How to Boost Hotel Revenue with Itinerary-Based Reservations

Expert Strategies to Unlock Hidden Revenue

Welcome to the wonderful world of hotels and resorts, where comfort meets luxury, and every guest is treated like royalty (hopefully). But let’s face it—while your rooms might be pristine and your services impeccable, there’s a hidden treasure trove of revenue waiting to be unlocked.  The secret? Itinerary-based reservations. Yes, it’s time to level up your game and boost hotel revenue by making every guest’s stay unforgettable. 

In this post, Sofya McIntosh, SVP of Sales and Customer Success, shares her expert tips on how to make this strategy work for your hotel.

The Missed Opportunity: More Than Just Rooms

Imagine this: a guest books a room at your fabulous resort. They’re excited about their stay, but what if you could make it even better? 

Beyond rooms, you have exquisite dining options, serene spas, and a variety of room types just waiting to be experienced. 

Unfortunately, many hotels take a reactive approach, waiting for guests to inquire about these amenities rather than proactively offering them. It’s like having a goldmine and only digging on the surface, missing the chance to boost hotel revenue significantly.

Why Hotels Miss Out on Additional Profit Opportunities

Why aren’t hotels cashing in on this golden opportunity? 

It often comes down to a lack of in-house resources, team member bandwidth, training, and focus. Many hotels are so busy putting out fires that they can’t find the time to light new ones (the good kind that bring in revenue). 

But here’s the good news: guests actually appreciate when hotels reach out before their stay to confirm details and offer additional amenities. They see it as enhanced service, not a sales pitch—an excellent way to boost hotel revenue.

The Power of Itinerary-Based Reservations

Enter itinerary-based reservations, the superhero of hotel revenue strategies. By reaching out to guests before they arrive, you can:

• Upsell room upgrades.
• Offer dining reservations at your top-notch restaurants.
• Book spa treatments.
• Suggest exciting activities or events happening during their stay.
• Ensure reservations are stickier and have a lower cancellation rate.

It’s not just about filling beds; it’s about creating an entire experience that guests will rave about—and pay for. This approach is proven to boost hotel revenue and enhance guest satisfaction.

How to Implement Itinerary-Based Reservations Successfully

Now, you might be thinking, “This sounds great, but how do we actually do it?” Here’s where outsourcing comes in. It’s an efficient and cost-effective way to implement outbound calling strategies. Many companies specialize in itinerary-based reservations, but choosing the right partner is crucial for boosting hotel revenue. Here’s how:

1. Technology
   First, check out their tech. Do they use the best systems? A smooth, seamless booking process is essential for your team and guests. Cutting-edge technology ensures everything runs like a well-oiled machine, helping to boost hotel revenue effortlessly.
   

2. Training
   Next, look at their training programs. What kind of training do they provide to their team members? You want a partner that invests in their staff, equipping them with the skills to make every call a success. Proper training translates to higher conversion rates, ultimately boosting hotel revenue.
   

3. Service Standards
   High service standards are non-negotiable. Find a partner that can deliver service levels that align with your brand. We recommend using Forbes guidelines as a benchmark for excellence. Exceptional service directly contributes to higher guest satisfaction and boosts hotel revenue.
   

4. Expertise and Track Record
   Outbound calling isn’t for everyone. It takes a special kind of person to make those calls successfully. Ensure your partner has a proven track record with outbound calls and itinerary-based reservations. Ask for case studies and results they’ve delivered to other clients. Proven success stories are a great indicator that your revenue will get a significant boost.
   

Conclusion: The Win-Win Scenario

Implementing itinerary-based reservations is a win-win for everyone. Guests get a tailored, enhanced experience, and your hotel generates incremental revenue. It’s about turning a simple stay into a memorable journey. 

So, don’t wait for the next guest to ask about spa treatments or dining options—reach out and offer them first. Your guests will love the attention, and you’ll love the boost in hotel revenue.