphone and tablet and includes all of the information they need before, during and after their stay. Don’t forget to include images, virtual tours and video! Communicate convenience It’s such an important element to the business travelers, take every opportunity to communicate how convenient and easy your hotel will make their stay. Showcase features like docking stations in your guestrooms, grab-and-go breakfast options, workout gear lending, express check in/check out, airport shuttles. The Courtyard Sandestin emphasizes their newly refreshed business lounge and interactive information center where all of the information a business traveler needs during their stay is only one touch away, now that’s convenience. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 3 8 Top Tips for Targeting Business Travelers Appeal to the big spenders Since Millennial business travelers are willing to spend more company money than their older coworkers, appeal to them by highlighting your room service and dining options and any other relevant upgrades and promotions. Pump up the perks of your loyalty program Take a look at your loyalty program and identify the perks that matter most to business travelers and promote those items in your visual storytelling. The Best Western Leisure Inn plays up the value of their rewards program which offers points that can be redeemed for airline rewards, gift cards and free room nights. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 3 9 Top Tips for Targeting Business Travelers Show them an experience they won’t forget Business travelers are putting more effort into making their trips worthwhile and more enjoyable than ever before. Give them a reason to book with you by showcasing attractive amenities, local events, and attractions. The Intercontinental NYC Barclay features videos hosted by their Concierge highlighting the incredible experiences New York City has to offer. This inside scoop gives business travelers the trustworthy insight they desire. IntercontinentalNYBarclay.com leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 4 0 Chapter Five the leisure traveler leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 4 1 The Leisure Traveler From spring break and winter holidays The wide variety of these travelers means This section will explore more of the to honeymoons and graduation trips, their desired amenities vary greatly, top traits that characterize the modern there are endless reasons for leisure from kid-friendly activities to fine dining leisure traveler and offer tips on how travelers to hit the road. Everyone enjoys options, leisure travelers need to know your hotel can effectively attract them a vacation, which means this popular exactly what hotels have to offer. and earn their business. segment consists of travelers from all ages, genders, and cultures. With 3 out People love to travel; whether it’s visiting of 4 domestic trips taken being for leisure relatives, shopping, or relaxing on the purposes,48 this well-traveled customer beach, traveling for leisure is showing no segment warrants the focused attention signs of slowing. Globally, leisure travel is of hotel marketers. thriving; in 2013, the industry generated a massive 3.3 trillion dollars and achieved The average age of leisure travelers is an overall growth of 3.2%.50 This is 47.5 years old, and while many families an excellent testimony to why leisure enjoy a vacation together, more couples travel is one of the most important travel are electing to leave the kids at home segments to target. and embark on a grown-up getaway.49 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 4 2 Leisure Travelers are 1 Social Creatures Word-of-mouth marketing is alive and thriving, but it’s also evolving. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TripAdvisor have changed how travel shoppers are connecting and sharing with each other in the 21st century. Savvy hotel marketers are monitoring these channels closely. Why? Because 92% of consumers trust earned media like social media posts and reviews above all other forms of advertising, like paid ads.51 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 4 3 53 52 54 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 4 4 Leisure Travelers are 37% of managers expect their employees to 2 Workcationers check email while on vacation. – CareerBuilder.com 56 18% read or send work emails in private You can (physically) leave the situations, hiding the fact that they do so office without digitally leaving the office. Individuals have from their loved ones. never been better connected, – Skift 57 enabling them to work from anywhere. Work-life is often leaking into personal vacation time as 34% of leisure 3 in 10 workers contact work during vacation. travelers check work email – CareerBuilder.com 58 and/or voicemail some time while on vacation, 28% check regularly, and 6% check constantly.55 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 4 5 52 59 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 4 6 Leisure Travelers are 3 Multi-Screen Investigators 70% researched an upcoming trip on their tablet, 53% on smartphone. Favoring convenience and and booked on a tablet and mobility, leisure travelers 71% on a laptop.60 – Google 61 are increasingly comfortable researching and planning For vacationers, optimized travel on their smartphone and tablet devices. They’re mobile websites are not optional, they are a necessity. 