Experiences such as themed stays as part of hotel packages, and trips where the hotel is the destination itself, are part of the latest travel trends according to Agoda’s ‘Travel in 2021’ survey. Announced today to mark the launch of Agoda’s Special Offers travel deals, the survey across 11 Asian markets showed that short stays, frequent trips, and exploring new local destinations are also the top ways people want to travel now.
For Filipinos, exploring local destinations never visited before, is the # 1 way that they are traveling now. While taking short trips, and looking for experiences such as added perks and themed hotel stays as part of their accommodation take the top 2 and top 3 spots respectively.
Demand for added benefits in accommodations packages
With domestic travel the only option for many travelers in the Asia Pacific region, people are prioritizing how, where, and what they do on their travels based on their top accommodations must-haves.
Food and beverage benefits is the top accommodation must-have when people think about their next local vacation, with the Philippines, Thailand, and Japan most likely to demand this as a perk.
Experiences (onsite or offsite activities such as cooking workshops and heritage tours) ranked second regionally, with Indonesians, Vietnamese and Thais most likely to cite it as must-haves in accommodation packages. Korean, Japanese and Singaporean public are the least likely to consider experiences a “must-have”.
Early check-in and late check-out perks round out the top three ‘must-have’ benefits, while upgrade of rooms and wellness benefits like spa vouchers ranked #4 and #5 respectively. When it comes to early check in or late check out as a must-have, Singapore takes the top spot, followed by Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan and China. South Korea, Japan and Thailand are least likely to cite this as a ‘must-have’. Respondents from South Korea, Japan and Taiwan are the most likely markets to desire room upgrades, while Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam are least likely.
”Previously, hotels might have been a base for exploring the locale, especially for international vacationers. Now with domestic visitors and staycation travel dominating travel plans, people want to enhance their accommodation experience as they may spend more time inside, and are looking for the hotel to provide the entertainment. Whether that’s additional activities or simply those added luxuries like F&B or spa package, or the decadence of a late check-out, how folks are getting holiday highs have changed. And Agoda is helping consumers find the best deals with its new Agoda Special Offers product to help consumers get a more fulfilling travel experience at a great value as they continue to travel hyper local,” said Enric Casals, Regional Director Southeast Asia and Oceania for Agoda.
Agoda launches Agoda Special Offers to meet travelers’ desire for extra perks with their stay at great prices
With Agoda Special Offers, travelers now have access to exclusive and non-exclusive packages, and value-added benefits when they search for accommodation on Agoda through https://www.agoda.com/c/SpecialOfferPH. They can browse the range of offers most suited to their needs, from food and beverage credits, local experiences within or outside the hotel, early check-in or late check-out perks to special room upgrades, and make bookings for these packaged deals at great prices.
Foodies for example can enjoy free breakfast and welcome drinks when they book a Special Offer at Aloha Boracay Hotel. While Tagaytay staycationers can enjoy free plated breakfast + 10% room service discount when they book a Special Offer at Hotel Monticello.
Familiescan indulge in a luxurious escape with their kids at the Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort in Coron and enjoy 10% off on all watersports activities and diving and all spa services and treatments—on top of discounts on all A La Carte Orders on food and beverages and all room service orders.