Younger hotel travelers say ‘no’ to bathtime
Surveys show backpackers are ignoring online reviews, preferring word-of-mouth recommendations, says a new study.
Research of more than 1,000 youths by the TNT Travel Show found that most 18-35 year olds don’t use smart phones to research while travelling, with a high percentage of Blackberry and iPhone users leaving their handsets at home.
More than two-thirds preferred to speak to other travelers while 14% opted for social media to research hotels and flights. Reading blogs for trips was picked by 13% of youths.
Email was picked as the "best technology for keeping in touch with friends and family".
In a separate development, bulky hotel housekeeping carts? On the way out. Small toiletry bottles? Also, out.
"The face of the business traveler has changed dramatically," says MSNBC. "It’s a lot younger and there’s a mad dash in the hotel industry to do more than just ‘accommodate’ them."
The industry is facing some major changes.
The heavy housekeeping carts are being replaced by small and more nimble "caddy" type vehicles. The small toiletry bottles are being replaced by refillable dispensers.
"They’re just a few of the changes the hotel industry is making to be more appealing to the younger business traveler," says the site
"They want to socialize, so all these hotels are changing the design of the lobby where now it’s very warm, where you have couches where you can plug in your iPad," said Adam Weissenberg of Deloitte & Touche.
Deloitte research shows over a third of the business travelers now are between 18 and 44. This age group doesn’t like sitting in hotel rooms.
Bathtubs are also becoming a victim of the times. Increasingly, younger, time-sensitive guests prefer a quick shower.
By David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
All eyes on Qatar as Qatar Airways leads a season of global events