We have seen international travellers return from as early as Q2 which was great, and the high – mid season lasting right up to the end of October. Let’s not take our foot of the pedal now, spend this time planning your Winter Packages, Promotions and if you stay open over Christmas, have your Christmas Residential Packages online and selling.

As things are still uncertain moving into Q4 and Q1 of 2023, now is your chance to encourage guests to book direct.

When creating a Package (any time of the year) you need to focus on who you want to target the package at. Once you have decided who your target audience is, the rest should fall into place…..hopefully!

Ideas for Possible Packages:

Midweek or Weekend Shopping Break – depending on your location and what shops are around you, use this to your property and the shops benefit. Perhaps you are able to offer a 10% discount to your guests or the Shops / Department Stores are able to give your guests a shopping voucher.

Leisure Breaks – this could be adding a Value Add to your B&B rate, maybe a late check out, Parking (if it isn’t free at your property) a Complimentary Upgrade something that you feel will add value to your guests stay.

Dining Breaks – it could simply be a Dinner Bed & Breakfast Package, or maybe make it interesting, with a Bed & Brunch, High Tea plus B&B, perhaps Cocktails on Arrival for a Girlie Break?

Discounted Rates – maybe look at the quieter days of the week and try attract guests on a Sunday and Monday night with attractive rates, or maybe a ‘Flash Sale’ over the Halloween weekend for Midweek stays in November, December & January

Loyalty Offers – entice guests that previously stayed to return to your property. You can gather guests emails that have given you marketing consent via you GuestDiary system.

Length of Stay Offers – Perhaps you are not in the situation where you can discount a one night stay, then why not target Corporates and guests to stay longer by offering them a discount of a 2 night stay midweek? More nights will reduce your staffing and linen costs remember.

GuestDiary.com have some really good features when it comes to Special Offers, Promo codes and Upgrades, why not watch our GDU videos to find out what these features are.

GuestDiary University Modules

Lesson 1 Diary Management                               https://forms.gle/uCy6Xz44mmbtkNDF8

Lesson 2 Payments & Invoicing                           https://forms.gle/PsgEFbnW2cELnHiM9

Lesson 3 Rates, Availability & Offers                  https://forms.gle/u38YBTVXMdaEJMC27

Lesson 4 Hotel Sales & Marketing                      https://forms.gle/FiXtHpribZ4yYHCs6 

As we are now at the end of October, we feel it is ok to mention the C word – Christmas!!

If you are opened for Christmas, now is the time to get your website updated with a Christmas Package page. On your Christmas page you should have a clear outline of what is included in the Christmas Residential package from Meals, Number of nights, Entertainment etc.

Our suggestion is get thinking about this package straight away and get it selling online.

Along with the above possible packages, do not forget Black Friday, Cyber Monday deals and even Christmas Gift Vouchers as ways of increase direct bookings and overall revenue.

Contact a member of the Team if you are thinking about switching from your current PMS provider to GuestDiary - we can have you up and running within 24 hours.