What Is Dynamic Pricing For Hotels: Pricing Strategy In Hospitality

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 

Choosing the Right HoReCa Products For Your Hotel

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 industryhotels, 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

Key Tips For Airbnb Hosts: Boost Your Rental Success In 2025

There are over 7.7 million active Airbnb listings as of February 2025. That’s quite the number of properties for one to choose from and more than the population of Hong Kong

How would YOUR rental stand out in a number like that? 

You’ve reached the perfect place to help increase your property’s visibility. With this Airbnb tip guide, you are guaranteed an increase in positive reviews ultimately leading to an increased occupancy rate. 

Let’s jump right into it! ⬇️

How To Start Hosting On Airbnb

If you haven’t already become an Airbnb host, you may wonder what it takes to become one. There are 3 essential steps to follow.

Step 1

The first step is to create an Airbnb account

Go to the website and click Become a Host. After reaching the next page, you will be prompted to sign up with your desired method. Be sure to add a clear and inviting photo of yourself. 

Step 2

On to the next step – create your listing using the tips provided. Tell your guests a little bit about yourself, be welcoming, and be clear about everything you have to offer with your home. 

Step 3

In the final step, consider the following traits:  

  • Have flexible availability
  • Provide top-notch communication with guests by being polite, clear, and responsive
  • Have an outstanding hospitality demeanor 

Great hospitality is crucial to being a successful host as it improves the overall guest experience.

Financial Tips For Starting Or Improving Your Airbnb Business 

Starting up a side gig or full-time business can be stressful when it comes to finances. Once you have a home or space to work with, you might ask yourself “What are some ways to be cost-effective?” 

There are many solutions to this concern. 

If you want to read more about how to cut costs as a hotelier, click here.

How to cut costs as airbnb host and increase financial revenue

Bulk-buying

You are sure to have heard of this one before. Bulk-buying toiletries and accessories from one place for a lower cost saves you time and money. 

Buying smaller one-time-use items at full cost that require constant replenishing leads to larger spending and potentially limited availability to guests. 

What this also gives you is an opportunity to communicate to your guests that you are eco-friendly. Using refillable products is not only cost-efficient but also helpful for the environment.

Don’t forget to publish your efforts publicly so your audience knows that you stand with the green agenda.

IoT

IoT regulates energy consumption. These can be smart light sensors based on UV exposure and automated heating and cooling with smart thermostats. 

IoT can also include motion sensors to operate lighting whenever motion is detected and avoid the use of light when it isn’t needed. 

This is a great way to save up on unnecessary costs

Not only made for cheapskates, IoT is a technological advancement that is sure to create a highly technological experience for your guests. 

Proactive Maintenance 

Proactive maintenance is inevitable. Cleaning and maintenance are required for everything with wear and tear items. 

Like an automobile, your home ages and wears over time. Repainting, plumbing, and  HVAC, all require upkeep. Exceeding in these areas before they become a real problem will cut costs on overall repair, and keep the property up for booking. 

Once something becomes a real problem such as plumbing, the home is no longer in service when a big repair is in effect. 

Automated Software 

Automated software helps free up some time for hosts so they can be productive in other areas of the business. This allows you as a host to have a more open schedule to concentrate on improving your Airbnb rental.

We are shining the spotlight on OTA Sync’s PMS, which will automate most tasks on your property.

This will leave you time to create a personalized guest experience.

Making Your Airbnb Vacation Rental a Memorable Experience

It’s the little things. That’s not just some overused peachy saying, the little things are crucial to ensuring your rental has planted a positive seed in your guests’ memory. Take location for example: 

Urban Area

If your Airbnb is in an urban area, you could create a little guide for potential guests with ideas on things to do in the area based on your preferred activities. 

For example: list some of your favorite coffee shops nearby, museums, pop-up events, or restaurants. Tips from a local like yourself are highly appreciated because information like this cannot be found in a typical guidebook.

Wildlife Area

In the chance your accommodation happens to be in a more wildlife area, consider leaving an inexpensive Polaroid camera and film for sightseeing (guests love memory hardcopies). 

A little map of popular sites nearby with outlooks or hiking trails is also very helpful. 

Offer tips about the area like safety advice on certain hiking trails you may be familiar with, or suggestions on places to eat along the way. 

Nothing is better than knowing all the ins and outs only a local would know.

Indoor Entertainment

Provide indoor entertainment! 

