We would like to do research into niche, online, accommodation
operators that provide services similar to Lastminute.com,
RatesToGo.com, Expedia.com etc but in niche markets. These operators
can be from around the world, but we are particularly interested in
North America and Europe. The objective of this research is to
identify potential niche ideas that online, accommodation operators
could use.

 

Online, accommodation operators appeal to both SMEs and leisure
travellers in general.  A niche for such operators might be SMEs that
are involved in agriculture (so you might find sites that are
specialists in rural hotels in major agricultural areas) or another
example may be business people anywhere in the world that deal with
China etc.

 

We would like you to provide details of online accommodation companies
that specialise in niche markets.  A niche market may be for example:
organised running/cycling events, golf, seniors or the gay market. 
More specifically a niche may be people that are visiting relatives in
hospital or outpatients or people who need accommodation around an
academic institution or courts/court houses etc. Other examples may be
the PA/Secretary market (so you might find sites that are designed to
provide accommodation solutions to PA?s), or the serviced long-stay
apartments area, or perhaps the inbound accommodation market to
Australia from North America, Europe or Asia. Even a niche for delayed
flights etc might be appropriate.  In the UK a niche may be
accommodation solutions for National Trust/English Heritage Members
etc.

 

Research output we would like from you is examples of successful
niche, online accommodation sites, links to those sites, any
additional information you might find as to how the site was developed
and how the niche was selected, the growth rate of the site would be
important information along with the number of user sessions and
visitors etc if available.

---

Request for Question Clarification by easterangel-ga on 07 Aug 2005 23:44 PDT

Hi! Would this be a good example of the types of sites you're looking for.

http://www.medicaltourismindia.com/india-medical-tours/why-medical-services-india.html

Other than the website address, it would be hard to gauge the success
or other info for these niche travel services since they are
relatively small.

Would articles about travel markets suffice as a replacement?

Thanks!

---

Clarification of Question by nichemarkets-ga on 08 Aug 2005 15:57 PDT

Hi. That is a good example of the types of sites we are looking for. 
Medical Tourism is just one example of a niche that would be useful.
Maybe you can find some information about how profitable such niches
are. We would like to see examples of a range of niche markets so if
you could find other sites that occupy different niches that would be
great.

With regard to your question about articles on travel markets - they
would be useful if the articles are very specific to the particular
niche operator. However they would not suffice as a complete
replacement, but would compliment other information you might find.

---

Request for Question Clarification by guillermo-ga on 16 Aug 2005 12:05 PDT

Hello Nichemarkets-ga,

You have posted an interesting question that I think I can help you
with. However, part of the outcome you've said you are expecting
doesn't seem to be achievable, i.e. "how the site was developed and
how the niche was selected, the growth rate of the site (...) the
number of user sessions and visitors (...) how profitable such niches
are". What I can try to find for you are examples of successful
niches, online accommodation sites, links and ideas. If that was fine
for you as an answer, I would give it a try. I wait for your thoughts.
Thank you.

Guillermo-ga

---

Clarification of Question by nichemarkets-ga on 18 Aug 2005 00:01 PDT

Hi!

Thank you for looking at the question.  We really would like to know
as much about these sites as possible in lots of detail.  If you could
find examples of different niche, online, accommodation sites that
would be great.  But how would you gauge their success? That is why we
were after information about the growth rate (e.g. has made 20% more
bookings than the previous year or profit etc) and the number of
hits/visitors etc.  Maybe you can find a market report for each of
these niches that give details about their offering, growth and
success.  So there really are two types of output that would be
suitable (but we would need both) ? 1) examples/links etc of
successful niche, online, accommodation sites and 2) market reports
that highlight key points (i.e. competitors, growth, profit etc) for
each of the niches.  Please don?t hesitate to ask for further
clarification.

