The folks from eMarketer last month published a summary of their research on post-recession online travel trends. 

The report is consistent with much of the news and discussion here at 4hoteliers, but I'd like to highlight a few key items from the report, and what they mean for you:

Mobile continues to trend UP, UP, UP. 

If nothing else, be sure that your website works on a mobile phone – how frustrating would it be for your guest to be unable to click on the site link in your confirmation email and unable to check maps and directions?    Better yet – put all that into the email so they don't need to click.

Sustainable is UP. 

This one wasn't surprising, and personally I was relieved.  Consumers are still putting pressure on hoteliers to provide green, sustainable options.  This is pretty easy to incorporate into your everyday routine; do you allow guest to re-use towels, for example, or reduce the frequency in replacing sheets during a guest's stay.

Travelers have budgets but want quality. 

Post-recession travelers still have tight budgets, of course (hence why there is a lot of discounting still going on).   But those visitors are still expecting quality and good value for their money.  That means no cutting corners where customers will expect it – in other words, no cheap toilet paper!

Overall, online bookings up. 

There is a general trend of the percentage of travel being booked online is going up, but the specific note of interest is that US travelers are now booking more and more international travel online.

What's the bottom line?  Well, firstly, hotels need to keep their focus in delivering a high quality product that is in expectation with the customer's budget and mindset. 

Once you've got that down, then focus on nailing your online presence.  Whether that's being active on Twitter and Facebook, or just having a simple yet effective website [that works on a mobile phone], online technology is a trend you cannot ignore.

Andy Hayes is the Managing Partner of Travel Online Partners (TOP), a company focused on helping for small businesses in travel and tourism with online technology. 

To find out more about their do-it-yourself guides, coaching and consulting, visit the website www.travelonlinepartners.com