Leave out your favorite movies, board games, and some snacks guests can munch on in case they decide to stay in for the day.

 Makes your guests feel at home.

Clear House Rules

Provide clear house rules for the guests to keep in mind.

Keep Your Rental Space Tidy 

There isn’t anything worse than hair in the sink, dust on the tables, or crumbs in the sheets. 

So let’s be sure we’re neat (especially in the bathroom)

Airbnb has a cleaning fee option that you set yourself, so factor in the expense of a cleaning service or housekeeper. The Airbnb guests should be able to feel like this is their home or better! 

The cleaner the space, the better the reviews, and the higher the occupancy. 

💡Shining The Spotlight

We have to tell you about OTA Sync’s Housekeeping app. Not only does it help you organize housekeeping, but it also makes sure the employees can’t forge time stamps. 

Don’t be scammed or disorganized with housekeeping, as it is very important.

Make Your Property Stand Out  

Furnishing and decoration goes a long way. 

Decorate and furnish your property to appeal to your target audience. Consider using comfortable yet stylish items. 

Add touches like fresh flowers, tasteful artwork, linens, or any thoughtful decor. Stick to warmer lighting as this creates a cozy atmosphere and makes guests feel welcome. 

If your property is visually appealing, guests are more likely to book and rebook your space.

💡Listing Tip:

The visual appeal of your listing/space impacts potential guests’ first impressions

Showcase your property and make your listing POP! Hire a professional photographer for high-quality photos of every living space on the property. Some key photos include:

  • Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchen
  • Bathroom(s)
  • Amenities
  • Patio/porch (if available)
  • Clear exterior photos

AVOID using wide-angle photos when taking photos of the interior as this makes the property look more spacious than it may be. 

Airbnb Listing Title And Description

How to properly list your Airbnb listing and description

Appealing Title

Adding an appealing title to your Airbnb property using descriptive words that add emotion, using specific details such as “with balcony” and “ocean view” with a specific location such as “beachfront” attracts guest attention. 

It provides a clear understanding of what to expect from your property and lets guests know your property is in a top-tier location. 

Appealing Description

Avoid using generic words such as “nice home” and “cozy home”. 

There are emotions behind vague descriptions like these, and certainly, avoid vague location descriptions such as “near the beach” or “on the beach”. 

These do not paint a picture of how close the home is to the oceanfront and highlight the location of your property. 

This ensures realistic guest expectations and is part of clear communication.  

💡Fun Fact 

It takes users an average of 11 minutes and 31 seconds when booking a stay on the Airbnb app.

In that short time, make sure your listing leaves an impression! 

Road To Becoming A Superhost

Nobody wants to stay being the average Joe. Become a superhost

Following this guide will get you there in no time. According to Airbnb, there are key requirements to achieve the status of a superhost.

  1. Hosted at least 10 reservations, or 3 reservations that total at least 100 nights
  2. Maintained a 90% or higher response rate
  3. Maintained a less than 1% cancellation rate
  4. Maintained a 4.8 or higher overall rating

Back to the basics! 

Presentation, guest communication, top-notch hospitality, and fantastic property management all tie into becoming a successful Airbnb host. 

How Can OTA Sync Help? 

Saving time and increasing revenue has never been easier. Connecting with us and using OTA Sync’s booking engine will save you a good chunk of expenses by removing the need to hire staff if you own multiple Airbnb properties. 

We have over 2,000 satisfied users in 17 countries at the time of writing who can confidently vouch for our services. As you expand your Airbnb business whether it be for short stays or short-term rental bookings, OTA Sync is guaranteed the perfect solution for you.

See what we can do for you with our user-friendly and highly effective software:

✔️ Property Management Software

✔️ Booking Engine  

✔️Guest App

✔️Channel Manager

📲Mobile App (Now available!)

🚨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

AI In the Hospitality Industry

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

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?

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 

The Glamping Business: How To Increase Your Revenue 

You’ve heard of camping and probably enjoyed a night beneath the stars yourself. 

Make way for camp’s fancy cousin – glamping

With winter around the corner and many tourists wanting the camping experience but not the weather discomfort that comes with it, glamping is a perfect solution.

This blog will discuss how to take your business to the next level. We will also mention some marketing tips and tricks here and there.

Most of all, we will focus on helping you increase your revenue as a business owner.

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

What Is Glamping?

The word originates from a fuse of two words: glamourous and camping.