Thanks

---

Request for Question Clarification by guillermo-ga on 18 Aug 2005 02:36 PDT

Hello Nichemarkets-ga,

Thanks for your clarification. There probably are market reports
covering the points you're interested in. Also, they're typically
fee-based, and usually very expensive (they can reach 4 figures)
--most likely, they cover a whole industry rather than specific
niches, which could be included within the report. Would you be
interested in reports like such --if found-- to cover the second part
of your clarification? Thanks,

Guillermo

---

Clarification of Question by nichemarkets-ga on 18 Aug 2005 15:41 PDT

Hi. Yes I know some of those reports are rather expensive, obviously
it would be great if you could find ones that are free :) however, I
understand this is somewhat difficult. If you can't find any full
reports for free then reference to other reports would be ok. Quite
often you can get 'key findings' of these expensive reports for free
etc. We might find that just as useful. Thank you for trying. We look
forward to your findings.

---

Request for Question Clarification by guillermo-ga on 19 Aug 2005 03:40 PDT

Thanks for your reply. You're right that sometimes key pieces of
information from big reports can be found and, of course, I'll try to
do so, yet we cannot take them for granted. I keep working and in
touch.

Regards,

Guillermo

---

Request for Question Clarification by guillermo-ga on 23 Aug 2005 10:52 PDT

Hello Nichemarkets-ga,

My guess is that activities such as Global Crossroad
(http://www.globalcrossroad.com/ ) are indeed within the scope of your
question, do you agree? Please confirm.

Also, you can see by now that this task takes its time, do you have a
deadline for it? Please let me know.

Thank you,

Guillermo-ga

---

Clarification of Question by nichemarkets-ga on 24 Aug 2005 19:08 PDT

Hi. Unfortunately we are not after the type of site that you have
mentioned here "Global Crossroad". We are after more specific niches
to each of the markets requested. We are not after 'global'
accommodation sites but rather niche sites that serve a particular
market really well. I hope this makes sense...

We do not have a set deadline for this but I am hoping to have a
sizeable list of niches by 1/9.

Thanks again

Hello nichemarkets-ga,

This has been a fun and interesting research project. It seems there
are lots of niche markets in the travel and hospitality industry. I?ve
collected examples of several of your categories plus additional ones
that I came across. I believe that additional ones might be available
if you gave clearer directions on what segments of travel are
particularly interesting to you. In this research project I
concentrated on giving you a broad sampling following your suggested
guidelines. Each of the categories could be explored in greater depth.
If you are interested in such deeper research, I suggest that you post
additional questions naming the particular travel segment.

In addition to the specific categories/niches I?ve also included a
selection of travel/hospitality industry hub sites that are
particularly helpful in exploring niche markets. Please don?t hesitate
to ask for clarification if any of this is confusing.

Wishing you well for your projects.

~ czh ~


===========================================
RURAL ACCOMMODATIONS, AGROTOURISM, FARMSTAY
===========================================

http://www.farmstayuk.co.uk/next/uk/index.html
Farm Stay UK
The largest network of farm based accommodation in the UK. 

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.farmstay.co.za/
Farmstay.co.za
South African farmers and rural communities proudly present this fully
electronic gateway to agricultural and ecotourism in South Africa.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.sol.com/en/modulo.asp?IdProvincia=14&IdTipoAloj=10
Lodging - Rural Housing en CÓRDOBA

-------------------------------------------------


http://miradorcortegana.naturaltravel.net/elmirador1e.htm
El Mirador de Cortegana 
Charming Rural Accomodations

http://miradorcortegana.naturaltravel.net/linkse.htm
Search Engines for Rural Accomodations:
www.andarines.com 
www.portalnatur.com
www.guiarural.com
www.allrural.com
www.eurocompass.com 
www.turismoruralyaventura.com

-------------------------------------------------


http://spain.antiquanatura.com/publico/listado.aspx?IDP=1&ID=PV11&P=3
Agrotourism, rural hotels, farmhouse rental, B&B, charming places to
stay, ecotourism and green tourism in Spain and Portugal

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.nzhomestay.co.nz/
New Zealand Homestays and Farmstays

