Travel Trends to Watch in 2025: A Shift Towards Authentic, Quiet, and Purposeful Journeys
As we move into 2025, a noticeable shift in travel behaviour is emerging. Reports from leading travel companies like Expedia, Booking.com, Byway Travel, and Hilton reveal a growing desire for quieter, more personalised, and meaningful travel experiences. From “silent travel” to “purposeful journeys,” here’s a look at the key travel trends set to define the […]
Cutting Down OTA Commissions During the Festive Season: Strategies to Drive More Direct Bookings
As the festive season rolls in, it’s not just a time for celebration—it’s also a golden opportunity for hoteliers. The Christmas and New Year period is when many travellers plan their vacations for the upcoming year, often seeking deals and inspiration for their next adventure. For hotels, this is the ideal time to capitalise on […]
The Hidden Costs of Paid Ads: Why Hotels Often See a Poor Return on Ad Spend
Paid ads can seem like a fast track to filling up your hotel’s rooms. You set up some Google Ads, launch a few campaigns, and the bookings will start rolling in, right? But for many hotels, it doesn’t work out that way. Instead, they find themselves pouring money into advertising without seeing the return they […]
Winning the Black Friday Battle. How Hoteliers Can Outperform OTAs Without Outspending Them
As Black Friday approaches, the competition in the travel industry is heating up. Last year, OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) like Booking.com and Expedia invested an enormous $5.5 billion in Google Ads, and for Black Friday 2024, they’re expected to more than double that, with an estimated $12 billion in total marketing spend. These figures may […]
Let Your Guests Do the Talking. The Power of Social Proof for Hoteliers.
Hey, hoteliers! We all know that today’s travellers are a savvy bunch. They’re cautious, they’re informed, and most of all—they want proof. Not just any proof, but the kind that says, “This hotel will be unforgettable!” Enter social proof: the secret sauce that lets your happy guests do the heavy lifting for you. It’s all […]
How Google’s New Travel Feeds in Search Ads Will Impact Hoteliers (and How to Make the Most of Them)
Google has just rolled out a shiny new update to its Hotel Ads, and it’s a big one! Imagine your hotel popping up in Google Search with all the bells and whistles: real-time prices, glowing reviews, stunning photos—basically, everything a traveller could want, all in one place. That’s the power of Travel Feeds in Search […]
The Must-Have Elements for a Hotel Homepage That Guests Will Love
Your hotel’s homepage is like your digital front desk. It’s where potential guests make their first impression of your brand, and just like walking into a hotel lobby, they expect it to be welcoming, easy to navigate, and maybe even a little impressive. So, what exactly does your homepage need to charm your guests from […]
Why Hotels Need Direct Booking Tools (and Why Userguest Should Be in Your 2025 Budget)
As we head towards the end of the year, hotel managers everywhere are crunching numbers and plotting strategies for 2025. One thing that should be high on your priority list? Direct booking tools. In a world where OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) gobble up a significant slice of your revenue through hefty commissions, it’s time to […]
Why Your Hotel’s Google Ads Aren’t Driving Enough Traffic – And How to Fix It
You’ve set up your Google Ads, you’ve spent hours tweaking your budget, and yet—crickets. Where’s all the traffic? Why aren’t potential guests flocking to your website? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many hotels struggle to see meaningful traffic from their Google Ads, but the good news is, it’s fixable. In this post, we’ll walk you […]
Stop Wasting Your Hotel’s Ad Budget: How to Choose the Best Markets and Platforms
As a hotelier, you’re always looking for ways to attract more guests, boost bookings, and get the most out of your marketing budget. With endless options for online advertising, deciding where to focus your efforts and budget can feel overwhelming. Do you target business travellers or leisure seekers? Should you invest in Google Ads, social […]
Hotel Guest Data: How to Leverage Across the Guest Journey
This guest post was written by Bookboost AB – a CRM designed for the hospitality industry. Guest data can be a game-changer… but only if used correctly. Every day, hotels, hostels, serviced apartments, and any accommodation brand generate large amounts of data. The sad part is that, in many cases, this data remains untouched, and […]
How to Manage Your Marketing Budget Effectively: A Guide for Hoteliers
Managing marketing budgets effectively is crucial for any hotelier aiming to achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive landscape. By carefully planning your marketing spend, you can maximise your return on investment (ROI), attract the right guests, and keep occupancy rates high throughout the year. One of the key factors in this strategy is recognising […]
Reducing OTA Dependency: How Hotels Can Take Control of Their Booking Channels
In the world of hospitality, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) have become a double-edged sword for hotels. While they offer a convenient platform to reach a vast audience, they often come at a significant cost. The hefty commissions and the lack of control over guest interactions can eat into profits and diminish your brand’s direct relationship […]
Evolving Loyalty Programmes in a Digital Age
In today’s fast-paced digital world, loyalty programmes have undergone a dramatic makeover, evolving from basic point-collection schemes into dynamic, personalised experiences that truly resonate with guests. As we dive into the second half of 2024, the buzzwords driving this transformation are personalisation, digital rewards, and mobile integration. So, let’s explore how these cutting-edge loyalty programmes […]
Paris Hotels Are Crushing It During the Biggest Sporting Event of the Year – Here’s Why You Should Jump on the Bandwagon!
