As a travel advisor, your role extends beyond booking flights and tours; it encompasses curating unforgettable experiences for your clients.
The accommodation you select is a cornerstone of this experience, and it must be perfect in every way to suit their budget, their preferences and have the right amenities.
This article is focussed on providing you some insights into choosing the perfect lodging to meet your clients’ diverse needs and preferences.
1. Understanding Your Client’s Needs
Before diving into accommodation options, thoroughly understand your client's travel preferences and requirements. This means having a discussion with your client in order to understand what they prefer.
Get full details on:
- The Purpose of the trip: Is it for leisure, business, adventure, honeymoon, family get away, or a combination?
- The Group size: is it a solo traveller, a couple, family, or business group, conference for business or team building so some examples?
- Their Budget: It is very important to determine the client's spending limits, and find out whether it is specifically just for accommodation or for an entire all-inclusive package for example.
- Their Preferred amenities: Identify the essential amenities they need like Wi-Fi, pools, spas, or specific room features. Do they need business amenities, conference rooms, and what are these; for a business traveller or group?
- Their Accessibility needs: Consider any special requirements for guests with disabilities and choose suitable accommodation options if required for this.
Once you have a clear understanding of your client's needs, through proper discussion you can begin to explore the various accommodation options to suit.
Below are some examples:
- Hotel options:
- Luxury hotels: Always ideal for clients seeking opulence, exceptional service, and exclusive amenities.
- Business hotels: Perfect for the corporate travellers prioritizing convenience, efficiency, and meeting facilities.
- Boutique hotels: Suitable for clients desiring unique experiences, personalized service, and stylish accommodations.
- Resort hotels: Always excellent for families or groups seeking all-inclusive amenities, entertainment, and relaxation.
- Some Alternative accommodations:
- Vacation rentals: Offer home-like comforts, privacy, and often cost-effective options.
- Bed and breakfasts: Provide personalized service, local charm, and a warm atmosphere.
- Hostels: Budget-friendly choices for independent travellers, back packers, and students on GAP years seeking social interactions.
When selecting the client’s accommodations, focus on the following criteria:
- The Location: Choose a location that aligns with your client's interests and itinerary. Consider proximity to attractions, transportation, and dining options.
- The Amenities: Ensure the accommodation offers the essential amenities your client desires, whether it's a pool, spa, gym, or business centre.
- Accommodation Reviews: Research online reviews like on trip advisor and booking.com for examples to gain insights into the property's reputation, service quality, and guest experiences.
- The Safety and security: Prioritize accommodations with a strong safety record and adequate security measures for all your clients.
- The Value: Now that you know the clients budget, assess the overall value of the accommodation based on price, amenities, location, and guest satisfaction.
Always do your utmost in carefully selecting accommodations that align with your clients’ preferences and expectations, and as an ITA, you will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to their satisfaction.
Consider going the extra mile in offering personalized recommendations based on your knowledge of the destination and your client's unique needs.
The accommodation is often a highlight of a trip, and always a key memory so makes certain it is a good memory after all. Choose wisely so you contribute to creating memorable experiences for your clients.
Some Additional Tips:
- Consider Accommodation sustainability: Offer eco-friendly options for environmentally conscious clients.
- Leverage technology: Utilize online booking platforms and property management systems to streamline your process.
- Stay updated On Launches: Keep informed about new accommodation trends, special offers, new launches, and emerging destinations.
- Build relationships with property managers: Foster strong partnerships with accommodations across the board for better rates and personalized service, and a diverse range to choose from.
