5 hotel marketing trends you should know about
It is crucial to stay one step ahead in hotel marketing to understand guests' needs and develop innovative strategies on how to engage with potential guests, generate more bookings and create a unique guest experience. Let's explore with us the most promising developments that will shape hotel marketing in the coming years.
1. Influencer marketing
Hotel guests trust personal recommendations and experiences. Influencer marketing is an established and effective strategy. In the future, the main focus will be on further refining this marketing approach. When it comes to selecting influencers, long-term cooperation will be increasingly important, with advertising partners who perfectly match the values of the hotel brand and therefore represent a perfect ambassador. Tailor-made collaborations with travel and lifestyle influencers increase the visibility of your hotel while creating an authentic connection with potential guests.
2. Artificial intelligence and hyper-personalisation
Artificial intelligence (AI) enables hotels to take the personalised guest experience to a whole new level. Chatbots simplify bookings and answer guest enquiries in real time. Hotels use AI to collect and analyse guest data such as previous bookings, preferences and personal characteristics. Based on this, individual recommendations (e.g. personalised promotional offers) and a tailored experience become possible in order to achieve better service and higher guest satisfaction. Hyper-personalisation creates a feeling of exclusivity for the guest and strengthens brand loyalty.
3. Sustainability
Sustainability and environmental awareness are becoming increasingly important in the travel industry. Hotels that focus on sustainability not only contribute to protecting the environment, but also build a positive image. With certifications, quality assurance programmes and environmentally friendly initiatives such as waste reduction, cooperation with local suppliers, the use of environmentally friendly products or eco-friendly construction methods, hotels are demonstrating their commitment to a greener future. This is appreciated not only by environmentally conscious travellers, but is also in line with broader social values. The sustainability aspect is becoming a must if you want to succeed as a hotel brand.
4. Video marketing
In the age of pixels and screens, video images are essential for making a lasting impression on potential guests. Video marketing for hotels can tell stories to showcase what makes your hotel so unique. From virtual tours, 360-degree videos, video testimonials to live streaming events - the possibilities are endless.
Social media is the perfect stage for that footage. The aim is to create attractive content that is shared as often as possible. Short, appealing videos via Instagram Reels, TikTok or YouTube Shorts can showcase the character of the hotel, present special events or provide a look behind the scenes.
Videos have the power to inspire potential guests and shape the online identity of a hotel.
5. Augmented reality
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are revolutionising the way hotels present themselves. Guests can now virtually explore hotel rooms, facilities such as wellness or conference areas and even local sights using augmented reality. This allows potential guests to build up a feeling for the hotel even before booking. AR also opens up completely new options for interactive marketing campaigns.
As you can see, trends in hotel marketing are constantly evolving and it is crucial to recognise them at an early stage and integrate them into the marketing strategy. Influencer marketing, artificial intelligence, sustainability, video marketing and augmented reality will be key factors for hotel marketing in the coming years - in some cases, they already are today. So stay on the pulse of the trends to present your hotel attractively and ultimately not only fulfil your guests' expectations, but exceed them.
