To operate a successful hotel, there are a lot of things that have to go right. Owners need the right building in the right market tailored for the right demand generators, and operators need to build a top-notch management team equipped to offer great service. Perhaps most importantly, though, is a well-thought out strategy to attract guests. Even the perfect hotel will not stay open long with no guests.
Driving more direct bookings is crucial for hotels to increase revenue, build customer loyalty, and reduce
reliance on third-party platforms. Hotels often offer incentives for guests to book directly, such as free Wi-Fi,
complimentary breakfast, or flexible cancellation policies.
Here are some other effective strategies to encourage guests to book directly:
1. Offer Best Price Guarantees
Clearly communicate on your website that booking directly ensures the best price. Create special promotions and fenced rates available only to guests who book directly.
2. Optimize the voice channel
Leverage modern technology to enhance the efficiency of your call center, providing seamless and personalized
booking experiences to drive conversion, just as you would on a website. Targeted promotions and exclusive
deals offered specifically through the voice channel incentivize customers to choose the hotel’s direct
booking option over online platforms.
3. Strategic email marketing
Build and segment your email list to send targeted promotions and incentives to past guests who have
booked through OTAs. Encourage them to book directly for exclusive benefits.
4. Retargeting campaigns
Implement retargeting campaigns to reach potential guests who visited your website but did not complete
a booking. Display personalized ads highlighting the benefits of booking directly.
5. Metasearch advertising
Invest in metasearch advertising to increase visibility and drive traffic to your official website. Ensure your hotel
appears prominently in search results. By implementing a combination of these strategies, hotels can create a compelling case for guests to book directly, resulting in increased revenue and stronger relationships with customers.
Copyright www.shrgroup.com