Home hospitality began in UK and Europe (often commercially termed Bed
& Breakfast) and was usually a room in someone?s home where guests
were treated courteously and generously. The concept of home
accommodation has travelled the world, becoming increasingly popular
and universally acceptable. In New Zealand home hosting has developed
further into the commercial forms of Farmstay, Homestay, Countrystay
and Citystay, where the availability of meals and possible tourist
entertainment is also offered. The traditions begun in Europe have
been expanded by our national characteristic of friendliness and
generously coupled with the normal rural activities so prevalent in
our country.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.australianhomestay.com/
http://www.australianfarmstay.com/
Friendly Connections Ltd.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.bedandbreakfast.org.au/links.html
Australian B&B and Farmstay Accommodations
Industry, Tourism and Travel Links

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.bigvolcano.com.au/database/farmstay.htm
Farmstays, Host Farms and Ranches

You'll find a great variety of farm stay and ranch style lodgings in
the Northern Rivers region from Byron Bay to the Gold Coast
hinterland, including sugar cane and cattle farms, horse riding and
agistment ranches, orchards and plantations.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.ballarat.com/farmstay.htm
Ballarat Accommodation & Tourism Directory

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.agrotourism.com.cy/
Agrotourism in Cyprus

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.yourcyprus.com/agrotourism/
Cyprus Agrotourism

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.ruraltourisminternational.org
http://www.ruraltourisminternational.org/RT_training_in_EU.php
Rural Tourism International

Rural Tourism International - Training Network (RTI-TN) is an
association of trainers and training organizations in rural tourism.
It is established in order to continue the work of the Leonardo
Project ?Hospitality in Rural Tourism". In almost every European
country there is one organization that represents RTI-TN.

***** Click on each country in the map to access rural tourism resources for each.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.agriturismo.pg.it/
Agriturismo in Umbria

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.hobotraveler.com/agrotourism.php
Agro-Tourism

Agro and Eco Tourism are closely related.

Agro Tourism is when a native person or local of the area offers tours
to their Agriculture project to allow a person to view them growing,
harvesting, and processing locally grown foods, such as coconuts,
pineapple, sugar cane, corn, or any produce the person would not
encounter in their home country. Often the farmers would provide a
home-stay opportunity and education.

The essential benefit is for the local people, not tour operators or hotels.

***** This site provides dozens of links to worldwide agrotourism sites.

-------------------------------------------------


://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&lr=&q=agrotourism+
Search for < agrotourism >

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.agrisport.com/anglais.htm
Agrisport & Agritourism

The portal to worldwide Guest Farmhouses & AgriTourism 



========================
BUSINESS TRAVEL TO CHINA
========================

http://www.chinatour.com/business/business.htm
Business Travel Service

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.china-inc.com/yamei/yamei.htm
Yamei Travel, Beijing, China

We cater to both group and individual travellers, Whether you want to
convene a major conference, or just to stay in Beijing, or Shanghai
overnight on your hurried business trip, when you need assistance, we
are always there.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.cbw.com/travel.html
Chinese Business World

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.china-window.com/china_directory/chinatravel.shtml
China Travel



=============================================
TRAVEL FOR SPORTS, SPORTING EVENTS, ADVENTURE
=============================================

http://www.travelhub.com/travel_agencies/sports_category/
Specialized Sports travel agencies 

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.intraporta.com/pgs/adventure.shtml
Adventure Travel

***** Scroll down the page to Worldwide Specialty/Adventure
Activities, Theme Travel Topics and browse through the dozens of links
for specialized sports and adventure oriented travel resources.

-------------------------------------------------


://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=farmstay
Search for < farmstay >

***** Search results show dozens of additional farmstay accommodation resources.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.base-camp.com/camp1/index.html
Basecamp International

This is Basecamp 1: Where you begin to plan your wildest travel and
adventure dreams or activate all those ideas you talked about for so
long... but didn't know where to start. Now, it's time to get into
life... Get into action... We divide this basecamp into 2 basic
categories.

