Tag: hotel management

The Importance of Employee Training in the Hospitality Industry

Posted on by Aleksandar Zovko

Did you know that based on a LinkedIn study, 94% of employees consider quitting due to a lack of training provided in their company? Let us add that 94% of employees would consider staying if new training and growth opportunities were provided.

That’s a HUGE number. The workforce has spoken and has made it clear that fun and proper training is mandatory.

Investment in employee training reduces employee turnover rates, increases customer retention rates, boosts productivity, and increases revenue in the long run. We’re about to tell you how training impacts the development of your hospitality business.

Let’s hop right into it. 

What is Hospitality Industry Training? 

Hospitality training is a specific process that equips your employees with crucial skills and knowledge so that they can carry out their roles productively. Training isn’t a one-time ordeal; it needs to be continuous.

Training and development shouldn’t be a flashback to falling asleep to history presentations in high school but a fun, hands-on experience employees can remember. 

Setting up a well-thought-out training program or outsourcing a great training program keeps the learning flow in motion.

The importance of training staff at hotels staff retention in hospitality

Onboarding 

Onboarding should include:

  • Employee handbook 
  • Clear explanation of company ethics and standards 
  • Meet the staff (Team members and Leaders)
  • Job description 
  • Team building information

Engaging Training

Emphasize the availability of hands-on interactive training.

  • Workshop events
  • Personalized learning through the LMS (Learning Management System)
  • Scenario based training
  • Virtual reality training
  • Interactive videos

Annual Refreshers

Keep the learning flow going. Brushing up on training quarterly or annually keeps the material fresh, leading to improved workplace efficiency.

Consider covering the following:

  • Customer service
  • Industry standards
  • New Technologies
  • Company Policy
  • Safety protocol 

Why Employee Training is Crucial for Success in the Hospitality Sector

Imagine you walk into a specialty hardware store after deciding to start a home project, but you lack basic knowledge about the tools and materials needed to complete the job. Typically, you’d think to walk up to a staff member and ask for some advice, but they lack education and training, so they respond with vague or misleading information. 

Now, you’re misled, frustrated, and probably heading to a different store. In this current store you just left, lost a customer due to poor employee training and overall service quality.

The same conflict can and will apply to the hospitality industry without employee development. 

Employee training is fundamental in the hospitality sector because it directly influences the quality of service provided. Having a staff with proper training enhances your company’s ability to meet guest needs effectively, resulting in guests more likely to stay.

Not only are guests likely to stay, but so are your employees. A well-trained staff reduces employee turnover rate and ultimately boosts staff confidence.

An employee confident in their role is likely to provide better service with fewer errors and overall workplace efficiency. An army with low morale is an army doomed to fail. 

Enhancing Customer Satisfaction Through Employee Training Programs

Effective training programs equip employees with the skills to respond to customer needs promptly and effectively. 

Online training modules, virtual simulations, and mobile learning apps make it easier for employees to access training materials anytime, anywhere.

Additionally, technology allows for personalized learning experiences, enabling staff to learn at their own pace and focus on areas where they need improvement, ultimately leading to a more competent workforce.

There are tools to help you pick out the best employee development programs for your company and provide exceptional education. Let’s take a quick dive into learning management systems. 

Hospitality Learning Management Software (LMS)

A hospitality LMS is a cost-effective learning management system for the hospitality industry. Using an LMS allows you to track training progress and see where some employees are falling behind, offer interactive training on the go, personalize learning, and more. 

Global hotel investment is expected to surge from 15% to 25% in 2025, fueling the demand for cost-effective training programs. 

What are Some Soft Skills Needed in the Hotel Industry?

Being well rounded within the technical and deeper aspects of the hotel industry is crucial, but keep soft skills in mind too. 

These aren’t personality traits but interpersonal abilities. Soft skills are traits and behaviors that directly contribute to how well one interacts and collaborates with others. Learning and developing these skills play a crucial role in guest satisfaction.

Communication

Communication isn’t solely reserved for couples, it applies in the world of business. Having staff trained in soft skills such as communication allows them to offer direct and comfortable communication to guests. Nobody wants to be beat around the bush.  

Problem Solving

Skip the back roads to a solution, they take too long. Well-trained staff will handle guest complaints and requests directly with professionalism. The quicker a conflict is resolved, the more satisfied your customer will be.

Emotional Intelligence 

Being able to read the room is key to exceptional customer service. Understand the importance of recognizing emotions and responding to them appropriately. 

Applying EQ effectively ensures successful interactions when dealing with a variety of different cultures, points of view, and other stressful situations your hospitality staff might encounter. 

The Role of Technology in Modern Hospitality Training Programs

In today’s digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing skills training in the hospitality industry. Having a variety of ways to train employees will keep things interesting and engaging. 

  • Virtual simulations
  • Online training modules
  • Mobile learning apps
Thw role of technology in modern hospitality training programs, using VR, online and Ai to train staff in hotels and hospitality

Online Training Modules

Offering online training allows your employees to work from home or on downtime, with the ability to keep track of their progress. Checking in on staff training progress allows you to see skill gaps, and see their overall advancement.

Virtual Reality Training Programs

Investing in virtual reality training is a fun, hands-on experience your team members can participate in.

Gamifying learning and development keeps the process entertaining. VR can be used for scenario-based training and other variations of interactive learning. 

Mobile App Training

On-the-go. You’re sitting down at a coffee shop with some downtime or traveling but don’t have a computer with you to catch up on some training. Just pull up your training on the mobile app! 

Workforce: The Long-Term Benefits of Investing in Employee Training in Hospitality

While investments can be costly in the short run, it’s important to consider the long-run benefits.

  • Customer & Employee Retention
  • Boosted Productivity
  • Leadership Development 
  • Increased Service Standards
  • Revenue Growth

Boosted Productivity

When a team knows what they’re doing and works in harmony, efficiency spikes. 80% of employees in 2022 reported training benefits their productivity.

When you have an increase in productivity, you see an increase in profit. After applying learning and development solutions in the workplace, companies have seen a 17% increase in productivity and a 21% increase in profit.  

Statistic of increased profit in hotels that invest in staff training

Revenue Growth

Studies show an increase in return on investment (ROI) ranging from 10-40% after investing in versatile training solutions.

These numbers are based on an upward shift in guest satisfaction and loyalty, employee retention, together with workplace efficiency simply from investing in employee training and development. 

Customer and Employee Loyalty

One of the biggest issues the workforce faces is stagnancy. The world of business is about growth and opportunity, a standstill is a recipe for failure.

Employee performance is based on self-confidence, which is directly linked to workplace efficiency and the feeling of moving forward in a career.

Consider also fostering a positive work environment, this will increase workforce morale and motivate staff to participate in staff training.  

Customer retention is directly linked to customer satisfaction. Well-trained staff ensure that the hotel guests are being offered exceptional service, a byproduct of comprehensive training programs.

Creating a Culture of Continuous Learning

Creating a culture of continuous learning encourages employees to seek ongoing development and improvement. This can be achieved through regular workshops, mentorship programs, and opportunities for advancement that motivate staff to enhance their skills.

A learning culture not only benefits individual employees but also enhances the overall performance of the organization, fostering innovation and keeping the business competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Overcoming Training Budget Challenges 

Investing in growth and development always comes with great long-run benefits, but budgeting properly to make sure other areas of the business aren’t being overshadowed could be a challenge. 

Manage Your Budget 

  • Outline ALL training related costs
  • Track spending and make sure you are within spending threshold
  • Be prepared for any training priority changes as it will affect spending
  • Communicate with employees to see if the current training procedures are working for them and properly align with your business objectives

Reduce Training Costs

  • Invest in a learning management system (LMS). They keep everything online in one place and help streamline the training process, resulting in reduced spending on physical trainers, classrooms, and travel.

Focus on Needs

  • Identify the most common skill gaps and prioritize essential training where it’s needed most
  • Be sure that your training courses are aligned with your business objectives 
  • Hands-on training or in-house training allows employees to learn on-site in real scenarios without strictly outsourcing learning programs, ultimately reducing spending 

How Can OTA Sync Help? 

OTA Sync is an all-in-one, cloud-based software solution for managing hotels and apartments. Because of cloud-based technology, costs are drastically reduced, daily tasks are automated, and the overall efficiency and revenues of the property are increased.

OTA Sync software is suitable for medium and small hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and apartments. The company has over 2.000 satisfied users in 17 countries around the world.

There are four complete solutions for managing hotels and apartments:

We offer a professional grade reception system that will ensure your employees and future hires gain practical, relevant experience that will enhance their development in the hospitality industry and prepare them for success.

🚨Special Offer

Want to stay on top of things and receive special offers and discounts? We’ve got you!

OTA Sync rewards smart hoteliers by giving out special discounts. To receive yours, click HERE.

Keep Reading

  1. Cloud VS On-premise PMS: Comparison To Choose The Right One
  2. Virtual Credit Cards: Everything You Need To Know 
  3. The Glamping Business: How To Increase Your Revenue 

What Is Dynamic Pricing For Hotels: Pricing Strategy In Hospitality

Posted on by Andjela Toncev

In the world of hospitality, hotel pricing is anything but set in stone.

Enter dynamic pricing, the strategy that lets hotels adjust their room rates in real-time based on factors like demand, competition, and even the weather.

Gone are the days of fixed prices; now, rates fluctuate like a fast-moving tide, making sure hotels optimize their revenue while staying competitive.

In this blog, we’ll dive into how dynamic pricing works in the hotel industry and why it’s the secret sauce behind the pricing strategy that keeps both guests and hotels happy!

Let’s explore!

What Is Dynamic Pricing In Pricing Strategy?

This specific strategy refers to a practice where prices are constantly adjusted. The cost of a product or service can be adjusted based on various factors, such as demand, market conditions, competition, and customer behavior.

This pricing strategy is widely used in industries like airlines, hospitality, e-commerce, ride-sharing, and entertainment, where prices can vary depending on factors like peak travel times, customer behavior, inventory levels, and market trends.

Key Factors Influencing Dynamic Pricing 

There are many factors you need to watch to maximize revenue.

Key factors that influence dynamic pricing in hotels and hospitality industry

There are also different types of dynamic pricing.

Dynamic pricing for hotels and types of dynamic pricing in hotels and hospitality industry
  • Time-Based Pricing: Prices change depending on the time of purchase or the time of service. Common in industries like hospitality and entertainment, where prices increase for bookings during peak times.
  • Peak Pricing: Prices are adjusted based on periods of high demand. This is commonly seen in industries like airlines, hotels, or ride-sharing services.
  • Segmented Pricing: Prices are tailored to different customer segments based on factors like buying behavior, location, or loyalty.
  • Negotiated Pricing: Customers can negotiate or choose from different pricing options based on their preferences or circumstances.

How Does It Work In Hotels?

Picture this: you’re looking to book a hotel room, and suddenly, the price is dancing up and down like a rollercoaster!

Welcome to dynamic pricing in hotels, where room rates change based on demand, time, and a whole lot of other factors.

From special events to last-minute bookings, hotels adjust their prices in real-time to fill rooms and maximize profits. So, whether it’s peak season or a quiet weekday, the price tag you see could be anything but static!

Demand and Supply

Think of it as a game of musical chairs. When demand for hotel rooms goes up, the room rates start climbing, just like how ride-sharing apps raise fares during rush hour or rainy days.

When fewer guests are booking rooms, prices drop, making it easier to secure a stay! The rule: more demand, higher rates; less demand, lower rates. Simple!

Competitor Pricing

It’s like keeping an eye on the competition at a high school dance. Hotels keep track of what others are charging and adjust their own room rates to stay competitive.

If one hotel drops their price, others might quickly follow suit to avoid losing guests, especially in the hospitality industry, where it’s all about staying one step ahead!