27% of leisure travelers booked their also becoming more comfortable booking directly It’s crucial for information to be accessed smoothly from accommodations on a tablet, and from these devices. In fact, of those who researched travel mobile devices while the travel shopper is on-the-go, 25% on a smartphone. on their smartphone, 40% allowing them to leisurely – Google 62 booked on that same device, book whenever they want. while 48% have switched over leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 4 7 63 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 4 8 Leisure Travelers are 4 Value Seekers For leisure travelers, hotel room price was the most important feature (63%). Air fare price was second (50%). – Expedia 65 Vacationers traveling with a family often attempt to stretch their budget. In fact, 85% of leisure travelers last year said that price was the most important 72% of leisure travelers said that price factor when choosing a destination.64 However, even cautious spenders are was what drove their booking decision. willing to pay for a valuable experience. Highlighting value-added services for – Business Wire 66 your hotel will justify a higher price, since travelers will see it as getting more bang for their buck. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 4 9 66% of LEISURE TRAVELERS plan to spend MORE TIME RESEARCHING before BOOKING TRAVEL because “FINDING VALUE IS MORE IMPORTANT”. – GOOGLE 67 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 5 0 Leisure Travelers are 5 Precise Planners 51% booked at least 30 days in advance of their flights. – Sojern 69 68% began researching online before Arranging for time away from work, school and According to an Expedia study, travel shoppers visit they decided where or how to travel. commitments at home means travel websites an average – Google 70 this travel segment can’t of 38 times before they afford to be spontaneous. book.68 With so many options, Most leisure travelers spend a significant amount of time choosing the most desirable vacation for the best value is 58% of leisure travelers always start their researching, planning and weighing their options. key for leisure travelers, and they’re willing to put the time travel booking and planning process with into researching for the best option. search. – Google 71 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 5 1 Leisure Travelers are 6 Eager For Experience 83% of family travelers want to engage In attempt to gain every possible with maps of the areas they visit. experience from their vacation, today’s – MCD Partners 73 leisure travelers want to stay close to the action while visiting their desired destination. 66% of vacationers said that location is what drove their booking decision.72 Leisure travelers want to have 78% of family travelers want to request an authentic experience, so choosing a well located hotel property that gives a late check-out to maximize their time to guests the ability to explore local activities and attractions is a must. explore. – MCD Partners 74 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 5 2 75 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 5 3 Chapter Six top tips for targeting leisure travelers leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 5 4 NickHotel.com Top Tips for Targeting Leisure Travelers Know your story Leisure travel encompasses a wide variety of consumers, including family vacationers, shoppers, honeymooners and spring breakers. With such a broad segment, hotel marketers should take the opportunity to narrow in on the story that appeals to their target market. You can’t be everything to every type of travel shopper, so define the story you want to tell to your most desired customer. The Nickelodeon Hotel is a hot spot for family fun. They use their online channels to tell a story that tells their target customers that this is hotel is the perfect place to bring the kids. Nickelodeon Hotel on Pinterest leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 5 5 Nickelodeon Hotel on Facebook Top Tips for Targeting Leisure Travelers Nickelodeon Hotel Make social media a priority on Twitter Take the opportunity to build relationships with travel shoppers through social media. These platforms enable you to share updates, engage followers, respond to comments and build trust with consumers. Remember to post photos and promote special offers, too! Make it work for workcationers Hotels should highlight the features that allow “workcationers” to get some work done quickly without compromising their vacation. Use visuals online to feature amenities including free Wi-Fi, work areas with computers, complimentary coffee, and more. If these travelers don’t feel that they can comfortably and efficiently get their work done at your hotel, then they will simply find one that can. