With so many hotels having their eyes set on locking in holiday bookings, it’s only natural that the competition is fierce. However, there’s also more demand, so the good news is you can charge more and implement stricter cancellation policies.
NB: This is an article from Mews
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and stay up to date
Here are the top strategies for increasing these types of bookings.
Offer better deals for advanced bookings
Most guests plan their vacations well in advance, so try to secure their bookings as early as possible. Offer guests who stay with you during the holiday season a discount for returning the following year. Make it worth their while – an exclusive discount or a complimentary add-on, if they book on the spot, will be much appreciated. It’s a win-win for both the guest and your hotel.
Optimize your website for conversions
Optimizing your website is just as important as running engaging ads to attract new guests. If booking a stay is not easy, guests will abandon your website without completing a reservation, meaning you won’t get any return on your investment.
Optimize your website for conversions by simplifying the process of booking a room. A few clicks should suffice – let’s not forget that direct bookings are also better for your bottom line. Find out the difference between OTA vs. Direct bookings.
Be consistent in your branding and messaging
Staying consistent in branding and messaging across all channels is vital for locking in holiday bookings. There are only a certain number of holidays per year, so you must clearly show the value of staying at your hotel. Communicate your hotel’s advantages across all channels, including your website, social media and ads. The better you convey your value proposition; the more guests will choose your hotel.
Harness the power of your existing clientele
Your loyal guests are a great starting point to promote holiday bookings. Invite them to leave reviews and send them personalized communication to keep them engaged – you want to be on their mind when they’re booking holiday travel. Leverage loyal guests as much as possible because it gives your hotel more credibility. Plus, it’s easier to convince people who’ve already stayed with you and had a positive experience to return.
