From Heritage Homes to High-Tech Stays: The New Era of Travel Accommodation

Highlights

• Introduction
• Transforming accommodation experience with heritage homes
• Use of innovative technologies to enhance hospitality services
• Role of frontrunners in upgrading the industry

In the current travel landscape, there's an increasing desire for truly authentic experiences. Travelers today are looking for more than just a comfortable bed and room service; they want meaningful connections with local cultures and communities. This shift has redefined travel, driving the tourism industry to innovate and provide personalized experiences that extend beyond traditional accommodations.

Tourists are seeking unique accommodations that offer an escape from the ordinary and allow them to immerse themselves in exceptional environments. The novelty and authenticity of these unique stays create lasting memories and stories. This encourages the tourism industry to elevate its offerings and provide exceptional experiences. Travelers have a range of choices, including hotels, hostels, resorts, vacation rentals, and more. 

The best option depends on several factors, such as various amenities and services (like room service, dining, fitness facilities, and recreational activities), personal preferences, budget, property availability, and booking method. These accommodations are designed to provide convenience, comfort, and often a touch of luxury during a stay.

The significance of heritage homes in local economies

According to UNESCO, cultural tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors, representing 40% of global tourism. Staying in a heritage home, whether a centuries-old European manor, a colonial-era bungalow in India, or a traditional ryokan in Japan, offers an experience of time travel. These properties often feature rich histories, antique furnishings, and unique architectural details that transport guests to another era. Heritage homes are situated in historic neighborhoods, offering guests a chance to deeply engage with local culture and simultaneously boost the local economy.

Investing in heritage homes establishes a sense of ownership and pride among residents, ensuring the sustainable preservation of these historic sites. Heritage walks, cultural festivals, and community-led tours are examples of how the localities contribute to promoting the architectural legacy of their region. Many heritage homes have been creatively repurposed as boutique hotels, cultural centers, and commercial spaces, providing strong returns on investment. This adaptive reuse ensures the financial sustainability of preserving these historic structures and contributes to their continued maintenance.

Optimizing the efficiency of accommodation with chatbots and voice assistants

Voice technology and robotics are revolutionizing the travel accommodation industry. In hotel rooms, voice-activated devices allow guests to check traffic and weather, or get restaurant recommendations. Voice-activated tools like Amazon's Alexa and Google Home are becoming more common in travel and hospitality settings. These technologies allow tourists to interact with services naturally and intuitively, making it easier to book accommodations, check flight statuses, and receive personalized recommendations.

Chatbots are increasingly used for customer service in the travel industry, offering round-the-clock support and streamlining bookings without human intervention. They assist users throughout the booking process, address queries, and manage consumer’s requests in multiple languages.

Air India Express teamed up with MakeMyTrip  

Tata Group-owned Air India Express announced the launch of 'Xpress Holidays,' a new platform developed in partnership with online travel firm MakeMyTrip in July 2024. This platform allows travelers to book flights, accommodations, and transportation all in one place. 

Air India Express stated that its partnership with MakeMyTrip provides a range of appealing packages to suit various travel preferences. The service, available through the airline's website, offers exclusive deals and comprehensive holiday packages. These packages include everything from cab pick-ups to sightseeing tours and other experiences. As part of the collaboration, MakeMyTrip will feature 'Xpress Holidays' on its holiday package page by displaying selective deals that involve Air India Express flights.

Advantage broadened its accommodation options through a joint venture with Hickory

Advantage Travel Partnership expanded its global accommodation options through a new joint venture with the US-based corporate travel consortium Hickory Global Partners in May 2024. The initiative was announced at Advantage’s conference in Mexico last week and will launch the Global Stays Network program in 2025. The initiative will offer over 60,000 properties and more than one million serviced apartments across the world. Both Hickory and Advantage provide their members with negotiated hotel rates at properties across the globe.

Cleartrip launched a new corporate travel booking tool

Flipkart-owned Cleartrip introduced 'Out of Office,' a corporate travel management product in February 2024. This launch aligns with Cleartrip's strategic focus on expanding its offerings in corporate travel bookings. 'Out of Office' (OOO) is a plug-and-play solution that rapidly adapts to organizational needs. It handles various booking behaviors, such as self-booking and travel desk bookings, and can manage multiple entities within a single instance. Early platform adopters include companies like Sify Technologies, The Federal Bank, Sterlite Power Transmission Ltd, ACC Limited, and MGM Healthcare.

Wrapping up

The evolving travel landscape highlights a desire for authentic, immersive experiences that go beyond traditional accommodations. Adopting innovative technologies and unique stays, while valuing heritage and local culture, reshapes the industry. This shift enhances travel, offering rich, more personalized experiences that cater to modern explorers' diverse needs and preferences.

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