The Olympics, the world’s foremost sporting event, is set to take Paris by storm. This historic city is already known for its allure, drawing millions of tourists every year. But with the 2024 Summer Olympics on the horizon, the influx of visitors is expected to skyrocket. Hotels across the city are seizing this golden opportunity […]
Email Marketing Best Practices and Must-Have Tools for Hotels
Email marketing is your hotel’s secret weapon in the quest for more direct bookings—a powerful tool to connect with guests, drive reservations, and build lasting relationships. But how do you cut through the online noise and captivate potential guests? Let’s explore the email marketing best practices and how Useguest’s visitor capture feature can boost your […]
Don’t Get Left Behind: How the Digital Markets Act is Transforming Hotel Marketing and Google Ads
Are you keeping up with the latest digital marketing shifts? The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is shaking things up, and hoteliers can’t afford to fall behind. This game-changing legislation is forcing tech giants like Google to alter their search and advertising landscapes. If you’re not adapting, you risk losing visibility and bookings to competitors who […]
Boosting Direct Bookings: Strategies to Improve Hotel Website Conversion Rates
In the world of online hospitality, a hotel’s website acts as its digital front door, beckoning potential guests and enticing them to secure their dream stay. Yet, despite the influx of traffic, lacklustre conversion rates can put a damper on efforts to encourage direct bookings. Rising above this challenge demands a savvy approach focused on […]
Major Shift in Hospitality Industry: Emphasis on Direct Booking Channels Post-DMA Regulation
The European Economic Area’s hospitality landscape is experiencing a groundbreaking transformation thanks to the recent changes in regulations brought about by the Digital Markets Act (DMA). In response, Booking.com has announced a major update to its contracts with partners in this region, eliminating parity clauses. This pivotal change means that hotels and other establishments can […]
How to Generate More Direct Bookings and Boost Hotel Revenue
In the competitive landscape of the hospitality industry, hotels are constantly seeking ways to increase their direct bookings. With the rise of online travel agencies (OTAs) and third-party booking platforms, it has become increasingly challenging for hotels to drive customers to book directly through their own channels. However, with the right tactics and strategies in […]
Conquering High Season: Direct Booking Strategies Every Hotelier Needs
The high season is fast approaching, and for hoteliers, this means a whirlwind of opportunities and challenges. The trick to not just surviving, but thriving during this busy period lies in mastering direct bookings. Direct bookings offer greater control, higher profitability, and stronger customer loyalty. Let’s dive into how you can tackle high-season challenges head-on, […]
How to Improve Your Length of Stay. Strategies for Hotels
In the dynamic world of hotel revenue management, it’s not just about filling rooms; it’s about maximising every opportunity. One powerful strategy that top-tier hoteliers swear by is Length of Stay (LOS) optimisation. By enticing guests to extend their visits, hotels can skyrocket their revenue, fine-tune occupancy rates, and deliver an unforgettable guest experience. Buckle […]
How Userguest Helps Hoteliers Overcome the Staff Shortage Challenge
The hospitality industry has encountered numerous challenges in recent years, with one of the most pressing being the shortage of qualified staff. Hoteliers are constantly struggling to find and retain skilled employees, making it difficult to provide guests with the high level of service they expect. However, there is a solution that can help hoteliers […]
Harnessing User Booking Behaviour for Hotel Marketing and Revenue Strategies
In today’s digital age, hoteliers have access to an abundance of data about their website users’ booking behaviour. This data is a goldmine for crafting targeted marketing campaigns and optimising revenue strategies. By understanding how users interact with their websites, hoteliers can tailor their offerings, improve customer experiences, and boost revenue. In this article, we […]