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 5 6 Best Western Plus Stovall’s Inn Top Tips for Targeting Leisure Travelers Emphasize value Focus on promoting services that consumers see as valuable, this could include a manager’s wine reception, pillow concierge, local restaurant vouchers or any other thoughtful perks you can offer. Even budget-conscious travelers are willing to pay more for perceived value, so be sure to clearly present these features. Optimize! And don’t forget the visuals Travelers are researching and booking on their smartphones and tablets, and smart hotels are taking action by optimizing their web content for these devices. Travel shoppers crave visual content, so be sure to include optimized photos and videos when converting your website as well. Red South Beach Hotel displays a strong visual presence and enables travel shoppers to book directly from their device. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 5 7 Red South Beach Hotel Top Tips for Targeting Leisure Travelers Play up your location A hotel’s location is one of its most enticing qualities, so brag about your surroundings! Be clear about the nearby attractions that leisure guests will have access to. Consider building partnerships with local venues and attractions that specifically offer discounts to your guests. Located in Miami, Red South Beach plays up their most attractive features: sun surf and sand! Don’t leave guests wondering what makes your location special – show them! Offer something special Appeal to travel shopper’s value-seeking nature by promoting special offers online. These perks increase the incentive to choose you over other properties online. Offers could include discounted rates for booking online, restaurant vouchers and admission to local events. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 5 8 Chapter Seven the meetings and events traveler leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 5 9 The Meetings and Events Traveler Meetings and events travelers are a Meeting and event bookings are showing With a focus on smaller-scale events wide and varied group. Planning and no signs of slowing down. Event planning commonly held at hotels, such as traveling for everything from off-site is one of the fastest growing occupations business meetings, town halls, corporate business meetings and conferences to in the United States,76 and the meetings parties, weddings, family reunions and lavish dream weddings and milestone and events industry earned $263 billion religious celebrations, this section anniversary parties. One common thread in direct spending with 205 million total will explore the top characteristics is that these travelers take their meetings attendees in 2012.77 that define the meetings and events and events seriously, so finding the planners and travelers and offer proper venue is top of mind. Targeting this lucrative segment can help tips on how your hotel can win their hotels achieve increased revenue from business. These guests are a profitable segment meetings and events bookings and attract for hotels to target with weekday guests more guests overall. Because it is such maximizing hotel meeting and business a vast segment, it’s important for hotel facilities and weekend guests dining and marketers to be aware of which sub-set dancing the nights away. of this group they want to attract. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 6 0 Meetings and Events Travelers are 1 Aware of the Numbers While numbers may range, there is Family reunions typically cost $51 to $99 always an event budget. Even corporate events have to stay within the boundaries per person, with 57% of reunions having of company budgets, and financially conscious brides-to-be are always between 50 to 149 attendees. counting costs. The average spend for a wedding reception venue in 2013 was – GroupTravel.org 79 $12,905.78 No matter what type of meeting or event this traveler is planning or what they’re willing to spend, they want the most value and best experience for The average bar or bat mitzvah budget their money. runs roughly $15,000 to $30,000. – eMitz.com 80 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 6 1 81 $985 was the average amount spent on graduation parties. – GraduationParty.com 82 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 6 2 Meetings and Events Travelers are 2 Big Dreamers Much like leisure travelers planning their vacations, consumers that are seeking a venue for their meeting or event have visions of what they want their experience to be like. The business person dreams of “wow-ing” their client and closing the deal while the couple celebrating their milestone anniversary dreams of re-living their wedding day in the company of their closest family members. Simply put, these travelers are looking to understand how a hotel will bring their dreams to life. