Research shows that business travellers account for 38,000 trips every single day. And in recent years, the trend of ‘bleisure’ travel - a blend of business and leisure - has skyrocketed. It’s estimated that employees add holiday days to 60% of business trips and on top of that, nearly three-quarters of travellers say they think of their business trips as ‘an adventure’.
Gone are the days of business travellers looking for a place to just lay their heads at the end of the day. They’re looking for a chance to get to know a new destination and enjoy their non-work time to the fullest. This attitude opens a door for holiday rentals, known for their uniqueness and authenticity, to become a favourite among business travellers.
That doesn’t even take into account corporate rental amenities that hotels just don’t have, like full kitchens for cooking in, private laundry facilities for keeping your work clothes fresh, and multiple private bedrooms for colleagues travelling together.
So, how can you prepare your property to put a smile on the faces of business travellers? From not skimping on the essentials like great Wi-Fi to making relaxation a one-step process, this is your guide to understanding the needs of business travellers and learning how to attract them to your rental property.
- Understanding business travellers
- What do business travellers want from their accommodation?
- How to attract business travellers to your rental
Understanding business travellers
Business travellers are the jet-setting professionals who travel the globe for work and they bring a unique set of needs and preferences to the travel industry. They come from diverse backgrounds, spanning various ages, genders, and occupations, from corporate executives to freelance consultants. What unites them is their shared mission to conduct business efficiently and effectively, regardless of their location.
Their behaviour patterns are as varied as the destinations they visit. Some travel frequently, hopping from one city to another, while others only embark on occasional trips. The length of their stays can range from a quick overnight to extended periods, depending on the nature of their business.
But generally, the desires and needs of business travellers remain the same, regardless of their travel patterns. Understanding what business travellers' want and the specific type of guest that would be interested in your rental property is key to attracting them to your accommodation and keeping them happy.
What do business travellers want from their accommodation?
Comfort and convenience
Accommodation location and transport are crucial factors for business travellers to consider, and they come hand in hand. They need reliable transport options to get them from airports and train stations to meetings to their accommodations without a problem. So it’s worth taking note of the best transport services in your area for them. Considering this, accommodation needs to be easily accessible, allowing for swift and convenient transitions between their destinations.
When it comes to comfort and convenience, business travellers come with a specific checklist. Accommodation for business travellers needs to feel like a home away from home, with plush beds to sink into after a long day of meetings and spacious workspaces where they can tackle their tasks with laser focus.
And let's not forget about the booking process. Business travellers want it to be as stress-free as possible, with easy online booking systems and flexible cancellation policies that accommodate their changing schedules. Meeting these needs of business travellers ensures they'll return to your accommodation for future trips, knowing they'll always find the comfort and convenience they desire.
Connectivity and productivity
In the fast-paced world of business travel, staying connected and productive is non-negotiable. For business travellers, high-speed internet isn't just a luxury, it's a necessity. They need reliable Wi-Fi connectivity to power through emails, video calls, and research without any issues.
When it's time to roll up their sleeves and get stuck into work, having a dedicated workspace is essential. Whether it’s a desk in their room or a designated quiet space elsewhere, accommodation for business travellers should have areas where they can open their laptops, spread out documents, and focus.
Sometimes, business travellers need access to business centre facilities. From printing and scanning services to fully-equipped meeting rooms, these facilities provide the tools and space business travellers need to complete their workload with ease. If your accommodation doesn’t provide this, it’s worth noting places nearby that do to be as helpful as possible.
By prioritising connectivity and productivity, accommodation providers can meet the needs of business travellers head-on, ensuring they have everything they need to conquer their workday while travelling.
Personalisation and recognition
For business travellers, feeling like a VIP is important. That's where you need to think about personalisation and recognition. Loyalty programs are great for frequent travellers, offering perks and benefits that make them feel valued and appreciated.
But it's not just about the points. Business travellers love tailored services that cater to their unique preferences and needs. Whether it's a favourite snack waiting in the fridge or insider recommendations for local restaurants, these personalised touches elevate their experience from good to unforgettable.
Embracing personalisation and recognition allows accommodation providers to create memorable experiences that meet the needs of business travellers and keep them coming back time and time again.
