reports
Guests won’t consider hotels if online reviews are negative
Maldives.net.mv – New study shows dropping price won’t overcome bad reviews; online travel agencies have long made it easy to compare hotel room prices.
Now, using online review sites like TripAdvisor, consumers are gauging value, too. New research from SAS and The Pennsylvania State University, “Pricing in a social world: The influence of non-price information on hotel choice,” reveals that reviews trump price as the decisive factor in consumer choice. In fact, negative reviews will eliminate a hotel from consideration, regardless of price.
“This study proves hotels must proactively manage their online reputation,” said Kelly McGuire, PhD, Executive Director of the Hospitality and Travel Global Practice for SAS. “Hotels should monitor all key social media channels using keyword searches, and analyze conversations for trends. If many people are saying the same thing about your brand, pay attention. Sometimes the things you don’t want to hear are the ones that help you avert a crisis or turn a trend around.”
Reviews and price are most influential: Positive reviews are the primary factor in choice. While consumers read ratings and Trip Advisor rank, reviews contributed the most to their decisions, followed by price.
Negative reviews remove hotels from the running: In the minds of the consumer neither low prices nor high ratings overcome negative reviews. Consumers focused on reviews as indicators of a hotel’s current performance, saying they would trade a lower price for a hotel with better reviews.
Dropping the price won’t help: A low price isn’t enough to overcome negative reviews. In other words, if your reviews are negative, you are removed from the consumers’ choice set, period
All other things equal, consumers still prefer a low price: Unsurprisingly, while consumers will opt for a higher-priced hotel when the lower-priced hotel has negative user-generated content (UGC), they still prefer to pay the lowest price possible. So, hotels need to pay attention to how their reviews compare to competitors when setting price.
Consumers only notice high ratings and rankings: When deciding where to stay, consumers only consider ratings and rankings if they are higher than other choices in the set. They don’t value comparisons between low and mid-level ratings and rankings. Nor did content or language of reviews matter – only whether reviews were positive or negative.
Brand name does play a role: When choosing among alternatives, brand name did have a positive effect on quality perceptions.
While this and other studies suggest that better UGC translates into increased pricing power, revenue managers should not take this as a license to raise prices,” said Breffni Noone, PhD, Assistant Professor at the Pennsylvania State University School of Hospitality Management. “Many factors go into a pricing strategy, including demand patterns, business mix, strategic goals, value proposition and competitive position. Revenue managers must consider UGC as only one factor among many.”
With the advent of social media, word of mouth is now a global conversation where opinions travel as fast as they are formed. Good or bad, accurate or misinformed – guests’ opinions are broadcast on social networks, microblogs, video-sharing websites and message boards for the world to see. SAS Social Media Analytics can help hotels turn social data into meaningful, usable information such as identifying influential consumers, answering questions about guests’ needs and desires, and quantifying the impact of promotions, new offerings and strategic partnerships on reputation and the bottom line.
Maldives has soared into the top 5 most popular babymoon destinations according to a new study by My 1st Years.
Babymoons, pre-baby getaways for expecting parents, have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. The UK alone has witnessed a staggering 128% increase in searches for “best babymoon destinations” in just the past three months.
To understand expectant parents’ travel dreams, My 1st Years analyzed Google search data for hundreds of destinations worldwide. The Maldives secured the coveted fourth place, surpassing Italy, Australia, and Portugal.
This tropical paradise offers the perfect escape for parents-to-be seeking relaxation and rejuvenation before welcoming their new arrival. Imagine soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or indulging in pampering spa treatments – pure bliss!
For expectant couples seeking a luxurious and unforgettable babymoon experience, the Maldives offers a truly idyllic setting.
Maldives is setting its sights on welcoming a record-breaking 2.01 million tourists in 2024, a 7.9% increase compared to anticipated arrivals this year. This optimistic forecast, released by the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), paints a vibrant picture of tourism industry thriving next year.