As the name suggests, this form of vacationing appeals to travelers who want to experience adventure and nature, but don’t want to compromise on comfort. 

This trend has gained a lot of traction in recent years and has attracted a new audience of nature lovers and luxury tourists.

A glamping accommodation could be:

✅ Luxury Tents

✅ Yurts

✅ Geo Domes

✅Bell Tents

✅Cabins

✅Pods

✅Shepherd Huts

✅Treehouses

How The Glamping Business Rose To Popularity

The hustle of the city never slows down. Gone are peaceful evenings with the family, big cities never sleep.

Paired with the marketing efforts of this new hospitality branch, the glamping experience quickly appealed to a broad audience. Not giving up comfort yet having an opportunity to escape to nature appealed to many.

The main draw for this kind of vacation is the visual experience. Accommodations are usually set in beautiful nature resorts or scenic locations.

Catering to these travelers can be a bit of a challenge. These tourists expect the sites to be sustainable and eco-friendly since their stay is about connecting with nature. 

3 Types Of Glamping

If you want to focus your brand, you should know what different types of glamping there are. 

Once you find something that rings a bell, focus your business plan and marketing strategies according to your brand. 

3 types of glamping: luxury glamping, adventure glamping and eco-friendly glamping. Tips on how to increase your ROI in glamping.

1. Luxury Glamping

Tourists interested in luxury glamping want an exclusive experience and fine dining set in picturesque nature sites. High-end hospitality combined with the beauty of nature is what makes the allure of this type of experience.

💡Marketing Pro Tips

  1. When trying to appeal to these kinds of travelers, emphasize the look and design of the accommodation you offer. Showcase the blend of luxury, comfort, and scenic nature that surrounds it. Focusing on what sort of guest experience you offer can be something that separates you from the crowd in social media marketing.
  2. You can film a video that showcases a day in the life of a guest glamping at your site. Make sure you’re showing both the comfortability of the accommodation and the beauty of nature that surrounds it.
  3. Rainy day? Don’t put that camera down just yet! Showing someone being cozy in your glamping site while the elements rage around them can emphasize what you offer.

2. Adventure Glamping

What are thrill seekers and nature enthusiasts supported to do when they don’t want to compromise on comfort? They should go adventure glamping, of course!

Branding yourself as an adventure glamping site means offering exciting nature-related activities. Being close to hiking trails or bungee jumping sites can also be an added benefit for this sort of glamping business plan.

Collaborating with a local nature guide or a local business that offers quad rental can be an added benefit to your business.

💡Marketing Pro Tips

  1. When trying to appeal to these adventure seekers, don’t forget to list all of your amenities as well. It’s a given you will show beautiful hiking trails and thrilling activities. Don’t forget glamping is all about not compromising comfort.
  2. Do you offer massages after a long and tiring adventure? Or a comfortable chair or a hammock people can relax in? Don’t forget to show it!
  3. These adventurers tend to be rather social as well. Making a campfire in the evening can be very appealing for them. If you don’t mind the noise, you can get them an acoustic guitar and watch them come back to your campsite year after year.

3. Eco-friendly Glamping

Fostering a connection between humans and nature, this accommodation style is all about the green agenda. Tourists seeking sustainability are the target audience here. 

💡Marketing Pro Tips

  1. Showcase sustainable practices. Highlight your environmental commitment by showcasing your eco-friendly practices on social media and your website. Share behind-the-scenes content of your sustainable building materials, energy-efficient systems, and waste reduction efforts. 
  2. Partner with Eco Influencers. Invite them to stay at your glamping site and share their experiences with their followers. Their authentic reviews and captivating content can amplify your message and attract eco-minded travelers eager to support green businesses.
  3. Create special promotions for guests who prioritize sustainability. Offer discounts or perks for those who bring reusable items, participate in on-site conservation activities, or travel using eco-friendly transportation. Highlight these incentives in your marketing materials to attract environmentally aware travelers and build a community of like-minded guests who value and support your green initiatives.
Glamping amenities. List of things to do to upgrade your glamping business and make bigger glamping profits.

5 Make Or Break Factors That Will Determine Your Income On The Glamping Market

1. Tent Type

Running a successful glamping business depends greatly on the tent type you have to offer. This is also a big factor in determining what kind of business model you should choose.

Tent type doesn’t necessarily determine the type of glamping you offer. A lavishly furnished treehouse can be considered luxury glamping. 

