Reputation and travel are becoming increasingly more synonymous with one another. In fact, according to a recent CNN consumer study, reputation is the third most important factor when selecting a travel destination.
Reputation and Travel
If you’ve ever wondered if anyone pays attention to all those online reviews when booking travel, look no further than this article which discusses the results of a recent CNN study.
“That safety and security is significantly more important for respondents than the cost of travel, even in austere times, is an indicator that, in times of regional unrest, the pendulum has swung. With reputation also a key factor, tourist boards will clearly continue to have a vital role to play in shaping international perceptions of their country to encourage tourism growth,” he added.
‘Price’ ranks second in travel decision making, reflecting the continuing impact of the economic crisis on consumers. Yet despite this, the latest UNWTO growth predication figures confirm the resiliency of a buoyant global tourism sector.*
However, respondents are not just price conscious, they are also discerning. ‘Reputation’ is the third most considered factor for respondents considering travel destinations.
Online reviews played an important role in my recent family trip. My wife and I weighed the reputation of several hotels before selecting one. We read at least 5-10 comments for each hotel and quickly review the star ratings of each.
Many people do the same thing. In fact, where in years past, we asked the concierge for dining suggestions, this time around we simply found the reviews of local restaurants on our phones.
That’s really a topic for another separate discussion, but suffice to say, your reputation really does follow you. People on the go come across what others are saying about you right their on their phones and tablets. There’s really no escape if your business reputation is poor.
What do you think? How much of a role does a hotel’s online reputation play in booking your travel? Share your comments below.
You can read more about the World Stage Group article here
TOPIC: Reputation and Travel