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 6 3 83 The average wedding is planned for 14 months. – TheKnot.com 84 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 6 4 Meetings and Events Travelers are 3 Schedule Specific 15% of weddings happen in each month of June and September. – TheKnot.com 85 Since they’re planning a particular Employees attend 62 meetings per meeting or event, these travelers typically have exact date requests and of course, month, on average. strict time schedules. Being able to anticipate and accommodate these – Atlassian 86 travelers’ demands is critical to winning their business and satisfaction. Knowing when different types of meetings and events typically occur throughout the year 25% more meeting bookings take place and how they’re structured gives hotels the opportunity to anticipate demand in February than any other time of the spikes and target accordingly. year. – BlueJeans.com 87 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 6 5 Meetings and Events Travelers are 4 Expecting Ease Meetings and events are multi-faceted and often require a range of services 54% of meeting professionals reported and departments within a hotel to play a role. Depending on the type of event usage of virtual and hybrid meeting they’re planning, these travelers will have a variety of requests for food and solutions — both to enhance face-to-face beverage, technology, décor, furniture layout, guestroom blocks and so on. They meetings and to integrate on-site and want a hotel that will accommodate their requests (no matter how big or small) remote meeting elements. without a hassle. – Meeting Professionals International 88 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 6 6 85% of Meetings in the US ARE CONDUCTED AT VENUES WITH LODGING GENERATING MORE THAN 275 Million Room Nights Annually. – SKIFT.COM 89 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 6 7 Meetings and Events Travelers are 5 Tech Savvy 30% of meetings include a mobile participant. – BlueJeans.com 91 59% of those traveling for business No different than the average consumer, event travelers are constantly meetings use their mobile device to connected and using multiple devices to research venues and accommodations research travel information before and for their meetings and events. This dependency on technology is made during travel. obvious when many travelers carry 3-4 devices while traveling, the most common – Google 92 being smartphones, laptops and tablets.90 leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 6 8 "I can BEARly remember the last time I was offline." leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 6 9 Chapter Eight top tips for targeting Meetings and Events leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 7 0 Top Tips for Targeting Meetings and Events Inform and inspire Providing the details that the meeting and event planner is looking for online is crucial, but don’t subject them to paragraph after paragraph of information. Visuals (photos, virtual tours, short videos) along with short, yet descriptive text and bullet points highlighting your meeting and event spaces will do the trick. Be everywhere Well-connected meeting and event planners (professional or not) are using a range of online sources to research venues and accommodations. Ensure that you have a visually ChicagoRaffaello.com compelling presence on event planning sites like Concur, CVent and OneWed, your own website, and social media sites like Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 7 1 BarnsleyResort.com Top Tips for Targeting Meetings and Events Show the real experience There’s no better way to help a bride to envision her special day at your hotel than by showing her what it could look like, the same goes for other types of events. Floor plans and staged photos are important at showing details, but it’s the real event photos that show the experience that make the biggest impact. Be sure to ask permission before using photos from past events. Strategize your storytelling Use the information you have about the dips and spikes in your hotel’s meetings and events bookings to your advantage and tailor your visual storytelling accordingly. For example, if you know your hotel typically books the biggest meetings in September, start featuring visual stories about how you make meetings successful several months earlier. