Is Wi-Fi something to consider when choosing to travel?

We are investigating whether complementary internet connection when travelling is one of the main factors to consider when booking up with the help of KBR, experts in network security.

All millennials know is to sit comfortably in the digital age. Wi-fi was once seen as a luxury, but with more people jetting off it has become a must for the younger generation.

Travellers behaviour

Companies are made to adjust their marketing strategies, improving the experience of booking a holiday due to the higher expectations of travelers.

When it comes to the millennial demographic, 46% book travel through a smartphone which means websites must be optimized and responsive to fit customer needs. To validate how much digital perks have impacted the way we travel, 87% look to popular social media platform, Facebook, for travel inspiration, meaning that they are using the internet before they lay down any solid foundations for booking a holiday.

According to research carried out by Statista, free Wi-Fi is the deciding factor for both business and leisure travellers. But what were the statistics surrounding these types of travellers?

Business travellers

49% of business Traveller favored free Wi-Fi over any other factor. Following not so closely was a free breakfast which came in at 14%. Proximity to mass transit, transportation and shops all at 11%, and a small 6% with regard to having a comfortable work chair and a desk in a room — which comes as a surprise due to the purpose of their trip.

This shows that an internet connection for a businessperson on the road is vital, as on-the-go and instant communication is a requirement that must be met and this has led to more hotels conforming to guest needs.

Leisure travellers

Focusing more on leisure travellers, only 25% prioritized free Wi-Fi.What’s more, 22% wanted a free breakfast after their night’s stay, 15% had free parking at the forefront of their minds and 10% required a hotel with its own private swimming pool included before booking.

It’s clear that Wi-Fi is working its way into out day to day lives and we as a generation are becoming more and more dependent on it, 65% of guests log into the Hotel Wi-Fi just minutes after arriving.

Hoteliers understanding traveller trends

A hotel located in London researched to see what was the most important – a hotspot connection or the location. When their guests were asked an impressive 67% swayed their decision towards Wi-Fi being the deciding factor when they choose the hotel. This topped the 65% of guests who said their decision was made purely of geographic location.

This could be due to the fact that transport has become more efficient around the country, with most services also introducing free Wi-Fi connection to commuters.

When looking at the statistics that surrounding the importance of an internet connection, it was shocking to find that the surprisingly low 58% of people cared more about a good night’s sleep. But what can hoteliers do to work with what customers are demanding?

Larger budgets are being assigned by hoteliers to continue the use of Wi-Fi within their hotels and, according to a report in 2016, 56% of hotels said that they were prioritising in-room technology in their next budget. This was because, on average, short-term guests will bring up to three devices and guests that are staying for longer periods tend to bring more — showing that hotels must start to meet the demands of their consumers to stay on top and highlighting the importance of making bold movements within the accommodation industry.