22% More Hotel Revenue Through Experiences

Higher Occupancy & Increased Revenue per Guest: The Numbers Speak for Themselves

Guests are increasingly choosing hotels that offer more than just a comfortable bed and good food. According to a recent study by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), hotels with experience-focused offerings see, on average, 10-15% higher booking rates compared to other accommodations (UNWTO, 2024).

In addition, revenue per guest has risen significantly. An analysis by McKinsey shows that guests who take advantage of special hotel offerings, such as guided tours, culinary experiences, or wellness packages, spend up to 20% more. A specific example: at a leading Austrian resort offering personalized experience packages, guest spending increased by 22% in 2023—without raising room rates (McKinsey Travel Experience Report, 2024).

Building Loyal Guests Through Experiences: A Valuable Investment

Guest satisfaction and repeat visits are directly linked to the experiences offered. A survey by the EHL Hospitality Business School found that 75% of a hotel’s loyal guests return primarily because of its unique activities and special offerings. Experiences create emotional connections that last beyond the stay, resulting in an average 30% higher rebooking rate. Hoteliers who recognize and cultivate this trend are successfully building long-term loyalty and benefitting from a dedicated customer base (EHL Hospitality Trends, 2024).

Economic Trends and the Future of Hotel Marketing

Looking at the economic outlook for Germany and Austria, hotels should increasingly focus on experience-oriented offerings. With the rising number of retirees and a centralization of income, guests are paying more attention to the value added to their vacation. Hotels that can deliver this value through unique experiences stand out clearly.

The UNWTO forecasts a continued rise in demand for personalized experiences through 2025. According to their analysis, hotels with experience-based offerings will achieve up to 20% higher occupancy than competitors. A Booking.com survey reinforces this: 40% of travelers stated they are willing to pay more for a hotel with extraordinary experiences.

Conclusion: Differentiating Through Experiences

Experiences are the new cornerstone of hotel marketing. They create emotional connections that bind guests and give hotels a significant edge over competitors. In a market increasingly affected by economic challenges, authentic and unique offerings become all the more essential. Hotels that engage guests with personalized experiences achieve not only higher occupancy rates and revenue but also build a loyal, long-term customer base.

Whether it’s guided hikes, culinary events, or cultural highlights—now is the time not only to accommodate guests but to enrich their stay with experiences, creating a unique selling point that goes far beyond traditional amenities.