Insights from 6,000 Global Travelers

A new Amadeus report, ‘Travel Dreams,’ based on a survey of 6,000 global travelers, delves into the significant role of technology in transforming the travel experience, from destination selection to amenities preferences and future travel dreams.

Travelers’ Destination Choices

The process of choosing a travel destination largely hinges on inspiration. According to the report, 60% of travelers are influenced by stunning landscapes and natural beauty. Personal recommendations from friends and family still lead the list for travel inspiration (50%), but digital sources are rapidly gaining traction. About one-third of travelers turn to social media and travel influencers for ideas. Furthermore, virtual tours significantly impact travelers’ decisions, with 82% of business travelers and 66% of leisure travelers likely to explore a destination virtually before booking.

Booking Preferences: Hotels, Cars, and Insurance

During the booking phase, 48% of travelers consider complimentary breakfast a significant factor when choosing accommodation, while 38% find free WiFi essential. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are the preferred booking channel due to their convenience and user-friendly interfaces. Travelers will pay up to 12% more for specific features or amenities, potentially increasing hotels’ direct bookings and earnings. Direct booking remains popular for car rental and travel insurance, with 36% and 25% of travelers opting for this method.

Hotel Stay Expectations

Despite technological advancements, the human touch remains critical in the hotel experience, especially for leisure travelers. 48% of all leisure travelers prefer a traditional, face-to-face check-in process, whereas 71% of business travelers favor an online or self-service check-in. Business travelers appreciate efficient travel logistics (46%) and convenient smart room controls (48%) for an ideal stay. Hotels must understand their guests’ unique preferences and adopt technology to streamline and enhance the guest experience to stand out.

Future Travel Dreams

Looking to the future, value for money (61%) is the top factor influencing travelers’ decisions to return to a property. The cleanliness of rooms and facilities is closely followed by leisure travelers (60%), while business travelers prioritize efficiency (42%). Personalization also shapes the travel experience, with 50% of leisure travelers seeking more personal service from staff, and business travelers preferring personalization through technology, including AI-driven enhancements. Digital payment options, including digital wallets or cryptocurrency, are also gaining popularity, with 22% of business travelers expressing interest.

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