 -- SPECIALIZED TRAVEL & EXOTIC DESTINATIONS
 -- ACTIVITIES, SPORTS, & ADVENTURES

***** This site offers links to dozens of specialized sites.

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.sportstravel.nl/en.php3
http://www.sportstravel.nl/raten.php3
Road Air Sports Travel

Road Air Sports Travel is specialised in the organisation of trips to
large international sport events

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.tennistours.com/
Championship Tennis Tours

Championship Tennis Tours since 1987 sells Tennis Tickets and Tennis
Packages to the French Open, Wimbledon, US Open, Australian Open,
Pacific Life Open and the Nasdaq 100 Open. Tennis Packages come with
hotel accommodations, sightseeing, tennis tickets, on site hosts and
more.We are an agency that specializes in hard to obtain tickets for
the U.S. Open, Wimbledon, French Open and Australian Open. We also buy
and sell tickets to Davis Cup events, NASDAQ-100 Open tickets, and
Pacific Life Open. Whether its a pair of seats courtside or a group of
20 seats in the upper bowl, we would be happy to assist you in getting
what you want. You will be able to access all the info you need
pertaining to prices, schedules, and seating.



==================
TRAVEL FOR SENIORS 
==================

http://www.50plusexpeditions.com/
Adventure Travel for People Over 50
Active, off-the-beaten-path, small group tours around the globe

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.elderhostel.org/welcome/home.asp
Elderhostel

Elderhostel is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing
extraordinary learning adventures for people 55 and over. From New
Hampshire to New Zealand, South Africa to South Dakota, Elderhostel
offers you a world of educational opportunities - at exceptional
values.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.seniorstravelguide.com/
Seniors Travel Guide Directory



====================================
GAY AND LESBIAN TRAVEL ACCOMODATIONS
====================================

http://www.purpleroofs.com/
Purple Roofs
Gay & Lesbian Bed & Breakfasts, Inns, Guesthouses, Hotels, Travel
Agents, Tour Operators, & More

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.chiff.com/travel/gay-lesbian.htm
MAIN  Travel  Gay-Lesbian-Transgendered 

The world has opened its doors to the gay and lesbian community and
there are plenty of places that will welcome you with open arms...and
guides to what's going on in the local gay world. So, if you are out
and want to get out and about to find fun, friends and things to do
that will make for a relaxed vacation instead of heading into stress -
check out the scene before you arrive to find the best gay, lesbian
and alternative lifestyle friendly spots on the planet...

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.gaycityusa.com/Accommodations.htm
Gay & Lesbian Travel Accommodations

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.alysonadventures.com/alyson.htm
Alyson Adventures 

Alyson Adventures is the leader in creating adventure travel and
active vacations for the gay community. And we give back, as well.



=============================================================
MEDICAL TRAVEL/TOURISM AND PATIENT AND VISITOR ACCOMMODATIONS
=============================================================

http://www.hospitalsoup.com/search_forhotels.asp
Special Medical Discounts and the
Lowest Rates for Hotels 

Check Rates, Availability at Leading Hotels by using the search form
below. Alternatively, Click Here to search for a Hospital, then view
the results to find hotels or lodging close to major medical
facilities, clinics, or hospitals and clinics worldwide.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.medicaltourismindia.com/
Medical Tourism India

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.medicaltourism.com/destinations.aspx
Medical Tourism ? Destinations

-------------------------------------------------


http://mediescapes.com/
Mediescapes India

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.phuket-health-travel.com/index.htm
PHUKET HEALTH & TRAVEL

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.americanhospitals.com/questions/travel/lodging.htm
AmericanHospitals.com
online medical resources for international patients

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/154000390/4024122.search?query=medical+travel+or+tourism+
Medical Tourism Growing Worldwide

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.phuket-health-travel.com/accommodation.htm


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_tourism
Medical tourism is a term that has risen from the rapid growth of an
industry where people from all around the world are traveling to other
countries to obtain medical, dental, and surgical care while at the
same time touring, vacationing, and fully experiencing the attractions
of the countries that they are visiting.



