For hoteliers, a major pain point with booking engines is ensuring real-time integration with their Property Management System (PMS) and channel manager to avoid overbookings, rate disparities, or availability issues across direct and third-party channels.
Additionally, hoteliers may need help with user experience issues, mobile responsiveness, customization limitations, payment security concerns, managing special offers, costs, insufficient analytics, and inadequate technical support, all of which can lead to lost bookings, guest dissatisfaction, and missed revenue opportunities.
To tackle missed revenue opportunities, let’s delve deeper into three superior tools to turn your booking engine from a simple reservation system into a direct booking powerhouse.
1. Smart Pricing: The Art of Personalized Promotions
Smart Pricing is more than just a discount tool; it’s a strategic weapon in your revenue management arsenal. Imagine being able to target specific guest segments with tailored offers. STAAH’s Smart Pricing does just that, allowing you to slice and dice your promotions based on factors like length of stay, advance purchase, guest origin, or even booking device.
For example, you notice that guests from neighboring states often book last-minute weekend getaways. With Smart Pricing, you can create a “Weekend Escape” promotion offering a 10% discount for bookings made within 72 hours for guests from those states. Or perhaps you’re trying to fill a low-occupancy period three months out. An “Early Bird” promotion offering 20% off for bookings made 90 days in advance could fill those gaps.
The beauty of Smart Pricing lies in its flexibility. It allows you to respond to market trends, compete with OTA deals, and even encourage desirable booking behaviors. By offering these exclusive deals directly on your site, you’re not only driving conversions but also fostering guest loyalty. Remember, a guest who books direct is more likely to do so again, especially if they feel they’ve bagged a deal they couldn’t find elsewhere.
How to use this feature?
Login to your STAAH Account > Go to Booking Engine > Under High Conversion Tools, click on ‘Smart Pricing’
2. Booking Engine Alerts: Your Digital Concierge
In an age of information overload, clear, timely communication is gold. That’s where Booking Engine Alerts shine. Think of them as your website’s digital concierge, providing crucial information at the right moment.
These alerts can be used for a multitude of purposes. Launching a “Book Direct and Get Free Breakfast” campaign? An alert ensures every visitor knows about it. Have a wedding booked in your event space, making the hotel busier than usual? An alert can set the right expectations. Or maybe you’ve just renovated your spa – announce it and watch spa-loving guests flock in.
But it’s not just about promotions. Alerts can also mitigate potential issues. If construction is nearby or your rooftop bar is closed for a private event, letting guests know upfront can prevent disappointment and negative reviews. In the era of TripAdvisor and Google Reviews, proactive communication can be the difference between a 3-star and a 5-star rating.
How to use this feature?
Login to your STAAH Account > Go to Booking Engine > Under High Conversion Tools, click on ‘Booking Engine Alert’
3. WatchMyRate: Transparency that Converts
Rate parity is a hot topic in hospitality. Many guests hop between your site and online travel agents (OTAs), hunting for the best deal. WatchMyRate tackles this challenge head-on by bringing rate comparison directly to your website.
This widget doesn’t just display your rates; it shows live rates from five different channels. It’s a bold move that says, “We have nothing to hide.” When guests see that your direct rate is as good as (or better than) OTA rates, it eliminates the main reason they’d book elsewhere. Plus, you’re saving them time and hassle – no more toggling between tabs to compare prices.
But WatchMyRate’s benefits go beyond just rate comparison. It creates a perception of fairness and transparency, qualities that today’s savvy travelers value highly. And let’s not forget the psychological impact: seeing your rates stacked up favorably against OTAs can create a sense of urgency. “If I can get the same rate and book direct, why wait?”
The widget is also a breeze to implement. It’s fully customizable, so it looks like a native part of your website, not a clunky add-on. And with minimal technical know-how required for installation, you can have it up and running in no time.
How to use this feature?
Login to your STAAH Account > Go to Booking Engine > Under High Conversion Tools, click on ‘Watch My Rate’
In conclusion, your booking engine is the heart of your direct booking strategy. Smart Pricing lets you focus on laser-targeted promotions that resonate with specific guest segments. Booking Engine Alerts keep your guests informed and engaged, garnering trust and managing expectations. And WatchMyRate brings transparency to the forefront, giving guests the confidence to book direct.
Together, these tools don’t just suit up your booking engine; they transform it into a direct booking magnet. In a world where every commission percentage point counts, these are the kind of innovations that can dramatically contribute to your bottom line. So, are you ready to take control of your bookings and watch your direct revenue soar? Your smartly-equipped booking engine is the key to making it happen.
