Despite indications that travel is on the increase, there are also signs that increasingly people are also opting to stay at local hotels or resorts – or in modern terminology are ‘staycationing’.

 

Staycationing typically becomes more popular during times of economic hardship as people tighten their belts, but new evidence is showing that staycationing is also taking off with wealthier travellers looking for a hassle free mini-break. And some staycationers are even proving bigger spenders when holidaying in their home town – research cited by Andrew Cox, director of partner marketing Asia Pacific at online travel agency Travelocity in a recent interview with Hotel Management Asia pointed out that Singaporeans were found to spend significantly more on hotel rooms in Singapore than they do on hotel rooms overseas.

 

HMA offers some pointers in how to market your property to attract staycationers.

 

 

-          Offer discounted deals – discounted rates over weekends, extended discounts for two-night stays, discounts on food and beverage, spa treatments etc

 

-          Promote last minute deals through your target staycationers’ most likely source of information

 

-          Promote proximity of your property to local transport or key attractions

 

-          Emphasize the facilities you have on offer such as a spa or swimming pool

 

-          Offer special staycation promotions for your loyalty club members

 

-          Partner with online travel agents that can help promote last minute or weekend deals

 

-          Partner with operators of local attractions to make offers more attractive to guests

 

-          Target offers to your typical staycationer whether they be families, couples or ladies on a spa trip

 

-          Add additional benefits such as a free spa treatment to persuade staycationers to extend their stay by an extra night