Travel Tuesday is here to stay. This burgeoning travel shopping day has seen online searches surge by over 500% since 2021 (McKinsey, 2024), marking it as a unique opportunity for luxury hotels to drive bookings and revenue in the post-Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Thanksgiving sales season.
NB: This is an article from ARO Digital
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Falling on the Tuesday after Cyber Monday (December 3 for the uninitiated!), this travel-exclusive day has shifted from an American phenomenon to an international marketing event, where discerning travellers hunt for exclusive deals and experiences. As the popularity of Travel Tuesday continues to skyrocket, independent hotels and resorts have a chance to tap into this trend and turn browsing travellers into loyal guests.
In this guide, we explore how hotels and resorts can leverage Travel Tuesday to not only fill rooms but also to create memorable experiences that keep guests returning.
Why Travel Tuesday Matters
Travel Tuesday, or “Trip Tuesday” as some refer to it, has evolved as a critical shopping day for the travel sector, paralleling retail’s Cyber Monday. According to data, nearly 73% of people in the UK report they would choose travel over tangible goods when given a choice (Independent, 2024), which underscores a shift in consumer preference towards experiences. In light of this, Travel Tuesday deals are becoming increasingly relevant, with consumers eagerly awaiting exclusive offers.
For luxury hotels, this shift represents an opportunity to build brand loyalty and drive new guest acquisition. By offering well-crafted deals that appeal to experience-driven travellers, independent hotels and resorts can position themselves as the go-to choice for exclusive stays and memorable experiences.
Strategies for Hotels & Resorts to Capitalise on Travel Tuesday
1. Exclusive, Time-Limited Offers
On Travel Tuesday, potential guests are hunting for exclusive offers they can’t resist. For luxury hotels, this means designing limited time offers that are as attractive as they are unique.
- Extended Stay Discounts: Encouraging longer stays can improve both occupancy rates and revenue per guest. Offer a discount on stays of three or more nights, bundling in perks like complimentary breakfast or access to premium amenities. Exclusively bookable with the property direct via your bespoke website’s booking engine.
- All-Inclusive Experiences: Create comprehensive Travel Tuesday 2024 deals that include amenities such as spa treatments, private guided tours, or gourmet dining experiences. These “all-in” packages appeal to guests seeking convenience and added value.
- Members-Only Offers: Offer loyalty members additional benefits or deeper discounts on Travel Deal Tuesday deals. Highlight benefits such as early access to bookings, exclusive room upgrades, or personalised amenities to attract and retain high-value guests.
The scarcity and exclusivity of these deals can drive higher conversion rates, as they not only attract immediate bookings but also create a sense of urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out) that encourages quicker decision-making.
2. Use Personalisation to Target High-Spending Guests
Personalisation is paramount in the luxury sector, where guests value tailor-made experiences that reflect their preferences and past behaviour. To achieve this, luxury hotels should leverage guest data to create bespoke offers and tailor marketing messages.
- Dynamic Offers Based on Guest Preferences: Use your CRM system to craft highly relevant offers. For instance, frequent spa-goers could receive wellness package deals, while past patrons of the hotel’s fine dining restaurant might be tempted by a culinary weekend.
- Location-Based Offers: Analyse guest demographics to determine geographical trends. For example, UK-based guests could be targeted with discounted stays at warm-weather destinations, while local guests might be offered a “staycation” package with added amenities.
- Behavioural Triggers: For guests who previously booked directly, create automated emails that remind them of perks like early check-in, complimentary room upgrades, or dining credits if they book on Travel Deal Tuesday. This gentle reminder taps into personalisation and increases the likelihood of direct bookings.
Personalisation not only makes guests feel valued but also enhances the guest experience, building an emotional connection with the brand that leads to long-term loyalty.