Health and wellness
Naturally, business travellers can be under pressure and feel stressed sometimes, so maintaining health and wellness whilst away is key to staying on top of their game. Accommodation for business travellers should provide nutritious snack options, allowing them to stay energised and focused throughout their stay.
Another important factor to attract business travellers is access to fitness facilities. Whether it's a fully-equipped gym close by or a scenic running route recommendation, having options to stay active is essential for maintaining well-being on the road.
But it's not all about physical health. Business travellers also crave moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether that’s luxury toiletries paired with an inviting bathtub or a spa suggestion in your area, offering a sanctuary where they can unwind and recharge before diving back into the hustle and bustle of business travel is super important.
With health and wellness at the forefront of your mind, accommodations can meet the diverse needs of business travellers, providing everything they need to stay healthy, happy, and productive while away from home.
How to attract business travellers to your rental
Know your key business traveller
It’s not enough to know how to attract business travellers in general. You need to understand how to attract your own key demographic. After all, a five-bedroom corporate rental near Google’s Mountain View headquarters will bring in one demographic of business travellers, while a one-bedroom apartment near suburban conference centres will attract another.
Take time to understand the specific needs of business travellers you attract, based on the key selling points you have to offer. Are they sharing their accommodations with colleagues or keeping the space to themselves? Breezing through town, or extending their trips into leisure experiences? Will they tuck in at the end of a day, or go out and hit the town?
Then, use your marketing to speak directly to the guests that your property best serves. When you put together your property photography and listing description, focus on the key selling points you have that address the wants, needs, and travel goals of your target guest.
Don’t skimp on business essentials
You’re selling a corporate rental, so don’t skimp on the everyday business essentials. Think about what business travellers want or need to start the day. This could be an iron and ironing board so they’re always looking sharp, or numerous plug sockets to charge their electronics. Then, think of a way to go the extra mile.
Not just Wi-Fi, but lightning-fast Wi-Fi. Not just a desk, but a desk with an ergonomic chair, accompanied by a printer and scanner. Not just coffee, but artisan local roasts. Plus, stock extras in the desk like a mouse pad, envelopes, stamps, staplers, Post-It notes, spare chargers, an extension lead, and an adapter for international business travellers.
And don’t forget to provide clear, accessible instructions on where to find and how to use amenities. No business traveller wants to guess at the Wi-Fi password or struggle with a printer after a long day of meetings. Create a digital welcome book that stores all practical information in one easy-to-access place.
Make relaxation a one-step process
Make it your goal to provide your guest with at least one clear-cut way to relax at the end of the workday.
Maybe that means a cosy couch in front of a fireplace. Or a bubbling hot tub on the back deck. It could even be as simple as a Netflix-enabled flat-screen in the living room.
Whatever it is, make it into a one-step process (i.e. flip on the fireplace switch, turn on the jets, click the Netflix icon). Then outline that quick process in your corporate rental’s digital welcome book.
A business traveller will spend a lot of time working during their stay - don’t make them do any more work trying to figure out how to kick back. Your option for one-step relaxation may just be the highlight of their day.
Give them easy choices
For you, the question of where to grab a quick breakfast or happy hour drink in your area is a no-brainer. For a business traveller, these decisions aren’t so simple. Relieve them of the burden of researching the area by offering your own insider knowledge.
Touch Stay’s digital welcome books use Google Maps integration so that you can pinpoint your recommendations and show guests exactly how to get there from your corporate rental. Plus, guests will be able to access this welcome book before they even set foot in your rental property. That means they can use their recommendations to plan their trip—and even access your easy instructions on how to get to your property from the airport or train station.
Thinking ahead of the needs of business travellers means they spend less time making decisions, meaning they have more time to relax between meetings or presentations, which results in happier business travellers.
Summary
Attracting and retaining business travellers isn't just about providing a place to stay, it's about creating an experience that meets their unique needs and exceeds their expectations. Whether that’s offering a seamless booking experience, providing personal touches, or ensuring they have a top-notch workspace, there are many things you can do to attract business travellers and keep them coming back time and time again.
Want to learn more about how to attract business travellers with a digital guest book that makes their stays easy? Try out Touch Stay for free for 14 days and join other hosts who have claimed back their time and elevated their guests' experience. You won’t regret it!
