Make sure you are ready for the next big wave of travelers.
Generation Z is defined as anyone born in 2001 or later, and this population is set to outnumber millennials within a year. As this generation begins to travel, hotels need to be ready. While it’s easy to assume that Gen Z travelers will have the same needs and interests as millennials, it’s important to remember that this is a completely new group of people with a unique worldview and set of interests. To cater to this new generation of travelers, here are some things that hotels need to keep in mind.
Social Media and Marketing
Gen Z is the first generation to grow up surrounded by the influence of social media. As a result, they are more conscious of how they portray themselves online than any other generation preceding them. Additionally, Gen Z also uses social media a little differently than other generations. They tend to use it for entertainment purposes and favor highly visual content and social media platforms. If hotels wish to cater to Gen Z, they need to change how they market to them. Advertisements should pop up on popular social media and should be immediately attention-grabbing. Another point to consider is that Gen Z seems to favor content that seems homemade and genuine. Anything that appears too slick will feel inauthentic and unappealing. A great way for you to appeal to Gen Z is by leveraging the power of social media influencers. Big influencers have a loyal band of followers who trust and value the opinion of the influence. So, having them endorse your property is a fantastic way to pique the interest of younger travelers.
Technology and Hotel Experiences
The younger generation has grown up with access to the internet, smartphones, and on-demand entertainment and streaming platforms. So, they naturally expect hotels to offer technology and entertainment amenities. Marriott, Hyatt, and other major hotel brands have been focusing on their in-room entertainment experiences. For instance, they are introducing smart TVs and other technology that enables guests to stream Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more to the televisions inside their rooms. Additionally, hotels should think about implementing messaging apps to facilitate the process of ordering room service or making requests from hotel staff. Hotel staff needs to be immediately responsive to guest needs, as Gen Z expects a degree of instant gratification.
These are two of the major things that hotels need to consider when appealing to Gen Z travelers. Interested in learning about other major trends in the hospitality industry? Get the information you need by meeting and connecting with all the top California lodging professionals at the California Lodging Investment Conference. Contact us today to learn more about this fantastic informational and networking event.