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 7 2 Top Tips for Targeting Meetings and Events Sweeten the deal When it comes to decision-making time, the little things can make the biggest difference (especially when working with budget constraints). Stand out by promoting special offers specifically for meeting and event planners, like meal, bar or room upgrades, complimentary breakfast for overnight guests, or discounts for booking during certain time periods. Be creative! Walk and talk technology Being technology savvy online and on-site is crucial. First, make sure your website is optimized for smartphones and tablets. Second, be sure to emphasize the technology driven features your hotel offers in your visual storytelling. Show guests connecting to your hotel-wide Wi-Fi, getting work done in your business center, or using the in-room docking stations to charge up their devices. leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 7 3 About Leonardo Leonardo is a technology and online media company for the global hospitality industry. We provide e-marketers at hotel brands, management companies and hotel properties with technology, sales conversion tools and a global travel media network that enables them to better visually merchandise their hotels to millions of in-market travel shoppers monthly. Our core products, the VScape® Digital Asset Management System and VBrochure™ Online Merchandising System, leverage the VNetwork™ - the largest media syndication network in the industry. It includes all major search engines, Global Distribution Systems, online travel agencies, travel research and supplier websites, search portals, review, travel editorial, local directories and major social media and video sharing sites. Taking advantage of VBrochure’s mobile and social media platforms, hotels can ensure that their rich visual presentations reach consumers on their mobile devices and through their social graphs. For more information about Leonardo, visit www.leonardo.com. Share this eBook leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 7 4 THE MILLENNIAL TRAVELER 1 http://www.comscore.com/Request/Presentations/2012/Millenials_Report_Download_-_January_2012 2 http://viewfinder.expedia.com/news/future-of-travel-report 3 http:// www.forbes.com/sites/onmarketing/2013/07/03/trying-to-understand-gen-y-get-comfortable-with-being-uncomfortable/ 4 http://www.forbes.com/sites/onmarketing/2013/07/03/trying-to-understand-gen-y-get- comfortable-with-being-uncomfortable/ 5 http://oit.williams.edu/files/2010/02/using-images-effectively.pdf 6 http://www.edelman.com/news/study-finds-millennial-generations-power-to-influence-is-increasing/ 7 http://www.comscore.com/Insights/Presentations_and_Whitepapers/2014/Marketing-to-Millennials-5-Things-Every-Marketer-Should-Know 8 http://www.themillennialimpact.com/2013research 9 https:// www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/millennial-mind-infographic_b36619 10 http://www.hotelinteractive.com/article.aspx?articleid=28911 11 http://www.uschamberfoundation.org/MillennialsReport 12 http://www. uschamberfoundation.org/MillennialsReport 13 http://www.slideshare.net/RosettaMktg/millennial-deck-071813 14 http://www.slideshare.net/RosettaMktg/millennial-deck-071813 15 http://www.pewinternet. org/fact-sheets/social-networking-fact-sheet/ 16 http://viewfinder.expedia.com/news/future-of-travel-report 17 http://www.marketingcharts.com/wp/online/63-of-young-americans-stay-updated-on-brands-and- products-via-socnets-26635/ 18 http://www.comscore.com/Insights/Blog/Why_Are_Millennials_So_Mobile 19 http://viewfinder.expedia.com/news/future-of-travel-report 20 http://www.oracle.com/us/industries/ financial-services/gen-y-survey-report-165297.pdf 21 http://www.forbes.com/sites/onmarketing/2013/07/03/trying-to-understand-gen-y-get-comfortable-with-being-uncomfortable/ 22 http://viewfinder.expedia. com/news/future-of-travel-report 23 http://resources.bazaarvoice.com/rs/bazaarvoice/images/201202_Millennials_whitepaper.pdf THE BUSINESS TRAVELER 24 http://hub.gbta.org/resources2/view/profile/ id/27481/vid/3 25 http://www.ustravel.org/news/press-kit/travel-facts-and-statistics 26 http://www.pchousing.com/blog/968/pc-housing-infographic-mobile-dependence-a-growing-trend-in-business-travel 27 http://viewfinder.expedia.com/news/future-of-travel-report 28 http://www.pchousing.com/blog/968/pc-housing-infographic-mobile-dependence-a-growing-trend-in-business-travel 29 http://www.pchousing.com/ blog/968/pc-housing-infographic-mobile-dependence-a-growing-trend-in-business-travel 30 http://www.pchousing.com/blog/968/pc-housing-infographic-mobile-dependence-a-growing-trend-in-business-travel 31 http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/research-studies/the-2012-traveler.html 32 http://viewfinder.expedia.com/news/future-of-travel-report 33 http://www.pchousing.com/blog/968/pc-housing-infographic-mobile- dependence-a-growing-trend-in-business-travel 34 http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/research-studies/2013-traveler.html 35 http://www.insivia.com/50-must-know-stats-about-video-animation-marketing-2013/ 36 http://www.youtube.com/yt/press/statistics.html 37 http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/research-studies/2013-traveler.html 38 http://www.mcdpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Seeing_Returns. pdf 