We explore how online travel platforms are reshaping guest experiences. Booking.com taps nostalgia and multi-generational travel, while Airbnb emphasizes curated local experiences. Property managers can leverage these trends to create memorable, personalized stays.
We’re exploring how major online travel platforms are reshaping engagement, guest experiences, and the broader hospitality landscape. These trends offer property managers and hotel operators a roadmap for standing out in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Booking.com recently launched its innovative campaign, “Morticia Books It Right”, featuring Catherine Zeta-Jones as the iconic Morticia Addams. This approach cleverly blends humor, nostalgia, and the appeal of multi-generational travel.
The campaign is more than just a fun marketing stunt—it highlights several key lessons for property managers:
Broader Demographic Appeal: Targeting families across generations encourages bookings from households planning trips together, rather than focusing solely on couples or solo travelers.
Creating Emotional Connections: By leveraging cultural icons, Booking.com taps into emotional familiarity, making the booking experience feel personal and memorable.
Marketing Beyond the Room: This campaign demonstrates that the experience begins before guests even check in. Thoughtful campaigns can influence travelers’ perceptions and drive bookings.
For property managers, this is a reminder to design listings, packages, and messaging that cater to multi-generational groups. Features like family suites, kids’ activities, and communal spaces can resonate strongly with these audiences.
Airbnb continues its shift from simply offering accommodations to providing lifestyle-driven, experience-rich stays. From curated local activities to personalized services like K-pop dance classes or access to private chefs, Airbnb is emphasizing experiences that extend beyond the four walls of a property.
What does this mean for property managers and hoteliers?
Personalization is Key: Travelers are increasingly seeking tailored services that match their interests. Offering personalized recommendations, local guides, or unique in-home experiences can elevate the guest experience.
Partnerships Add Value: Collaborating with local businesses—restaurants, activity providers, or cultural experts—creates a unique value proposition and differentiates your property from competitors.
Experiences Drive Reviews and Loyalty: Guests are more likely to leave positive reviews and return when their stay is memorable. Focusing on experiences encourages word-of-mouth referrals and repeat bookings.
By positioning properties not just as places to sleep but as gateways to authentic, immersive experiences, property managers can appeal to modern travelers who prioritize connection and adventure.
Diversify Offerings: Consider packages or add-ons that appeal to families, groups, or travelers seeking unique experiences.
Embrace Technology: Use guest data to tailor experiences, highlight amenities, and communicate curated recommendations before arrival.
Focus on Storytelling: Listings and marketing materials should tell a story. Highlight local culture, history, and experiences to engage travelers emotionally.
Collaborate Locally: Partnerships with local businesses and service providers can add real value to a stay and foster authentic connections.
We’re seeing a clear shift in the hospitality industry: accommodations alone are no longer enough. The most successful properties are those that combine great service with unique, memorable experiences. By taking cues from industry leaders like Booking.com and Airbnb, property managers can innovate, differentiate, and ultimately drive higher bookings and stronger guest loyalty.
In a world where travelers have countless choices, the properties that stand out are the ones that make stays unforgettable, personalized, and shareable. As the travel landscape continues to evolve, those who embrace experiences over mere accommodation will lead the market.
