Lorre White celebrates more ‘Women Traveling Solo’

The number of females traveling alone, for both business and leisure travel, is on the rise according to recent figures released from Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH). With over 520 hotels in more than 70 countries, the company is reporting interesting trends in sole occupancy across its diverse portfolio.

Between 2011 and 2012, SLH saw growth in single occupancy travel across the board in terms of both revenue and number of room nights, with the number of sole occupancy room nights jumping from 4,115 to 5,841, and revenue from global solo bookings increasing by almost $400,000 year on year. In SLH’s core markets*, the surge of female bookings has experienced a 53% increase in room nights booked by single occupancy females between 2011 and 2012 (from 973 room nights in 2011 to 1,489 room nights in 2012), compared to an increase of 38% in room nights by solo males across the same period (from 1,648 room nights to 2,269 room nights).

The SLH properties in the UK and USA are the most popular for solo travelers of both genders, with 1,222 room nights in the USA and 844 room nights in the UK in 2012. Australia is a key destination for solo female travelers, who spent in excess of $50,000 on SLH accommodations in 2012, while Germany is the hot country among male independent travelers, spending over $65,000 in the same year.

The statistics released by SLH also show strong growth in female solo occupancy in emerging markets and business hubs. Hong Kong saw the largest growth in solo female guests of all other existing destinations, with a 300% increase in single occupancy room nights from 2011 to 2012. Germany also saw a significant leap in female solo occupancy with a 153% increase in revenue from independent female travelers during the same period.

In 2012, France was the only country to see a drop in female single occupancy travel with a fall of almost 6,000 room nights year on year. The UK was the only country to see a fall in male single occupancy travelers in 2012, while at the same time it saw a sharp rise in female single occupancy room nights with a 53% increase.

According to research by Amadeus, the global travel distribution system, the number of international business trips by females is expected to increase by 250% by 2030, with the most significant growth coming from the Asia Pacific region. In addition, results of a survey on female travelers in the UK and US by CAP Strategic Research in 2011 revealed women represent the most important and fastest growing segment of the travel market, in terms of both leisure and business travel. The survey revealed that 48% of travel website users are now women, while a significant 66% of women said that travel companies would see an increase in business if they tried harder to serve women travelers.

Making female guests feel both comfortable and secure are two of the most important considerations when creating the personal luxury experience offered at all SLH properties.

A sampling of SLH properties that feature female-only perks include:

Women-only floors have been introduced at Naumi Hotel in Singapore, and The Chesterfield in Palm Beach. While The Chester Grosvenor offers a female chauffeur service for women staying alone.

The St James Hotel and Club is the only SLH hotel in London to have a female Head Concierge, who offers recommendations from a woman’s point of view.

The Capital Hotel in London has recently refurbished and put aside 25% of its room stock for solo travelers, while a list of local restaurants and bars recommended for solo female travelers is available at the concierge desk.

Packages tailored especially towards its female guests are popular at SLH hotels, such as The Women’s Shopping Package at Das Tyrol, conveniently located on Vienna’s longest shopping street, and a Mediterranean culinary journey exclusively for women at La Maltese Estate in Santorini.

All experiences can be booked directly with SLH. To book online, visit www.slh.com.

Lorre White
I’m a luxury marketing consultant who makes appearances on TV, radio and the Web as the only Luxury Media Personality “The Luxury Guru“.

Interests: International Travel, European Events, Boutique Hotels, Yachting, Private Jets, Gourmet Food, Wines and Champagne, Yoga, Interior Design/Architecture, Spas, Dogs, Fashion, Polo, Arts, and Good Manners. – Lorre White – WOMAN of ACTION™