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Accommodation is one of the most important components of the tourism industry. When people travel, they need somewhere to stay and the type of accommodation they choose can greatly impact their overall travel experience. The accommodation sector is diverse and caters to different budgets, preferences and needs of tourists.
Key Definitions:
Accommodation providers can be categorised in several ways. Let's explore the main types you'll encounter in the tourism industry:
Hotels are the most common type of accommodation. They offer rooms or suites with varying levels of service and amenities. Hotels are classified using star ratings (1-5 stars) based on their facilities, services and quality.
Examples:
B&Bs are typically small, family-run establishments offering overnight accommodation and breakfast. They're often in converted houses and provide a more personal experience than hotels.
Key features:
Hostels provide budget-friendly accommodation, often with shared rooms and facilities. They're popular among young travellers, backpackers and those on a tight budget.
Key features:
Self-catering accommodation includes holiday cottages, apartments and villas where guests prepare their own meals. These properties offer more independence and are ideal for families or longer stays.
Examples:
Beyond the standard options, there are many specialised types of accommodation that cater to specific tourist needs or provide unique experiences:
Camping involves staying in tents, caravans, or motorhomes, often in designated sites. Glamping (glamorous camping) offers luxury camping experiences with proper beds and facilities.
Environmentally friendly accommodation designed to have minimal impact on the natural environment, often located in natural settings like forests or near conservation areas.
Small, stylish hotels with unique character and personalised service. They typically have fewer than 100 rooms and focus on creating a distinctive atmosphere.
Floating hotels that transport tourists between destinations while providing accommodation, food, entertainment and activities on board.
Resorts where the price includes accommodation, meals, drinks and activities, allowing guests to stay within the resort for their entire holiday.
Includes treehouses, ice hotels, underwater hotels, converted planes, trains, or lighthouses that offer unique experiences rather than just a place to sleep.
Accommodation is often classified or graded to help tourists understand what to expect. Different countries have different systems, but many use star ratings:
The most common grading system worldwide, typically ranging from 1 to 5 stars:
Different countries and organisations may use alternative systems:
Tourists consider various factors when choosing accommodation:
Airbnb has transformed the accommodation sector since its launch in 2008. This platform allows property owners to rent out their homes or rooms directly to tourists, creating a new category of accommodation provider.
Impact on the industry:
By 2023, Airbnb had over 7 million listings worldwide in more than 100,000 cities, demonstrating how technology can disrupt traditional accommodation models.
The accommodation sector continues to evolve with changing tourist preferences and technological advancements:
Growing demand for environmentally friendly accommodation:
Technology is transforming the guest experience:
Different types of tourists have specific accommodation requirements:
Need reliable Wi-Fi, work spaces, convenient locations near business districts and efficient service.
Often prefer basic accommodation close to activities, may value authenticity over luxury.
Require spacious rooms, child-friendly facilities, safety features and sometimes kitchens for meal preparation.
Center Parcs operates five holiday villages in the UK, offering self-catering lodges in woodland settings with extensive on-site facilities.
Key features:
Center Parcs demonstrates how accommodation providers can create complete holiday experiences rather than just providing a place to sleep, appealing particularly to families seeking a safe, contained environment with diverse activities.