Sales and Marketing

Lavish, over-the-top weddings with extensive guest lists are a thing of the past, at least for the near future. Post-pandemic couples are opting for smaller, more intimate events to celebrate their big day, either with a micro-wedding or a minimony; elopements are also on the rise. While this downsizing of events has certainly impacted the hospitality industry, hoteliers can adapt their offerings to cater to these safety-conscious couples.

As hotel marketers embark on 2021, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve with the latest digital trends. This month, Yelp launches a new rating feature for COVID-19 compliance measures, YouTube launches audio ads, and web design takes inspiration from nature. From Search to Social Media and Design, here are the top 5 things you need to know now in hotel digital marketing.

The vacation rental space peaked in 2020 in the United States. According to Google Trends, “vacation rentals” saw its most popularity this year than it had seen over the last several years. Changing travel/safety protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic has affected traveler sentiment, as travelers show a desire for a travel experience that minimizes interaction between other guests. But should hotels be worried?

Are group bookings always the right way to make money? Surprisingly, no. Especially post COVID-19 and with the travel restrictions, you have to target new segments. There are times when denying these bookings in favour of transient customers is better. Revenue Management expert Melissa Kalan shares her tips.

How do buyers make sure they’re ready with a safe, reliable, and efficient program to help their people get back to business?

Hoteliers and everyone else in the travel and hospitality industry are tasked with not just attracting guests, but also convincing people that it is safe to travel and win back guests. With vaccines on their way and travel opening slowly, there is greater hope for the hospitality industry in 2021. Things won’t (ever) go back to normal overnight though.

In recent years, sales conversations between buyers and suppliers have moved to digital formats such as email and in-app platform messaging in CVENT, The Knot, and CVB apps. Too many salespeople mistakenly believe that two urban legends: that planners exclusively prefer digital communications, and that the most important factor is simply being the first to respond. On top of it all, the 10+ years of surging demand in the pre-pandemic era caused the sales culture at many hotels to devolve into an 'order-taking paradigm' and set the stage for what I call the era of 'silent selling.'

Seasonality affects the hospitality industry in many ways especially to attract bookings but what can you do when the high season is over ? Here are some handy tips for accommodation providers on how to strategize when the high season is over. Guest writer Flora from GuestJoy shares her tips.

In terms of travel trends for 2020, exploring the most scenic route from the kitchen to the couch has so far topped all best-of lists. Anything other than that required a major overhaul of health and cleanliness standards of hotel accommodation, along with getting used to a major shift in guest expectations and how to effectively serve others.

With hotel marketers around the world ready for a reset, 2021 can’t come soon enough. If you haven’t already, now is the time to finalize your 2021 marketing plan and ensure your strategy is ahead of the curve.