Here’s a figure that might catch your eye – $1,780! 

According to a recent article in the New York Times, that’s the rate guests are willing to spend each night at the Fogo Island Inn located in Newfoundland. Equally remarkable is how our very own, Kimberley, located in the East Kootenays, has turned its knowledge into top-notch hospitality. Neither place is promoting amenities, like infinity pools or elaborate pillow selections; instead, they’re capitalizing on something we all possess—genuine local connections.

In the world of hospitality in 2025, the biggest prospect lies a blend of hospitality and genuine local charm that is fueling a surge, in profits like never before revealed by Hilton’s Trend Report for 2025. We are stepping into a time where travellers are dubbed as “Travel Maximizers ” craving profound and authentic encounters that go beyond the ordinary and they are eager to invest in these unique experiences actively.

The Statistics Speak for Themselves
Let’s dive into some statistics! According to Hilton’s research findings; 74% of travellers prefer getting recommendations, from locals; 73 percent look for local experiences while travelling with kids; and an impressive 70% of travellers pick hotels based on their capacity to offer distinctive experiences.

The Tale of Two Triumphs
Kimberley and Fogo Island showcase contrasting approaches to achieving success, in hospitality offerings; Fogo Island Inn celebrates culture in an oceanside setting whereas Kimberley’s tourism excels at elevating local knowledge into top top-tier experiences by organizing insider-led mountain biking excursions and powder skiing tours guided by knowledgeable residents who intimately understand every trail network—transforming ordinary stays into highly coveted and memorable adventures. Both built a network of businesses that organically connected with the community, activating local assets and creating engines to drive community growth.

The Recipe for Building a Stronger Community
Looking to mirror their achievements? Elevate your guests’ experiences, with local knowledge as your exclusive amenity. Collaborate with specialists (Kimberley’s effective partnership with mountain guides, in the area exemplifies the strength of this approach). Experience activities guided by locals, such as early morning fishing trips with seasoned fishermen or peaceful meditation sessions in the serene forest with wellness specialists, from the community. Create guided walks that narrate the tale of your local area. “As an organization, we take advantage of the sense of community and passion for our local experiences as much as possible”, says Lenny Walsh of the Kimberley Visitor Centre.

Forge connections, between visitors and individuals who personify the essence of your town.
Consider revisiting your business strategy by drawing inspiration from Fogo Island Inn’s approach; they allocate 53% of guest expenditures directly to their staff (as opposed to the industry practice of 30%). This goes beyond ethical considerations – it also makes good business sense by cultivating a loyal and motivated local workforce capable of providing genuine experiences on a regular basis.

When looking at Hilton’s information there is a trend toward attracting “Slow Travelers ” – individuals who prefer to engage with a location they visit rather than sticking to popular tourist spots. They are interested in exploring lesser-known cities and places and are willing to invest extra money for enriching experiences. With 62% placing importance on a hotel’s involvement, in the community and its sustainability initiatives when making reservations.

The Golden Opportunity Across Generations
Better news awaits! A significant 37% of travellers frequently opt to go on vacation with their parents while two out of five also include extended family members in their travels. These multi-generational travellers seek out unforgettable experiences that cater to all age groups within the family unit. The thriving family outdoor activities, in Kimberley exemplify the potential of this market segment by blending indigenous knowledge with activities that appeal to a wide range of generations.

The world of travel is changing rapidly nowadays! Modern travellers aren’t only interested in amenities like high thread counts and impeccable turndown service anymore. They crave meaningful connections and unique experiences that leave a lasting impact on them. Whether its exploring the breathtaking mountains of Kimberley or joining the locals for a berry-picking adventure on Fogo Islands shores the key, to success remains to provide genuine local encounters at a top-tier standard.

Keep in mind that you’re not marketing rooms now; you’re marketing a sense of belonging too! The evolution of hospitality doesn’t involve just introducing more amenities but rather fostering deeper connections with guests and local resources, within your community that are readily available for you to tap into.