Inclusive Travel Principles for Vacation Rental Hosts
Expedia Group released insights on inclusive travel practices for vacation rental hosts, highlighting the growing importance of serving underrepresented travelers. The study reveals that 40% of underserved travelers feel by their identity when selecting destinations. Notable findings include that 71% of underserved travelers prefer brands supporting diversity initiatives, and these travelers spend an additional five hours researching safe and welcoming accommodations. The report emphasizes that 61% of Black and Latino travelers prioritize reviews from similar backgrounds, while 55% of LGBTQIA+ travelers value recommendations from their community.
Expedia Group ha pubblicato approfondimenti sulle pratiche di viaggio inclusivo per i proprietari di affitti per vacanze, evidenziando l'importanza crescente di servire viaggiatori sottorappresentati. Lo studio rivela che il 40% dei viaggiatori svantaggiati si sente limitato dalla propria identità nella scelta delle destinazioni. I risultati significativi includono che il 71% dei viaggiatori svantaggiati preferisce marchi che supportano iniziative di diversità, e questi viaggiatori trascorrono ulteriori cinque ore a ricercare sistemazioni sicure e accoglienti. Il rapporto sottolinea che il 61% dei viaggiatori neri e latini dà priorità alle recensioni provenienti da background simili, mentre il 55% dei viaggiatori LGBTQIA+ apprezza le raccomandazioni della propria comunità.
Expedia Group publicó información sobre prácticas de viaje inclusivas para los anfitriones de alquileres vacacionales, destacando la creciente importancia de atender a los viajeros subrepresentados. El estudio revela que el 40% de los viajeros desatendidos se siente limitado por su identidad al seleccionar destinos. Entre los hallazgos notables, el 71% de los viajeros desatendidos prefiere marcas que apoyan iniciativas de diversidad, y estos viajeros dedican cinco horas adicionales a investigar alojamientos seguros y acogedores. El informe enfatiza que el 61% de los viajeros negros y latinos prioriza las reseñas de antecedentes similares, mientras que el 55% de los viajeros LGBTQIA+ valoran las recomendaciones de su comunidad.
익스피디아 그룹은 휴가 임대 호스트를 위한 포괄적인 여행 관행에 대한 통찰력을 발표하였으며, 소외된 여행자를 대상으로 하는 서비스의 중요성이 증가하고 있음을 강조했습니다. 연구에 따르면 소외된 여행자의 40%는 목적지를 선택할 때 자신의 정체성에 의해 제한을 느낍니다. 주목할 만한 결과로는 소외된 여행자의 71%가 다양성 지원 이니셔티브를 지지하는 브랜드를 선호하며, 이러한 여행자들은 안전하고 환영받는 숙소를 조사하는 데 추가로 5시간을 소요합니다. 보고서에서는 흑인 및 라틴계 여행자의 61%가 유사한 배경의 리뷰를 우선시하며, LGBTQIA+ 여행자의 55%가 그들 공동체의 추천을 중요시한다고 강조합니다.
Expedia Group a publié des informations sur les pratiques de voyage inclusives pour les hôtes de locations de vacances, mettant en avant l'importance croissante de servir les voyageurs sous-représentés. L'étude révèle que 40% des voyageurs mal desservis se sentent limités par leur identité lors du choix de leurs destinations. Parmi les résultats notables, 71% des voyageurs mal desservis préfèrent les marques soutenant des initiatives de diversité, et ces voyageurs passent cinq heures supplémentaires à rechercher des hébergements sûrs et accueillants. Le rapport souligne que 61% des voyageurs noirs et latino privilégient les avis de personnes ayant des parcours similaires, tandis que 55% des voyageurs LGBTQIA+ valorisent les recommandations de leur communauté.
Expedia Group hat Einblicke in inklusive Reisepraktiken für Gastgeber von Ferienunterkünften veröffentlicht und die wachsende Bedeutung hervorgehoben, unterrepräsentierte Reisende zu bedienen. Die Studie zeigt, dass 40% der unterversorgten Reisenden sich bei der Auswahl von Reisezielen durch ihre Identität eingeschränkt fühlen. Zu den bemerkenswerten Ergebnissen gehört, dass 71% der unterversorgten Reisenden Marken bevorzugen, die Diversitätsinitiativen unterstützen, und diese Reisenden verbringen zusätzlich fünf Stunden mit der Recherche nach sicheren und einladenden Unterkünften. Der Bericht betont, dass 61% der schwarzen und lateinamerikanischen Reisenden Bewertungen von ähnlichen Hintergründen priorisieren, während 55% der LGBTQIA+-Reisenden Empfehlungen aus ihrer Gemeinschaft schätzen.
- Growing market opportunity as underserved populations are projected to increase significantly by 2040
- 71% of underserved travelers prefer brands supporting diversity initiatives, presenting business growth potential
- Opportunity to capture additional market share through inclusive practices
- Current travel industry not keeping pace with underserved market growth
- Additional operational costs may be required to implement accessibility features
Insights
This article, while focused on DEI initiatives, reveals important business implications for Expedia Group's vacation rental segment. The data showing
The strategic focus on inclusive travel practices could strengthen Expedia's competitive position in the
Gain deeper insights into underserved travelers and learn why welcoming guests of all backgrounds is good business.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2024 / Expedia Group
Tim Rosolio
Travel unites people across cultures, fostering a global sense of community. Yet systemic barriers and discriminatory practices continue to tarnish these experiences for many underserved travelers. As the percentage of underrepresented populations continues to grow, embracing inclusivity is more than just a moral imperative - it's essential for conducting business.
