COVID-19 booking trends for hoteliers

1. COVID-19 booking trends for hoteliers

2. Leisure travel might have not picked up yet but hotel occupancy is on the rise post-lockdown in domestic markets. Since, there is so much of uncertainty, and the major role is played by lockdowns, border closures, and reduced airline schedules, people are skeptical of booking hotels in a different state or country.

3. There are questions like, what if there is a second wave of the COVID-19? What if there is another complete lockdown? What if we travel into a different country and get stuck? Revenue manager of Park Ascent, Banquet Hall in Noida Sector 62, guides you through the latest trends in booking during the pandemic.

5. Five major areas of consideration for summer travel: Expect occupancy to change often There is not a fixed strategy on which a hotelier or a revenue manager can work. The strategy needs to be revised from week to week. The strategy might be revised in a day too. The work during the pandemic needs to be spontaneous. There are no rules and regulations almost daily and once need to work and plan accordingly. Do not rely on last year’s strategy. That’s not going to work.

6. The booking window is shrinking Earlier times were different, when people used to book before months. There were advanced bookings for at least 90 days. People have started booking now on spot or maximum 7 days prior. This is all due to the restrictions imposed at any given time for a notice of a shorter span. There is too much pressure on the revenue manager to be flexible with offering easy cancellation policies.

7. Use multiple booking channels The trend is changing and direct bookings are taking a lead. People are now more concerned about their safety, the hygiene measures taken up by the hoteliers. Since, people are more paranoid about their travel, therefore travelers are calling the property directly and are visiting the website more rather than OTAs.

8. Protect your rates but consider value add-ons For sure it is a tough time and everyone needs revenue for the life to go on. Or in other words to keep the lamps burning there is an essential need of fuel. But this doesn’t mean that you can compromise with the quality of the fuel or go in loss. Maintain a valid price. Practice a rate where in future you are not in loss. Once you have lowered your rates too low, the guests will start expecting a lower rate in future too. It will hurt them too pay more in future when the things are better.

10. Strategies as if opening a new hotel Plan out your marketing and sales strategy as if opening a new hotel. Figure out who are likely to travel more during this time. Is the traveler alone or along with the family? What is your guest seeking to most? Highlight hotel amenities more. For a safe and sanitized stay, book Park Ascent, one of the finest hotels and the owner of restaurants in Noida Sector 62. 

11. Thank You