39 http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/research-studies/2013-traveler.html 40 http://viewfinder.expedia.com/news/future-of-travel-report 41 http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Article/8682/Next-gen-blurs-lines- of-corporate-leisure 42 http://viewfinder.expedia.com/news/future-of-travel-report 43 http://viewfinder.expedia.com/news/future-of-travel-report 44 http://www.hotelmarketing.com/index.php/content/article/ what_business_travelers_want_from_hotels_when_it_comes_to_mobile/ 45 http://viewfinder.expedia.com/news/future-of-travel-report 46 http://viewfinder.expedia.com/news/future-of-travel-report 47 http:// www.thinkwithgoogle.com/research-studies/2013-traveler.html THE LEISURE TRAVELER 48 http://www.ustravel.org/sites/default/files/page/2009/11/US_Travel_Answer_Sheet_March_2013.pdf 49 http:// www.ustravel.org/news/press-kit/travel-facts-and-statistics 50 http://www.wttc.org/site_media/uploads/downloads/world2013_1.pdf 51 http://www.tnooz.com/article/impact-of-social-media-on-the-travel-industry- infographic/ 52 http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/research-studies/2013-traveler.html 53 http://www.tnooz.com/article/impact-of-social-media-on-the-travel-industry-infographic/ 54 http://www.tnooz.com/article/ impact-of-social-media-on-the-travel-industry-infographic/ 55 http://media.expedia.com/media/content/expus/graphics/other/pdf/expedia-vacationdeprivation2012.pdf 56 http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobPoster/ Resources/page.aspx?template=none&pagever=2012Vacations 57 http://skift.com/2013/10/09/the-blurring-of-personal-and-professional-lives-of-travelers/ 58 http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobPoster/Resources/ page.aspx?template=none&pagever=2012Vacations 59 http://skift.com/2013/10/09/the-blurring-of-personal-and-professional-lives-of-travelers/ 60 http://www.marketingcharts.com/wp/online/travel-research- and-booking-seen-a-multi-device-process-29809/ 61 http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/research-studies/2013-traveler.html 62 http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/research-studies/2013-traveler.html 63 http://www. marketingcharts.com/wp/online/travel-research-and-booking-seen-a-multi-device-process-29809/ 64 http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/research-studies/2013-traveler.html 65 http://viewfinder.expedia.com/ news/future-of-travel-report 66 http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130509005322/en/American-Spending-Hotel-Stays-Summer-Expected-Total#.UyhYNfldXNw 67 http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/ research-studies/2013-traveler.html 68 http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/149354/file-271132325-pdf/docs/Path_to_Purchase_Expedia_Media_Solutions_MillwardBrown.pdf 69 http://www.sojern.com/infographic_ travel_trends_q4_2013.php 70 http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/research-studies/2013-traveler.html 71 http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/research-studies/2013-traveler.html 72 http://www.businesswire.com/news/ home/20130509005322/en/American-Spending-Hotel-Stays-Summer-Expected-Total#.U16_jfldUbN 73 http://www.mcdpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Seeing_Returns.pdf 74 http://www.mcdpartners. com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Seeing_Returns.pdf 75 http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/research-studies/2013-traveler.html THE MEETINGS & EVENTS TRAVELER 76 http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_103. htm 77 https://www.ahla.com/uploadedFiles/CIC%20Meetings%20ESS%20Update%20EXECUTIVE%20SUMMARY-FINAL.pdf 78 http://blog.theknot.com/2013/03/07/average-wedding-cost-2013 79 http:// grouptravel.org/family-reunion/family-reunion-statistics 80 http://www.emitz.com/budget 81 http://blog.theknot.com/2013/03/07/average-wedding-cost-2013 82 http://www.graduationparty.com/graduation-party- budgeting.htm 83 http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/149354/file-271132325-pdf/docs/Path_to_Purchase_Expedia_Media_Solutions_MillwardBrown.pdf?t=1386620778000 84 http://blog.theknot.com/2013/03/07/ average-wedding-cost-2013 85 http://blog.theknot.com/2013/03/07/average-wedding-cost-2013 86 https://www.atlassian.com/time-wasting-at-work-infographic 87 http://bluejeans.com/modern-meeting 88 http:// www.mpiweb.org/Libraries/Research_and_Reports/MPI_Meetings_Outlook_2014_Winter_Edition.pdf 89 http://www.mpiweb.org/Libraries/Research_and_Reports/MPI_Meetings_Outlook_2014_Winter_Edition.pdf 90 http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/research-studies/2013-traveler.html 91 http://bluejeans.com/modern-meeting 92 http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/research-studies/2013-traveler.html leonardo.com
LET’S TALK TARGETING: REACHING THE DESIRED HOTEL CUSTOMER SEGMENTS / 7 5 Leo_eBook_Targeting_14.0161 leonardo.com
You can also read