Van der Valk Business’ Post

Christmas Comes Early For Hospitality This Year Christmas bookings for 2024 are up by 54% compared to the number of reservations that had been made by this time last year Has the soggy summer weather convinced Brits to start planning Christmas early? Latest insight from hospitality technology provider Zonal, reveals that bookings for Christmas 2024 are up by 54%, compared to this point in 2023. Over half of the bookings (52%) that have already been made for this coming December are for Christmas Day itself, compared to 44% this time last year. Saturday 14th December 2024 is currently the most popular day for bookings in the festive period, followed by Saturday 7th December. When it comes to group bookings (covers of 10 people or more), reservations are up 38% in comparison to this time in 2023 and group bookings currently account for 26% of the total bookings for this December. All of which points to a potential cracker of a Christmas for the hospitality industry this year. Commenting on the findings, Tim Chapman, Chief Commercial Officer, Zonal, said: “Our insights show that Christmas 2024 is already looking positive for hospitality – with bookings up on this time last year. With group bookings looking to be particularly popular, there is even more reason for operators to celebrate, but to also get prepared. Operators will therefore benefit from having a booking system in place which is able to facilitate large party bookings, enquiries, and pre-order functionalities. This will reduce any admin headaches while giving operators full visibility and control at the busiest time of year.” Read More:

Are you ready to unlock new revenue streams and simplify your hotel gift cards? Explore how Reserva's innovative solutions can enhance your profitability. 1. Corporate Gift Cards: Enhance your revenue by issuing gift cards in bulk and allow your corporate clients to book directly with Reserva without needing to coordinate with the hotel. Now you can market your hotel as an optimal destination for employee rewards, client gifts, or promotional events. 2. Guaranteed Immediate Cashflow: Gift cards generates immediate cashflow with an estimated redemption rate of 85-90%, making them one of the most profitable items a hotel can sell. Reserva's tracking system optimizes gift card sales, converting potential revenue into guaranteed income. 3. Upsell and Upgrade: Reserva's upselling tools offer personalized upgrades and add-ons, from room enhancements to exclusive packages offered through the hotel. These tailored offers not only delight guests but also increase your average revenue per booking. Boost your hotel's financial performance and guest satisfaction with Reserva. Start unlocking new revenue streams today! #Reserva #GiftCardSolutions #Hospitality #HotelManagement #RevenueGrowth #CorporatePartnerships #GiftCards #Upselling

“Expanding Hospitality: Creating Exceptional Experiences in Any Industry” I’ve been thinking about how hospitality isn’t just for F&B or hotels anymore. Will Guidara talks about this idea of ‘Unreasonable Hospitality,’ and it’s so more important than ever. His point is that any business—whether it’s finance, healthcare, or even retail—can apply hospitality by focusing on how they make people feel. It’s not just about service; it’s about creating experiences that people remember. In a world that’s becoming increasingly digital and we are becoming more service based, people are craving more connection. We live in a time where we’re more connected online but often feel disconnected in real life. Hospitality is a powerful way to bridge that gap. It’s not just about the transaction—it’s about evoking emotions, both for the customer and for the employee. When we go beyond what’s expected and are engaged in the present moment, we create moments that make people feel truly seen, valued, and cared for. For example, instead of just solving a customer’s problem, imagine going a step further to surprise and delight them—turning a regular interaction into something extraordinary. To do this, though, companies need a cultural shift. It’s about fostering care and connection, where every employee understands the value of hospitality and builds emotional connections with customers. What’s great is this approach doesn’t just benefit customers—it also makes the workplace more fulfilling. When we go above and beyond, we create an environment where everyone feels empowered, valued and inspired. This hospitality idea is more important than ever, especially as customer expectations are rising. People want faster, more personalized experiences. They’re 77% more loyal to brands that make them feel valued, and hospitality is key to achieving that. Plus, with technology like AI and automation making operations more efficient, there’s more room to focus on the human side of hospitality—the kind of moments that truly stand out. Hospitality can also set a brand apart in a competitive market. When we focus on creating memorable experiences, we’re not just building loyalty; we’re also driving revenue. In order for companies and entrepreneurs to succeed this as a critical factor in their growth. And it’s not just about the customer—hospitality starts with us, magenent. If employees feel valued and supported, that energy carries over into every interaction. When we go above and beyond for each other, we create an environment where care and connection become second nature. What’s great is that this mindset can apply to anything we do, whether it’s with customers or within our own team. What do you all think? Could embracing hospitality in this way help us reimagine how we work and interact with others?

