9 Marketing Ideas Used By Hotels To Increase Occupancy Rate

Have you ever found yourself during the off-season, surrounded by vacant hotel rooms and sleepless nights, questioning where you went wrong?

Fret not,

In this blog, we’re about to reveal the data-driven hotel marketing by top hotels to increase their occupancy rates, no matter the season.

So, get down to business to unlock the winning strategies to not only survive but thrive during the low season. 

10 Marketing Ideas To Increase Hotel Occupancy Rate 

1. Use Data For Your Marketing Efforts In Low Demand

In a low-demand market, data driven sales promotion ideas for hotels are the key to maximize their marketing efforts to increase occupancy rates. By leveraging data analytics you can create targeted marketing strategies by identifying the most profitable guest segment, best locations and personalized marketing that really resonate with your potential guests.

a) Booking Data and Customer Insights

First and foremost, analyze your booking data to understand trends, peak seasons, and customer segments. Then dive deeper into customer data to identify the demographics, preferences, and habits of your most frequent guests. Your property management system (PMS) and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms can provide valuable insights. This information will enable you to create tailored promotion packages and offers that cater to their specific needs.

For instance, Hotel X significantly enhanced its marketing automation and dynamic content strategies by leveraging data insights. This approach not only improved their targeting but also boosted overall guest engagement and satisfaction. You can read the full case study here.

b) Stay on Top of Marketing Trends

Monitor marketing trends helps to create the best marketing promotions for hotels. It ensure that your campaigns are up-to-date and appealing to your target audience. External sources like industry reports, online resources, and your fellow hotel competitor’s analysis can help you stay informed. By staying ahead of the curve, you’ll be able to adapt your strategies to the ever-changing market and maintain a competitive edge.

c) Understand Changes in Customer Preferences

As consumer preferences evolve, it’s essential to keep up with their expectations. Analyze reviews, feedback, and social media to identify emerging preferences and areas for improvement. Online reviews and customer feedback platforms can provide valuable insights. Use this information to innovate your promotional packages ideas for hotels with unique offers and selling proposition that sets you apart from your competition.

d) Historical and Current Competitor Price Analysis

A key factor in attracting guests is offering competitive pricing. You can conduct historical and current price analyses on your competitors to better understand their strategies and identify opportunities for differentiation. Utilize tools like MakCorps Hotel Price API, which offers comprehensive price comparison data from 200+ online travel agencies. Armed with this data, you can adjust your pricing to be more attractive and increase your occupancy rates.

The best thing is, Makcorps hotel price API is super easy to use and provides accurate data from the most reliable sources. Watch the video below to check out how to use Makcorps API for extracting current and historical hotel pricing data.

2. Promote Your Place For Meetings & Events 

Corporate events are organized in a whole different level nowadays. According to report based on the annual ICE Information, spending on events are expected to increase by 83% in 2024. Therefore setting your hotel apart as the go-to location for meetings and gatherings is crucial for boosting occupancy. 

To make it possible, first and foremost you need to establish a strong online presence that highlights your hotel’s unique selling points, such as flexible event spaces, catering options, and exceptional customer service. 

After that, you should forge strategic partnerships with local businesses by offering them special packages and incentives to host their events at your venue. 

This way you will be able to engage in community networking by participating in local events and sponsoring organizations to create lasting connections. 

After arranging a few successful events and meetings in your hotel, you can leverage social media and targeted email campaigns to reach your potential clients to showcase your hotel’s commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences for their meetings and events.

3. Focus More On Repeat Guests

To skyrocket your hotel’s occupancy rate, prioritize nurturing repeat guests who’ve already experienced your exceptional hospitality. 

You can unearth these loyal customers by analyzing reservation data and mining guest feedback to craft a personalized email campaign to reignite their interest. 

Plus you can also use social media and retargeting ads with exclusive offers to create a magnetic pull to entice them back to your hotel’s warm embrace. 

By fostering these treasured relationships, you’ll transform one-time visitors into devoted brand ambassadors which will fuel your hotel’s growth with a steady stream of eager, returning guests.