================
TRAVEL WITH PETS
================

http://www.dogfriendlydirectory.com/
Pet Friendly Hotels and Lodging

DogFriendlyDirectory.com is a leading resource of free information to
the hundreds of thousands of traveling pet-owners in the US and abroad
looking for quality, pet-friendly accommodations. From families on
vacation to business professionals, we cater to the travelers who
enjoy bringing their pets with them.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.bringyourpet.com/index.htm
Pet Friendly Lodging, Accommodations and Services 

As a leading resource of free information to the hundreds of thousands
of traveling pet owners in the US and abroad looking for quality, pet
friendly accommodations, BringYourPet.com caters to pet owners who
enjoy bringing their pets with them.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.doggyholiday.com/
Doggy Holiday

This web site provides a guide to many of the Australian and New
Zealand holiday destinations which are dog friendly.   Choose the
places you would like to visit, then fax, email or phone the
accommodation which sounds the best for you. Some places welcome cats,
birds, horses

-------------------------------------------------


http://whispy.com/pet-friendly-travel-vacations.html
Pet Friendly Travel/Vacations


====================================
MEMBERSHIP AFFILIATE TRAVEL PROGRAMS
====================================

http://www.id90.com/What_is_ID90.COM.shtml
ID90.COM

ID90.COM offers airline employees and their families over 6,000
Interline travel discounts in 120 countries worldwide with all the
brands you know and trust.  Start saving on your next trip and enjoy
the many benefits of becoming an ID90.COM Interline Member.

ID90.COM is the online travel information portal for airline employees
worldwide. We provide1,000's of global travel discounts. ID90.com
markets directly to more than 10 million airline employees, their
families, and their friends (Interliners)!

------------------------

http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2004_4th/Nov04_ID90WestCoast.html
ID90.COM Helps Hotel Groups Establish Themselves Within 
the Travel Industry, Specifically with Airline Employees


======================================
TRAVEL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE DISABLED
======================================

http://www.geocities.com/Paris/1502/accessibleaccommodations.htm
Accessible Accommodations 

-------------------------------------------------


http://goeurope.about.com/cs/accessible_travel/
Accessible Travel

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.disabledapartments.com/
Disabled Accomodation Miami

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.holidaycare.org.uk/about.asp
Holiday Care

Holiday Care is a national charity based at Croydon in south London
and has been established for 22 years. We are supported by the UK?s
national tourist boards, the travel industry and a number of
well-known corporates, trusts and voluntary sector organisations.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.usatechguide.org/getsinglecompany.php?thecompanyid=1545&vmode=1
Accessible Vacation Home Exchange

Free online accessible vacation home exchange for persons with
extensive disabilities. Matches disabled persons who want to exchange
homes during vacations.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.holidaylets.net/find/wheelchair-accessible/13
Wheelchair Accessible Holiday Rentals

Wheelchair friendly holiday homes and vacation rentals throughout
Europe and beyond. Chose from a selection of holiday rentals suitable
for wheelchair access. Whether you are looking for a self catering
cottage, villa, farmhouse or apartment, there should be something
suited to your needs.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.accesstravelcenter.com/vac_rents.html
Accessible Vacation Rentals	
Here you can find Wheelchair Accessible Vacation Rentals & Lodgings. 
Plus  Condos - Luxury Villas - Private Homes - Townhouses - Chalets -
Cabins - Cottages - Pet-Friendly Hotels. Remember, you really deserve
a vacation, have some fun!

