TRG Blog

How Hotels Can Cater to Solo Travellers

Written by Andrew Turton | Mon, Nov 18, 2024

Solo traveling is emerging as one of the most significant trends in the hospitality industry. As more people embrace independent adventure hotels must adapt their offerings to capture this growing market segment.

Contents

Rise of solo travellers

Solo travel has experienced a remarkable surge in recent years. A recent study by Booking.com (2023) found that 72% of travelers in the UK plan a solo trip in the coming year. This trend is especially strong among millennials, with 84% interested in traveling alone.

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Why People Travel Solo 

Understanding the motivations behind solo travel is crucial for hotels looking to attract this demographic. Usually, people travel alone for the following reasons: 

  • Freedom and flexibility in scheduling 
  • Personal growth and self-discovery 
  • Opportunity to meet new people 
  • Career-related travel 
  • Digital nomad lifestyle 

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Essential Amenities and Services for Solo Travellers 

Safety and Security

For many solo travellers, especially women, safety is number 1 concern. Hotels can address this with: 

  • Well-lit corridors and public spaces 
  • 24/7 reception desk 
  • Secure key card access to rooms and facilities 
  • Clear emergency procedures 

Socialisation Opportunities

Solo travellers usually look for opportunities to meet other solo travellers. Hotels can encourage social interaction with: 

  • Communal spaces with comfortable seating 
  • Hosted social events 
  • Shared dining experiences 
  • Co-working spaces 

Room Configurations

Solo travellers usually need budget-friendly rooms that still offer comfort and privacy. Hotels can adapt with: 

  • Smart single room designs 
  • Ergonomic workspaces 
  • Enhanced in-room entertainment 
  • Reasonable single supplement rates 

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Innovative Solutions for Solo Guests

Personalisation is important for attracting solo travellers. Hotels can use technology to deliver tailored experiences with: 

Digital Integration

  • Mobile check-in/check-out 
  • Hotel app for easy service requests 
  • Digital concierge services 
  • Virtual community boards 

Dining Options

  • Bar seating with charging points 
  • Communal dining tables 
  • Room service optimised for one 
  • Grab-and-go meal options 

Activities and Experiences

Solo travellers usually want unique experiences that fit their interests. Hotels can stand out by offering:  

  • Solo-friendly guided tours 
  • Cooking classes 
  • Cultural workshops 
  • Fitness sessions 

Remote work options

Thanks to the rise of remote work, many solo travellers are digital nomads. Hotels can attract this group with: 

  • High-speed Wi-Fi  
  • In-room dedicated workspaces 
  • Co-working spaces with printers and meeting rooms 

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Economic Benefits for Hotels 

Hotels can benefit greatly from catering to solo travelers. Hospitality experts say single rooms typically bring in 75% of the revenue of double rooms while requiring less upkeep. This means hotels can boost their profits by attracting solo travelers. 

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Best Practices for Implementation 

Staff Training  

  • Cultural sensitivity 
  • Understanding solo traveller needs 
  • Safety protocol emphasis 

Marketing Strategies  

  • Dedicated solo traveller packages 
  • Social media engagement 
  • Authentic guest testimonials 

Pricing Structure  

  • Fair single supplement policies 
  • Solo traveller loyalty programmes 
  • Flexible booking options 

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Looking Ahead 

Solo travel is here to stay. Hotels that create welcoming spaces for independent travelers now will be in a good position to attract this growing market in the future. 

Hotels need to offer experiences that cater to the specific needs of solo travelers, while also making them feel safe and connected. By doing this, hotels can not only increase their profits but also create memorable experiences for their solo guests.