Well how about that! It’s already episode 263 of The Hotel Marketing Podcast by TravelBoom where you’re about to learn some serious tips, trends, and insights to make your property’s marketing more effective than ever! We’re going to be cracking open our pumpkin spice beverages and talking about the wonders of fall and how we can boost our autumn bookings.
We’ve got the whole cast back today so let’s welcome back Alyssa, Jeremy, and Mackenzie.
Newsaroos:
The latest news & happenings in the hospitality community.
- Google’s August 2024 Core Rollout Complete:
https://www.searchenginejournal.com/googles-august-core-update-rollout-completed/526070/ - Google’s AI Overview Crushing Publishers?
https://www.searchenginejournal.com/googles-ai-overviews-slammed-by-news-publishers/526111/
TravelBoom’s Room for Improvement: Fixing Hotel Failures
TravelBoom’s Room For Improvement uncovers the tough questions guests and hoteliers face every day and shares insights into how staff can connect and improve guest relations.
reddit.com/r/hotels/comments/1f1ufkh/why_do_many_hotels_refuse_to_match_online_prices/
The Main Topic: Boosting Your Hotel’s Fall Occupancy With These Four Simple Tips
The information and strategies hoteliers need to succeed in today’s competitive market.
Today’s episode is just a brief excerpt of a full article with 15 ways to drive direct bookings this fall. You can read the full article here.
Engage with Past Guests
- Email Campaigns: Send personalized offers and updates to previous guests, highlighting what’s new for fall.
- Campaign: Send targeted emails to past guests featuring exclusive fall offers such as discounted rates, special fall packages, or complimentary perks. For example, “Welcome Back! Enjoy 20% Off Your Fall Getaway” or “Exclusive Autumn Package Just for You.”
- Content: Highlight new fall-themed amenities, events, and experiences at your hotel. Include vibrant images of fall decor, seasonal activities, and unique offerings.
- Call-to-Action: Encourage bookings with a clear call-to-action button like “Book Now” or “Claim Your Offer” linked to your booking page.
- Feedback and Referrals: Encourage guests to share their fall experiences on social media or leave reviews, which can attract new visitors.
- Leverage previous reviews that may mention visiting during fall.
Offer Special Promotions
- Discounts for Extended Stays: Provide discounts for longer stays or mid-week bookings to attract off-peak travelers.
- Advertising: Promote these discounts through your website, social media channels, and email newsletters, emphasizing the value of a longer stay to fully experience the fall season.
- Loyalty Incentives: Offer special rates or bonuses for returning guests who book during the fall.
Leverage Partnerships
- Local Businesses: Collaborate with local restaurants, wineries, or attractions to offer guests discounts or special experiences. Example: Restaurants, Attractions and More
- Event Organizers: Partner with organizers of fall events to promote your hotel as a preferred lodging option.
Strengthen Relationships with Travel Agents and Influencers
- Travel Agents: Partner with travel agents to promote your fall packages and specials. Offer exclusive deals or commissions for agents who book clients into your hotel during the fall season.
- Influencers and Bloggers: Invite travel influencers and bloggers to stay at your hotel and experience your fall offerings. Provide them with complimentary stays, special fall packages, or exclusive access to events in exchange for reviews and social media coverage.
60 Seconds to Success: Become a Bridge To Your Local Culture
60 Seconds to Success shares a tip or trick to make a hotel’s marketing or operations more effective. Can the cast beat the clock and share a tip before the buzzer?
Pete: Be the bridge that connects your guests to the incredible local experiences around your property. As I’ve mentioned before, in most cases, guests aren’t just coming to stay at your hotel—they’re visiting your area for its attractions and simply need a comfortable place to rest. While exceptions like Great Wolf Lodge exist, most guests are drawn to your destination, not just the hotel itself. So, how can you make your property the best choice to get out of the rain? You’ve likely already perfected your amenities, dining, and in-room experience, but have you truly connected your guests to the local culture they’re there to explore? Simple touches like offering guides, serving local foods, using regionally inspired décor, and partnering with local tours and attractions can make all the difference. These are easy ways to create a lasting connection with your guests. Most importantly, showcase these offerings on social media and across all your marketing channels so your guests know your experience is a cut above the competition.
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Tune in to episode 264 next week for a very special guest, famed speaker and industry expert Bart Berkey. We’re going to be talking about what Most Hotels Don’t Do… But Your’s Could.
I was recently on Bart’s podcast, “Most People Don’t… But You Do!” and you can check that out on episode 149 of his show at https://www.bartaberkey.com/podcast, iTunes, Spotify, and any place you get your shows.
Submit your questions and topic ideas on Twitter to @_travelboom or info@travelboommarketing.com.