Free white paper | AI and the human touch: Where is the line?
Free white paper | AI and the human touch: Where is the line?
Understanding the expectations travellers have of different types of tourist accommodation is essential to succeed in the hospitality business. No matter how long guests stay or why they’re travelling, the type of accommodation in the tourism industry they choose has a big impact on how they view their whole experience.
With travel trends changing rapidly – think greener holidays, digital nomads, and travellers on the lookout for something unique – hospitality professionals need solid knowledge of all types of accommodation in the tourism industry. Being aware of holiday accommodation types is more than keeping up with the competition. It’s about staying visible, adapting quickly, and hosting the right guests.
This guide breaks down the definition of tourist accommodation, covers the main types of holiday accommodation available (from hotels to all the latest alternatives), and gives practical steps to help you use these different types to your advantage.
Let’s start with the basics.
Tourist accommodation means the place where travellers stay temporarily during a trip. This covers everything from hotels and guesthouses to chalets, campsites, hostels, or even a rented room in someone’s flat. The main goal is simple: to provide guests with a comfortable, practical place to stay overnight.
But if you work in hospitality or manage a hotel, you know there’s more at stake. The type of tourist accommodation you provide is at the core of the guest experience, directly shaping opinions of your brand and the local area. Getting to grips with the different types of accommodation in tourism helps you fine-tune your offering, target the right market segment, and boost your bottom line.
The range of types of accommodation in tourism industry just keeps growing. Hotels are the classic foundation, but now there’s a mix of holiday accommodation types that suit every kind of guest.
As a hotel operator or accommodation manager, understanding the different types of accommodation in tourism lets you stay sharp. You’ll spot new opportunities, update your communication, and position yourself more confidently against competitors.
Here’s an overview of the most common types of tourist accommodation you’ll find in today’s landscape:
Hotels still lead the way for many travellers and are central to the types of tourist accommodation. The hotel category covers a huge range, from budget hotels to high-end five-star resorts. Most hotels offer a consistent list of services: restaurants, spa areas, meeting rooms, and more.
You’ll see subtypes thriving, too: boutique hotels, business-focused hotels, eco-hotels, aparthotels, resorts and more – all designed to appeal to specific travellers.
Often family-run, guest houses and B&Bs offer a genuine, local feel – these are the types of accommodation in tourism industry that focus on one-to-one hospitality. Travellers choose these for the chance to connect with local hosts and enjoy a relaxed, homely setting.
They’re not as large-scale as hotels but do compete well in certain areas, especially rural escapes, romantic breaks, and weekend getaways.
Motels are mainly found along roadsides – a simple solution for road trips and travellers passing through. Aparthotels are built for city visitors, business travellers, or anyone needing a longer stay with the flexibility of self-catering.
For property managers, including these holiday accommodation types means you can respond to new guest needs around space, independence, or privacy.
Curious about what sets hotels and motels apart?
There’s growing demand for type of holiday accommodation that brings guests back to nature. Chalets, holiday cottages, wooden cabins, and campsites are all part of this category. These are perfect for families or anyone who wants to unplug in a scenic spot, and they’re recognised as some of the most popular different types of accommodation in tourism.
Hospitality professionals are now launching or expanding into outdoor accommodation as a side business or full-time niche.
Homestays have gone mainstream with the rise of platforms like Airbnb, but there’s a bigger world of alternative stays: co-living, cruise cabins, communal living residences, and more. These types of tourist accommodation suit digital nomads, groups, or those looking for a new social experience.
Hostels, another classic type of holiday accommodation, still attract young and budget-minded guests, but now appeal to a much wider crowd than before.
Check out the difference between hotels and hostels.
Trends around types of tourist accommodation are shaping how the industry evolves. Staying up to date with the latest guest preferences and behaviours can give you and your property the edge.
Here’s what’s trending right now in different types of accommodation in tourism:
Eco-friendly practices are no longer “nice to have”. They’re expected. Guests actively look for environmentally responsible types of tourist accommodation – from waste reduction and local sourcing to transparent communication about green actions.
Already making your property greener? Promote your efforts to stand out in this sector: explore our sustainability tips for your hotel.
Travellers expect more than clean sheets and Wi-Fi. Memorable stays – special décor, local experiences, meaningful connections – are in demand across all holiday accommodation types. Properties of any size can tap into this by telling a good story and offering original touches.
AI and digital solutions such as online check-in or virtual concierges are increasingly part of everyday guest journeys. But the challenge is to introduce tech while keeping service friendly and personal – a key success factor in all types of accommodation in tourism industry.
“Bleisure” travel is here. Many travellers combine work and play, often adding holiday time to business trips or working from a new location. Hotels offering reliable Wi-Fi, flexible check-out, and quiet work areas will find new clients among this mixed group.
Longer stays, local experiences, and connection with the destination are trending up. Accommodation types that help guests slow down and really experience a place – such as cottages or family-run guest houses – are enjoying renewed popularity.
You don’t need to reinvent your property. Start by listening to your guests, staying flexible, and communicating clearly about what makes your type of accommodation in tourism industry unique.
Knowing what’s out there is one thing. Getting the best out of your specific type of tourist accommodation is another.
Here’s how to use this knowledge to build value for your business:
Whether on your website, social media, or OTAs, how you describe your property matters.
Accurate communication attracts the audience your type of holiday accommodation suits best and helps set the right expectations.
Many properties offer a mix of different types of accommodation in tourism. Get creative with pricing and packages for each offering.
Most travellers start their research online, searching with precise filters or keywords – “family-friendly accommodation”, “hostel with rooftop”, and so on.
Make your accommodation type visible wherever travellers are searching using best SEO practices and better yet – follow our guide to AEO and GEO to optimise your content for AI search.
Ready to put it all into action? Here’s a checklist to sharpen your strategy and make sure your different types of accommodation in tourism are working for you:
Identify tour property type
☐ Am I clear about which holiday accommodation types my business falls into?
☐ Do my guests recognise and understand my type of accommodation in tourism industry?
Define communication
☐ Am I using clear, accurate terms (hotel, guest house, B&B, etc.) everywhere online?
☐ Are my Google and OTA listings 100% aligned with my accommodation type?
Power up uricing and packages
☐ Am I offering packages designed around different types of accommodation in tourism?
☐ Have I tested pricing strategies to match each accommodation option I provide?
Strengthen online visibility
☐ Are my accommodation types listed correctly for Google, OTA channels, and follows best practices for SEO, as well as Generative and Answer Engine Optimisation?
☐ Am I targeting the search terms (like “boutique holiday accommodation” or “accommodation for families”) that matter most?
Stay updated on trends
☐ Do I keep current with the latest trends in holiday accommodation types?
☐ Am I bringing any small innovations or digital touches to my guest experience?
The world of tourist accommodation is moving fast. New guest demands, sustainable travel, and AI guest communications solutions are all pushing the industry forward. For hotels and other providers, being well-versed in the types of tourist accommodation is the first step to offering something that stands out.
However, simply listing all the holiday accommodation types isn’t enough. You need efficient management if you want to grow your reputation and results.
That’s where digital support makes life easier. Tools like HiJiffy help you build better guest journeys, streamline workflows, and save time, all while keeping that authentic, personal feel guests love.
Want to see the benefits for your type of accommodation in tourism industry? Book a free demo with a HiJiffy expert and discover how to manage your operations with confidence and ease.
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Funding:
This project received funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant Contract No. 782509.
