The Untapped Potential of Catering to Kids, Teens & Families in Hospitality - Alicia Zur-Szpiro & Saar Shai, Wanderland

In this episode, we explore a largely overlooked segment in the hospitality industry: kids, teens, and families. While many hotels focus on adult experiences, there’s a growing opportunity to cater meaningfully to younger guests.

Joining us today are Saar Shai and Alicia Zur-Szpiro, founders of Wanderland, the world’s first consultancy specializing in kids' and teens' guest experiences within the hospitality sector. With backgrounds in game design, toy innovation, and children’s publishing, Saar and Alicia bring a fresh perspective on designing engaging, imaginative, and memorable experiences that attract and retain families.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why Kids & Teens Matter: Saar and Alicia share insights into how younger guests influence family travel decisions, revealing stats and stories about the significant impact kids and teens have on trip planning, from hotel choices to brand loyalty.
• From Yo-Yos to Loyalty: A small gesture can make a big impression! Hear Alicia’s story of how a simple yo-yo gift became the highlight of a family trip, showcasing the power of small, thoughtful touches in creating loyalty among young guests.
• The Business Case for Kid-Friendly Hospitality: Discover why catering to young guests goes beyond amenities. From revenue potential to brand partnerships with kids' industries, there are strategic advantages for hotels willing to invest in family-friendly experiences.
• Designing for Different Ages: Not all kids are the same! The episode explores the nuances of catering to various age groups, including infants, kids, tweens, and teens, and why a tailored approach matters.
• Translating Game Design Principles to Hospitality: With backgrounds in game design, Saar and Alicia discuss how principles like creating anticipation, surprise, and continuity can be adapted to hospitality to engage young guests at every touchpoint.
• Long-Term Loyalty Starts Young: Building a positive brand connection with kids and teens can foster lifelong loyalty. Learn how hotels can create lasting memories for the whole family, making them more likely to return and recommend.

If you liked this, check out the Wanderland Global Kids Hospitality Report for the latest insights and trends for the young guest market.

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Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands