Tourism professionals are witnessing the emergence of a new type of traveller: the lonely traveller. The Momondo agency reveals that 60% of adults have already travelled solo. However, the current offer of accommodation is not adapted to this clientele. Hotels generally offer double rooms at the expense of solo travellers. Hoteliers must therefore take into account this new and growing segment of travellers. Through this article, we help you to understand the expectations of lonely travellers. We also give you some solutions to implement.
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Who are these new travelers?
According to the definition provided by Statistics Canada, a lone traveller is a person who is not accompanied by a member of his or her household during the trip. A person travelling in a group is therefore also considered a solo traveller.
This new trend can be explained by the demographic changes that have occurred in recent years. Nowadays more and more people live alone. Indeed, nearly 35% of households in developed countries are composed of one person. This can be due to a variety of reasons: late marriages, divorces or the desire to have a child later.
The study conducted by the University of St. Gallen focuses on the profiles of independent travellers. It can be seen that the majority are people with an active social life and a high income. In addition, their travel habits are different from those of other types of travellers. Indeed, solo travellers prefer to leave in the off-season and more frequently.
Reasons for travelling alone
Although travelling solo can be frightening for some, there are many benefits to this trend. The search for freedom is the primary reason for this phenomenon. Travelling alone means being able to modulate your itinerary and activities according to your desires without having to make compromises.
For some travellers, this is synonymous with personal development. Indeed, solitude becomes a period of reflection on oneself and brings a certain tranquility. By stepping out of his comfort zone, the traveller learns more about himself. For 26% of them, travelling alone is an experience that has allowed them to grow.
Finally, some people prefer this way of travelling to make new acquaintances. It is much easier to meet other people when you are alone than in a group. The paravecmoi platform allows you to find travel companions with the same interests. A good way to plan a group trip with new people.
Adapt the offer to this type of traveller
When a solo traveller wishes to book accommodation, it is natural that he or she pays only the price for one person. This is why we advise the owners of gîtes and B&Bs to establish a price according to the number of people. This is a way to encourage lonely travellers to book a room in your establishment. Today solutions exist to propose directly on your website a price per person. When booking, the traveller can select the number of persons. The price will adjust automatically. Amenitiz proposes to integrate this option into your website. Discover this solution here.
In order to attract solo travellers to stay in their hotel, it is advisable for the owners to offer activities in line with their expectations. Although he decides to go on his own, the traveller is much more likely to meet new people. So, organising welcome drink shows or even excursions is a good way to facilitate meetings between travellers. Setting up a relaxation area allows this clientele to gather around a drink.
Demographic changes have contributed to the development of solo travel. There are many reasons to travel alone: the search for freedom, personal development, or the desire to meet new people. However, these travellers seem to be the unloved ones of tourism. They can’t find an offer that meets their expectations. However, this new type of clientele has great potential for hoteliers. That’s why offering a per-person rate and organizing events are good ways to encourage solo travellers to book at your establishment.