When it comes to planning a trip, inspiration plays a fundamental role. A recent study published on Statista in collaboration with Booking.com revealed the top 10 sources of inspiration that guide travellers in choosing their next adventure.
For hotels and tour operators, knowing these channels is essential to optimise their marketing strategy and intercept potential customers when they are dreaming of their next holiday. Find out what the main drivers of inspiration for tourism are and how to make the most of them. 🚀✈️
In first place, and unsurprisingly, we find advice from friends and family. Word of mouth remains the most influential method when it comes to choosing a destination or a hotel.
📌 Authentic experiences shared by trusted people have a direct impact on travel decisions.
📌 Positive reviews increase the credibility and reputation of a facility.
📌 Encouraging guests to share their experience can generate new bookings.
Winning strategy: focus on reviews and referral programmes to increase the trust of potential customers. 🗣️💡
In second place we find social media, an increasingly important source for travellers, especially among Millennials and Gen Z.
📌 Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest are the most influential channels for searching for destinations and hotels.
📌 Emotional videos and immersive photos are essential to capture attention.
📌 Collaborations with travel influencers can increase visibility and direct bookings.
Winning strategy: create engaging and interactive content, using reels, stories and targeted hashtags. 📲📸
Google and other search engines are one of the main sources of inspiration and information.
📌 Users search for images, reviews, travel blogs and comparisons between hotels.
📌 SEO strategies are essential to appear among the first search results.
📌 Google Maps is increasingly used to explore areas and discover nearby hotels.
Winning strategy: optimise the hotel website with SEO content and updated Google My Business listings. 🔍🏨
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) such as Booking.com and Expedia are not only booking tools, but also important sources of inspiration.
📌 Users browse photos and read reviews before making a decision.
📌 Offering detailed descriptions and professional images improves conversion.
📌 Promotions and exclusive offers attract users looking for the best price.
Winning strategy: optimise your hotel listing on OTAs and use intelligent pricing strategies. 💻💳
Despite the digital age, even the most traditional sources continue to influence the choice of destinations.
📌 Travel guides and specialised apps offer in-depth information on destinations.
📌 Films, documentaries and TV programmes can make a location famous overnight.
📌 Travel podcasts are emerging as a new source of inspiration for those seeking authentic advice.
A winning strategy: collaborate with media, bloggers and podcasters to tell the story of your hotel or destination. 🎙️🌍
📢 Want to make your hotel more visible during the inspiration phase of the travel journey? Find out how to optimise your online presence and intercept travellers while they're dreaming of their next holiday!
📩 Contact me for personalised advice! 🚀
