Attract More Extended Stay Travelers with Local Collaborations
In a world where the line between travel and everyday life is increasingly blurred, extended-stay travelers are craving more than just a hotel room; they seek authentic, local experiences. This article unpacks the growing trend of local collaborations in the hospitality industry, revealing how they offer mutual benefits for extended stay travelers and communities alike.
With insights ranging from Indonesia's innovative visa policies to Miami's artist-in-residence programs, we delve into how hotels and destinations are enriching the traveler's stay through community engagement.
Discover actionable ideas for bridging the gap between guests and locals, from culinary workshops to community service activities, and learn how you can transform your property into a hub of authentic local experience.
Building Community Between Guests and Locals
Destinations across the globe are actively courting the rising extended stay demographic, offering incentives such as relocation payments and local income tax exemptions. These efforts aren't solely to boost tourism numbers; governments recognize that extended-stay travelers, with significant spending power, can invest deeply in local communities.
Indonesia exemplifies this trend by introducing a special five-year visa for remote workers. Its Tourism Minister, Sandiaga Uno, emphasized a shift in tourism strategy, from the traditional attractions of "sun, sea, and sand" to values of "serenity, spirituality, and sustainability." This approach aims for a positive impact on the local economy and attracts different kinds of visitors.
The hospitality industry is increasingly focusing on local engagement and community-centric experiences. Miami's Kimpton EPIC Hotel has an artist-in-residency program emphasizing diversity, and partners with local artists for special occasions. In Kenya and Hawaii, hotels are boosting revenue by offering locally sourced food, appealing to guests keen on authentic experiences.
Companies like Standard International and Roseate Hotels expand by integrating local themes, music, and cuisine into their properties. Economic gains are also significant: Jamaica is encouraging local tourism products, and Cambodia aims to cut "tourism leakage" by sourcing more local goods. These approaches benefit both the hotels and the local communities.
Ideas for Building Community Between Guests and Locals
Fostering a sense of community between extended-stay guests and locals can provide a richer, more authentic experience for travelers while allowing locals to meet people from various backgrounds. Below are some initiatives to consider:
Community Integration Events
Meet the Locals Night: Create an event where locals and travelers can mingle, perhaps featuring a talent show or a local trivia game.
Local Business Showcases: Invite local artisans, chefs, and business owners to come in and showcase their products or services, helping to integrate guests with the local economy.
Culinary Experiences
Cook and Dine: Host cooking classes where a local chef teaches both guests and locals to prepare a regional dish, followed by a communal dining experience.
Local Food Tasting: Team up with local food vendors or farmers to offer an array of local produce and dishes. This can be both an educational and social event.
Adventure and Exploration
Local-led Tours: Invite local guides to lead excursions that explore hidden gems and lesser-known tourist spots, allowing guests to learn from residents who know the area best.
Community Service Activities: Organize volunteer opportunities that allow guests and locals to work side by side on a community project, like a neighborhood cleanup or charity event.
Learning and Development
Language Exchange: Create a relaxed setting where locals and guests can teach each other their respective languages. This can also serve as a networking event.
Skill-Share Workshops: Allow both locals and travelers to lead informal workshops sharing a particular skill, craft, or knowledge area.
Sports and Fitness
Local Sports Matches: Whether it’s a friendly soccer match or a table tennis competition, involving locals and guests in sports can break the ice quickly.
Fitness Challenges: Create challenges that both locals and guests can participate in, like a step count challenge, followed by awards and a small celebration.
Arts and Culture
Art Collaborations: Organize a collective art project where travelers and locals can contribute, such as a mural that reflects the culture of the community.
Cultural Nights: Host evenings dedicated to exploring different cultures. Encourage locals to introduce their culture and customs, and invite travelers to share about their home countries as well.
Networking and Career
Professional Mixers: If your extended-stay guests are mainly business travelers, invite local entrepreneurs and professionals for a networking evening.
Startup Pitch Nights: Allow local entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to a crowd of both locals and travelers. This can be an enlightening experience for guests unfamiliar with the local business landscape.
Building Community Between Guests
The rise of digital nomads and experiential travelers has shifted the hospitality industry's focus ttowardcreating richer, more authentic local experiences. Local collaborations not only cater to these evolving consumer preferences but also serve as a win-win for both thavelers and the local communities.
By implementing creative initiatives like 'Meet the Locals Night,' culinary classes, or skill-sharing workshops, properties can set themselves apart in a crowded market, boost revenue, and foster goodwill. With governments and local businesses increasingly recognizing the economic and social benefits of such collaborations, there's never been a better time for the industry to embrace community-centric hospitality.
Read more about creating community experiences for guests in our article, “Building an Extended Stay Community: Hosting Events and Facilitating Networking at Your Property.”