Your main focus should be researching the renting cost of the type of tent you offer. It’s important not to overcharge or undercharge your customer. 

2. Location

Location is extremely important in determining your earnings in the glamping industry.

Being located near a national park, ski resorts or hiking trails is what could be drawing the crowds in all year round.

On the other hand, tourists look for easily accessible accommodation. Good roads and parking spots are usually a concern for travelers when choosing their glamping stay.

How To Increase Your Revenue?

Does your location draw tourists in only seasonally? Here’s a fresh idea for you! You could offer event venue services. Register and market your accommodation as available to rent for events. Perties, weddings or teambuildings. This could draw potential guests in during the low-season months!

3. Number Of Bookings You Get Per Month

Your revenue is sure to fluctuate from month to month. This is related to the number of bookings you get. It is completely normal. 

The number of units you offer is also a factor in this equation. 

How To Increase Your Revenue?

Are you trying to get your bookings up? Partner with a company that offers various activities like hiking tours or car rentals in the area. You can link to each other’s websites. An accommodation that offers activities besides just a place to stay will be more interesting to potential customers. 

Besides this, using a tool like a channel manager can help you manage your platform presence. Watch closely which platform brings you the most customers monthly. After that, it’s only a matter of research on how to increase your traffic on each platform.

We have a blog on this subject.

4. Operating Costs

Operating costs will affect your prices and earnings. Watch out for these key expenses: 

  1. Cleaning: Regular cleaning is essential but can be expensive.
  2. Laundry: Costs for washing linens and towels can add up.
  3. Marketing: Spending on ads and promotions helps attract guests, but keep track of these costs.
  4. Maintenance and Repairs: Regular upkeep and fixing issues can be costly. Plan for these expenses to avoid surprises.
  5. Insurance: Protecting your business with insurance is important but can be a significant cost.
  6. Taxes: Be aware of your tax obligations to avoid penalties.
  7. Utilities: Water and electricity bills can vary. Monitor and manage usage to keep costs down.

By keeping an eye on these expenses, you can better control your costs and improve your profitability.

Operating costs of a glaming business. Ways to increase glamping revenue

5. Ameneties You Offer

When you start a glamping business, you know it’s not just about creating a place for someone to spend the night at. It’s making sure guests want to spend time at your accommodation.

The more amenities you offer, the bigger your revenue is going to get.

How To Increase Your Revenue?

Upgrade your amenities and facilities. Some of the amenities glampers love are:

✅ Kitchenettes

✅ Internet Access

✅ Bathtubs

✅ Bars

✅ Televisions

✅ Swimming Pools

Try offering anything that could create an unforgettable experience for them.

Luxury glamping bell tent and yurts. Advice on how to upscale your glamping business.

Top 9 Tips On How To Increase Your Revenue Potential

1. Explore Dynamic Pricing Options

The ever-changing hospitality business calls for a flexible pricing approach. Adjusting rates seasonally allows you to capitalize on high demand during peak times while maintaining steady profits in slower periods.

This requires a careful review of your pricing model to align with regional peak travel times, ensuring you maximize revenue without deterring guests during the off-season.

2. Reduce Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

Every cost-reducing strategy first needs to be weighed with how it affects the guest experience. As a glamping business owner, you should always prioritize the quality of guest experience. This drives your pricing power, after all. 

Analyze your utility costs, as they offer a great opportunity for savings. Consider switching to solar panels or energy-efficient appliances, reducing long-term expenses without compromising guest comfort or your site’s eco-appeal.

Next, review your supply chain. Are you getting the best deals without sacrificing quality? Negotiating bulk discounts or exploring cost-effective alternatives can save money while supporting sustainable practices.

Finally, regular maintenance prevents costly repairs, preserving your site’s high standards and prolonging the lifespan of amenities.

3. Upsell And Cross-sell

Upselling isn’t only about increasing your revenue stream, but also about creating personalized experiences for your guests.  Getting to know your guests and giving them options is what will make them feel valued.

Comparing upselling and cross-selling in glamping. Tips on how to increase your glamping site profits.

Successful upselling relies on time and relevance. Make sure your employees are offering upgrades upon booking or arrival. At this moment guests are the most interested in enhancing their stay. 

Cross-selling is about offering other complementary products. Making dining experience bundle deals or luxury spa offers can be a good idea to boost your business. 

