Ward, Hayden / Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Bed & Breakfast Trends for 2021

With most of corporate America continuing to have to work remotely, there has been a new craving for travel and working on “vacation” which has opened a plethora of opportunities for the Bed & Breakfast industry. Simply introducing more operational technology in your Inn, offering creative packages, or being more flexible with your bookings, could increase your business earnings exponentially. The trends for 2021 are focused on safety and the “new” business traveler.

Six Trends for Bed & Breakfasts in 2021:

1. Emphasis in Local Tourism

More and more travelers are searching for domestic trips with unique experiences. With a recent spike in “Toe-Dip Trips”, a short getaway to help rebuild travel confidence, people are staying closer and not booking huge bucket-list trips.

As more vaccines begin to roll out and are made available to the public, there has already been a noticeable spike in domestic traveling. Many of the searched for destinations are pointing to rural areas. Bed & Breakfast owners may find a ton of success when marketing to locals and surrounding towns. Offer a complete experience that includes all meals, and even live entertainment. Get creative to find ways that will appeal to the local people.

2. Operational Technology

COVID-19 has sparked advancements with operational smart technology for the Bed & Breakfast industry. Minimizing the amount of touchpoints for your guests will still continue to be a common trend throughout 2021. To help reduce the spread of germs, have QR codes available for your guests to use when ordering food or grabbing beverages. Having the option for online check-in, check-out, mobile keys and adjustable online room settings will leave your guests feeling comfortable with the safety precautions you are taking.

When you make the switch to a keyless entryway or fob, you can create temporary access codes for your guests. These access codes can be sent through text or contact information you provide when they arrive. Smart locks are a great way to save time, money, and the worry of your guests losing a key or making a duplicate.

Don’t forget there are operational technology devices that can support cleaning protocols, team communications, property care, leak detection, and property automation. For more information on smart tech devices, check out our post here!

3. Longer Stays & Outdoor Spaces

While there is new interest in smaller trips to build travelers confidence, longer stays are not going anywhere anytime soon. With many still working remotely and online school arrangements, there is an increased desire for a change of scenery.

According to Booking.com, 37% of travelers have already considered working from a different destination. This allows people to combine work and leisure without having to rush everything they want to see and do within the weekend or a couple of days.

To keep guests staying longer at your Bed & Breakfast, we suggest incorporating the great outdoors into their experience. Whether it be hosting meetings outside, outdoor dining, green spaces, or a garden for a coffee hour, your guests will feel safer spending the time outside. Expect to see the great outdoors used more in marketing initiatives and an increase in green spaces for guests to hang out.

4. Flexibility With Bookings

With the current situation of uncertainty among travelers, communication and transparency regarding bookings are crucial to succeeding in 2021. Cancellations and refunds have to be more flexible when it comes to your Bed & Breakfast. The importance of communicating all necessary information to your guests and being flexible for those who are interested in booking your property can not be overstated.

According to Forbes, travelers are booking spontaneous last-minute trips. The average number of days between booking to check-in is now 50 days, which is down -37.5% from the pre-pandemic average.

5. Creative Packages

With many working remotely, guests are yearning for a change of scenery. One way to keep your business going strong is to get creative and offer tailored Bed & Breakfast packages for remote workers. Offering packages for a week or even a day, may open up new doors and expose yourself to a new niche of travelers.

Don’t forget to have strong Wi-Fi available in their rooms and a desk they can work on. It is wise to also furnish any patio, porch and garden space with tables and chairs so guests can work outdoors. They will enjoy the change of scenery and the luxury of staying at your Bed & Breakfast during their stay.

6. Contactless Food & Drink

With safety and hygiene continuing to be a major concern among travelers, anytime you can reduce touch-points and human interactions at your Inn, you should. If you provide food for guests, set up a grab-and-go section in the lobby or hallway. Providing room service and leaving the meals at their door can help reduce contact. Another simple adjustment you can make is to create a QR code for your menu. It saves you time from having to wipe down all the menus, and they are fairly easy to create online.

Be Protected No Matter What

Taking the time to ensure your guests and your property are safe is the most important factor in running a Bed & Breakfast. Our hope at CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance is to provide your property with coverage that gives you peace of mind as you welcome guests into your charming Inn. Speak with one of our CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance experts or request a consultation!

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.