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.gehandicapten.com/uk/
Wheelchair Accessible Holiday Homes

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.toskana.net/tuscany/holidays_for_disabled.htm
Holidays in Tuscany: Accessible Holidays

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.holiday-rentals.com/index.cfm/tgt/inspiration_wheelchair
Holiday-Rentals - Wheelchair accessible holiday homes

Holiday-Rentals.com boasts thousands of holiday homes around the world
which are accessible for wheelechairs. Follow the instructions below
to find them.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.medicaltravel.org/
Medical Travel, Inc.
The  Disability Travel Experts 


==========================
HOTELS NEAR MILITARY BASES
==========================

http://military-hotels.us/
Lodging near and on US Military Bases



=========================================================
HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY ? PORTALS, DIRECTORIES, PUBLICATIONS
=========================================================

http://www.travelmole.com/index.php
TravelMole Ltd
The Online Community for the Travel and Tourism Industry

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.intraporta.com/pgs/aboutintraporta.shtml
Welcome to IntraPorta:

IntraPorta (INternational TRAvel PORtal) is intended to be the
starting point for anyone seeking worldwide online travel information.

-------------------------------------------------


http://adventure.discovery.com/xnet/search.tcl
Travel Channel Trip Finder
Search a Region, an Activity

-------------------------------------------------


http://whispy.com/retreats-travel-resources.html
Whispy -- The Cultural Creative Web DirectorY


===============
SEARCH STRATEGY
===============

niche online travel operators
niche online travel OR tour operators
"Rural accommodations OR housing" OR agrotourism OR farmstay
"business travel"  china
specialized OR niche  travel sports OR "sporting events" OR adventure
gay lesbian travel accommodations OR hotels OR resorts
medical OR "patient visitor" accommodations OR hotels
"medical travel"  accommodations OR hotels
hotels OR accommodations "medical treatment"

---

Clarification of Answer by czh-ga on 01 Sep 2005 02:05 PDT

ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES

=======================================
EXTENDED STAY HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATIONS
=======================================

http://www.extendedstaynetwork.com/
·	Extended Stay America 
·	Residence Inn By Marriott 
·	Comfort Suites 
·	Suburban - Extended Stay Hotels 
·	Amerisuites 
·	Homestead Studio Suites 
·	Americas Best Value Inn 
·	Springhill Suites 
·	Homewood Suites By Hilton 
·	Americas Best Inns & Suites 

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.biz-stay.com/
The web's most complete directory of short term housing and extended
stay hotels in over 3,000 destinations

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.allstays.com/Extended-Stays/extendedstays.htm
Extended Stay Lodging

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.lodging.com/auto/extended_stay.cgi?remote=hotelonsale
Extended Stay Hotels


==========================
LAST MINUTE ACCOMMODATIONS
==========================

http://www.laterooms.com/au.php3?lang=eng
LateRooms

LateRooms is an established way for hotels around the world to sell
their late availability bedrooms and for customers to take advantage
of excellent savings.

Because no hotel wants to be left with empty rooms, they will often
drop the price to fill their empty beds and the internet makes this
possible by bringing all the availability together in one place at
LateRooms.

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.lastminute.com/
http://www.lastminute.com/site/travel/hotels
Last Minute hotels

================================
HEALTH SPAS AND FITNESS RETREATS
================================

http://www.realadventures.com/pages/health-spas-retreats.htm
Listing of 29 destinations.

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.yogasite.com/retreat.htm
Yoga Retreat Centers

-------------------------------------------------

://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=health+OR+fitness+spas
Search for < health OR fitness spas >

=====================================
HOTELS NEAR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
=====================================

http://www.internethotels.com/college-hotels/
Hotels Near College & University Campus

-------------------------------------------------

http://hotel-guides.us/colleges/us-campus-hotels.html
Choose the state you?re interested in and then click on Hotels near
(state) Colleges and Universities

http://hotel-guides.us/alabama/al-hotels.html
Hotels near Alabama Colleges & Universities
http://hotel-guides.us/colleges/alabama/al-campus-hotels.html
Which Alabama college would you like to visit?

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.eurhotels.co.uk/
Hotels near Universities

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.hotelsanddeals.com/universities.html
University Hotels

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.hotelsnearcampus.com/?id=768061
Hotels Near Campus is a discount hotel search engine designed
specifically to find hotels close to college & university campus
locations.