A great tool that can help you with this is a Guest App.

We’re shining the spotlight on OTA Sync’s Guest App.

Ensuring guest satisfaction and more opportunities to upsell, a Guest App is a technological step in the right direction.

4. Streamline Operations For Efficiency

Achieving operational excellence often starts with simplifying and standardizing processes. By eliminating unnecessary steps and reducing complexity, you can ensure that each part of your business operates at peak efficiency.

This emphasis on streamlining helps lower costs and boost productivity, and ultimately enhances profitability by getting more done with fewer resources.

5. Include Add-on Services

To boost your glamping business profits and stay competitive, you need to find new ways to make more money. Adding extra services can create new revenue opportunities and fit well with your overall business plan. Some strategies are particularly effective at increasing profits and improving your services.

To boost profits, carefully plan how you add new services. Make sure each new service fits well with what you already offer. Understand your customers and what they want. Look at trends and preferences to find services that will attract them and increase revenue.

Examples include exclusive workshops, extended warranties, or personalized consultations. Focus on making these services high-quality and relevant for success.

6. Profit Margin Management

Managing profit margins is vital for running a glamping business successfully. It’s not something you do once, but a process that requires constant review and adjustment. By staying on top of this, your business can not only survive but thrive, even with seasonal changes and shifting customer preferences.

To keep a clear picture of your finances, it’s important to have a strong system for regular reviews. These reviews help you make smart changes to your business when needed. Whether you do them monthly or quarterly, check your income, balance sheet, and cash flow to stay aware of your financial situation.

The old saying goes: “If you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know your business.”

7. Adopt Technology Solutions

Using advanced technology can automate routine tasks, provide key data insights, and connect different parts of your business. Tools like property management software and AI can simplify complex tasks and support better decision-making, which helps you stay competitive and boost profits.

In short, combining streamlined processes with smart technology helps you achieve and maintain operational excellence, fostering continuous improvement and long-term profitability.

We’re shining the spotlight on OTA Sync’s all-in-one solution.

OTA Sync can greatly improve your operations by linking your Property Management System (PMS), booking engine, and channel manager. By automating data updates across these systems, OTA Sync streamlines bookings minimizes errors, and ensures real-time availability across all platforms. This seamless synchronization simplifies management tasks, improves accuracy, and boosts efficiency, ultimately leading to better decision-making and increased profitability.

8. Scale Your Glamping Business

Before expanding your glamping business, it’s important to create a clear business plan. Research the market, understand your target customers, and find what makes your site special. A solid plan helps make sure your business meets both market needs and your financial goals.

To attract more guests and grow your customer base, try offering different types of accommodations. You could add options like treehouses, yurts, or luxury tents. Having a variety of choices can bring in more visitors and boost your income.

9. Monitor Guest Feedback

As a glamping site owner, adapting to market changes is essential. Markets shift, new competitors appear, and guest expectations change—your success depends on your ability to keep up. Use customer feedback to improve your services and stay ahead of trends.

✅ Watch social media and review sites to see what guests are saying.
✅ Look at booking patterns to predict changes in demand.
✅ Stay updated on industry trends and innovations.

Managing profit margins and regularly reviewing your finances will help keep your business sustainable and profitable. Listening to market changes and customer feedback is key to running a successful site.

We have a blog on enhancing guest experience in your vacation rental.

Glamping tent with a view. How to increase your revenue as a glamping business.

Conclusion

In conclusion, boosting your glamping business revenue means using smart strategies and good marketing. Expand your offerings, streamline operations, and use the right marketing channels to attract more guests and increase profits.

Adjust your pricing, add unique experiences, and improve your online presence. Small changes can lead to big results, so review and refine your strategies regularly for long-term success.

How OTA Sync Can Help

OTA Sync is a cloud software solution for all hotelier needs.
Automating most of the tasks needed for running hotels, private rooms, or campsites, OTA Sync offers a unique opportunity for hoteliers with their all-in-one solution. Our clients report seeing an increase in revenue and fewer hours spent on doing manual tasks. Their employees were able to focus on creating the best experience for their guests, which tourists greatly appreciated.

The Property Management System offers a top-of-the-line, quick and easy solution, with a soothing layout and intuitive features.

