With the weather finally shaping up throughout the country, the summer season has begun and hotels and resorts are gearing up for the summer surge. Families, couples and those looking to enjoy vacations throughout the summer months have begun researching and comparing hotel rates and vacation packages in preparation for their travels, and you can safely bet that smart spending is right at the top of their list of priorities when reviewing their options.
To accommodate summer travelers, hotels are realizing the importance of offering competitive rates and the best amenities for those rates, but are also striving to connect with guests in ways that may not always be expected. After all, it’s that connection that can define a guest’s stay and the amount of brand loyalty that may follow and ultimately how well the hotel and industry does as a whole.
Many travelers are now researching hotels based on their green practices and certifications. In a study from Travelocity, over 10% of customers said that the green rating at a hotel will influence their decision to stay there, even if there is a price discrepancy (usually meaning higher costs). A whopping 65% said green rating greatly influences their decision if the prices between hotels are roughly the same.
Besides the benefits to the environment that a greener hotel provides, there are health benefits as well. Truly green hotels are conscious about making low or chemical-free products available in their rooms including shampoos, conditioners, body washes and lotions. Further, guests can take note of the fact that products and methods used to clean their rooms are made and purchased with the human body in mind.
Green hotels still only make up only a fraction of the hotels out there, but the number is growing. With a strong summer travel season on the horizon, it’s time that these hotels are recognized and rewarded with the high occupancy and financial boost they deserve for making efforts to become greener.