Customer Behavior

Hotels are like mind readers these days. With the help of data, they can predict when you’re about to make a booking, or when you’ve been eyeing a room without committing.

If you’ve been hovering over a room option, they might offer a discount or a special deal to sweeten the offer and encourage the booking. It’s like a little nudge to say, “Go ahead, it’s time to reserve your stay!”

Time and Seasonality

Prices have a seasonal wardrobe! Think about how room rates at ski resorts skyrocket during winter or how beach hotels boost their rates in summer.

It’s all about when you book. During holidays or special events, prices tend to rise as demand peaks, but outside those times, prices drop to keep the rooms filled.

Market Conditions

Sometimes, the world changes fast! Events like natural disasters, an oil price hike, or even a global recession can make hotels change their pricing strategy.

For example, if fuel prices rise, you might see hotels adjust room rates to cover increased costs. It’s like when the weather turns sour—prices shift to match the new reality.

💡Shining The Spotlight

Hotels can utilize dynamic pricing software like OTA Sync to monitor demand, competitor pricing, and seasonal trends. By syncing real-time data across multiple channels, OTA Sync helps hotels automate price adjustments and optimize their revenue and occupancy.

Understanding the Key Differences Between Dynamic and Static Pricing Models in Hotels

1. Definition of Dynamic and Static Pricing

  • Dynamic Pricing: Dynamic pricing refers to a flexible pricing strategy where hotel room rates are adjusted in real-time based on various factors such as demand, market conditions, competitor pricing, and booking patterns. 
  • Static Pricing: Static pricing, on the other hand, involves setting fixed prices for rooms that do not change, regardless of demand, competitor pricing, or market conditions. This pricing model is often used in hotels that prefer simplicity and stability but may miss out on potential revenue optimization.
Dynamic pricing in hotels vs static pricing to maximize hotel revenue

2. Flexibility vs. Stability

  • Dynamic Pricing: The main strength of dynamic pricing lies in its flexibility. Prices are adjusted in real-time based on factors such as booking trends, demand fluctuations, competitor activity, time of day, local events, and weather conditions. 
  • Static Pricing: Static pricing offers stability and predictability. Hotels using static pricing have consistent room rates, which can be simpler to manage and communicate to guests. However, this model can lead to missed opportunities when demand peaks or when the hotel could increase prices to maximize revenue.

3. Revenue Optimization Potential

  • Dynamic Pricing: With dynamic pricing, hotels can significantly enhance their revenue potential. By adjusting room rates according to market dynamics, hotels can increase revenue per available room (RevPAR).  This pricing model helps hotels capture the highest price customers are willing to pay.
  • Static Pricing: While static pricing offers a consistent approach, it doesn’t allow for as much revenue optimization. Hotels with static pricing may not be able to adjust to changes in market conditions, such as sudden surges in demand or drops in occupancy, which can result in lost revenue opportunities. In essence, static pricing can be more limited when it comes to revenue maximization.

Benefits Of Implementing Dynamic Pricing 

Implementing dynamic pricing in hotels offers several key advantages over static pricing models. Unlike static pricing, which sets fixed rates, dynamic pricing allows hotels to adjust room rates based on real-time demand, competitor prices, and market conditions.

This flexibility helps optimize revenue by ensuring that prices reflect the current market environment. One major benefit is the potential to increase revenue per available room (RevPAR), as dynamic pricing helps hotels charge higher rates during peak demand periods and lower rates when demand is slower, filling more rooms.

This data-driven approach not only maximizes profitability but also enhances a hotel’s competitiveness in the ever-changing hospitality market.

3 Best Dynamic Pricing Strategies

By adjusting room rates in real time based on various factors such as demand, competition, and customer behavior, hotels can ensure they are maximizing their hotel revenue while remaining competitive in a crowded market.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best dynamic pricing strategies for hotels, examining how these strategies can be implemented effectively to drive profitability and enhance guest experiences.

Whether you’re a hotel owner, manager, or part of a revenue management team, understanding and applying the right pricing strategy is key to staying ahead in the competitive hospitality industry.

1. Understanding Dynamic Pricing in the Hotel Industry

Dynamic pricing refers to the practice of adjusting room rates based on various factors such as demand, seasonality, market trends, and competitor pricing.

By utilizing sophisticated algorithms and data analytics, hotels can optimize pricing strategy in real time, ensuring they are offering the right price to the right customer at the right time.

This approach is particularly beneficial for revenue management as it allows hotels to tailor pricing dynamically based on fluctuating demand.

2. How to Use Dynamic Pricing to Maximize Revenue 

To successfully implement dynamic pricing, hotels need to adopt revenue management systems that use data-driven insights to make informed decisions about room rates.

These systems analyze data such as historical occupancy trends, booking lead time, competitor pricing, and local events to forecast demand.

By adjusting prices based on these factors, hotels can increase occupancy rates during peak times while optimizing pricing during slower periods.

3. Key Factors Influencing Dynamic Pricing in Hospitality

When implementing dynamic pricing in hotels, several key factors must be considered to ensure that price adjustments are made strategically. Properly leveraging dynamic pricing can significantly improve both occupancy and revenue, but it requires careful attention to market conditions, guest behavior, and operational constraints. Here are the main factors to keep in mind:

  1. Demand Fluctuations: One of the most critical aspects of dynamic pricing is responding to fluctuations in demand. By closely monitoring booking patterns, local events, holidays, and market trends, hotels can adjust rates to capture higher prices during peak demand periods and offer discounts during low-demand times to maintain occupancy. This ensures that revenue opportunities are maximized across all seasons.
  2. Competitive Pricing: To stay competitive in the market, hotels need to regularly monitor competitor prices. Price adjustments based on competitor strategies allow hotels to remain attractive to potential guests while maximizing revenue opportunities. If competitors are offering lower rates during slower periods, adjusting your prices accordingly can help maintain bookings and occupancy.
  3. Customer Segmentation: Not all guests are willing to pay the same price for the same room. By segmenting customers based on their booking behavior, stay length, and preferences, hotels can tailor pricing strategies to each group. For example, business travelers who book last-minute may be willing to pay more, while leisure travelers booking in advance may seek lower rates. This segmentation helps hotels leverage dynamic pricing to optimize both occupancy and revenue across diverse guest profiles.
  4. Booking Lead Time: The time at which a guest books a room plays a significant role in determining the appropriate rate. Price adjustments should account for how far in advance a booking is made. Generally, early bookers can receive discounts, while last-minute reservations can be priced higher, reflecting the urgency and availability of rooms.
  5. Market Trends and External Factors: Economic conditions, weather patterns, and even geopolitical events can all influence the travel industry. Being able to adjust rates quickly in response to these external factors is crucial to capitalizing on revenue opportunities. Hotels that monitor and adapt to these changes can optimize their pricing strategies and stay ahead of the curve.

By taking these factors into account, hotels can effectively implement dynamic pricing, adjusting rates to optimize occupancy and revenue and ultimately drive higher profitability. Leveraging this approach will allow hotels to respond quickly to market conditions and unlock new revenue opportunities that would be otherwise missed with static pricing models.

💡Shining The Spotlight

Implementing dynamic pricing allows hotels to maximize revenue per available room (RevPAR). With tools like OTA Sync, which offers automated price adjustments based on market data, hotels can ensure that they are charging the optimal price at the right time. This pricing strategy for hotels enhances profitability and competitiveness in the market.

How To Implement Hotel Dynamic Pricing?

Implementing hotel dynamic pricing involves a strategic approach that leverages technology, data, and market insights to adjust room rates in real time. To get started, a revenue manager plays a crucial role in overseeing and adjusting the pricing strategy based on various factors such as demand, competitor rates, and customer behavior. One of the key benefits of dynamic pricing is its ability to maximize overall revenue by responding to fluctuating market conditions.

Here’s how to implement dynamic pricing effectively:

  1. Adopt Revenue Management Software: The first step is to invest in technology, such as revenue management systems (RMS), that automate and analyze pricing decisions. These systems use algorithms to evaluate demand, booking patterns, and competitor prices to set optimal rates.
  2. Analyze Historical Data: Understanding past demand trends is essential. By analyzing historical data, the revenue manager can forecast future demand and adjust rates accordingly. This will help to predict peak periods, allowing for higher prices during busy times and competitive pricing during slower periods.
  3. Segment Your Market: Different guest segments may have varying price sensitivities. By segmenting guests based on factors like booking behavior and length of stay, dynamic pricing offers can be tailored to meet the needs of each segment, ultimately increasing occupancy and overall revenue.
  4. Monitor Competitor Pricing: Constantly monitor competitor rates to ensure your pricing remains competitive. Adjusting rates based on what competitors are charging can help maintain your market share and optimize revenue.
  5. Adjust Based on Demand Fluctuations: During high-demand periods, such as holidays or local events, prices should be adjusted upwards to capture more revenue. Conversely, during low-demand periods, lowering prices can help maintain occupancy levels and prevent revenue loss.

By implementing these steps, hotels can take full advantage of dynamic pricing to drive profitability and optimize overall revenue, ensuring they stay competitive in the fast-paced hospitality industry.

How to Leverage Dynamic Pricing In Hotels to Stay Competitive 

Dynamic pricing allows hotels to adjust room rates in real-time, responding to fluctuating demand and competitor prices. By using the right dynamic pricing software and setting clear pricing rules, hotels can maximize revenue and profitability. Unlike static pricing models, dynamic pricing in hotels enables quick adjustments to reflect market changes, preventing hotels from missing out on valuable revenue opportunities.

Revenue managers can use hotel revenue management systems to make informed pricing decisions, ensuring rates align with demand and competition. This allows hotels to implement pricing strategies tailored to their market, improving revenue per available room (RevPAR). Through dynamic pricing, hotels stay agile, maximize hotel revenue, and maintain a competitive edge in the market, optimizing pricing for each booking and improving occupancy rates.

How Can OTA Sync Help?

At OTA Sync, we empower professionals to make crucial pricing decisions with just a few clicks. Our Yield Calendar allows hotel managers to manually adjust prices for specific dates, and these changes are instantly reflected across all sales channels. While our system offers real-time insights and suggestions, we know that algorithms can’t account for important factors like email or phone inquiries. That’s why we also offer integrations with automatic dynamic pricing, allowing adjustments based on algorithms if preferred. This flexibility lets you choose between the control of manual adjustments or the convenience of automated pricing, ensuring you maximize revenue across all platforms.

OTA Sync is an all-in-one cloud-based software solution for managing hotels and apartments. Because of cloud-based technology, costs are drastically reduced, daily tasks are automated, and the overall efficiency and revenues of the property are increased.

OTA Sync software is suitable for medium and small hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and apartments. The company has over 2,000 satisfied users in 17 countries around the world.

There are four complete solutions for managing hotels and apartments:

For a free trial, click here.

🚨Special Offer

Want to stay on top of things and receive special offers and discounts? We’ve got you!

OTA Sync rewards smart hoteliers by giving out special discounts. To receive yours, click HERE!

Keep Reading

  1. Cloud VS On-premise PMS: Comparison To Choose The Right One
  2. Virtual Credit Cards: Everything You Need To Know 
  3. The Glamping Business: How To Increase Your Revenue 

VIP Guest Management In Hospitality: What To Anticipate

Posted on by Andjela Toncev

VIP Guest Management In Hospitality: What To Anticipate 

Every guest should be treated like a VIP guest. On the other hand, some guests demand special or discreet treatment. 

Whether it’s a famous politician or celebrity, you should have a protocol in place in your hotel on how to treat them. 

We’ve gathered information in this blog on what you can anticipate with these guests. You can also find some tips on creating personalized experiences for them. 

Let’s dive into the world of glitz and glamour!

