Business travelers value digitization of hotels to be more efficient

The profile of the business traveler is evolving: 71% demand digital check-in for greater efficiency, according to Amadeus' Travel Dreams survey. Some 22% would even pay with cryptocurrencies, marking a trend in payment methods. These more tech-savvy travelers also lead the way in demand for virtual reality (82% would use it to explore destinations). Hotels could increase their rates by 12% with premium services.

The report draws on the opinions of 6,000 travelers from the United States, China, India, the United Kingdom, France and Germany to understand how they choose where to go and what to visit, how they want to book and what factors most influence a trip once they are there.

For example, it reveals that two-thirds of hotel guests (63%) are willing to pay extra for features such as specific views or floors, an in-room Xbox or local attractions added to the package.

These features could add around 12% to the average daily rate (ADR) charged by the hotel, which could increase revenue by more than $5.300 per room per year for an average hotel chain looking to sell these additional features.

Business travelers are demanding more technology in order to be more efficient. Seventy-one percent of them are interested in some form of online or self-service check-in. Nearly a quarter (22%) of corporate travelers want the option to pay with cryptocurrencies or a digital walletin the future, suggesting that the payments landscape may also be changing.

Leisure travelers value the personal touchof hotels, with 50% of them saying that receiving a personalized service and welcome would be at the top of the list for their ideal hotel experience.

More than half of guests (52%) say they would be willing to share their personal information in exchange for personalized offers, and slightly fewer (40%) would be willing to do so for a reduced price. Nearly half (48%) of leisure travelers expressed a preference for a traditional check-in desk, with a person explaining hotel amenities and services.

The lack of insurance coverage is costing travelers a lot of money. Worldwide travelers surveyed said the average amount they believe they have lost by not having travel insurance averages $1,210 per person, a considerable sum. For the average Chinese traveler specifically, the figure exceeds $2,500 per person.

Travelers want to embrace virtual reality and artificial intelligence. 82% of business travelers and 66% of leisure travelers said they would like to explore a destination before arriving with a virtual tour. Half of travelers said they would now turn to AI to tell them the best places to dine at their destination. Eighteen percent of travelers said they would even ask an AI assistant to write a review on their behalf of a hotel or dining experience they had on their trip.