✅ Through a modern-designed Booking Engine allows the guest to make a reservation through the facility’s website, in real-time.
Channel Manager connects all OTA’s channels via a single control panel which prevents overbooking and booking errors.
The Guest App offers quick check-ins, tailored recommendations, and instant notifications, ensuring a unique and seamless experience for every guest.


OTA Sync software is suitable for medium and small hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and apartments. The company has more than 2.000 satisfied users in 17 countries worldwide.

The software contributes to saving time and costs, increasing the number of reservations, and facilitating communication between the sales and reception departments.
A mobile app is also available for iOS and Android users, for even faster and easier management, from anywhere.

Virtual Credit Cards: Everything You Need To Know 

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.

Keep Learning

  1. How To Reduce Hotel Operating Costs
  2. How Can Hotel Management Software Help You Improve Your Business
  3. What Is Revenue Per Available Room Revpar And How It Is Used

Top 4 Hotel Trends You Should Know In 2024

As the hospitality industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing guest preferences and new technologies, staying on top of emerging trends is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge.

Thus, it would be beneficial to keep an eye on new trends to improve service quality and adapt to the needs of modern travelers.

Curious to discover the top 4 hotel trends in 2024?

Let’s get started, then!

Top 4 Hotel Trends To Watch For This Year

1. Implement Contactless Technology

Adding contactless solutions to your hotel’s tech stack is about more than following the latest trends. 

It’s also about streamlining your hotel’s operations and enhancing guest satisfaction. 

1.1. Enable Mobile Check-Ins

Mobile check-in options allow your guests to check in to their rooms and complete pre-arrival procedures using their mobile devices without visiting the front desk. 

These options offer:

  • Convenience, 
  • Efficiency, and 
  • A personalized guest experience, benefiting both you and your guests.
Key Benefits of Mobile Check-Ins

? Convenience

Guests can bypass the front desk queues, save time and complete the process at their convenience, whether en route to the hotel or upon arrival.

? Contactless Experience

Mobile check-in promotes a contactless check-in process, reducing physical touchpoints and promoting health and safety measures, which is particularly relevant in a post-pandemic travel environment.

? Personalization

Guests can select room preferences, view upgrades, and access special offers, enabling a more personalized and tailored stay experience based on their preferences.

guests-preferred-devices

? Efficiency

Mobile check-in automates the check-in process, reduces wait times, minimizes paperwork, and enhances staff productivity.

By doing so, your hotel staff can focus on guest service and other tasks.

? Upsell Opportunities

You can use mobile check-in platforms to promote room upgrades, amenities, and additional services to guests during check-in and drive incremental revenue.

? Data Insights

Mobile check-in options provide valuable data insights into guest preferences, 

booking patterns and behavior, enabling you to:

  • Analyze guest data, 
  • Personalize marketing efforts, and 
  • Optimize operational strategies to meet guest needs effectively.

Mobile check-in options offer a win-win solution for both you and your guests.

OTA SYNC’s Guest App is a comprehensive solution that allows your guests to:

  • Do a smooth mobile check-in quickly.
  • Obtain all the necessary information about hotel rules and policies.
  • Get answers to the most common questions via our Ask Concierge feature within the app.
otasync-app-preview
  • Enhance their stay by offering upselling options, such as gourmet dinners or luxury spa days.
  • Navigate the stay and get instant reservation updates.
  • Personalize their invoices by selecting and customizing billing details for easier expense monitoring and transparency.

1.2. Transform Your Rooms Into Smart Rooms

Transforming hotel rooms into smart rooms involves integrating technology and automation to enhance guest experiences and improve efficiency.

Besides your hotel’s size and budget, another determining factor in choosing the right solution is the profile of your typical guest.

Therefore, “use” your guest persona to decide which smart features will add value. Later, as your hotel grows, you can gradually incorporate more smart tech.

Thus, depending on the above factors, here are some solutions you may want to implement:

? Smart Room Control —  A central control system or mobile app that allows guests to: 

  • Adjust thermostats, lighting, and other room settings, 
  • Request services, and 
  • Access hotel information from their smartphones or in-room tablets.
smart-room-control-preview

? Smart Connectivity — Provide various solutions for work, entertainment, and communication purposes, such as:

  • High-speed Wi-Fi, 
  • Wireless charging stations, 
  • Smart TVs with streaming services,
  •  Bluetooth-enabled speakers, etc.

? Smart Keys — Come in various forms, including keycards, key fobs, smartphones with digital keys, etc., and provide temporary or time-limited access for specified durations.

