LEISURE TRAVEL IN THE NEW YEAR

From the B&B Consulting Blog

NEW SURVEY REVEALS HOW OFTEN GUESTS LEISURE TRAVEL AND THE MORE POPULAR U.S. LEISURE TRAVEL SEASONS

Leisure travel survey answers were learned from thousands of Select Registry guests. Select Registry survey results come from gathered guest data after their stay at one of their member properties via survey (since September of 2019). Select Registry has had over 3,700 responses (and counting!).

In this post, we focus on Select Registry's reported survey responses to these questions: 1) What are the most important to you when staying at a bed & breakfast? 2) How often do you travel for leisure (not work) within the United States? and 3) In which seasons do you leisure travel the most in the U.S.?

SURVEY RESULTS: WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU WHEN STAYING AT A BED AND BREAKFAST?

TOP 7 MOST IMPORTANT REASONS TO STAY AT A B&B

• CLEANLINESS (75.2%): It makes sense that people place a high value on the cleanliness of their accommodations. Select Registry properties are regularly inspected.

• LOCATION (61%): Location does matter, if you own a B&B. Location factors include: population, climate, time of year, safety, local area (including activities, restaurants, & attractions), and geography (including mountains, piedmont, and coast).

• GUEST SERVICE (50.3%): This is also referred to as hospitality. In the Southeastern part of the United States, this is called, "Southern hospitality."

• REPUTATION (45.1%): Word of mouth, reviews, and professional association memberships play a strong part to enhance or detract from the reputation of hospitality providers. Select Registry inns are routinely checked to assure guests' have an enjoyable experience.

• QUALITY of Appliances, furniture, bedding, linens, etc. (37.4%): High-resolution images play a key role in showcasing the quality of accommodations and amenities. Also important, is having a website that is mobile responsive (so the website adjusts to the size of the device it is being viewed from).

• PRICE (34.9%): Please keep in mind that the survey respondents all stayed at Select Registry properties, which tend to be higher in price because the accommodations and amenities are the best of the best. Perhaps a survey of the general population would find price to be a stronger motivator.

• FREE BREAKFAST (30.1%): One of the most appealing aspects of a bed and breakfast stay, especially to foodies, is the gourmet breakfasts that they offer. Some inns offer multi-course breakfasts (which may fill up guests until the later afternoon hours).

FINDINGS: MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS

Thus, Select Registry found that the majority of respondents travel rank cleanliness and location as the most important factors when staying at a bed and breakfast. Celebrating 50 years of excellence in travel, Select Registry's network of independent properties continues to offer outstanding accommodations and one-of-a-kind experiences to travelers.

MOST COMMON AMOUNT OF LEISURE TRAVELS PER YEAR (SELECT REGISTRY GUESTS)

• #1 MOST COMMON AMOUNT OF TIMES: 4-5 LEISURE TRAVELS PER YEAR (34.9%)

• Around 35% of people leisure travel four to five times per year. Leisure travel is a great way to challenge yourself. You can leave behind the routine of everyday living tasks. Explore new environments, meet new people, and bring more enjoyment to your life.

• #2 MOST COMMON AMOUNT OF TIMES: 2-3 LEISURE TRAVELS PER YEAR (33.2%)

• Just over 33% stated they travel for leisure two or three times per year. Leisure travel stays at Select Registry properties allow guests to have peace of mind about their accommodations.

• #3 MOST COMMON AMOUNT OF TIMES: 6+ LEISURE TRAVELS PER YEAR (29.5%)

• Almost 30% of those who responded travel six or more times per year. Depending upon whether you like to travel, and if you have the ability to do so, you may be in this category.

• #4 MOST COMMON AMOUNT OF TIMES: 0-1 LEISURE TRAVELS PER YEAR (2.5%)

• Not even 3% of those who took the survey said they travel 0 to 1 times per year. Because they answered the survey, this means they leisure traveled at least once, unless they stayed in the same town they live in. "Staycations" have become more popular in the last few years.

FINDINGS: GUEST REASONS FOR TRAVEL

Thus, Select Registry's guest survey found that the majority of survey respondents travel between two to five times per year for leisure. Select Registry properties are a preferred group of inspected hospitality accommodations located throughout the United States.