The Summer travel season will be here before you know it – Are you ready for your guests? We took a look at the latest research available to show us which channels are used most by travelers to search and book, how far in advance they book, and their preferred travel searches online.
What Travel Services Are Booked Online?
In the past few years, there have been concerted efforts by hotel brands to offer incentives and advertise to consumers the benefits of booking direct. Brands have ramped up their loyalty programs and spent considerable dollars on marketing campaigns. We looked at industry data and compared our own proprietary data to see if we could determine if these efforts have made a difference. Has there been a shift in the way that guests make their hotel bookings?
Facebook IQ recently released the 2019 Topics & Trends R
It is amazing that a social networking site that was originally created for college students is now the most prominent social site used to connect and share with family and friends online. What’s more amazing is its broad use across generational lines. While young adults led the way as early social media adopters, usage by older adults has increased over time.
When I heard the recent announcement by Marriott International CEO Arne Sorenson regarding their PILOT in London with Tribute Portfolio Homes offering private accommodations as direct competition against Airbnb, my first thought was why? Why get involved with an “extended stay” product when Marriott already has strong brands such as Residence Inn, Towne
As if calculating the ROI of digital marketing wasn’t complicated enough! Time and effort is spent crafting creative ideas to capture an audience and to convert that audience to loyal guests who then become impassioned cheerleaders. Now research shows that “Dark Social” can muddy up measurements and make it even more difficult to make appropriate decisions when allocating advertising dollars.
It wasn’t very long after reviews became the ultimate influence in decision-making for shoppers of products or services that it became a part of our Hospitality industry.
As you’re setting your goals for the upcoming year, an important element to consider is how you will manage your guest reviews and satisfaction surveys. A first step is to take an honest assessment of how your reviews are being managed now. Are you simply meeting your brand’s compliance or is there room for improvement when it comes to engaging with your guests online?
Be the Best in Your Competitive Set
Your guests have many paths to find your hotel. The growth of online visibility has created an entirely new avenue for guest service – online reputation management. And if you have not yet investigated how to manage your online reviews, we suggest you do so quickly because your guests are using them to make choices. Arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible and follow best practices as much as you can.
