The holiday season unwraps a golden opportunity for hoteliers to boost revenue, driven by increased consumer spending and generous gift-giving.
NB: This is an article from Sabre
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and stay up to date
With a growing trend towards experiences over physical gifts, this period is especially lucrative for businesses. However, this year’s shortened holiday season means early strategic planning is crucial. By offering bundled stays, unique experiences, creative holiday-themed offers, and gift cards, hoteliers can unlock new revenue streams beyond room inventory. Hotels can maximize their sales during this festive season with thoughtful planning and the right tools. Check out our top 8 tips to increase sales for hoteliers this holiday.
Tip 1: Create alluring holiday packages
Spice up room stays with festive experiences such as special dinners, local holiday tours, or in-room amenities. Hotels can offer attractive, all-inclusive packages that appeal to travelers seeking convenience and memorable moments. Bundling these experiences helps differentiate your property in a competitive market, encouraging guests to pay more upfront and increasing the chance of additional spending during their stay. Take advantage of upselling opportunities for spa services, dining options, or holiday-themed experiences during the booking process, as pairing rooms with ancillaries boosts total revenue and adds value for guests. On average, our customers have reported $300 in ancillary spending per room booking, significantly boosting total revenue.
Tip 2: Partner with local attractions and events
As you create more offers, consider partnering with local attractions and holiday events to curate exclusive packages that go beyond room stays and hotel amenities. This could include experiences like Santa’s Grotto, Winter Wonderland, and more. Offering tickets to popular events or special access to local experiences creates immersive, memorable stays for your guests. These tickets and experiences can also be sold as standalone offers, regardless of a room reservation, opening new revenue streams to the general public. Collaborating with local businesses enhances guest satisfaction and strengthens your hotel’s reputation within the community, driving repeat visits and attracting new guests seeking unique, value-added experiences.
Tip 3: Promote gift cards for the perfect holiday present
1 in 2 people prefer gift cards for the freedom to choose their desired gift.
Tap into the popularity of gift cards this holiday season, with 1 in 2 people preferring them for the freedom to choose their desired gift or experience over traditional presents. Design holiday-themed gift cards to capture the festive spirit. Last-minute shoppers can instantly send digital monetary gift cards or experience vouchers in just a few clicks. On average, consumers spend $429 on monetary gift cards and $262 on vouchers. Hoteliers can further boost sales by offering incentives, such as bonus gift cards (e.g., buy $100, get $20 free) for both the purchaser and recipient and bulk purchases for corporate orders.
