Research studies have shown that more than 70 percent of global travelers now prioritize authentic, local experiences, choosing independently owned properties over cookie-cutter accommodations.
It means that travelers are no longer looking for generic recommendations; they want experiences that feel rooted in the place they’re visiting.
This growing preference has changed how guests evaluate their stay. Families, couples, and solo travelers arrive with very different goals, and experiences that resonate with one group may fall flat with another. However, when local experiences are thoughtfully curated, guest engagement increases, and satisfaction follows.
In this blog, we’ll explore how innkeepers can design local experiences that align with different guest types. We’ll also discuss what families, couples, and solo travelers value most, and how curating experiences with intention can improve the guest experience without adding complexity.
Let’s dive in!
Understanding Guest Types Before Curating Experiences
Before curating local experiences, it’s important to consider who those experiences are for.
Families, couples, and solo travelers may all be visiting the same destination, but they arrive with very different intentions. A family may be looking for ease and shared memories, a couple for connection and atmosphere, and a solo traveler for independence paired with reassurance.
Understanding those intentions is what allows local recommendations to feel meaningful.
In addition to it, travelers today prioritize connection, discovery, and simplicity over traditional sightseeing checklists. This shift is closely tied to the rise of experience-driven travel. For innkeepers, understanding this change in travelers’ behaviour lays the foundation for curating experiences that truly resonate.
[Also Read: Wellness Is the New Luxury: Small-Scale Ways to Tap Into the Trend]
Curating Local Experiences for Families
Families travel with a shared goal: to spend quality time together without added stress.
While every family is different, most are looking for experiences that feel safe, easy to navigate, and enjoyable for everyone involved. When local experiences are thoughtfully curated, families are able to relax and focus on making memories rather than managing logistics.
- Experience Ideas That Work Well for Families
Local attractions, nature outings, and hands-on activities such as farms, workshops, or museums tend to resonate well with families.
Curating Local Experiences for Couples
Couples often travel with one main goal in mind: to spend intentional time together.
Whether it’s a romantic getaway, an anniversary trip, or a quiet escape from daily routines, couples are drawn to experiences that feel intimate, unhurried, and a little special. When local experiences are curated with this in mind, the stay feels less like a checklist and more like a shared moment.
- Experience Ideas That Resonate With Couples
Romantic dining spots, scenic walks, wine tastings, art galleries, and cultural events are popular choices for couples. Experiences that feel a bit special help create memorable moments. Quiet settings and unique local charm often leave a lasting impression.
Curating Local Experiences for Solo Travelers
Solo travelers often arrive with a mix of independence and curiosity.
They value the freedom to explore on their own terms, but they also want reassurance; knowing they’re in the right place, heading in the right direction, and making the most of their time.
- Experience Ideas That Appeal to Solo Guests
Walking tours, local workshops, classes, and cultural events are often a strong fit for solo travelers. Cafes, markets, museums, and community spaces offer opportunities to explore at a relaxed pace while still feeling connected to the destination.
Delivering The Right Experiences to Different Guest Types
Curating local experiences is a part of great hospitality. How those experiences are presented can either boost guest engagement or quietly discourage it.
In hospitality, curated experiences tend to resonate more than comprehensive lists, because they show care and intention.
Grouping recommendations by guest type, interest, or mood allows guests to quickly find what feels right for them. Additionally, keeping suggestions current and relevant also matters; outdated or overly broad recommendations can impact guest experience.
In short, when experiences are presented in a simple, organized way, guests are more likely to explore, enjoy, and remember them positively.
Using Digital Concierge Solutions to Curate and Share Experiences
As guest expectations continue to evolve, innkeepers are finding that guest engagement improves when local experiences are easy to access and clearly presented.
A digital concierge app helps centralize recommendations and practical guidance in one place, giving guests the freedom to explore on their own. This on-demand access supports guest engagement without interrupting staff, allowing interactions at the front desk to remain personal and meaningful.
Benefits of a Digital Concierge App for Different Guest Types
Different guest types benefit in different ways via the digital concierge apps:
- Families benefit from clear planning information, simplified recommendations, and guidance that reduces stress and decision fatigue.
- Couples enjoy discovering intimate, thoughtfully curated options that match the tone of a romantic or relaxed getaway.
- Solo Travelers feel more confident exploring independently when reliable local guidance is always within reach.
Why Digital Concierge Tools Work Best When They Stay in the Background?
The most effective hospitality concierge solutions don’t call attention to themselves. When digital tools are designed to support human interaction, they enhance the guest experience quietly.
Guests receive the information they need without feeling managed, while staff maintain the freedom to focus on warm, personal service.
When used with intention, a digital concierge becomes one of the top solutions for enhancing on-property as well as off-property guest engagement. It empowers guests, supports staff, and makes local experiences easier to share; all while preserving the authenticity and care that define great hospitality.
[Also Read: The Future of Hospitality: Personalized, Purposeful and Powered by Tech]
Measuring What Works and Refining Over Time
Curating local experiences isn’t a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing process shaped by how guests respond. The most effective experience strategies evolve naturally, guided by feedback and observation.
Listening to guests is often the most valuable source of insight.
Reviews tell innkeepers what resonated most, casual conversations highlight what guests appreciated or missed, and repeat stays signal which experiences are worth keeping.
Seasonal patterns also offer clues; what works well in summer may need adjustment in quieter months, and refreshing recommendations keep experiences relevant throughout the year.
The thing is that your local experience strategy requires timely small updates (introducing a new partner, rotating recommendations, or adjusting how experiences are presented). By refining thoughtfully over time, innkeepers keep local experiences feeling fresh while staying true to what guests value most.
Final Thoughts
Different guest types come with different expectations, and that difference offers an opportunity to innkeepers.
Families, couples, and solo travelers all seek meaningful and authentic local experiences, but the way those experiences are curated can shape how the entire stay is remembered.
Thoughtful curation enhances the guest experience without adding complexity. When experiences are aligned with guest intent and presented clearly, guests feel appreciated and special. With intention and the right digital concierge tools, local experiences become more than recommendations; they become a signature part of what guests associate with your property.