=======================================
CONVENTION CENTER AND TRADE SHOW HOTELS
=======================================

http://www.hotelsanddeals.com/convention-center-hotels.html
Convention Center Hotels

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.hotelgate24.com/index.html
http://www.hotelgate24.com/en/events-by-country.html
Hotel accommodations for conventions, congresses, exhibitions and events 

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.conventionhotelguide.com/
Convention Hotel Guide

=================
SMOKE FREE HOTELS
=================

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/msboscombe/smokefree/guide.htm
Smokefree Accommodations Guide

------------------------------------------------=

http://www.smokinghurts.com/Smoke-FreeHotels.htm
SMOKE-FREE HOTELS

============================
RETREAT CENTERS, PILGRIMAGES
============================

http://www.allaboutretreats.com/
http://www.allaboutretreats.com/getaways/getaways.html

Over the years, All About Retreats has added listings for people seeking: 
 -- weekend Getaways 
 -- retreat programs for personal or spiritual development 
 -- retreat settings for weddings and other celebrations 
 -- retreat properties for sale 

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.findthedivine.com/
http://www.findthedivine.com/places.html
Finding the Divine through the Spiritual and Religious Retreat and
Conference Experience

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/kerala/kerala-pilgrimage-map.htm
Kerala Pilgrimage Centers Map

-------------------------------------------------


://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&lr=&q=retreat+centers
Search for < retreat centers > yields dozens of results


=======
HOSTELS
=======

http://www.hostels.com/
The Hostels.com Worldwide Hostel Database

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.hostelworld.com/
Hostelworld.com provides online bookings for hostels around the world.
Check out things to do or read our destination guides to find out
what?s hot and what?s not. Reserve your hostel online now to ensure
you have a bed waiting at your chosen destination!

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.hihostels.com/openHome.do
Hostelling International

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.hostelseurope.com/
Hostels in Europe

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.hiusa.org/
HI-USA, America's largest network of quality hostels. We're the U.S.
affiliate of the global organization Hostelling International, with
more than 4,000 hostels in over 60 countries.


============
DUDE RANCHES
============

http://www.duderanch.org/
THE DUDE RANCHERS' ASSOCIATION

Helping People Find Quality Dude Ranch and Guest Ranch Vacations Since 1926

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.duderanches.com/
DudeRanches.com is your resource for Dude and Guest Ranches across
North America. Hundreds of dude and guest ranches are included for
your enjoyment.

-------------------------------------------------

http://www.ranchweb.com/
Ranch Vacations

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http://dude-ranches.gordonsguide.com/
Dude & Guest Ranches

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====================
MILITARY BASE HOTELS
====================

http://www.hotelsanddeals.com/military-bases.html
Hotels near US Military Bases


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HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY ? PORTALS, DIRECTORIES, PUBLICATIONS
=========================================================

http://www.realadventures.com/
RealAdventures

http://www.realadventures.com/accommodations-resorts.htm
Accommodation 
§	Bed & Breakfasts (4015) 
§	Campgrounds/RV Parks (124) 
§	Health Spas/Retreats (29) 
§	Honeymoon Suite (2) 
§	Hotels (4959) 
§	Resorts (95) 
§	Roommate/House Share (8) 
§	Timeshares (8) 
§	Vacation Rentals (2200) 
§	Youth Hostels (4217)

There a niche market in villa holidays.

Very popular place for UK visitors is Lanzarote and many are using
quality villas and apartments from http://www.lanzarote1.com and other
property management companies that give a good profesional service.

Helllo,
Some of the categories can be too general to be a niche, as agrotourism.
If you want to be more specific, may be I can help with one niche in
rural tourism that also have sucess in Lanzarote, Canary Islands (as
mentioned by binki123):
Rural tourism rentals with alternative therapists.
As you was interested in the sucess of the websites, the marketing
idea to add alternative therapists in combo with rural accommodation
not only increased the traffic to the websites, also reached a
specific target in need on the net.
One example of sucess: 

http://www.rural-villas.com

Thank you czh for your contribution, it was a very well done research.