The Journeys for All: An Expedia Group Study on Inclusion in Travel report offers insight into the experiences and challenges faced by travelers from underrepresented communities, including Black, Latino, and LGBTQIA+ individuals and those with disabilities, revealing that two in five (
Read on for inclusive travel insights and proactive steps you can take as a vacation rental host to create more welcoming experiences for all guests and drive success for your business.
Inclusion fuels business growth
Underserved travelers currently make up a large share of the global travel market. And by 2040, the underserved population in the United States is projected to grow significantly,** showing that these underrepresented communities will continue to increase both in size and buying power. The travel industry is not keeping pace with this growth, and it's affecting the experiences of underserved travelers.
This gap, however, presents a valuable opportunity for vacation rental hosts. By proactively embracing inclusive travel practices, you can better meet the needs of marginalized travelers and drive success for your business. Creating a more welcoming experience for guests will allow you to tap into this expanding market, build loyalty, and help you stand out as a host to a diverse set of travelers. The result: Improved guest experiences, repeat bookings, and a solid foundation for long-term business growth.
Alleviate concerns during the research and booking process
While both the general population and underserved travelers spend an average of nine hours on travel research and planning, the latter spend, on average, an additional five hours ensuring their destinations and accommodations are not only appealing but also safe and welcoming to all.
Underrepresented populations place more importance and trust in the travel experiences of those who come from similar backgrounds than the general population, looking for reviews and recommendations from those who share their identity. Access to relatable and relevant content is critical when it comes to making travel decisions; this includes reviews and language options, as well as search features like advanced accessibility filters.
Trusted sources during trip planning
Underserved travelers value reviews and recommendations from individuals who share their identity.
ACTIONABLE TIPS
Help underserved travelers feel more confident booking with you
Make sure your property appears in advanced filters for accessibility features so guests can quickly identify your property based on their needs and preferences.
Offer multiple language options to help travelers navigate your listing.
Actively solicit reviews from your past guests to feature a diverse range of traveler experiences.
Eliminate potential biases from the booking process by turning on Instant Booking, which automatically approves booking requests upon receipt. Read this blog post to learn more about how Instant Booking works.
Outfit your property to welcome all travelers
More than half (
ACTIONABLE TIPS
Ensure all guests feel welcome and accommodated at your property
Offer and maintain accessibility features on your property - installing ramps, handrails in showers, and other adaptive features to accommodate guests with disabilities and encourage them to book your property.
Welcome service animals for guests who rely on their animal companions for support during their stay.
Consider offering a thoughtfully curated welcome guide that highlights local attractions, restaurants, and activities that cater to a diverse range of interests and identities, allowing guests to explore the area with confidence.
Actively promote diversity and inclusion to connect with underserved travelers
For underserved travelers, their identities can tangibly impact their travel choices. Underserved travelers prefer to book with businesses that champion diversity and inclusion.
ACTIONABLE TIPS
Consistently show your commitment to diversity across all consumer touchpoints
All Vrbo hosts should familiarize themselves with our guidelines on discrimination, harassment, and inclusion, which are the foundation for fostering a fair and welcoming marketplace for all guests.
It's also important to examine every consumer touchpoint of your vacation rental business - such as your property listings, amenities, and accessibility features- and ensure they consistently reflect your commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Look closely at the words used across all your listings and marketing materials - is your language inclusive, welcoming, and respectful? When mentioning accessible features, make sure to use positive language rather than descriptions that emphasize limitations. For example, instead of saying your property features "toilets for the disabled," you can say you offer "accessible toilets."
Thoughtful adjustments like this can go a long way with underrepresented travelers and show that you're committed to creating an inclusive environment for guests.
Research & Insights
Dive deeper into the data
Learn more about underserved travelers and the steps you can take to ensure the success of your vacation rental business.
Tim Rosolio
Vice President of Partner Success, Vacation Rentals, Expedia Group
Tim Rosolio has a comprehensive end-to-end view of the short-term rental business. He is a subject matter expert in vacation rentals, and his leadership and involvement include working on a number of key projects and initiatives at Vrbo such as our monetization strategy, VR competitiveness, acquisition, readiness, and the Fast Start program.
In addition to his eight years of experience in the vacation rentals line of business, Tim understands what our Vrbo hosts need because he is one! Prior to being VP of Partner Success, he worked on the Expedia for Business Strategy & Transformation team.
* All on-page data, except where noted, sourced from: Expedia Group, Journeys for All, Experiences of Underserved Travelers in the United States, August 2024
** United States Census Bureau, 2023 Population Projections for the Nation
View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Expedia Group on 3blmedia.com.
Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Expedia Group
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/expedia-group
Email: info@3blmedia.com
SOURCE: Expedia Group
View the original press release on accesswire.com
FAQ
What percentage of underserved travelers feel by their identity when traveling according to Expedia Group's study?
How much extra time do underserved travelers spend on travel research compared to the general population?
What percentage of Black and Latino travelers prioritize reviews from similar backgrounds in EXPE's study?
