Pest safety is already shaping hotel booking decisions, whether the industry acknowledges it or not. Travelers across the United States, United Kingdom and France rank pests such as bed bugs and roaches as a top concern when choosing a hotel, ahead of
cleanliness and staff friendliness. Yet most of this concern remains invisible to operators because guests rarely raise the issue directly. Instead, they scan reviews, search for bed bug mentions, inspect rooms on arrival, switch properties and adjust
their behavior before and after a stay.
The findings point to a clear gap between guest expectation and industry visibility. When travelers see credible, independent proof that a hotel is taking pest safety seriously, they show higher consideration,
greater willingness to pay and stronger loyalty. For hotels, online travel agencies and travel buyers, the issue is no longer just what happens behind the scenes. It is increasingly part of how travelers compare properties, assess risk and decide
where to book.
This research, conducted by Phocuswright and sponsored by Valpas, examines how pest safety influences booking behavior, brand loyalty and willingness to pay across three major travel markets. View the report below or download
here.