Hotels and resorts need to catch up with other sectors of the tourism industry. Travel products are ideally suited to online sales. Travel has been the most popular service sold online. 35 to 40% of the total online retail revenue comes from travel products, but of that, airlines represent 62%, while hotels account only for 14%.
Travelers don’t only browse the Internet to make travel reservations; they also use it to find out about destinations, hotels and resorts. More and more people are relying on the web for travel information rather than referrals from friends and acquaintances.
Foundation Thailand
Hotels and resorts need to understand that in the near future much of the marketing of their products and services will be outside of their control. Direct bookings cost hotels and resorts less. Directing more travelers to their own online distribution channels is the key focus and the only way to win. Hotel operators need to be innovative, creative and find ways to outsmart the intermediaries.
The demand for travel and tourism will provide opportunities for the hospitality industry to grow. Actions must be taken, are you prepare to seize the opportunities available?
What Should you do in 2010?
Do not cut your marketing spending, but re-evaluate the marketing efforts and advertising budget, and focus on ROI Shift funds from offline to online advertising formats Shift funds from brand-building to direct-response initiatives Track every dollar spent with website analytical and campaign tracking technology Launch a comprehensive online marketing strategy to reach potential customers Launch online marketing strategies to reach impulse-buy customers Identity and promote the unique value(s) of the hotel
The basics should include the following:
Website Re-design and Optimization Search Marketing E-mail Marketing Strategic Linking Website analytics and campaign tracking Social Networking
The Internet is the largest and most important marketing and distribution channel in hospitality. Resort Creative Solutions can implement a successful step-by-step action plan that will generate significant additional revenue, increase market share, occupancy and rates.
Are You Prepared to Seize the New Hospitality Marketing Opportunities?