? QR Codes — QR codes placed around the room and the hotel offer a handy way to share practical info, such as:

  • House rules, 
  • Restaurant menus, 
  • Digital maps to navigate around the hotel,
  • Upselling offers
  • Room service
  • Direct contact with the front desk, etc.

? Contactless Payments — Implement a POS system to process payments, track inventory, customize menu, etc.

OTA SYNC has a fully integrated payment gateway that instantly processes transactions and allows multiple payment methods.

Thus, you can pay with debit and credit cards, digital wallets, etc.

Since we operate in over 150 countries, the system allows payments in multiple currencies and updates the exchange rate daily.

Furthermore, our OTA Payments tool also automatically charges virtual credit cards from OTAs such as Booking.com, Expedia, Hotelbeds, etc., in a secure way.

otasync-features

Another great perk of using OTA Payments is that it integrates with multiple POS systems, thus providing comprehensive payment solutions.

2. Embrace Direct Bookings

According to the H2c’s 2023 Digital Hotel Operations Study, direct bookings continue to increase. Last year, they accounted for 33% of total bookings.

Furthermore, although most bookings still come from OTAs, the numbers are down compared to the previous years.

So, what makes direct bookings grow in popularity?

The biggest “culprits” for this trend are the quality content on your website and loyalty offers, as well as an increasing guests’ interest in using smart, flexible systems.

With most of the upselling happening during the booking process, direct booking provides ample opportunities to boost ancillary revenue.

booking-upselling-statistic

But there’s even more to direct booking. In addition to reducing your dependency on OTAs and the commission fees, you can collect more guest data.

Most OTAs keep this type of data to themselves. 

However, when you collect data, you can leverage the info to personalize the guest experience and create more tailored offers to align with your guests’ wishes and needs.

Our Booking Engine provides a user-friendly interface so your guests can check room availability, view pricing, and complete secure bookings in real time, at their own pace.

? Moreover, with various booking widgets and availability calendars in more than 15 languages, you get a centralized platform for an easy overview across all channels.

otasync-centralized-platform

? Additional customization options enable you to change logos and colors and tailor the appearance of your booking forms, emails, invoices, and general settings.

? The system is flexible and comes with plenty of options to automate your operations while catering to your guests:

  • Different price lists per accommodation facility, unit or a person with a centralized view.
  • Upselling opportunities, special offers and packages, promo codes, etc.
  • Automated city tax and VAT, depending on the region and market.
  • Extra services, such as extra beds, cots, dry-cleaning, etc.
  • And many more.

3. Tap into The Bleisure Travel Market

If you’ve never heard of bleisure travel, it’s high time you opened your hotel to that possibility.

Blesiure trips, as the name suggests, combine business trips and leisure, creating additional benefits for the hospitality industry.

us-bleisure-travel-market

Although the above stats focus on the US market, bleisure travel is a global phenomenon and an important revenue aspect for other markets.

Business travelers love adding a few extra leisure days to their business trips, especially if their family or friends can join them.

Again, the figures speak for themselves if you look at the statistics.

bleisure-travelers-statistics

So, how can you leverage this rising trend

Provide incentives for companies whose employees stay at your hotel and enable:

  • Special discount prices for extended stays
  • Benefits of loyalty or reward programs
  • Additional perks, such as complimentary room upgrades, late check-out, spa sessions, etc.
  • More personalized offers based on the guest data you’ve collected. For example, guided tours, visits to local attractions, restaurants, markets, etc.
  • High-quality wi-fi and co-working space or a conference room.

4. Opt for Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Solutions

According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report, an increasing number of travelers, 76 % to be more precise, want to travel more sustainably.

Thus, implementing green practices and sustainability has become a great deal within the hospitality sector, which should lower the carbon footprint.

? Energy Conservation

  • Install energy-efficient lighting such as LEDs, motion sensors, and automated controls to reduce electricity consumption.
  • Use renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines to generate clean energy on-site.
  • Implement energy management systems to monitor and optimize energy usage in guest rooms, common areas, and back-of-house operations.

? Water Management

  • Install low-flow fixtures, dual-flush toilets, and water-saving showerheads to reduce water consumption.
  • Implement water recycling systems for irrigation, landscaping, or non-potable water usage. 

