Anyone who’s made an online lodging reservationknows how convenient it can be. Add this to the fierce competition of lodging chains that are clamoring for you to make your online lodging reservations with their companies and you realize it’s a perfect combination of both convenience and savings. Within minutes, we can book our rooms and receive email confirmation that assure us everything is as it should be, leaving us free to enjoy our vacations or plan the presentation we’ll be unveiling on our business trip.
Never before have smaller and lesser-known lodging chains been able to compete with larger chains as they do now. Suddenly, that small bed and breakfast has an impressive website up that vacationers can book online and can actually compete with global chains. Independent companies have a far more even field than in years past and the major players know this. This certainly works to the consumer’s advantage as discount lodging reservations are offered as further incentives to those who book online using the web.
Suddenly, ski lodges and campgrounds have found their niche and are reaping the benefits of being able to offer the same services as more traditional lodgings. As consumers are browsing the internet in search of the best deals, they’re not only presented with lodging chains, but other accommodation choices too.
Who Books Online Lodging Reservations?
A recent J.D. Power and Associates indicates most of us are booking online lodging reservations. In fact, nearly 41% of all lodging bookings in 2005 were done online-almost half. In 2007, those numbers skyrocketed to nearly 63%. Clearly, this is a trend that should continue to increase. The number one reason people choose to utilize online lodging reservations as part of their trip planning? Ease of booking, by far, is the top reason and affordability comes in as a close second.
Moms, corporate attorneys, secretaries and priests are all opting for an online lodging reservation method. Further, sites that offer a “total package” that includes lodgings, flights and rental cars are seeing increases in their site’s traffic as well. There are many excellent choices and we’re all taking advantage of those choices and the incentives these companies offer.
The increased visibility and availability has redefined the way we make online lodging reservations and as such, we’ve become a society more inclined to travel for leisure. The value and convenience has made it possible for us to plan those last-minute weekend getaways and as such, the travel industry isn’t seeing the same declines as many other sectors traditionally do in a weak economy. All in all, it is quite easy to enjoy the convenience of online lodging reservations.
