Traveling and hotels are part of the larger travel industry, which also includes airfares, tour operators, car rental companies and hospitality-related services such as restaurants and spas. It’s important for consumers to understand the differences between lodging options and their perks, so they can make informed choices.
For example, hotel chains have different strategies for appealing to leisure vs. business travelers, with some brands offering more amenities and features that meet the needs of one group or another. Rugged conveniences, for instance, are typically top desires for road warriors; while a perfect view and a relaxing experience may rank higher among leisure guests.
Another consideration is the presence of hotel taxes and fees, which can vary significantly from property to property. This is particularly true in urban areas, where government-imposed occupancy and room taxes can add up quickly.
Online booking tools and aggregators allow consumers to compare prices across hotels within a destination, and even track prices over time. Some of these apps, which are usually free to use, also support loyalty programs that can yield perks for frequent travelers, including room upgrades and extras at check-in.
The Traveling and hotels industry is highly influenced by a range of factors, from globalization and digitalization to sustainability and the coronavirus pandemic. In the long run, ease of mobility and increasing awareness of new destinations should fuel growth in this sector. However, the coronavirus pandemic and rising consumer concern over the impact of travel and tourism on the environment could eventually dampen demand.