The dream of building a rock-solid loyalty strategy that transforms casual visitors into raving fans can often feel like a mirage. You’ve got the perks, the points, the potential… and yet, your loyalty strategy isn’t winning hearts or bookings. Why? Let’s dive into the top three reasons your hotel loyalty strategy is not working and how to fix them. #HITEC #HSMAI #loyalty #strategy #hospitality #business #rewards

Relax, sit down with a coffee and get up to date on the latest hospitality news. The Tasmanian Hospitality Association Review Magazine has just been released, and it's a must read. Enjoy the feature stories, some incredible photos from the Future Leaders Study Tour to #Mexico, and be sure to watch out for the #HOSPOHealth update on page 50. This is another instalment on our Wellbeing Framework, with a focus on why your business should put a focus on physical wellbeing for the whole team! ✅ #hospitality #wellbeing #healthandwellbeing #healthybusiness #yourhealthmatters #happystaff

Did you know that #upselling is a great way for your #hotel to increase your #revenue and improve the #guestexperience? Explore the HotelMinder Academy and learn how to elevate your upselling game in the #hospitality industry. https://lnkd.in/enasVmpi

The latest GO Technology survey shows that keeping guests happy starts with mastering the basics, addressing concerns quickly, and building loyalty—especially important in 2025. With 61% of frustrated guests unlikely to return, acting fast is crucial for maintaining satisfaction. Spotta's 24/7 Bed Pod helps hotels catch bed bugs early, solving issues before guests are affected. This proactive approach protects loyalty, boosts repeat bookings, and prevents bigger problems. Investing in smart tech like this helps hotel teams stay ahead so guests leave happy—and keep coming back. #hotelheros #hospitalitytech https://lnkd.in/eP5u7rJB

Hospitality and business peak industry bodies have united for the first time to release RespectInHospitality, a microsite with resources, training, and templates for hospitality businesses. (link to resources at bottom of the article) #respect #workplace #hospitality #hospitalityindustry #environment #safeworkplace #respectinhospitality #zerotolerance

How Technology Can Help Hoteliers Improve Their Upselling Techniques to Boost Revenue and Guest Satisfaction As a hotelier, improving upselling techniques can significantly boost both revenue and guest satisfaction.  Here’s how technology can help: -Upsell with Room Upgrades: Automated suggestions for room upgrades during booking. -Enhance with Event Extras: Promote event-related add-ons seamlessly. -Promote Your Partnerships: Highlight local partnerships through targeted offers. -Touch Base with Pre-Stay Upsells: Engage guests with pre-arrival upgrade options. -Offer Add-Ons During Check-In: Use tech to suggest relevant add-ons at check-in. -Encourage Loyalty Upsells Post-Stay: Utilize data for personalized post-stay offers. -Review Your Hotel’s Approach to Upselling: Continuously refine strategies using analytics. Read the Full Article at: https://lnkd.in/da4Ct5nc #hotelchamp #HospitalityTech #Upselling #GuestExperience #RevenueBoost #b2b At Hotelchamp, we have the technological tools to implement these upselling strategies effectively. Interested in boosting your revenue and guest satisfaction? Contact me to learn more!

In the hospitality business, the core offering is not just a tangible product (like a room or meal) but the experience and service provided. Believing in and emphasizing the concept of “selling hospitality” rather than just tangible products is fundamental for several reasons, and it delivers significant benefits: Why We Are Selling Hospitality (Not a Product) 1. Emotional Connection: Hospitality is about creating memorable experiences and emotional connections with guests. A room or meal can be replicated, but the feeling of being cared for and valued is unique. 2. Service-Driven Industry: The essence of hospitality lies in delivering excellent service—anticipating guest needs, resolving problems, and making their stay or visit enjoyable. This service defines guest satisfaction more than the physical features of a hotel. 3. Perceived Value vs. Tangible Value: Guests pay not only for the bed or food but for the convenience, comfort, and personalized attention they receive. This intangible value justifies premium pricing and builds loyalty. 4. Human-Centric Focus: Hospitality relies on human interaction—warm greetings, proactive support, and personalized touches. These intangible aspects are what guests remember and share with others. 5. Differentiation in a Competitive Market: Physical products like rooms, beds, or even food can often be commoditized, but the experience and level of hospitality are unique to each brand or property. Benefits of Selling Hospitality 1. Stronger Brand Loyalty: Guests are more likely to return and recommend a property where they feel genuinely cared for. Selling hospitality builds emotional loyalty, which is more sustainable than transactional loyalty. 2. Enhanced Guest Satisfaction: Focusing on hospitality ensures guests have a seamless and enjoyable experience, increasing satisfaction and the likelihood of positive reviews. 3. Premium Pricing: Exceptional hospitality allows businesses to charge a premium because guests value the overall experience more than just the tangible elements. 4. Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Memorable hospitality experiences encourage guests to share their stories with friends, family, and on social media, driving organic growth. 5. Long-Term Relationships: A focus on hospitality creates lasting relationships with guests, turning them into repeat customers and advocates for the business. 6. Resilience Against Market Changes: In a competitive or volatile market, superior hospitality helps a business stand out, even when physical amenities or prices are comparable to competitors. Conclusion: Selling hospitality emphasizes creating positive, memorable experiences that guests value more than the tangible product itself. It not only differentiates the business but also builds a loyal customer base, enhances profitability, and strengthens the brand. By focusing on hospitality, businesses transform themselves from mere service providers into creators of unforgettable experiences.