Who Are They: Defining The VIP Guest

A very important person(VIP) gets exclusive treatment or special privileges. This can be a high-end executive, a celebrity, or a loyal customer!

These guests are guaranteed luxury, comfort, and special treatment.

This can mean access to private areas, exclusive gifts, and highly personalized services…

Don’t be intimidated by all of this! Some attention to detail can go a long way for these types of customers. Let’s categorize them further and look into the details of managing VIP guests.

Categorizing The VIP Guests In The Hotel Industry

Most GMs of hotel chains have at least once come across these types of guests. What they would know from experience would shock you. Not every VIP is so important, despite what the name would suggest. 

They all bring a significant financial investment to the hotel or have a long history with the brand. 

Well, we can mainly group them into:

  • Level 3 VIP customers: travel agents, honeymooners, journalists, event organizers 
  • Level 2 VIP customers: board members, owners, business partners, heads of state or countries 
  • Level 1 VIP customers: world leaders, wealthy businessmen, actors, or high-profile sportsmen

Our main concern here is finding a good VIP guest management solution so we can elevate guest satisfaction. Let’s go over some tips on how to improve guest experience.

How Do You Handle VIP Guests? 5 Steps To Improve Guest Experience

We can easily define the minimum steps you need to take to provide a great guest experience.

Regardless of the level of their importance, these steps are what should be on your mind before checking in your guests.

1. Save The Best For The Guest

These divas expect the best rooms. Have your best rooms blocked off just for them.

These could be king apartments or rooms with a special feature like a jacuzzi or the best view.

A well-known extent of goodwill is leaving personalized guest messages in the room. This could be a high-end greeting card left on the nightstand or pillow signed by the GM.

2. How To Check In VIP Guests?

Hotels must prepare to create special greetings for their important guests. A good tip to keep in mind is to have a senior official lead this reception.

3. Offer Guests VIP Amenities In Their Room

Complementary bottles of champagne, fruit bowls, or anything that can make their stay as exclusive as possible. Give guests small treats that can elevate their stay.

4. No VIP Walks Alone

Every exclusive customer expects to be walked up to their room. Escorting them is not only an extent of grace but also a way to provide an extra coat of security.

5. Facilities Don’t Speak For Themselves

While on the topic of walking the client to their room, consider this as well.

You can organize a tour of the hotel or some of the hotel’s most exclusive amenities. Show them how to get to the spa or the special launch. This will be greatly appreciated. 

What strategies do you use to anticipate the needs of VIP guests before they even ask?

Technology is always the answer. Did you know that up to 66% of executives are improving their customer service by investing in technology?

There are a few key moves you can pull by wisely choosing technology.

1. Smooth Check-in

No VIP is waiting around for you to check them in. Allow them to check in online before their stay or choose a powerful PMS that will make check-in super fast. 

We of course recommend OTA Sync’s Property Management System. With lightning-speed check-in and no room for human-made mistakes, your guests will surely be satisfied.

How to handle VIP guests and what to anticipate. How to check-in VIP guests with best hotel technology

If you want to learn more about choosing the right PMS, we have the blog for you.

2. Make Sure All Amenities Are Just A Click Away

Go the extra mile and ensure your guest can have all the comfort they need in their room. Choose a software that offers a guest app.

This app will allow your VIP to order any amenity or room service with just a click on their phone.

We recommend OTA Sync’s Guest App, as it creates a smooth blend between seamlessness and speed.

3. Prepare Staff For Exceptional Service

Your staff will be the face of your brand in the eyes of these guests. They will have the most interactions with the hotel crew.

Make sure they know all protocols for handling emergency or stressful situations. Emphasize the importance of grace and well-mannered gestures. Smiling and greeting every guest with respect won’t go unnoticed. 

4. Guest Loyalty Goes Both Ways

Staying loyal to your guests means they stay loyal to you. Is your VIP a return customer?

Make sure to know their preferences and other important information. This could be food allergies or preferences. 

And speaking of food…

5. Mix Dining With Local Attractions

The real luxury is always authentic. Famous French and Italian menus aside, your guest needs to try your local dishes!

Source your ingredients locally and find ways to incorporate local dishes into the cuisine.

How To Prepare For VIP Guest Expectations?

This customer is just like any other. They will have surprise requests that will leave you stranded.

What are some details you absolutely can’t miss when welcoming them into your hotel?

Data Security Is Non-negotiable 

Excellent service means nothing if your guests feel unsafe. Over 98% of data breaches in hotels meant stolen credit card information.

How to handle VIP guests and prepare for their expectations. how to increase data security in your hotel with hotel technology

Having a trusted hotel management system is crucial here, as well as making sure your staff is trained not to fall prey to phishing schemes. 

Through Room Inspection Is Mandatory

Cleanliness and hygiene are very important. Sanitary reasons could include security issues, so it’s important to inspect their room before their arrival.

If they request a room clean during their stay, make sure housekeeping is organized well. Your staff must know how to work quickly and discretely. 

24/7 Support For A Memorable Experience

Having staff and technology at hand, you can create a net of around-the-clock support. This means constant access to someone who can help them or make their stay more elevated. 

Answering questions and quick problem-solving will get you on top of their favorite brands list.

How Can OTA Sync Help?

OTA Sync is an all-in-one cloud-based software solution for managing hotels and apartments. Because of cloud-based technology, costs are drastically reduced, daily tasks are automated, and the overall efficiency and revenues of the property are increased.

OTA Sync software is suitable for medium and small hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and apartments. The company has over 2.000 satisfied users in 17 countries around the world.

There are four complete solutions for managing hotels and apartments:

For a free trial, click here.

🚨Special Offer

Want to stay on top of things and receive special offers and discounts? We’ve got you!

OTA Sync rewards smart hoteliers by giving out special discounts. To receive yours, click HERE!

Keep Reading

  1. Cloud VS On-premise PMS: Comparison To Choose The Right One
  2. Virtual Credit Cards: Everything You Need To Know 
  3. The Glamping Business: How To Increase Your Revenue 

Top 10 Hotel Marketing Trends We Expect in 2025

Posted on by Andjela Toncev

The hospitality industry is full of marketing trends. 

Either you keep up with the trends or fall behind with the competition. Let’s explore some marketing trends we expect to see in 2025.

Some might be familiar from the previous year behind us. If you want to see if we had our finger on the pulse with some trends we predicted in 2024, check it out here.

The good news is we are not facing a lot of micro trends. Lesser fortunate news? These marketing tips ask you to research them in detail. 

Luckily, we’ve already done that in this blog. All you have to do is read up on these tips and decide which one works best for your accommodation.

Let’s dive head-first into the future of marketing!

Top 10 Marketing Trends To Expect In 2025

Simply put, marketing in hospitality is very important. This is because the hospitality industry is close to a staggering $5.38 trillion!

 A great number indeed, but it suggests something that should draw your attention. The market is saturated.

Building your brand and online presence can help you stand out from the competition. Let’s look into some interesting trends we expect to see in the hospitality business.

1. Augmented And Virtual Reality In The Hotel Industry

While you are still checking in your guests by hand, the Marriott is letting their guests order VR room service.

Their guests are invited to use their mobile app and order a VR headset, which they can use to enjoy a virtual reality experience.

You don’t have to do all that, but let’s explore how you can catch up.

Virtual Reality

The technological revolution has brought on new ways of communicating with guests.

Virtual Reality(VR) is a great way to show guests what they can expect to see before they arrive. With the right software and camera, you can create interactive 3D maps of your accommodation. 

This not only draws attention to you and makes you stand out, but it also defines your brand. Providing access to VR on your website creates an image of a high-tech hotel, which is excellent for drawing in leisure travelers. 

If you want to create a high technological experience for your guests, a good PMS is a must!

💡 Shining The Spotlight

We’re spotlighting OTA Sync’s Property Management System, which will transform your hotel to the fullest. With the right PMS, you can automate most hotel tasks.

This will make your check-in and check-out processes extremely short. Your guests will love this and your brand will thrive!

Augmented Reality

On the other hand, augmented reality is an excellent tool for the event industry. Lower season means external revenue sources, and organizing events is a great way to approach this.

Augmented reality(AR) is a way to let your future clients check out your venue before coming to you. Are organizers concerned with ideas on how to decorate your ballroom for a wedding? Give them ideas with an AR experience.

VR and AR can help you showcase and enhance the location you are in. This is a great way to show your brand is on top of trends and technology. 

2. Social Media Marketing For Competitive Hospitality

Traditional media is losing its power. Social media is on the rise, with predictions that it will have 5.85 billion users expected by 2027. 

Remember that email marketing still plays a crucial role in communicating with guests. A key move is to have a good Booking Engine and an excellent Property Management System to create successful email campaigns.

Direct bookings will give you key information about your guests and a good PMS can help you categorize and keep this information successfully. We’re shining the spotlight on OTA Sync’s Booking Engine, which will help you manage direct booking seamlessly. 

Let’s explore some ideas on how you can promote your rental business on social media.

💡 Video Marketing

According to Hubspot, 54% of customers prefer to view video content from brands. Video is powerful because it effectively communicates emotion. 

Short format video is the best for social platforms. Following trends on Instagram and TikTok can be interesting. Look for popular sounds and meme formats. On the other hand, you can use video marketing to showcase your location, rooms, and amenities. 

The most important aspect of video marketing is connecting with the viewer. Consider making an introduction of your staff if they are willing to participate. This is a great way to make a connection with your followers.

💡 Influencer Marketing

Influencers are one of the easiest ways to create a personalized connection through the screen. 

However, paying famous influencers to promote your hotel is not the extent of this marketing campaign. You can also pay a much more affordable price to everyday people to create more approachable content.

This is called UGC content creation. It entails connecting with everyday people who do not have a massive platform on social media. They can then create content within your hotel and make a more aesthetic customer success video. 

This can be arranged so it’s mutually beneficial. These UGC creators might be happy to create content for you for a free stay in your hotel or a humble wage.

💡 Content Marketing and AI Generated Content

Using artificial intelligence to create content for your hotel can be an interesting opportunity. 

AI isn’t limited to generating post descriptions. You can create images to post as well as short video clips. 

Using reference images to create video clips using AI is also possible. With some modest editing skills, you can create breathtaking visuals for your marketing efforts.

AI is an interesting tool, but it’s only limited to your imagination. Take inspiration from more abstract forms of art to find interesting ideas and aesthetics. 

3. SEO Is Still King

This trend in hospitality isn’t going away any time soon. An astonishing fact is that over 50% of website traffic comes from organic search result clicks! SEO is still on top of the world!

SEO for hotels and hospitality websites organic trafic statistics

Optimizing for search engines like Google is still important. And SEO can sound very confusing! Hiring an SEO specialist is easy, but let’s review what this key trend entails.

Simply put, Google needs constant new articles to stay a relevant source of information. For this reason, it stimulates blog writing by pushing your website up towards the first page of Google. 

So people wouldn’t post a bunch of gibberish and call it a day, it ranks the relevance of the content using keywords. 

Use the right tools to look for the right keywords. Some of the tools we can recommend are Semrush, Screaming Frog, or Neuronwriter. Look for trends shaping the market in hospitality right now. These will be great topics for your blogs.

Lastly, don’t forget to create visually appealing images or videos to go with your blog!

SEO is something that will show you results in the long run. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see good progress right away. Perhaps your hotel guests will take their time to discover your blogging efforts. 

If you want to know more about promoting your hotel on search engines, we have just the blog for you!

4. AI Is The Future Of Hospitality

Our favourite guests are the ones that return to our accommodation. Once we have created brand loyalty, we know we did hospitality right. How do we achieve this?

Besides making sure their travel experiences were amazing, we have more tools to our disposal. This is where AI steps in. 

