The millennial generation is making a significant impact and influencing how the travel industry designs tour packages. This is a generation that lives and thinks differently. There is no denying that millennials form a huge part of the population which adds up to 31.5% of the world population.


They have a high spending power thus, there is a compelling reason for tour operators to target millennials and pay special attention to them.

Most millennials travel a lot and, on average, take 35 days of vacation in a year. Many millennials delay marriage and are ready to wait to have a child. Thus, they have the discretion to spend on various activities and travel is one of their top priorities. Quite a few of them would prefer to invest their time and efforts in going for tours rather than buying a luxury home.

Now that we all agree about targeting millennials since they are eager and willing to travel, backed with the financial capability to support, let's focus on another aspect.

6 Tips you need to know before selling tours to millennials!

1. The experience of travelling

• A generation that is interested in fulfilment and authentic experience, most of them are not really focused on tangible products but the entire travel experience.

• So, tour operators need to rethink their approach.

• Most millennials are looking out for new destinations and exotic experiences. Something that they’ve never experienced before.

• A considerable part of the millennial population prefers staying with the local people.

• They want to vibe and connect with the culture of the place they visit.

• They mostly prefer authentic experiences and stay at local hotels.

• Often you will find them choosing island boat tours, tents, local stays, etc.

• So, focus on lesser-known sites rather than overcrowded tourist destinations. 

2. Technology-driven service

• You will see most of the millennials surf the net to get information, and book hotels, and tours online.

• Their smartphones are used not only for answering calls.

• A major part of the millennial population uses the phone for various other reasons because the net provides a sea of information.

• So, if you want to close deals and have them purchase your travel service, sell online. There should be AI chatbots on your website to answer their queries quickly and a chat facility to get personalized attention. You can read more about them at https://www.etosglobal.com/blogs/-what-is-the-importance-of-chatbots-in-transforming-the-travel-industry

•  Also, when the itinerary is handed over to them it should have the maps incorporated into it.

• Your websites should have virtual tours of the destination they decide to visit and the hotel or room they book to stay in.  

   

   

3. Leverage social media

• You will witness that most millennials express themselves on social media and are influenced by pictures and posts.

• In order to create an impression in their mind and connect with them, invest your time in social media strategizing.

• Since most of them observe and view you through social media, it's vital that you share customer feedback, videos and images about your happy customers on your social media page.

• Share about your special deals too and ask them to share their thoughts and suggestions.

• You never know, their ideas might help you create new packages and demand in the market.

   

4. Personalised tour packages

• Most millennials prefer personalised tour services and packages over standard ones.
  
  
• They have clearly defined tour ideas and know exactly what kind of experience they need.
  
  
• So, listen to these ideas and design a personalized trip for them.
  
  
• The key while catering to millennials is to listen to them, and track their likes and preferences.
• Use the data/information to know more about them, and enhance the travel experience to create personalized tour.

5. Plan an adventure

• The major part of the millennial population loves adventure and finds trekking, hiking, water sports, etc exciting.

• Most of them accept challenges and experience the thrill of them.

• Quite a few of them love adventurous experiences and prefer adventures in the destination they plan to visit.

• They speak a different language as well. FOMO (fear of missing out) and YOLO (you only live once) are the catchphrases.

• These words carry the sentiment of the millennials that we have only one life, so we should live it to the fullest.

6. Millennials are your tour ambassadors

• When they love your product/service, brand and organization, most millennials share about it on social media and with friends.

• They want to share it with the world. These brand enthusiasts are a medium to market your services.

• Engage them and encourage them to speak about your brand to their friends and family.

• Let your team members speak to them in person and give them a special feeling so that they become your online brand ambassadors.

   

Also, have a tour and travel management technology system that can ease the execution of your marketing strategy. Here is a helpful article for you https://www.etosglobal.com/blogs/what-are-the-5-essential-software-tools-required-by-a-travel-agency.

ETOS  is a travel software company that creates a systematic process to boost sales of tour operators, travel agents and destination management companies.

Get in touch with our team to know more about how we can build and grow your business.