The Americas: Insights and data gathered from hotels, resorts and holiday rentals across the US and the Caribbean reveal an increased customer interest in private activities and longer stays.
Since the beginning of March, Harbour Village Bonaire has seen a major spike in questions about private dining and the availability of secluded activities and amenities.
Dining options at its restaurant will cater to social distancing measures by offering private dining, or the option to eat in a secluded spot along the beach.
Group dives have also dropped in favour of private excursions, with additional questions asked about the exclusivity of the beach.
Jessica Gonzalez, marketing director at Harbour Village, said: “The ability to practice social distance at the main beach, partake in private diving or enjoy dining on the beach (with distance between tables) etc., are all important factors that when highlighted to guests, have made them feel more comfortable booking a future visit.”
At Canouan Estate Villas & Residences, there has been an increase in the number of requests for extended stays (between two to three months).
100 per cent of these guests, both couples and families, are opting for the pre-stocking service of groceries.
Bluefish Vacation Rentals has also seen inquiries about booking longer stays, with the current average at 14.6 nights.
The four most visited pages on its website are cleaning procedures, extended stays, travel updates and property search.
In addition to the data, Bluefish also anticipates a new guest profile. Bookings are coming from a new demographic of professionals that work from home and families looking to rent a home for the entire season.
The company expects future guests to look for signs of how a property was disinfected before arrival, and how the space was altered to accommodate cleanliness standards.
Booking flexibility has also emerged a priority for customers. Norma Garcia, general manager at Hotel 1697 and Hotel Rosarito in Loreto, Baja California Sur, said that the majority of bookings are new to either the hotel or the destination, with guests questioning cancellation fees and options to rebook.
Similarly, Shannon Kircher, marketing director at Frangipani Beach Resort, said: “The majority of our guests have opted to rebook versus cancelling entirely, and most are hoping to join us sooner rather than later if travel permits. Despite the unpredictability around travel right now, we’re finding that many of our guests booked through May and June of this year are looking to reschedule for later this summer (typically July or August) or into next season when there’s a bit more certainty around travel and logistics.”
