In the mid-90s, when satellite navigation (sat-nav) started to get popular, the navigation systems based their route recommendation on static data. The result: drivers often didn’t trust the sat nav because the recommended route was not the optimal one. Well, things have changed in the sat-nav landscape. In this article, sat-nav is used as a metaphor for revenue management: going
Whether ditching a subpar revenue management system (RMS) provider for something better or implementing automated revenue tech for the first time, change is hard. But not changing could be disastrous for hotel businesses hoping to remain competitive and run efficiently and profitably in the new industry landscape of 2021 and beyond. Keep reading for tips on navigating the tech change
As a revenue manager, analytics and automation probably aren’t new to you. But recent developments in tech, like predictive analytics, forward-looking data and live insights, take revenue management to a whole new level. Especially in the looming recovery phase, these capabilities can drastically increase your chances of success even with unpredictable markets. Leaving Historical Data Behind Before Covid-19, your historical
Technology is becoming more and more ingrained into the daily operations of today’s hoteliers, with hotel technology itself evolving in leaps and bounds. As hotel tech platforms and tools become more advanced and marketing-savvy, it becomes increasingly difficult for hoteliers to sift through the noise to find the best tools to meet their specific needs. In this article, you'll learn
During the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, there is a lot of uncertainty in the travel industry. Billions of damage are imminent for the travel industry. The only relief from measures against the Corona (COVID-19) virus can ease the economic pain. The hope of travel organizations is focused on summer and autumn business. But how do you deal with online marketing during
In the wake of the COVID pandemic, it is fair to say that the hospitality and tourism industry has been hit hard. It has dealt with an unprecedented economic fallout as international travel became restricted, flights reduced, events cancelled or postponed, and attractions and entertainment venues closed for extended periods. This article addresses whether hotels should remain open or suspend
The global hospitality industry has had its fair share of large-scale disruptions since COVID-19 first struck, and the hotel sector faces an uncharted recovery period ahead. Hoteliers can gain ground by using agile, accurate, and holistic revenue forecasting. Modern Tools for Modern Challenges Are you using outdated technology at your hotel? Advanced, cloud-based solutions will help fulfil your security, connectivity,
In 2020, revenue managers were forced to make a massive shift. Instead of relying on in-house on-the-books (OTB) data, historical and compset information, you now need to focus on much broader data sets. But collecting and evaluating more data takes your team more time. In this article, you'll learn how hotels can use data for a successful post-COVID recovery strategy.
Hotel front offices are often considered cost centers when they should be seen as profit centers. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can filter and solve customer requests and FAQs so that staff can focus only on high-value customer requests. Innovation is Not About Replacing Humans With Machines Complacency is the main obstacle to hotel front office modernization. Hoteliers tend to compare their
While a familiar term in the hospitality industry, the broader perception of the word ‘upselling’ could use an improved reputation– and for a good reason. As consumers, we’re bombarded with offers and deals that distinctly fail in hiding their brazen disregard for the consumer. There’s nothing more off-putting than selling an item or service that is clearly in the seller’s
Hospitality revenue management teams have long been expected to manage demand. But for the hospitality industry's new climate in 2021 and beyond, revenue leaders will need to do more than manage demand—and now it’s up to hoteliers to find creative ways to align their marketing and revenue teams to generate new business. Break Down (or at Least Align) the Silos
From a look and feel-perspective, all chatbots look similar. However, some will deliver excellent service to your guests; others will generate frustration. If you want to make the right choice for your hotel or group, look for these essential decision criteria. This article provides four tips to help you choose the right chatbot to achieve your hotel(s) strategic goals. 4
While hoteliers, in general, are becoming well-versed in the multiple benefits of digital upselling, it’s interesting to note how individual hotels find unique ways of using upselling to boost their business. In this article, Hotel Van der Valk explains what the benefit is of digital upselling and you can download the full performance report with all results. Digital Upselling Gives
When engaging with online travel agencies (OTAs) in this era of uncertainty, hoteliers must properly understand the value and costs associated with all distribution channels. Any relationship weighted in favor of an OTA to the detriment of a hotel’s bottom line needs to be reviewed, and steps should be taken to maximize your direct bookings. Capture More Direct Bookings For
Hoteliers are under unforeseen pressure to make magic happen in the new year and get their profitability back on track. Three words: “Total Profit Optimisation.” You’ve likely heard them spoken before in hushed whispers. It’s the ever-elusive and seemingly unattainable holy grail of hotel revenue leadership. Maximising Your Business Revenues by Total Profit Optimisation Total profit optimisation considers costs associated
It is vital to ensure your hotel is safe for your guests and staff during COVID. However, even if your hotel’s COVID-19 measures are set up correctly, the communication regarding these measures is just as important. Below you find a COVID communication plan for your hotel. Processes in the Four Stages of Your Guest’s Journey We’ve prepared a handy checklist
Reaching potential travelers exactly at that point in time when they’re searching online for the best offer. To succeed these days as a travel company on search platforms, you need to be rapidly adapting to changes. Using search technology & software can help you with this. Here, you will find how to automate your search campaigns in Google plus the
Let’s be blunt. COVID-19 is a global disaster, and this pandemic has brought the hotel industry to its knees—full stop. But the time has come to rise from the ashes and show the world what you are made of. You are innovative, agile, and your hotel fulfills the most amazing experiences for guests around the globe. In this article, you