What AI has to offer:

  • Tailored Guest Experience
  • Smart Rooms
  • Facial Recognition
  • Automated Booking And Pricing
  • Customer Support

We will focus on AI enhancing guest experience. With its never-ending data analytics, AI can give you all the information you need for creating a personalized guest experience. 

With information about who your target audience is, you can tailor your amenities to their needs. Are there a lot of workationers at your hotel? Prepare the best spa experience to help them unwind!

AI is a part of the emerging trends that you don’t want to miss out on. If you want to know more about how AI can help you, we have a blog on that as well!

💡 Shining The Spotlight

If you have a spa as part of your hotel’s offer, OTA Sync has your back! With its Spa&Wellness Module, you can relax as happy customers come rolling in!

5. Mobile-First Strategies Are Key for Hotels

One of the most important hotel marketing trends to watch in 2025 is mobile-first strategies. 

Allow your guests to mobile check-in and look into location-based marketing. Targeted promotions are not too far behind from this. Geofencing will allow you to push special offers to potential guests near the property. 

Here are some ideas on how to implement these trends.

✅ Your Accommodation’s Website Has To be Optimized For Mobile

Make sure your website is optimized. This means ensuring it’s easy to navigate while using mobile devices or tablets. Don’t forget to check that your design adapts to different screen sizes. 

Using a good booking engine will help you drive more direct bookings. We recommend OTA Sync’s Booking Engine that will seamlessly blend into the design of your website.

✅ Mobile Booking And A Guest Experience App

Booking through your website on mobile is not the end of optimization. Make sure guests can easily manage their booking through mobile. 

A great feature is a Guest App that can help guests enjoy all your amenities. We recommend OTA Sync’s Guest App.

✅Mobile Check-In/Check-Out

This is a real sign of the times. Nothing says “future” like using your smartphone to skip long lines at the front desk. Even creating a digital key for their room can be something to call home about. 

What a great way to create a modern reputation for your hotel!

6. Voice Search Optimization Is Shaping The Future Of Hospitality

Voice search is a great, quick way to look up things on a search engine. Surprisingly, 31% of smartphone users use voice search at least once a week. 

Voice search doesn’t require the customer to even open a search engine. Voice search can be done through the smartphone’s virtual assistant. 

Here’s how to optimize your hotel website for voice search:

  • Focus your keywords on local search.
  • Adapt keywords to focus on speech.

People will ask specific and direct questions when using voice search. Thinking about what you would say when looking for a hotel will help you immensely. 

7. Branded DMs As A Social Media Strategy

Messaging your guests directly through social media is one of the marketing trends shaping hospitality marketing. Direct messaging can include SMS, web messaging, and social media.

How many guests make purchases over social media in hotel and hospitality industry

Hubspot’s marketing report predicts that branded dms will have the third highest ROI.

Here’s what you can do about it!

Incorporate branded DMs into your annual marketing plan and set KPIs. With social media marketing, the most important thing to remember is: consistency is key.

8. Guest Journey Campaigns Help Hospitality Brands

Most people think the guest journey starts when someone books a hotel room and ends when they check out. The reality is, it goes beyond that.

A big focus in digital marketing this year will be expanding our knowledge on the customer journey.  This is one of the trends shaping the future of hospitality management. 

Targeting guests after check out can help you raise brand loyalty. It can be as simple as sending out an email on their birthday with a small discount on their next stay.

9. Sustainability Is Still Amongst Travel Trends

This one has been amongst most hotel marketing strategies for a while now. Mentioning on social media platforms your hotel is green isn’t going to get you far these days.

What customers want is an authentic experience that won’t damage the environment. A great way to achieve this is supporting small local businesses. By sourcing your ingredients locally, you have a great asset for your brand. 

A big part of your reputation management can be looking for sustainable and reusable cutlery. Package should also be biodegradable. 

Amongst other marketing ideas to make your hotel brand green, think about putting your logo and a short slogan on packages. This is a great way to raise brand awareness. 

10. Socially Responsible Brand Values

90% of consumers seek sustainable travel options, according to the Expedia Sustainable Travel Study. This means being green isn’t touching base anymore. 

Statistics about guest making choices of hotels with social responsability and sustainability in mind

One of the biggest efforts a brand should make to keep the brand socially responsible is to increase Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion amongst their staff. 

Making sure your hotel is accessible for differently abled people is also a big part of your journey towards a better brand. 

These changes are small but can give you a great impact. 

How Can OTA Sync Help?

OTA Sync is an all-in-one cloud-based software solution for managing hotels and apartments. Because of cloud-based technology, costs are drastically reduced, daily tasks are automated, and the overall efficiency and revenues of the property are increased.

OTA Sync software is suitable for medium and small hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and apartments. The company has over 2.000 satisfied users in 17 countries around the world.

There are four complete solutions for managing hotels and apartments:

For a free trial, click here.

🚨Special Offer

Want to stay on top of things and receive special offers and discounts? We’ve got you!

OTA Sync rewards smart hoteliers by giving out special discounts. To receive yours, click HERE!

Keep Reading

  1. Cloud VS On-premise PMS: Comparison To Choose The Right One
  2. Virtual Credit Cards: Everything You Need To Know 
  3. The Glamping Business: How To Increase Your Revenue 

Choosing the Right HoReCa Products For Your Hotel

Posted on by Natali Paunovic

Spoons, beds, pillows, small shampoos. Every accommodation has to have them.

In a professional acronym, they are all called under the umbrella term “HoReCa”.

We are not involved with HoReCa products, we make tech solutions. But we are determined to help you navigate all your hospitality challenges.

How do you choose the right one for your hotel? Which ones do you need, and which ones can you skip?

Let’s dive right in and find out! 

What Are Horeca Products?

HORECA products represent all the equipment that meets the needs of hotels, restaurants, and cafés. The HoReCa industry is a giant one, with an estimated worth of around 260 billion USD before the COVID-19 crisis. In Europe, this industry employs around 8 million people.

It is an English acronym comprising the first syllables of these three words: hotel/restourant/catering. HoReCa products are everything you need to operate at the highest level, from kitchen appliances and tableware to furniture, bedding, towels, and more. 

Horeca products for your hotel and how to best choose them as well as best technology

The hospitality industry is very demanding, so the text below covers everything you need to know about quality hotel service. 

Know Your Numbers, Know Your Business

Choosing the right equipment isn’t easy, but some good advice can help you. 

You need to know some specific characteristics of your needs. 

Each part of the hospitality industry — hotels, restaurants, and cafés—must cater to their guests’ specific needs and expectations, ensuring a high level of best hotel service and customer satisfaction. So, you must consider what you want to offer to your guests. 

What is the volume of your guests? How much time do they spend in your acomodation? Which menu do they prefer? What kind of products are needed to prepare the food? 

It’s necessary to determine your strategy and make a plan according to it. If you have a small budget, you should consider buying multipurpose equipment. 

Let’s talk about data gathering. You can gather data about your guests in a few ways. All of them, however, demand good technology to support you on your journey.

A Good Booking Engine

With a good booking engine, you can gather and analyze data about guests booking through your website. Not only will this tech feature give you the opportunity to keep all the revenue without sharing it with a booking platform, but it will also give you some good info.

Is your accommodation usually visited by families or young couples? This will also let you know what HoReCa products your guests might prefeer.

If you want to know how to attract more direct bookings, click here.

💡Shining The Spotlight

We are shining the spotlight on OTA Sync’s Booking Engine. With secure transactions and fast integration that will seamlessly blend into your website, you can’t go wrong with this feature. 

A Powerful PMS

Choosing the right hotel management software can be tricky. You can’t be running a hotel through an Excel sheet anymore, so that’s out of the question.

If you have a good property management system, you can also gather information about your guests while having most tasks automatized. 

PMS is all about removing human error from your business. It also gives your employees more time to focus on the guests.

With this in mind, you can talk to your staff about their observations. They can notice more than you think and give you valuable insights.

💡Shining The Spotlight

We have to shine the spotlight on OTA Sync’s PMS. With a powerful cloud system, it solves all your hotel management problems. Less headaches, fewer mistakes. More happy guests, more info about them.

Competitor Analysis Is More Important Than You Think

If you are not sure what you need, competition can help you. You have to know who your biggest competition is and realize who their suppliers are. 

A hotel competitor analysis report is a powerful tool for identifying areas where your hotel can improve and uncovering opportunities to enhance its performance.

In the past, competition in the hotel industry was primarily localized, with hotel analysis limited to comparing to nearby competitors. However, with the rise of the internet, hotels from all over the world now pose a challenge, significantly increasing the level of competition. Understanding this broader competitive landscape is crucial for staying ahead.

It’s essential to filter the data and insights you gather, ensuring they align with a clear, consistent purpose. This process should ultimately support the creation of a strong, unified brand identity that resonates with your guests.

Going to hospitality fairs and networking events can also help you find top suppliers for your hotel.

3 Essential HoReCa Products

Hotel suppliers are crucial for running a hotel smoothly.  Statistics show that the demand for different HORECA products is changing, but regardless of your preferences, these products remain essential for you:

  • Food and Beverages
  • Packaging and Accessories
  • Equipment and Hygiene
Horeca products like food and beverages, package and hygiene as well as technology for hotels

 1. Food and Beverages

When we talk about food, we need to follow some basic standards. Every kitchen must have:

  • Basic ingredients 

Sugar, Flour, Oil…

  • Fresh ingredients 

Meat, Vegetables, Dairy…

  • Ready-made and semi-prepared products 

Frozen food, Pre-cooked meals…

  • Beverages 

Non-alcoholic and alcoholic, Coffee, and Tea.

A big trend in the hospitality industry has been sourcing ingredients locally. Tourists are looking for an authentic experience and want a taste of the local cuisine.

If you do source your ingredients locally, make sure to have it represented on your menu!

2. Packaging and Accessories 

Packaging refers to the various containers and materials used in hotels and restaurants, as well as in delivering food and beverages. 

We distinguish several types of packaging:

  • Takeaway packaging and delivery packaging 

Paper bags, plastic or biodegradable containers, aluminum foil.

  • Beverage packaging 

Paper straws, coffee cups…

  • Hotel packaging 
  • Eco-friendly packaging 

Whatever you choose, you need to know that in the HORECA sector, packaging has a crucial role in preserving product quality, enhancing customer experience, and supporting branding efforts. 

If you are unsure which of the above you need, restaurant and hotel suppliers personnel could inform you what you need for your hotel. 

Accessories in the hotel industry include all additional products that improve the guest experience and facilitate business. Also, they can represent hotel amenities, products, and services. 

Types of accessories: 

  • Dining accessories

Cutlery, napkins, trays, portioned condiments, and coasters.

  • Hotel accessories

Mini soaps, shampoos, bathrobes, guest slippers, and hairdryers.

  • Serving accessories 

Ice buckets, breadbaskets, sauce dishes.

  • Tech accessories

Digital menus, POS systems, and QR code scanners for ordering. 

We, of course, recommend the OTA Sync all-in-one hotel system, which transforms your hotel and property management operations, improves employee productivity, and increases sales performance.

OTA Sync is far from just an accessory, it is a powerful hotel management system. We gladly recommend it as it comes with all necessary tech add-ons. This way, you don’t have to commission 5 different companies for one service each. 

Although it may not seem that way, accessories are very important. The comfort they provide will attract guests with refined tastes who appreciate luxury and are willing to invest in it. 

High-quality accessories will also help employees be more efficient, while branding them will contribute to strengthening the brand. 

3. Equipment and Hygiene

Hygiene and equipment include all devices and tools necessary for successful and safe operations. These products are: 

  • Kitchen equipment

Ovens, grills, deep fryers, mixers, refrigeration units, dishwashers.

  • Bar and restaurant equipment

Coffee machines, blenders, beverage refrigerators, tableware, and cutlery.

