Hotel operators must find cost effective ways to increase bookings and drive guests to their hotel

Hotel operators must find cost effective ways to increase bookings and drive guests to their hotel

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It’s not a secret that the economic crisis is affecting the travel industry. According to a recent study released by PhocusWright, 2009 online travel bookings will experience a 3% drop for the first time in 10 years. Now, more than ever, hoteliers must be able to reinvent their offer constantly and instantly to compete for customers.

By creating special offers on your hotel website you create an incentive for travelers to choose your hotel over the competition, optimize your SEO and most importantly you can sell stressed inventory. “Despite the economy, travelers are trading down, not out. Consumers are seeking out packages to book, staying fewer nights, and comparison shopping online to save money“. Said Peter Yesawich President and CEO, Y Partnership during the third virtual Resort Conference webinar session.

Through the use of the special offers or promotions channel hoteliers are able to increase guest numbers, attract specific customers by creating packages targeting particular markets, boost sales, compete effectively and reward loyal customers. “Being able to reinvent our offer according to our needs has had an impact on the success of our direct online reservations, especially since 20% of our online reservations come from our special offers” said Lindsey Wise, sales coordinator for Hotel Aiken a 67 room independent property that is using GuestCentric Systems service.

It is important that once your special offer is created you promote it on different internet channels. You can create a press release announcing the launching of your new offer at no cost on free distribution centers, accordingly to your target audience (among others; PrLog and PrCanada) Also you can create a blog to announce important information about your property. Remember the internet is a very powerful tool that can help you promote your property; you just need to take time to explore it.

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