The American hotel industry grew at an unprecedented pace after World War II, as the country’s three-decade economic boom increased commercial travel and pushed incomes skyward. The rise of organized labor, which spread wealth more evenly and made paid vacations a reality for millions of workers, also facilitated the growth of the hotel industry. Moreover, with the development of the interstate highway system and reliable passenger aircraft, travel became easier and more convenient. At the same time, however, hotels became a major battleground for a fractious domestic political atmosphere.
Price comparison websites
Traveling and hotel price comparison websites are an excellent way to find the best deals. These sites can help you compare prices on various types of services such as flight tickets, hotel reservations, and car rentals. Many of these websites even offer travel insurance. These sites are especially helpful for people who travel often or want to find the best deals on a specific trip.
Some of these websites even offer a way to customize their Price Comparison tools to showcase hotel rates and other information. For example, you can customize Priceline to match your hotel’s branding, and configure the price comparison tool to include prices from different OTAs. Alternatively, you can tailor the price comparison tool to display prices from specific categories of hotels, such as business hotels.
Cancellation policies
Cancellation policies for traveling and hotels vary, and it is vital to know your rights before making any plans. If you have made a reservation, and you need to cancel it for any reason, you should contact the accommodation provider or booking platform. Some will allow you to change your reservation or refund the full amount. Regardless of the cancellation policy, make sure to keep copies of all communications. You can also purchase travel insurance, which will cover cancellation policies in the event of force majeure.
Most hotels require a 24-hour cancellation notice, although some may be more flexible. Cancellation policies for hotels are similar to those of airlines. Many North American hotels will let you make a change to a reservation for free, and others offer credit vouchers to use at another hotel within 18 months.
Location
Location is one of the most important factors when choosing a hotel. Nearly every activity a traveler does is tied to the location of their hotel. Using a hotel’s location to plan your trip will ensure that you have the best stay possible. You should never be stuck in a location that doesn’t suit you.
Inflation
Inflation is rising, and hotels and travel agents should tread carefully when increasing prices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation is now at its highest level since the late 1970s. Prices across the country increased by 8.6 percent over the past year, exceeding economists’ estimates of 8.3 percent. But it is not all bad news. The increase in consumer prices is still considered “good inflation,” according to travel executives.
Travel prices are rising because of a large pent-up demand among consumers. Prices for hotels, gas, and food are now higher than in the past. This is making it harder for travelers to plan their trip.
Inclusion initiatives
Diversity and inclusion initiatives are a key part of any modern hospitality brand. Hyatt has long been recognized for its commitment to inclusion in the workplace. Marriott, for instance, has a vice president for multicultural affairs and has reached out to diverse communities. Hilton recently discussed its diversity initiatives with TravelPulse, including outreach to the LGBT community.
If a company doesn’t take diversity and inclusion into account, they may risk losing customers. In fact, two out of five travelers will switch to a different travel provider if they feel that the company isn’t welcoming. Additionally, three out of four travelers will switch brands if they don’t feel comfortable with a particular company. Ultimately, this could cost travel companies more than $212 billion.