  • Hotel equipment

Beds, mattresses, safes, minibars, hairdryers, and water dispensers.

  • Technical equipment

POS systems, cash registers, digital menus, lighting, and sound systems.

Linen


Linen plays an important role in guest comfort and overall hygiene in the hospitality industry. We distinguish the following: Bedsheets, pillowcases, blankets, duvets, towels, bathrobes, guest slippers,
tablecloths, napkins, chair covers, etc…

Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose sustainable linen options made of organic cotton, bamboo fabrics, or eco-friendly alternatives.

Hygiene


Hygiene is imperative for every hotel to run smoothly, as it directly affects guest safety and health. 

  • Personal hygiene: Uniforms, gloves, caps, face masks for staff.
  • Kitchen and facility hygiene: Cleaning agents, antibacterial soaps, disinfectants.
  • Guest hygiene: Soaps, shampoos, wipes, hand sanitizers.
  • Hygiene maintenance equipment: Vacuum cleaners, steam cleaners, disinfection devices, waste bins.

A key part of hotel hygiene is the staff. 

It is essential to provide them with proper training and strictly enforce all rules to avoid guest complaints or any serious health consequences. Therefore, choose staff who are skilled and professional, and if you hire a cleaning and maintenance agency, make sure to check its reputation and reviews.

How Can OTA Sync Help?

OTA Sync is an all-in-one cloud-based software solution for managing hotels and apartments. Because of cloud-based technology, costs are drastically reduced, daily tasks are automated, and the overall efficiency and revenues of the property are increased.

OTA Sync software is suitable for medium and small hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and apartments. The company has over 2.000 satisfied users in 17 countries around the world.

There are four complete solutions for managing hotels and apartments:

For a free trial, click here.

🚨Special Offer

Want to stay on top of things and receive special offers and discounts? We’ve got you!

OTA Sync rewards smart hoteliers by giving out special discounts. To receive yours, click HERE!

Keep Reading

1. The Glamping Business: How To Increase Your Revenue 

2. Virtual Credit Cards: Everything You Need To Know 

3. Top 5 Hospitality Trends We Expect In 2024

AI In the Hospitality Industry

Posted on by Aleksandar Zovko

We all saw this coming! The inevitable times of computers becoming inseparable parts of our business. Artificial intelligence isn’t exactly like the movies would have you believe.

Robots (AI) could very well be our friends. They’re our friends and a handy tool in our day-to-day life as society advances. Who wouldn’t want a little extra help in their industry? 

For example – AI in hospitality. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in the hospitality industry is reshaping how hotels operate and interact with their guests. 

As AI technologies continue to advance, they offer innovative solutions that can enhance guest experiences, streamline hotel operations, and optimize revenue management. 

Let’s dive into the transformative role of AI in hospitality, its benefits, use cases, and future trends!

What is AI?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that learns and performs tasks. This tech is rapidly evolving by the minute!

AI learns from experience instead of having to be programmed. This means that every time you ask it to help you with a task, it is learning from it.

The design behind its processing is inspired by the human brain! It uses a layered structure of interconnected nodes. Pretty cool right?

💡Fun Fact

AI is predicted to surpass human intelligence by 2045! (Technological Singularity)

What is the Role of AI in Hospitality?

Artificial intelligence is here to automate routine tasks, optimize operations, and deliver insights on the best ways to cater to guests based on their preferences in the past.

Overall, deploying AI enhances guest experience through personalization and organizes vital components in the establishment to ensure positive revenue growth.

Enhanced Guest Experience Through Artificial Intelligence

Let’s jump into the potential of generative AI in the hospitality industry to enhance guests’ overall experience. What can a glorified computer do for our guests? 

Take a look at the image below to find out!

Artificial Intelligence or AI enhancing customer experience in the hospitality industry and hotels.

What Do All Of These Features Mean?

It might seem obvious to some. Many people might be confused about the purpose or benefits of any of these features.

Let’s break down what each one of these stands for, so you don’t miss a thing.

1. Personalized Guest Experience

AI’s contribution to personalized guest experience is solely based on recognizing patterns in previous bookings a guest has made.

Generative AI recognizes room, dining, and other guest preferences to enable a more unique experience and tailoring to specific needs.

2. Smart Rooms

Smart rooms have AI-integrated IoT systems, allowing guests to control room lighting, temperature, and other room features.

This is an excellent way to create a highly technological experience for your guests. This is something you want to be a part of your brand.

3. Facial Recognition

AI-powered facial recognition grants guests the luxury of access control entering spas, gyms, rooms, and other facilities.

Except it doesn’t stop there, facial recognition even goes as far as improving market research by determining how many people are in a location and what their moods might be.

4. Automated booking and pricing

Automated booking and pricing: offering rooms based on guest history and handling pricing through market analysis. Making it the job of a computer reduces the chances of human mistakes!

💡Shining The Spotlight

You don’t have to wait for AI to be integrated into your hotel. You might even be skeptical of it. The good news is that OTA Sync automates daily tasks and gives you insights into the market right away.

With our Channel Manager, you can make sure all your booking channels are handled and you can adjust your prices to the current market.

5. Answering general questions

Answering general questions powered by AI chatbots: Instant 24/7 customer service by handling reservations, providing hotel information, and resolving common guest inquiries.

This will free up staff to help customers with more complex needs.

💡Fun Fact

Travel agencies have seen a 25% increase in bookings and a 40% decrease in booking times since introducing conversational ai.

Streamlining Operations in the Hospitality Business

AI is reshaping overall operational efficiency.

It is optimizing energy consumption, enabling predictive maintenance, and boosting sustainability all in real-time. By managing energy consumption, the opportunity to cut costs increases and so does profitability.

Reducing energy consumption while streamlining operations with artificial intelligence in the hospitality industry for hotels

1. Revolutionary Revenue Management With AI

Cutting costs through energy management is one thing, but AI also helps with gathering vast amounts of data throughout the market to predict demand and adjust pricing accordingly.

Use AI to keep up with the market trends. It is one of the only ways to stay on top. Competing against other hotel establishments aggressively and quickly is key. 

2. Further Leveraging AI Algorithms for Hotel Revenue Management

A vast majority of people hire accountants. Why? Handling finances, revenue, or any form of accounting for personal or business use can be stressful and time-consuming.

Accounting is a critical aspect of the hospitality industry, why not use AI as a management system? AI will most accurately manage financial operations without the risk of human error. 

3. Understanding AI Analytics for Increased Hotel Revenue

AI analytics is becoming a cornerstone of effective revenue management in the hotel industry.  What it comes down to is data collection.

The potential of AI in collecting data is enormous which is crucial for hospitality. The collection of data is not something brand new and it has been around since the birth of the internet.

However, according to a McKinsey report, it has dramatically been an accelerating trend in the hospitality market with the use of AI tools.

Overcoming Resistance to AI Implementation

As AI continues to evolve and become more popular by the day, it isn’t uncommon to see some resistance to implementation.

You might think, why? Well, there are various reasons as to why an employer might not want to adapt to an AI-powered system.

  • Fear of change: This is a big one, where an employer may fear these new technologies can put them out of a job, or an employer may fear their employees will simply resist AI adoption.
  • Lack of equipment: May play a role in why an employer would refuse implementing AI. Simply put, there aren’t enough computing resources or technical support to back an AI system.
  • Lack of technical skills: The famous saying “I am not tech savvy”. Vast amounts of individuals simply do not have the technical experience to implement such a tool. 
  • Ethical concerns: AI bias and data privacy. 

How can we overcome such an issue? The key to solving such a dilemma is to address job security concerns, implement further employee training and education, and gradually implement these changes while ensuring data privacy and bias mitigation are addressed as these changes make headway. 

Training Staff for AI in Hotels

Getting your staff familiar with AI may be a challenge, but not one impossible to tackle. Introducing new ways of training can be a fun process for everyone involved.

Workshops, collaborative learning, and overall hands-on experiences are great ways to train employees with AI. Many of these workshops can be outsourced to other institutions, returning staff educated on the subject and ready to roll!  

What are the Latest and Upcoming AI Technologies in the Hospitality Industry?

1. Innovative AI Health Tools for the Hospitality Sector

Trends show hospitality services benefit greatly from AI capabilities. As the adoption of artificial intelligence continues to rise, new technologies follow.

Different ways AI can assist in well being in the hospitality industry

AI can help hospitality with the integration of wellness programs, offering dietary tips, closely monitoring potential health risks, and mental health services.

In a post-pandemic world, the hospitality industry is expected to be on top of wellness concerns.

2. IoT (Internet of Things) 

IoT consists of vast amounts of advanced technologies that will improve guest service by further personalizing service. AI is being used to operate these luxuries, such as smart thermostats, smart lighting for daylight harvesting, voice and facial recognition technology, predictive maintenance, and resource consumption management. 

AI solutions to sustainability, personalized guest experiences, contactless services, and updated marketing strategies with the new tech to advertising have led and forecasted a 5.5% CAGR increase in the hotel industry according to Research and Markets.

Compound annual growth rate expectations from 2024 to 2028, artificial intelligence in the hospitality industry

💡Compound annual growth rate expectations from 2024 to 2028.

3. Robot Waiters

Artificial intelligence technologies are still being tested in various areas, one of which happens to be robot waiters. Yes, you read that correctly, robot waiters.

In a time where staff shortages have become a common issue in the industry, implementing AI technologies in food delivery services enhances guest experience with increased time efficiency and delivery accuracy.

These robots would be activated through mobile phone applications where guests may order meals and have them delivered in a contactless fashion. Not only does this improve the guest experience in a post-pandemic world, but it would also solve the short-staff dilemma. 

💡Shining The Spotlight

If you’re thinking about adding these robots as a part of an event organized in your hotel, we think that’s an excellent idea. OTA Sync has organized an event where we had a robot serving drinks to our visitors, and they were delighted!

Banquets are no easy feat, and you will need all the technological back-up you can get. That’s why you can read about our Banquet Feature and see how it can make everything run smoothly.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, its impact on hospitality management is expected to grow significantly. Future trends indicate an increased focus on hyper-personalization, where AI algorithms will analyze guest data to create highly tailored experiences.

Research shows that approximately 80% of hotels use, or plan to use, AI and data analytics to help them present guests with personalized offers.  This level of personalization will not only enhance guest satisfaction but also foster loyalty, as guests will feel more connected to the hotel brand.

As AI continues to evolve at the rate it has been, it is expected to see new advanced AI technologies enter the market and continue to outperform the industry’s former ways of business.

Integrating AI Technologies into Hospitality Operations

Integrating AI into hospitality operations requires a strategic approach that considers both the needs of the hotel and the expectations of guests.

This process begins with identifying where the implementation of AI will deliver its benefits the hardest. Whether it’s through AI-powered booking systems, customer service chatbots, or revenue management algorithms, the focus should be on enhancing operational efficiency and guest experiences.

Conclusion 

The use of artificial intelligence in hospitality is trending upwards at a very fast rate and businesses are using AI to better interact with guests at a faster and larger rate, improving revenue management, and streamlining operations.

The power of AI has proven itself day by day with impressive CAGR increases, helping the hospitality business better connect and serve guests efficiently. It can also help hotel operations become sustainable and cost-effective. AI in hotels may be a challenge to integrate.

Training staff to become proficient with AI tools, offering staff full transparency of AI applications, fear of change, and lack of technological equipment are possible challenges that may be faced in the future, but easily overcome.

AI innovations are reshaping the hospitality industry for the better, why not let our AI friends in and give them a chance? 

How OTA Sync Can Help

The solution to save time and increase income is here! With our software comes a reduction in time spent on tedious tasks that would otherwise be done manually, and with that comes an increase in revenue. 

