Increase Your Online Sales: The Best Promotions for Your Tourist Accommodation (Get More Direct Bookings)

After studying which promotions attract the most customers to book on your website, we've created this list so you can check which ones you've tried, which ones you haven't, and why not... get inspired to use them all!

If you have a tourist accommodation, whether it's a hotel or a rural house, you've probably noticed that a large part of what you earn from bookings goes to commissions imposed by the OTAs where you advertise your property (like Booking, Expedia, etc.). That's why it's necessary not only to have a website with a good booking engine but also to offer that "something extra" that hooks potential guests and gets them to complete the booking on your website (which means you'll increase your direct bookings and get 100% of them without any commission). Let's look at the 7 most effective ones:

1. Base Promotion (5% or 10% discount): Let's start with the basics. Offer a constant 5% or 10% discount exclusively on your website to encourage travelers to choose your accommodation (you can also offer a discount code through social media or a customer loyalty newsletter).
2. Minimum of 2 Nights: Encourage your guests to stay a bit longer. Offer an attractive discount when booking a minimum of 2 nights.
3. 48-Hour Booking Window: For those last-minute spontaneous travelers, offer a special promotion that only lasts 48 hours. This way, you can fill those empty rooms quickly.
4. Added Value: It's not all about price. Offer added value, such as a welcome package, a free tour, or an exclusive service during the stay.
5. Early Booking: Reward travelers who plan ahead. Offer discounts to those who book with a greater time margin, encouraging them to commit to your accommodation.
6. Half Price: Attract your guests with an irresistible offer. Offer half price on the second night of their stay to encourage longer stays.
7. Free Nights: Who can resist a free night? Offer an additional night of stay for free after a specific number of booked nights.

Remember that the key to the success of these promotions lies in creativity and effective communication. Make sure your offers are clearly explained on your website and on social media. Use tempting images to attract your potential guests.

And as you know, you can count on us to help you implement all these discounts and promotions with the booking engine included in Elastic Rates. Book your free demo and we'll tell you how.