Five low cost ways to target the tourist pound
Kick start your summer trade by trying one of our simple design ideas that could help you capture the tourist pound.
1) Get family friendly
Hotels often miss out on holiday bookings because they do not have the flexibility to cater for families with young children. One of the problems faced by parents is that they are understandably reluctant to leave small children alone in unfamiliar hotel rooms. At the same time the parents don't want to be tied to early bedtimes.
One solution is to create a common entrance lobby for two neighbouring rooms.
This modification could be simpler than you might think and will enable you to offer a family suite that allows parents some privacy and freedom from the sleeping routines of younger children.
A lobby also gives you the flexibility to let the rooms independently by leaving the outer door unlocked and providing guests with separate keys for the inner doors.
2) Offer an indulgent experience
In spite of the recession, many people enjoy plenty of home comforts such as flat screen TV’s, iPods and wireless broadband. When they travel they are often looking for an experience that is above and beyond what they are used to at home. So holiday makers often see a hotel as more than just a place to sleep - they also want somwhere to relax and be pampered.
Look at ways that you could introduce an indulgent experience. For example, for a modest investment, you could turn unused space into a sauna or plunge pool.
Consider building links with local beauty therapists who are willing to offer your guests treatments in the privacy of their rooms. If they prove popular then a single room can be turned into a dedicated beauty treatment room which can also be offered to non-residents.
A little creative thought here will lead to numerous ideas with the potential to increase your hotel's allure and revenue.
3) Create a relaxing outdoor space
Trekking the tourist trail can be hard work and many guests would appreciate the opportunity to relax in a pleasant outdoors space.
See if you can make any unused outdoor space work for you - even a small space can be put to good use and you don’t need to spend a fortune. Garden lighting, decking, water features and well chosen patio furniture could transform a cluttered yard into a relaxing terrace in which to chill out. Clever planting can create low maintenance screens that soften and enhance the space.
4) Help your guests enjoy local attractions
For many, a relaxing break means freedom from the car - no worries about traffic jams or parking and the opportunity to share a drink.
Check out your local restaurants and bars. Can your guests walk to them? If not then consider offering a convenient shuttle service either in your own vehicle or by linking with a local taxi firm. Also consider offering free or discounted transfers from local airports and rail stations at the start and end of a stay.
If you use your own vehicle then take the opportunity to build your brand by having the hotel's name, phone number and web address on it (did you know that you can have removable magnetic signs for vehicles?)
5) Tell everyone about it
Whatever improvements you make to your service make sure that all your marketing materials show them off. Get decent photos of the facilities you are offering and bring in a professional if you don't have the skills in-house - a bad photograph can do more harm than good.
Describe your facilities in detail and remember that guests often look for hotels that fulfil special requirements. Online, their Google search terms will reflect this, so don’t forget to flag up your tourist friendly credentials in the writing on your website. Well written, search engine friendly text will draw new visitors who are prepared to pay a little extra to get what they want.
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