6 Different Kinds of Tourists and How to Identify Them

Jul 31, 2020Tips

No tourist is the same. Do you know how to identify them?

They might look similar, with their impressed, curious gaze, the smartphones in their hands trying to find a free wi-fi spot and always ready to take a selfie. But not every traveller is the same, and no, they don’t really want to see or do the same things as every tourist.

Getting to know travellers’ wants and needs is essential for every tourism region. There are so many types of travel for many different travel types. But what are they? And how to make sure you’re providing a catered experience to the right type of people?

In this article, we’ll show you the most common type of travellers and how to identify their party and their expectations.

1. The Adventurer

This kind of traveller has only one plan: to have an adventure. They might be budget travellers: they will stay at cheap AirBnBs or hostels, run from fancy restaurants and just experience street food, have a huge backpack instead of suitcases, and will be part of outdoor experiences and walking tours that don’t cost much. But they could also be thrill-seekers, the ones that don’t care much about the budget if it means they will have their adrenaline levels high. Mountain bike, jet skis, jumping from waterfalls, helicopter rides, hiking or bungee-jumping… They want to live on the edge.

This kind of traveller usually looks for outdoor, nature-related activities. Mind their budget and suggest activities that will fit what they are looking for. Providing them with everything they need for a safe and comfortable experience, even if it seems dangerous and wild, is key.

2. The Great Escapers

This group is on holiday to escape their ordinary life. They might be escaping their stressful jobs, they might be escaping a city life so their children experience nature, or they might be a couple looking for some alone time from their kids (we know it’s necessary sometimes).

They are looking for something different from their ordinary stressful routine–and want to relax and have fun while at it. Don’t fuss around these customers, but be sure to provide them with everything they might need. It would be good to offer them something extra, for example, a spa day, drinks served by the pool, or supervised activities to keep the children busy while the parents relax.

3. The Curious and Reflective Type

Cultural travel is an immersive kind of activity. This kind of traveller is curious about local heritage, art, culture, and history. They want to know the customs of the locals and how the place became what it is. Getting the details and paying attention to the real aspects of the culture they’re witnessing and not just standing on the sidelines with a camera is a goal to this traveller!

For them, it’s about the museums, the art, the music, the food and just relinquishing all aspects of home and embracing the new culture whilst you are there. They want to become locals–even if for just a few days. To cater to this type of visitor, suggest authentic experiences, workshops, musicals and theatre, local markets, and historic walking tours. It’s all about a story–they want to know how and why, and want to be immersed in a culture that is new to them.

4. The Business Travellers

With working remotely becoming popular due to the pandemic, the business travellers type might see a spike during the next few years. These people might travel purely for business reasons or they might work while also enjoying a holiday. It’s important to provide everything they need for a comfortable and efficient remote work: a good and fast wi-fi connection, a desk and an ergonomic chair, fast and hassle-free transport, and quick (but tasty) bite at specific times.

If they are also looking to relax half of the time, keep in mind that time and connection is a big concern for these travellers. Keeping the experiences within the city is the best way to make sure this kind of traveller doesn’t end up missing an important call while on a boat in the middle of the ocean.

5. The Passionate Ones

This group is visiting because of a certain passion–could be food, drinks, music, local nature, art, sports, literature, or even travelling. Their main reason to travel is their passion. For example, a group of young people that travelled to see a concert by their favourite band that is playing in your region, or another group travelling to watch a special soccer match.

This tourist type often plans their travelling very well, so you might be informed about their activities before they arrive–but that doesn’t mean you can’t suggest other activities based on their passion. So it’s good to stay informed about events near your destination and interests in your location.

6. The Social Energizer Kind

Usually composed of young people with no family responsibilities, this type of traveller usually has a bit of spare cash and is always happy to jump on a plane and grab a weekend away in a nearby city. A good hotel is a must but they won’t spend much time there, as they will be trying out the cafes, restaurants, pubs, and clubs wherever they find themselves. They are looking to meet new people and have lots of fun so they’re always on the lookout for gigs, festivals, and events that can be a great opportunity to socialize and feel energized–and they are always ready for another busy day in the morning!

They are usually in groups of young and loud friends, so it’s not difficult to identify them. Your region might be bursting with nightlife (or else they wouldn’t be there), so offer them possibilities for transport after a night of drinks or even a special offer in partnership with a club. They will feel VIP–and that is crucial for this kind of traveller.

Did you know it’s important to train your locals and front-line workers to identify these and more kinds of travellers and provide them with the next travelling experience? We created a program that will guide you step-by-step into transforming them into Experience Specialists!