Our 2,000 satisfied users in 17 different countries speak for us. If you manage medium and small hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and apartments, OTA Sync is the ideal solution.
See what we can do with simple use but effective software:

✅The Property Management System

✅Booking Engine

✅Channel Manager 

✅The Guest App 

📲The mobile app is now available, significantly increasing the time-saving potential.

All of this is aimed at ensuring that guests leave happy and return with the best experience at your hotel. 

🚨Special Offer

Want to stay on top of things and receive special offers and discounts? We’ve got you!

OTA Sync rewards smart hoteliers by giving out special discounts. To receive yours, click HERE!

Keep Reading

  1. Cloud VS On-premise PMS: Comparison To Choose The Right One
  2. Virtual Credit Cards: Everything You Need To Know 
  3. The Glamping Business: How To Increase Your Revenue 

10 Hotel Trends To Watch in 2025: Peek In The Hospitality Industry

Posted on by Milica Radojčić

We may not be prophets, but we can confidently predict the top trends in the hospitality industry for 2025. 

Maybe part of the trends we will talk about has already started in 2024. We’re sure you’ve heard of sustainability and personalization. And yeah, artificial intelligence is the most common topic these days.

You may have heard of them, but are you really sure what these terms mean exactly?

If you are not satisfied with the little things and if you always want to improve your hotel business, find more about 10 new trends in 2025.

The result will be more bookings, so let’s dive in!

The year ahead looks like the one that brings a lot of important changes in the world. Economies will see constant transformation as a consequence of progress in fields such as artificial intelligence, space exploration, biotechnology, and a lot more.

In 2025 we need to be prepared for big changes, good and bad ones.

These 10 key trends are shaping the future of hospitality in 2025:

  • Sustainability
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Personalization
  • Direct Integration of OTA Systems
  • Wellness
  • IoT Technology
  • Augmented and Virtual Reality Technology
  • Remote Workers as a Target Audience
  • Luxury Service Price Increases
  • Hyper-Local Experiences
Top 10 hotel and hospitality trends to watch for in the future

Why Is Following Trends In The Hospitality Industry Important?

You’ve probably already noticed competing modern hotels that are doing better than you and are wondering, what’s their secret? Most likely, the secret to their success is regular information and monitoring of trends.

Some things might sound completely new, or stupid to you, but don’t worry. Our advice is to first thoroughly research the topic online or talk to your colleagues from the hotelier business, and then create a strategy to implement the trends into your way of operating.

If you have any kind of hotel, staying updated ensures customer satisfaction, builds brand loyalty, and drives permanent success. 

3 Main Trends in 2025

2025 will bring a transformative phase for the hotel industry. Guest expectations will change so you need to be ready to improve your hotel business in line with guest requests.

The first three of the 10 trends listed are the biggest and most obvious changes, so let’s see what’s behind them.

1. Sustainability

When hotels follow eco-rules, they do less damage to the environment, and lower costs, and tourists respect that!

Focusing on reducing your carbon footprint, using more eco-friendly materials, and recycling will bring more bookings to your hotel.

The analytics says the ecotourism market size grew rapidly to 279.41 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate of 13.1%.

💡Pro Tips

Chances are your hotel already has an eco-friendly program, but here are a few tips to get you started.

  • Reduce your use of plastic. You can offer your guests and hotel workers reusable branded bottles or other items made from single-use plastic.
  •  Make recycling bins more visible.
  • In places suitable for cycling, it would be great if the hotel could also offer bike rentals. Guests will find cycling more interesting than the standard car ride, especially if they know they are participating in your hotel’s eco-friendly program and helping the planet.
  • You can record and post your actions on social media. Environmental actions are feats to be proud of.
Pro tips on how to achieve sustainability in your hotel to follow hospitality trends in 2025

2. Artificial Intelligence

We know smart technology sounded scary since 2023 when everything started. You’re probably afraid that AI will replace humans, but that’s not going to happen, at least not in 2025. 

If you know how to use it properly, it can help you run your hotel.

For example, chatbots can be a great solution when it comes to guest inquiries – they sound human!

💡Pro Tips

You can also use AI for dynamic pricing management.  AI analyzes data such as demand, seasonal trends, competitor prices, and historical data in real time. You can use it for room pricing.

Professionals say that AI-based pricing can impact turnover by up to 3%. Airbnb, American Airlines, and Uber are famous for using this method.

You can do the same, following the next points:

  • Collecting data on prices, occupancy rates, seasonal trends, guest behaviors, and competitors.
  • Select AI revenue management software, such as RevPAR Guru, IDeaS, Duetto, or similar tools.
  • Connect AI software with your Property Management System (PMS) and OTA direct reservation channels.
  • Train the staff about the new AI system and start to use the system for automatic pricing.

💡Shining The Spotlight

We have to shine a spotlight on OTA Sync’s Property Management Solution for having AI chatbots integrated into their solution. Day or night, your receptionist can always contact their AI assistant to help them navigate their software and discover the extra benefits it offers.

3. Personalization

Customizing guest service will take on a new dimension in 2025. We expect hotels to use advanced technologies to personalize the guest experience to the maximum level.

This year, payment personalization is taking center stage, more specifically – virtual credit cards, which are a more secure method tailored to the personal needs of consumers.

In the previous paragraph, we mentioned chatbots. They serve to provide personalized service to guests throughout their stay, by adapting to the guests’ requests. This innovation will be emphasized in 2025, as will everything related to digitalization.

The use of applications and guest service apps to find information about guests will be increasingly common.

💡Pro Tips

Here are how you can use personalized experience latest trends to attract new guests:

  • Using AI tools to anticipate your hotel guests’ needs is cost-effective.
  • Personalized pre-arrival emails – Before they arrive, you can prepare guests and send them offers. Offers can be creative, from tours to must-try specialties.
  • Mobile apps – They offer phone check-ins and check-out, make it easy to communicate with staff, and offer personalized recommendations.
  • Post-stay communication – Stay in touch with guests after they leave. Don’t overdo it, a few emails reminding them of their experience at your hotel are fine.

Other Important Changes in 2025

In the first part of the text, we listed 3 key changes that will happen this year or already started in the hospitality industry in 2024. In this part of the blog, we will review more hospitality trends to watch in 2025.

You will know the secret behind all 10 hotel trends, directly from industry experts, so let’s learn together.

1. Direct Integration of OTA Systems

More and more hotel owners are using direct OTA system integration as it reduces commission costs, increases control over reservations, and ensures more accurate guest data management.

If you run a hotel business, implementing this type of system can only enhance the customer experience and increase profitability, which is the goal of every good manager.

💡 Shining The Spotlight

If you want to make modern changes to your hotel in line with the 2025 hospitality industry trends for better business and higher profits, you can first start by introducing smart software.

With an offer that includes everything you need to run hotels, private rooms and campsites, Ota Sync software is the ideal solution for getting more bookings.

2. Wellness

More and more hotel guests want a healthier lifestyle. What you can offer your guests in the field of wellness is broad.

Here are some ideas for a good start:

🌱 nutritious or vegan menu items

🌱  new yoga mats, classes, or exercise equipment

🌱 spa or relaxation experience

3. loT Technology

Maybe it sounds unrealistic but IoT (Internet of Things) become a reality. This smart system can be really helpful in the hospitality sector. It means reduced costs and a better guest experience.

IoT means the network of connected devices using smart technology. With this accommodation, guests can call the front desk from their beds or unlock their room via mobile device. 

4. Augmented and Virtual Reality Technology

Imagine if guests could view the room and hotel before they even visit. Augmented and VR technology gives us exactly that opportunity!

5. Remote Workers as a Target Audience

More and more workers are working remotely.

Rooms that are adapted for this type of work and a strong internet connection are essential for these guests, so it’s great to make sure they know that these amenities are provided for them.

6. Luxury Service Price Increases

In 2025, luxury hotels are increasingly emphasizing a personalized experience, which is why the prices of luxury services are higher – guests are not afraid to pay more if the atmosphere is truly tailored to them.

7. Hyper-Local Experiences

This year, there is a special emphasis on the trend of connecting tourists with local attractions, artists, and tasting authentic specialties. Hotels and resorts are responding to this demand with personalized recommendations generated by AI tools.

Tourists will be happy to publish their experiences on social networks, so make sure that the offer includes the authentic beauty of the place where the hotel unit is located.

How OTA Sync Can Help

Ota Sync is software that is always in line with current trends. If you want your guests to have a better hotel experience and your employees to save time on things they would otherwise do manually, take a look at what our software has to offer:

✅ The Property Management System

✅ Booking Engine

✅ Channel Manager 

✅ The Guest App 

📲 The mobile app is also now available!

Keeping up with new technologies is important, and implementing hotel software is not just a trend, but a way to increase hotel occupancy.

Keep Reading

  1. How To Increase Hotel Occupancy In Low Season?
  2. Cloud VS On-premise PMS: Comparison To Choose The Right One 
  3. 6 Essential Mobile Apps To Help You Grow Your Hotel Rental Business 

How To Increase Hotel Occupancy In Low Season?

Posted on by Milica Radojčić

Every year, the same question arises for every professional who wants to increase hotel revenue – how to get more bookings during the off-season?

Everything is perky during peak season. Hotel occupancy rates are high. When the slow season comes around, hotel revenue starts to be low.

Most general managers in the hospitality industry know what hotel seasonality means and why it is so important to know more about it, so let’s define it.

Let’s dive right in.

Why Is Seasonality Important For Hotels?

The basic definition of seasonality is variation in demand for hotel services at different times of the year. Hotel demand changes cyclically and since it follows the same patterns, it can be predicted. 

The demand equals revenue. The more guest visits a hotel, the higher its revenue. So, the occupancy rate is directly connected to hotel income, and that is the answer to why it is so important.

The only real result of working in any business is good income. The situation is not different for the hotel business – when you have a full hotel every time of the year, we are sure you are doing well.

But when a good discount for guests is not enough to increase profits, you need new strategies.

In seasonality, you can distinguish three periods important for revenue management:

  1. Peak season
  2. Shoulder season between the periods when prices are relatively moderate
  3. Off-season
Low season in hotels: how to increase hotel occupancy during low season

What Is Off-season And What Does It Mean For Hotel Occupancy?

Low or off-season, is a time of the year when the demand for accommodation is low, and prices need to be even lower if you want to fill your rooms. This period can be challenging for those in the hotel business.

The off-season depends on the specific location of the hotel, the target audience, and other characteristics connected to the hotel. Every hotel is different so the ways to boost hotel occupancy during the low season also are.

For the seaside hotels, the typical busy season is summer. The sunny days, warm weather, and often activities near the sea invite tourists to come to the location.

For ski resorts situation is the same during the winter, snowboarding and skiing are tourist’s favorite activities.

But, when different weather comes, certain activities are no longer present. Tourists simply do not show interest during that period. When this time rolls around, you need to rethink strategies to increase hotel occupancy and make your hotel active again.

As we said, the reasons why a period like that is called low variates from hotel to hotel. There are ways to boost hotel occupancy and hotel revenue during the low season. You just need to analyze the situation with patience.

How To Determine Low Season For Your Hotel?

The first answer you need to find out is when is the start of low season for your hotel – at what period the booking rate goes down. 

The second goal is defining everything that affects your hotel in a certain period. Is that weather, a holiday, or some kind of event?

The next step is to determine the most common factor that affects the low period for your hotel. There may be more than one factor. We will help by listing potential factors that affect the low season.

What Are The Most Common Factors That Affect The Low Season?

We already know the core information – every hotel is different and low season often depends on things we can’t control, like the weather. But there are other things we can control to improve the hotel’s business.

These are the most common challenges that we can overcome with a careful marketing strategy. Let’s find ways how to increase demand and revenue during the low season.

Factors that affect the low season in hotels, including weather, holidays, the economy

1. The Weather

The weather brings a lot of challenges during the off-season.