4. Manage Your Online Reputation

Yes! You can boost your hotel occupancy by managing your online reputation. In fact, your online reputation affects the occupancy rate more than anything else. 

In fact, a study shows that increasing a hotel’s review score by 1 point can lead to a 0.89% increase in price (ADR), a 0.54% increase in occupancy, and a 1.42% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR). (Source)

Moreover, according to a presentation at the recent FORWARD_MAD23 event, a positive online reputation significantly impacts a hotel’s top-line revenue. The Global Review Index (GRI), an industry-standard online reputation score, shows that a one-point increase in GRI correlates with a 0.89% increase in ADR, a 0.54% increase in occupancy, and a 1.42% increase in RevPAR. This clearly illustrates the direct connection between online reputation and profitability. (Source)

So, if you want your guests to rave about your hotel online and inspire other travelers to book with you. 

Start by identifying your hotel’s reputation using tools like Google Alerts, Brand24, and TrustYou. 

Monitor what guests are saying and respond promptly to their reviews, it helps to show your commitment to excellent service. 

Remember, it’s all about the guests. Continuously improve your hotel by implementing their feedback, and watch your reputation soar which ultimately leads to increase hotel occupancy.

5. Save 1 Day in a Week For Cultural Event For All Ages

Hosting a weekly cultural event for all ages is one of the best ways to give your hotel occupancy a boost. 

Undoubtedly, if your guests experience something unique they will rave about this to their friends, family, and colleagues, and eventually that will increase hotel bookings.

Begin by researching local cultural gems your guests would enjoy, such as art, music, or cuisine. Get input from guests and collaborate with local talent to create unforgettable experiences.

Once you’ve got your plan, promotion is key! Ponder to come up with creative marketing ideas for old historic hotels, beach resort, business hotels, and spa resort (according to whichever category your hotel falls into).

Share the event details on social media, your hotel’s website, and with local partners to create buzz. By offering these exclusive events, you’ll not only attract more guests but also encourage longer stays and repeat visits.

6. Hire A Skillful Revenue Manager

Revenue managers can be the ultimate ally for boosting your hotel’s occupancy. By expertly analyzing market trends, creating pricing strategies, and promotions, they ensure you’re always one step ahead. With their keen eye for competitor moves and capacity to adapt to fluctuating demand, a Revenue Manager is what you need to maximize revenue and keep those rooms occupied. 

7. Partner With Other Brands

By joining forces with renowned brands or local businesses, you can create opportunities for cross-promotion, exclusive package deals, and greater visibility. This strategic collaboration helps attract more guests and ultimately boosts your occupancy rates.

8. Offer Discounts & Packages

By customizing deals for your guests, you’ll not only increase revenue but also create memorable experiences that’ll have them coming back for more.

Consider offering seasonal discounts, loyalty programs, or limited-time offers. For instance, target families with ‘kids-stay-free’ deals or woo honeymooners with romantic packages. The key is making your guests feel valued and appreciated.

9. Social Media Marketing

Research indicates that social media marketing strategies are particularly effective for luxurious hotels. According to a study published on ResearchGate, leveraging social media platforms not only enhances the visibility of hotels but also significantly impacts their occupancy rates by engaging a broader audience and creating a strong online presence.

In today’s digital age, social media marketing is a crucial tool for hotels aiming to increase occupancy rates. Leveraging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allows you to reach a wider audience and engage with potential guests. Incorporating AI text to speech in your videos and stories can make your content more accessible and engaging.

This technology ensures your posts resonate with a broader demographic, including those who prefer auditory content. Effective use of social media advertising, influencer collaborations, and interactive content can significantly boost your hotel’s visibility and attract more bookings.

Regularly analyze performance to refine your strategy and focus on what works best

Final Words: 

By implementing these 10 hotel marketing ideas, your hotel can attract more guests, increase bookings, and ultimately see a rise in occupancy rates.

From optimizing your online presence to creating attractive packages and incorporating rate intelligence to create promotions and discounts, these strategies can help fill up rooms even during low seasons. 

With the right marketing approach, your hotel can enjoy a steady flow of guests and increase its revenue. 

So don’t wait any longer, apply these hotel marketing ideas and watch your hotel’s occupancy rate soar!

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