Ahead of the Tishrei holidays and to summarize the past year, the Caesar Hotel Chain, in collaboration with the Maagar Mochot research institute, conducted a survey examining the vacation and hospitality habits of Israelis in the country and abroad. The study looked at how they select a hotel, the information sources that lead them to book, and the factors most important to them during their stay.
The survey shows that despite the Israeli affinity for vacations abroad, hotels in Israel continue to occupy a central place in leisure habits. Thirty-four percent of Israelis stay at hotels in Israel several times a year, and another 31% do so once a year. In other words, 65% of Israelis stay at a hotel in Israel at least once a year.
Abroad, by contrast, 25% of Israelis stay at hotels several times a year and 31% once a year. Eight percent of respondents said they do not stay at hotels abroad at all, compared to only 3% who do not stay at hotels in Israel.
How do Israelis book hotels?
One of the most prominent figures in the survey concerns how Israelis book their vacation. Seventy-three percent of respondents noted that they book their hotel independently using the internet or an app. Only 3% use a travel agent, 10% make the reservation directly with the hotel over the phone, and another 10% arrive as part of a group, workplace, or other organization.
This statistic illustrates the growing consumer independence of Israeli vacationers, who compare prices, check reviews, and make decisions on their own before even contacting the hotel.
What about Instagram and influencers? Despite the increasing use of social networks and online influencers, direct and traditional information sources still lead by a wide margin. Sixty-five percent of respondents said they receive information about hotels they are considering from the hotels' own websites, and 57% rely on recommendations from family and friends. Facebook serves as an information source for 35% of Israelis, Instagram for 22%, media advertising for 17%, while online influencers were cited as an information source by only 11%.
In other words, before the average Israeli books a hotel, they still prefer to visit the hotel's website or ask friends, rather than necessarily relying on an influencer's video featuring a coupon code.
Price matters, but not at any cost
When Israelis were asked about the primary factors influencing their choice of hotel, price, promotions, and discounts came in first place at 79%. However, the survey shows that price alone is far from enough. Fifty-nine percent cited the level and quality of service as a significant factor, 56% cleanliness, 53% reviews and recommendations, and 51% the hotel's location, view, and surroundings.
Thirty-nine percent attribute importance to proximity to attractions, 38% to prior experience at the hotel, 37% to the quality and variety of dining services, and 32% to the reputation of the chain or brand. Flexible cancellation policies and room size were cited by 29% of respondents each.
And what matters most inside the room?
When Israelis actually arrive at the hotel and enter the room, it turns out there are a few things on which they are completely unwilling to compromise. Eighty-one percent of Israelis place cleanliness at the top of their priorities in a hotel room. Seventy-six percent attribute importance to a comfortable bed, and 71% to high-quality air conditioning.
Further down the list are a large, spacious room and a balcony, with 54% each, a fully equipped bathroom with 51%, wireless internet with 49%, and a view with 48%. By contrast, only 26% cited a coffee machine as an important item, 24% good lighting, and only 14% storage space.
"The survey demonstrates that in recent years, the Israeli consumer has become much more independent, aware, and discerning," says Yisrael Hayat, VP of Marketing for the Caesar Chain. "They check prices and look for promotions, but at the same time are unwilling to compromise on cleanliness, service, comfort, and recommendations. For us, this serves as a reminder that a good vacation begins long before check-in, starting at the search and selection stage, and continues at every point of contact with the guest."