This is the most common factor because it affects the needs and wishes of the guests. This often means the absence of some activity under seasonal weather conditions.

If your hotel ski-in ski-out, you already notice changes when there isn’t much snow around. The same goes for the hotels on beach-side destinations.

But what about the city hotels? Are changes in high and low season the same? The answer is yes, but you can’t see drastic changes like in specific destination hotels. 

So what should you do? What is the right way to increase hotel revenue? 

Try to think about other activities for guests, so they will have a reason to stay at your hotel.

2. The Holidays

During the festive season, hotel rooms can be full and income high. But immediately, when it comes to the end of that period income goes down for plenty of hotels. 

There are different types of holidays that affect your hotel’s occupancy.

🎉School Holidays

If your hotel is located in a destination popular for families, school holidays can potentially have a big impact because families are more likely to take their children on holiday.

Accommodate these guests by having family-friendly spaces ready for them. Playgrounds for children as well as educational workshops made for them are a great way to go about this.

Want to see them come back outside of these holidays? Use automatic mailing options on your property management system to offer them a special discount on family or even adult-only visits. Parents deserve a getaway as well!

Consider sending them a coupon as low season approaches and see these families become loyal guests!

💡Shining The Spotlight

We’re shining the spotlight on OTA Sync’s property management system that allows you to send out automatic emails to guests. It can be coupons, birthday greetings, you name it!

🎉Local Holidays

Similar to school holidays, local holidays have a big impact on the hotel.

If you know the main local holidays you can control hotel revenue during the off-season and build your plan perfectly. For example, a lot of people will stay at home to celebrate holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. On the other side, New Year or Labor Day are famous times for trips.

On the other hand, small local holidays can be something that can boost your hotel’s occupancy. Is there a lesser-known tradition or carnival going on locally? Promote it and attract tourists to come and experience the authentic atmosphere of your culture.

Additionally, include locally sourced ingredients in your menu. Travelers love unique and authentic experiences.

🎉International Holidays

It is important to plan for all types of holidays. If some holidays are not generally known to you, it does not necessarily mean that you will not have guests from the area that celebrate that type of major holiday.

Research and try to attract new guests by promoting special deals for international holidays. Don’t stop there.

Create partnerships with other local businesses like car rentals, to ensure these international travelers have everything they need in your hotel. What a package you are offering now!

Low season? Never heard of it.

3. The Economy

Economic factors shape guests’ willingness to spend money, and as a result, they tend to choose not to visit certain places or not to travel at all.

The first problem with the economic trend is that is not a season, so it’s not easily predictable. High interest rates, inflation, and large-scale layoffs have a big impact on hotel occupancy.

This is important for the both, leisure and business sectors, guest experience is the same.

These situations give you an excellent opportunity to express sympathy. Creating special deals and talking about these conditions in your campaigns can give your hotel a good rep.

How To Overcome The Low Season?

Every hotel, from the biggest to the smallest experienced this kind of problem. For each problem, there is an effective solution, you just need to get creative to choose the best ways to increase income. 

The main step you need to take to maximize revenue and increase bookings is to build an effective marketing plan. Every time of the year can be good as high season if you carefully build your marketing strategies.  

Here are some ideas on how to increase demand and boost hotel occupancy levels by paying attention to certain things.

1. Pay Attention To Hotel Guests

Does a good experience in your hotel, guarantee a return guest?

The critical part of growing a successful business is to build strong and trustful relationships with your customers. In any hospitality business, you need to build a good strategy to keep guests, the same as gaining new ones. 

It’s important to ensure the best experience for guests, but first start by analyzing your target audience – who are they?

Once you have figured out your target audience make sure to offer them additional interactions that will have them feeling like they are right at home.

The first data you need to analyze when it comes to your target group is basic: age, gender, occupation, interests, and general lifestyle of guests who frequently visit your hotel. Then it will be clear to you what exactly you need to pay attention to, to offer guests what they want.

Business travelers? Quiet spaces and good internet. Families? Entertainers for kids that give the parents some time off. Couples? Candle-lit dinners are a spark of romance.

Details go a long way.

💡 Shining The Spotlight

Don’t worry if your target groups are confusing you! Our software will help you improve your guest experience.

OTA Sync automatizes all tedious tasks in your hotel, giving your staff the time to dedicate to your guests.

There is no better achievement than a happy guest who will promote your hotel after having the best experience. Once you know who your customers are, you will know what services they will be most satisfied with.

 2. Loyalty Programs

If you’re not sure why it’s important to keep guest information after they leave, we are about to give you some fresh insights.

Email and other contact information are just some of the details you need to ensure your guests return in the right way. 

Loyalty programs will ensure that your relationship with your hotel guests is much stronger. So make sure the hotel stays in touch with them. Don’t forget to sort their email addresses where you can send them discounts, offers, and similar benefits to ensure their loyalty and return next time.

If you want to retain guests who are traveling for business, you can remind them of previous events they attended at the hotel.

3. Online Presence

Online presence plays a very important role in today’s era.

Today, the vast majority of travelers and potential guests book accommodation online. For those who know how to properly utilize the online world, it can bring a lot of profit to their business.

So hurry up and start to find ways to promote your hotel online, the outcome will be more reservations. 

4. Accessibility And Visibility

It is very important to have a well-developed website where guests can see all the important information they need.

A presence on platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb.com is essential as it is one of the most common ways for guests to find accommodation in today’s era.

5. Reviews

Don’t forget to ask your guests to leave you a review, especially on popular review sites like TripAdvisor.com, Yelp.com, or Google Reviews.

6. Marketing And Promotions

Email marketing and social media can be great contributors when it comes to maintaining a brand’s online presence and digital transformation.

7. Easier reservations

An online booking system, like Booking, is important because it makes the reservation process easier, especially for the younger generation.

A suggestion that can make a significant difference in your hotel’s occupancy is to create an option on your website to make direct reservations. OTA Sync Booking Engine can help you with this, handling every booking on your website with ease!

8. New Hotel Spaces

Creating new spaces within the hotel itself can contribute to higher revenue.

As long as the hotel is in the mountains, during the summer days you can create a space with a spa center, or swimming pools to attract guests with such amenities. The same thing applies to hotels in summer destinations in the winter.

There are many ideas for new spaces, from a coworking zone, and a wellness center to a business meeting room. It’s up to you to decide and beat the competition next season. 

You just need to be a little creative and the revenue will come. Good luck!

🤓 If you are interested in hearing more about the topic, hotel business tips, and the way to increase hotel revenue, you can find out on our OTA Sync Blog.

How OTA Sync Can Help

The solution to save time and increase income is here! With our software comes a reduction in time spent on tedious tasks that would otherwise be done manually, and with that comes an increase in revenue. 

Our 2,000 satisfied users in 17 different countries speak for us. If you manage medium and small hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and apartments, OTA Sync is the ideal solution.
See what we can do with simple use but effective software:

✔️ The Property Management System

✔️ Booking Engine

✔️ Channel Manager 

✔️ The Guest App 

📲 The mobile app is now available, significantly increasing the time-saving potential.


All of this is aimed at ensuring that guests leave happy and return with the best experience at your hotel. 

Keep Reading

  1. Cloud VS On-premise PMS: Comparison To Choose The Right One
  2. Virtual Credit Cards: Everything You Need To Know 
  3. The Glamping Business: How To Increase Your Revenue 

Cloud VS On-premise PMS: Comparison To Choose The Right One

Posted on by Andjela Toncev

Choosing the right property management system for your accommodation can be essential for a successful business. With so many choices out there, it can get a bit overwhelming.

In this blog, we will help you make an informed decision on choosing the right one.

Buckle up and get ready to read up on the comparison of Cloud PMS and On-site one.

Let’s jump right on it.

1. What Is Hotel Management Software?

So we’re on the same page, let’s define PMS first.

PMS software has evolved the hospitality industry by replacing the old-fashioned paper-intensive way of managing accommodations. Features like a booking engine or channel manager prevent human-made errors like overbooking. 

It doesn’t only help with the front desk operations like booking reservations or guest check-in and check-out. It constantly evolves and helps hoteliers manage all aspects of their property. 

Hotel management software also automatizes most manual tasks and helps employees focus on creating a personalized guest experience. 

2. Types of PMS

The two main types of hotel management software you can come across are:

✅On-site property management system

This system is distinctive in the way it stores data. An on-site server is required for this type of software to function. 

Its maintenance is left up to the hotel. In-house IT support is required to maintain functionality.

✅Cloud-based PMS

This type of software doesn’t require an on-site server and is connected to the internet. It is accessible through most devices in the accommodation and has lower maintenance costs.

Main differences between cloud-based software and on-site property management system to help hospitality proffessionals choose the right one.

3. 7 Main Differences To Consider

1. Installation

Cloud-based System Installation

This type of management software is installed through the internet and can be accessed through any device once an account is made. Data is stored by the vendor, in other words outside of the hotel. 

Maintenance and security fall on the PMS provider. 

Keep in mind- a solid internet connection is required for this type of system to function properly.

On-premise System Installation

Unfortunately, the process of installing this type of system is a bit more complicated.

Firstly, it needs to be manually installed on every device it will be used on. Data is stored in a server that would be located somewhere on the premises. Don’t forget about other backup servers.

Protecting and storing data becomes the sole responsibility of the hotel. 

2. Technical Requirements And Maintenance

Cloud-based Solution Requirements

This one is hands-off.  Forget about servers or backups, everything is hosted by the vendor here. 

All the hotel would need is good internet access and they would be good to go.

Don’t take this too literally, tho. You would still need a desktop or two around the office. The main draw of cloud-based PMS is that it doesn’t require investment in hardware. 

On-premise Solution Requirements

A lot has to be taken care of so this PMS solution can function properly. Some of the hardware that is required is: 

  1. A data server
  2. Back-up servers
  3. A terminal server(for accessing from different locations)
  4. A compatible operating system on all workstations
  5. Dedicated workstations for external systems
  6. Back-up hard drives

Man, that’s a lot. Apart from investing in so much hardware and storing it all on the premises, you would require in-house IT expertise. 

Requirements of on-premise property management system. Comparing cloud-based and on-site PMS.

3. Data Security

According to the latest 2024 investigation report, cyber security risks are at an all-time high. It was reported that 14% of attacks were due to exploiting initial access step vulnerabilities. In addition to that, 62% of attacks involved ransomware or extortion. 

Data security is extremely important in the hospitality industry so consider this factor when choosing hotel software.

Cloud-based PMS Security

Providing security for your data is the responsibility of the vendor when using a cloud-based system. Your employees still shouldn’t click on any links sent to them by a Nigerian prince leaving them an inheritance.

Jokes aside, robust measures are implemented on this kind of software that make sure having data breaches is next to impossible. In many cloud-based systems, all data is hosted in multiple data centers which ensures that even if one data center fails, there is a backup. 

On-premise PMS Security

With this kind of system, security is the property’s responsibility. Here are some steps the property can take to keep their data secure when using this PMS system:

  1. Installing anti-virus programs
  2. Securing private networks
  3. Restricting access to server rooms
  4. Manual data backup processes
  5. Implementing backup servers and generators

While it might feel safer to store all data on your own hardware and call it a day, this can represent a big risk. In case of fires or floods, this hardware can be damaged and pose a nightmare for your hotel. 

4. Cost Of Investment 

When debating operating costs, we believe it is important to take into consideration time as well as money. Saving time for management as well as front desk staff can be as important as saving on expenses. 

Cloud-based System Costs

Cloud hotel PMS usually charges on a monthly subscription and based on the number of rooms. While this expense can add up over time, it is important to consider other things that your money isn’t going towards. 

With no hardware onsite, there are no maintenance and update costs. Usually, on-premise software licenses can be costly and there could be additional fees if you want to add more workspaces in the future. Additional security costs may be something you invest as well to keep your server room secure. 

