It's no secret that the pandemic has significantly impacted the travel industry. In fact, a recent study by Expedia found that over 60% of global travelers have changed their plans due to Covid-19. But what if there was a way to leverage this post-covid situation to your advantage?
Revenge travel is rising, and hoteliers and other travel providers can use it to boost their business. Whether you're an online travel agency or in the hospitality industry, your brand can leverage this trend to boost sales and improve customer satisfaction.
What is Revenge Travel?
Revenge travel is the latest buzzword in the travel and hospitality industry. It refers to the phenomenon of people booking travel as soon as travel restrictions are lifted to make up for lost time. These travelers have been dreaming of their perfect trip throughout the pandemic, and now that we've seen the widespread roll-out of vaccines, they're ready to get back out there.
This trend is being driven by millennials and Gen Z, keen to get out and explore after months of lockdown. Revenge travel is also fueled by the pent-up demand for travel that has built up over the past year.
Travelers are focusing on domestic travel over international travel. They're looking for getaways within driving distance, so they don't have to worry about travel restrictions. And they're willing to spend more money on their trip to compensate for lost time. Travel marketers should take advantage of this newfound trend.
Why is Revenge Travel a Good Thing for Your Brand?
There are several reasons why revenge travel is good for business. For starters, it can help you to boost sales and revenue. Travelers have been saving up for two years to take the trip of their dreams, and their wallets are open for business. CNBC reports that American respondents have saved nearly 4 trillion dollars, which means increased spending in the coming months.
Moreover, revenge travelers are often willing to spend more on their trip than they would have before the pandemic. This is because they see travel as a valuable investment and are keen to make up for lost time. Last year saw new lows in the travel industry, but with the tourism industry back on the right track, cancellations will be few and far between.
Revenge travel can also help you to improve your customer satisfaction levels. These travelers are highly engaged and looking for the best possible experience. If you can provide them with what they're looking for, they will likely become lifelong customers.
Finally, revenge travel allows you to upsell and cross-sell your products and services. Travelers who are revenge booking often do so last minute, which means they're more likely to add on extras like insurance or car rental. This provides a great opportunity for you to increase your average order value.
10 Ways to Leverage Revenge Travel
Now that you know all about revenge travel and why it's good for business, let's consider how you can leverage this trend to boost your brand.
Offer discounts and special deals: Travelers booking their revenge travel trips are doing so months in advance. Travelers are spending more but are wiser about where their money is going. One way to leverage this to your advantage is by offering steep discounts or special deals. This will entice travelers to book with your brand over your competitors.
Use social media: Social media is a powerful tool for marketing your brand. Use it to reach out to revenge travelers and tell them about your latest deals and offers. Consider partnering with an influencer to use social media more effectively. An influencer can help you to reach a wider audience and build trust with potential customers. Staying top of mind is crucial in this digital world.
Optimize your website: Make sure your website is optimized for revenge travelers. This means making it easy to find information on pricing, vaccines, and travel trends. Proper SEO techniques like local SEO and SEM are ways to increase visibility. The higher you rank in Google's search results, the more likely you will see a return on investment.
Host a webinar: Use revenge travel as an opportunity to educate your target audience. Host a webinar or podcast on the topic and share your expert insights. By showing potential customers that you're an expert on travel trends, you leverage yourself to serve them better. They will trust you with their hard-earned money.
Get creative with upselling: Upselling is a great way to boost your revenue. Get creative with your upselling strategy and think outside the box. For example, offer revenge travelers the opportunity to add on an extra day to their trip or upgrade their room. By being creative with your upselling, you can increase your average order value and improve your bottom line.
Improve your customer experience: Revenge travelers look for the best possible experience. Ensure you provide them with what they're looking for by improving your customer service levels. Consider improving your check-in service by using an app or providing an electronic room key instead of the standard card. Think of ways to make your customer feel more important, and you'll increase customer satisfaction.
Use OTA's: Online travel agencies are a great way to reach revenge travelers. Use them for marketing your brand and selling your products and services. Many revenge travelers are using OTAs to book their travel, so make sure you're visible on these platforms.
Leverage digital marketing: Digital marketing is a powerful tool for any business. Use it to reach out to revenge travelers and promote your brand. Consider using email marketing, pay-per-click advertising, or even retargeting ads. By using digital marketing, you can reach a wider audience and build brand awareness.
Think about sustainability: Revenge travel is often associated with negative environmental impacts. Offset this by promoting sustainable travel practices. Educate revenge travelers on the importance of sustainable tourism and how they can help to make a difference. This will improve your brand image and make you more attractive to potential customers.
Partner with the locals: Revenge travelers often want to get away from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives. Partner with local businesses to offer revenge travelers the best possible experience. This could include partnering with a local tour company or restaurant. By partnering with locals, you can offer revenge travelers a unique experience they won't find anywhere else.
Revenge travel is an excellent opportunity for businesses in the travel and hospitality industry. By leveraging this trend, you can boost sales, improve your customer satisfaction levels, and increase your brand awareness.
Check out our recent webinar about revenge travel, hosted by CEO and founder, Danielle Smyth.