Several key factors are driving this projected surge:
- The Resurgent Chinese Market: With borders reopening and travel restrictions easing, Chinese tourists are expected to flock back to the Maldives in droves, injecting significant energy into the sector.
- New Tourist Delights: The Maldives is steadily expanding its offerings, with new resorts, attractions, and experiences emerging to cater to a wider range of visitors.
- Smoother Skies Ahead: The completion of the Velana International Airport’s new terminal will boost capacity, making it easier for more tourists to reach the paradise islands.
- Luxury’s Enduring Allure: The Maldives’ reputation as a premier luxury destination remains undimmed, attracting high-spending travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.
- Weddings and Honeymoons in Paradise: The Maldives’ romantic charm is drawing ever-increasing numbers of couples seeking picture-perfect wedding and honeymoon destinations.
Looking geographically, Asia is expected to dominate the tourist influx, accounting for 60% of arrivals. Europe, America, and other regions are also projected to contribute significantly, highlighting the Maldives’ diverse appeal.
MATATO’s forecast is based on a meticulous analysis of data from various sources, including past tourism trends, industry forecasts, consumer sentiment surveys, and even cutting-edge AI technology.
MATATO acknowledges potential risks that could affect the rosy outlook. A global economic downturn, rising travel costs, and political instability are factors to be monitored closely.
With its stunning natural beauty, luxurious offerings, and strategic initiatives, the islands are poised to welcome a record number of visitors, reaffirming its status as a dream destination for discerning travelers.
The Maldives has secured its place among the most sought-after “old money” destinations in the world, ranking an impressive fourth in a recent analysis conducted by SlotTracker.com. With over 12 million Instagram hashtags (12,777,931), the Maldives has emerged as a paradise for those seeking a luxurious and refined getaway.
Renowned for its exclusive resorts, pristine beaches, and private water villas, the Maldives offers an ideal setting for indulging in opulence and tranquillity. The timeless natural beauty of the archipelago, coupled with high-end accommodations and a variety of water-based activities, further adds to its allure, attracting discerning travelers in search of sophistication.
The concept of “old money” or “quiet luxury” has gained significant attention in recent times, with TikTok’s latest trend garnering over 2.5 billion views for the hashtag #oldmoneyaesthetic. This trend embodies a sense of understated elegance, free from overt displays of wealth, and draws inspiration from the refined style of celebrities like Sophia Richie and the hit TV show “Succession.”
Driven by curiosity about this trend, SlotTracker.com conducted a thorough analysis of more than 400 million Instagram hashtags to identify the destinations that epitomize refinement and elegance. From enchanting European cities to exotic havens in the Caribbean, their findings unveiled the most popular “old money” destinations worldwide, captivating travelers with unparalleled experiences of luxury and exclusivity.
The Maldives’ fourth-place ranking showcases the destination’s enduring appeal and its ability to deliver a quintessential “old money” experience. The abundance of Instagram hashtags dedicated to the Maldives indicates its popularity among influencers and travelers seeking to showcase their elegant retreats and experiences in this tropical paradise.
With its breathtaking turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, and idyllic private villas perched above the ocean, the Maldives offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The luxurious resorts scattered across the archipelago cater to the most discerning guests, providing personalized services, gourmet dining, and world-class amenities.
Whether it’s indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment, embarking on a romantic sunset cruise, or exploring the vibrant marine life through snorkeling or diving, the Maldives offers a range of activities that complement the serenity and sophistication of the destination.
As the Maldives continues to attract global attention as a premier “old money” destination, the local tourism industry is poised to benefit from the discerning travelers seeking luxurious experiences. The Maldivian government and tourism authorities can leverage this recognition to further enhance the destination’s offerings, promoting sustainable luxury tourism that preserves the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the islands.
The fourth-place ranking among the world’s most popular “old money” destinations reinforces the Maldives’ position as a leading luxury travel hotspot. Travelers from around the globe are enticed by the Maldives’ timeless charm, and the destination’s commitment to providing an extraordinary blend of tranquillity, sophistication, and exclusivity continues to set it apart in the world of luxury travel.
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