Taking into consideration time as well as the biggest currency, cloud PMS offers peace of mind. With no more endless wires and constant need for the upkeep of this system, hotel staff can focus more on the guests. You also don’t need to be a tech mogul to figure out how to use this software. All the technical stuff is taken care of by the vendor. 

On-premise System Costs

The reality is that this type of hotel property management system isn’t designed for medium-sized or small hotels. This sort of system is considered to be a capital expenditure so many properties can’t afford it at all.

Some of the biggest fees you would face when choosing this type of hotel management system are:

  1. Software license
  2. Annual maintenance fees
  3. Hardware and IT costs

This type of software might require more work and time invested towards maintenance and learning the system. 

6. Ease Of Integration

Other software like POS systems or accounting software might be needed to run your property. Having them integrated with your hotel management solution is essential for running your business smoothly. 

Cloud-based Property Management System Integration

This one is usually the easiest solution. While many come already integrated with other partnering software solutions, integration is pretty seamless. Due to open APIs and common Web standards, cloud-based software is easily integrated with external solutions. 

On-premise Property Management System Integration

While on-premise hotel PMS solutions allow integration with other software, this process is very complex. It would usually require manual technical work as well as additional hardware.

💡Shining the spotlight

When it comes to integration, we’re shining the spotlight on OTA Sync cloud-based hotel management software that has partnered with many external software and offers easy and quick integrations with new external solutions.

6. System Accessibility And Mobility

Cloud-based PMS Software Accessibility

Because this system is deployed online, it can be accessible via a secure login on any mobile device from anywhere. The only requirement is a good WiFi connection. The cloud solution is a clear winner in terms of accessibility as this can not be matched by any modern on-site PMS.

On-premise PMS Software Accessibility

While it is possible to access the system remotely with this kind of solution, it is again, not as easy. This kind of extravagance would require additional technical setup and would also depend on the server workload. A clear loser in this category, unfortunately. 

7. Updates And Upgrades

Cloud Property Management Upgrades

This type of hotel PMS offers updates that are usually free and easily installed. This means that the software is always up to date. A good advantage is that this doesn’t require any technical knowledge from the hoteliers or additional hardware.

On-premise Property Management Upgrades

The biggest drawback to upgrading on-premises PMS is that it can be quite expensive. Software updates can also sometimes mean hardware updates. 

4. Wrapping it up

Deciding on the right solution to run hotel operations smoothly asks for many factors to be taken into consideration. Based on this comparison, a clear winner is the cloud-based hotel management system. 

By lowering costs and offering more flexibility and accessibility,  cloud-based hotel PMS is a modern solution that is becoming the norm in the hospitality industry. While both have pros and cons, on-premise and cloud PMS have a distinct difference in performance and maintenance needs.

Saving time is also a big factor where cloud systems take the win which is essential for running a successful hotel business. 

5. How OTA Sync Can Help

OTA Sync is an all-in-one cloud-based software solution for managing hotels and apartments. Because of cloud-based technology, costs are drastically reduced, daily tasks are automated, and the overall efficiency and revenues of the property are increased.

OTA Sync software is suitable for medium and small hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and apartments. The company has over 2.000 satisfied users in 17 countries around the world.

There are four complete solutions for managing hotels and apartments:

For a free trial, click here.

Keep Learning

  1. Channel Manager vs PMS – What’s the Difference?
  2. How To Reduce Hotel Operating Costs
  3. Virtual Credit Cards: Everything You Need To Know

Virtual Credit Cards: Everything You Need To Know 

Posted on by Andjela Toncev

Virtual Credit Cards or VCCs for short are gaining more traction. Experts predict that the global value of VCC transactions will reach a staggering number of 6.8 trillion dollars by 2026.

But, will this benefit you? Who are the most common users of this payment method? 

Most importantly, what are the drawbacks and what do you need to be on the lookout for?

Understanding how this payment process works lets you stay on top of the latest technological advancements.

Let’s dive right in!

1. What Is A Virtual Credit Card?

This hot new way of payment is a temporary credit card number used to facilitate online charges or transactions. Created as an extra measure of security, these cards use randomly generated numbers instead of revealing real credit card details. 

VCCs are not limited to credit cards only but can be referring to and in support of:

✅ Debit cards

✅ Prepaid cards

✅ Credit cards.

This also includes deferred debit cards.

It’s worth noting that, because of a higher security risk, deferred debit and credit cards have higher interchange fees than just immediate debit and prepaid cards. 

These unique card numbers can be charged or refunded based on your need. Compared to traditional payment methods, this new payment solution has many benefits. 

Everything you need to know about Virtual Credit Cards: Types of VCCs

2. Who Do Virtual Credit Cards Benefit The Most?

The need for a VCN(Virtual Card Number) arose in the market through B2B hospitality. It’s less common for individuals to opt for virtual credit card payments but it’s not impossible. So, who are the users you would most likely need to accommodate?

✅ Business travelers

✅OTAs

✅ Individual travelers.

Let’s look at how using this type of virtual card suits each of them.

1. Business Travelers

Before this new technology, people on work trips had the discomfort of covering the costs of their stay on their personal cards. They would then have to ask their boss for reimbursements. 

Imagine the distress. A surprise work trip after a weekend bender could have brought you to financial ruin. Well, those days are over.

With these, travel payment is made directly without burdening the employee. 

2. OTAs

There are two ways OTAs charge guests for their booking:

✅ By sending the credit card information to the property and having them charge the guest

✅ By charging them themselves and then creating a VCC used to send the payment to the property

In case of sending information to the accommodation, the hotelier would receive raw card information and would be on the hook for authenticating the transaction. This also sends the guest from one website to the next one and often results in discouraging the guest from making the purchase. 

In the latter case, the OTA processes the payment themselves, which makes the guest experience more seamless. 

3. Individual Travelers

Guests like to use VCCs because of the security they offer. By making a single-use virtual card, they know they can book a stay at any accommodation without the risk of fraud.  This payment card expires once the transaction has been made.

When booking your accommodation through a booking platform, they are allowed to choose their preferred payment option. Their funds are then transferred to a VCC which you can then charge as any regular card. 

These cards can be charged or refunded based on your need. 

To learn more about the types of guests you could encounter in your property, click here.

3. Benefits Of Using Virtual Payments

1. Enhanced Security

These cards offer a great way to protect card information from fraudulent activities. Since these cards are generated randomly and can be for single use only, they bring peace of mind to all parties involved.

Single-use numbers expire after the transaction is made so even if someone found the payment details, they wouldn’t be able to do much about it.

With spending limits and real-time transaction monitoring, this is a great security benefit. 

2. Easy Expense Management

Organizing your expenses becomes easy for business travelers with virtual cards. With detailed reports and comprehensive transaction data, they can keep track of their spending.

3. In Case Of An Emergency

These cards also come in handy if employees misplace or forget their corporate cards. Creating a single-use VCC can be a lifesaver.

If an unexpected expense arises along the way, and traditional payment methods can not be approved quickly enough, this is a rapid solution to the problem.

4. Streamlined Operations With A Channel Manager

Having a powerful tool like a channel manager is what can make your hotel’s business run more smoothly regarding digital cards. 

Accommodations benefit from using this tool by having automatic import with other reservation details from booking platforms or OTAs.

4. Drawbacks Of Virtual Credit Card Payments

1. High Interchange Fees

Using virtual cards inside of Europe is regulated by the PSD2 regulation. Broken down, this regulation ensures a 0.2% fee on consumer debit cards and a 0.3% fee on consumer credit cards. 

The interchange fees on corporate cards are 1.5%. PSD2 regulation referees only to European-issued cards. Hold your celebration, since the interchange fees elsewhere are usually even higher. 

If you’re overwhelmed now, there’s unfortunately more coming.

Besides these rates you need to be on the lookout for :

?Scheme fees

?Acquirer fees

?Payment gateway fees.

These are the usual credit card fees but these are NOT included in the already high VCC rates.

2. Limited Use

Based on the booking platform, charging for additional services inside the hotel might be a hassle. 

Some VCCs might not allow charging for more than it was booked in advance.

This means you will need to charge the guest’s real credit card if they want to book one of your amenities. Be careful not to overwrite the VCC details in the reservation system when imputing their real credit card number.

There is a way to charge a VCC for add-ons, but it’s going to be complicated.

The process is called incremental authorization or over-capture. Adding a percentage on the VCC charge under the guise of incidentals is how you do the trick.

But not only is this complex to do but it increases the amount of administrative load. This means you need to step away from your usual payment methods and adapt to the requirements of each booking platform. 

What a mess.

5. Booking.com And VCC

Most of you probably heard of this term through Booking.com. Let’s take a look at how this card is typically used on this platform.

✅ A new VCC is sent with each new booking you receive that is included in the guest’s reservation

✅ Each one has a unique activation and expiration date, its own CVC, and other details. After expiration, these numbers won’t be used again.

✅ You can charge a VCC using a POS machine. 

1. How To Charge?

You can either charge this card by 

a POS machine, or

if you use a property management system(PMS), add the payment to your guest’s reservation.

2. How To Refund?

Booking.com is on your side with this one. They are there to offer help and support through this process.

In most cases, if the transaction is completed, you can just send the same amount back to the same VCN. 

If you are having trouble with this, contact your bank and Booking.com for support.

6. Online Payment Processor

Payment Processing is based on online billing and processing of card payments. It includes payment information from the customer to complete the transaction.

It does not require POS devices, and customers can pay in multiple currencies.

In addition, full card verification ensures that both your data and the customer’s data are fully protected, reducing the possibility of fraud. Helping your customers feel safe when paying online is a key ingredient in creating brand loyalty and building a reputation of a serious and respectable business. 

A key role is played by the reception system (PMS), which is why the Payment Processor must be successfully integrated with your PMS. 

7. Benefits Of Integrated Online Payment Processing With A PMS

1. Improving Guest Experience

The implementation of this system allows guests to pay as they wish from booking to check-out, thus improving the user experience and the possibility of repeat bookings.

2. No More Errors

Automation significantly reduces errors and the time required to correct them. Preventing mistakes is very important and beneficial to your business.

3. Faster Transactions

Payment is much faster and more efficient, which we all know is greatly appreciated by any guest.

4. No Need For A Physical POS Machine

If we are being honest, most people do not carry cash on them these days. Paying with a card or even a phone is an easier alternative to going to an ATM. It is simply not in style anymore.POS machines might be a thing of the past, they break easily and might take a longer time to process the payment if they are not connected to the internet properly. Giving this option to your guests will be amazingly appreciated and noticed on the market.

8. Wrapping It Up

VCCs have their pros and cons. They are very secure and convenient for corporate travel on the guest end but carry expensive fees and complications on the hotel’s end.

They are a way to charge a guest’s credit card through an OTA or a booking platform without making it very difficult or unsafe for the customer. 

If they are used for a single transaction they expire right after but can be made to have recurring charges. 

Using a PMS with a Channel Manager will make dealing with these so much easier.

The decision to integrate virtual cards is on you, but the reality is they are widely spread and commonly used. 

9. How OTA Sync Can Help

OTA Sync is an all-in-one cloud-based software solution for managing hotels and apartments. Because of cloud-based technology, costs are drastically reduced, daily tasks are automated, and the overall efficiency and revenues of the property are increased.

OTA Sync software is suitable for medium and small hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and apartments. The company has over 2.000 satisfied users in 17 countries around the world.

There are four complete solutions for managing hotels and apartments:

OTA Payments is a fully integrated payment gateway that uses automation to instantly process transactions with just a single click.

OTA Payments are quick, easy, and integrated into OTA Sync PMS. Real-time payments are also enabled on your Booking Engine.

For a free trial, click here.

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