? Waste Reduction

  • Partner with recycling companies and incorporate recycling programs throughout the hotel for paper, glass, plastic, and other recyclable materials.
  • Minimize single-use plastics by providing reusable alternatives, such as refillable amenities and water bottles.
approaches-to-minimize-waste-generation
  • Compost organic waste from kitchens and food services to reduce landfill waste and promote sustainability.
  • Do smart meal planning to reduce food waste, and add more vegan and vegetarian options to your menu since this food type can contribute to 75% less climate-heating emissions.

? Go Green

  • Team up with local organic suppliers, farmers, etc., and support the local economy by opting for organic and fresh products.
  • Use eco-conscious cleaning products, linens, and furniture made from recycled or sustainable materials.
  • Offer eco-friendly activities, tours, and experiences that promote environmental education and conservation efforts.
  • Participate in tree planting programs, energy efficiency projects, or renewable energy investments to offset carbon emissions.

Besides obvious benefits to our planet, supporting environmental initiatives can enhance your brand reputation and let you tap into a growing eco-friendly guest base.

Wrapping It Up

Although digitalization in the hospitality industry is integral to adding value to guests’ stays, hotel chains still haven’t fully embraced digitalization regarding guest experience.

Thus, it leaves plenty of space for improvement and personalization.

OTA SYNC, a robust hotel management software, can provide you with digital tools to automate every aspect of hotel operations and overall guest experience.

This way, you can get a head start and solve the biggest challenge in digitalizing operations — system integration.

How Can OTA SYNC Help You Digitalize Your Hotel?

OTA SYNC, an all-encompassing hotel management system, helps you:

? Get more direct bookings via its fully customizable Booking Engine to align with your brand and offer your guests live availability and rates, upsell options, etc.

? Manage reservations, room assignment, check-in, and check-out processes from a centralized place.

? Integrate with point-of-sale systems, ERP solutions, and reporting tools to get a comprehensive overview of the hotel’s performance.

? Update room availability, rates, and bookings in real-time, ensuring consistency across multiple OTAs and booking platforms.

otasync-room-availability

? Efficiently control room distribution and avoid overbooking or underselling with automated updates

? Streamline the planning and execution of events and banquets, track event details, manage reservations, and generate invoices.

? Enhance the operations of your hotel’s spas, wellness centers, and fitness facilities with features such as appointment scheduling, client management, and resource allocation.

? Manage housekeeping via the centralized platform for efficient task assignment, real-time updates on room status, and seamless communication among housekeeping staff.

otasync-report-feature

? Directly communicate and chat with guests that book over Booking.com, Airbnb, and VRBO from a unified inbox, so you won’t miss messages again.

? Automate multiple payment options and instantly process transactions.

And the list goes on.

Want to see OTA SYNC in action?

Try OTA SYNC for free and take your hotel and guest management to the next level.

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Everything About The Banquet in Hotel Feature

Hotel Banqueting is one of the essential revenue sources for hotels because it allows you to sell additional amenities or services.

However, banqueting has many variables, such as different costs, food and beverage, marketing, etc., and you must have a systematic approach to reap its benefits.

What is a banquet in hotels, and how can the Banquet feature drive revenue?

Let’s find out!

What Is a Banquet in Hotels?

A banquet in a hotel is a large, usually formal meal or festivity for many guests in a hotel’s dining or event space. 

Hotels usually organize banquets for special occasions such as:

  • Weddings, 
  • Corporate events, 
  • Conferences, 
  • Gala dinners, 
  • Awards ceremonies and other celebrations that require a spacious venue, catering services, and event coordination. 

What Does Banqueting Cover?

Hotel banqueting covers various aspects that offer a sophisticated and upscale setting.

Venue

Depending on the size and possibilities of your hotel, you can offer 

  • Banquet halls, 
  • Ballrooms, 
  • Function rooms and 
  • Event spaces to accommodate large gatherings for banquets.

These venues typically include seating arrangements, staging areas, dance floors, audiovisual equipment, and other amenities to host events successfully.

banquet-style-setups

Catering Services

You can provide catering services for banquets, offering various menu options, cuisine styles, and dining arrangements to suit the event requirements.

Catering packages may include:

  • Multi-course meals, 
  • Buffets,
  • Food stations,
  • Pre-set services
  • Themed menus, 
  • Beverage selections and customized culinary experiences tailored to guests’ preferences.

Event Planning and Coordination

Your staff, including hotel event planners and coordinators, is in charge of organizing the event, coordinating logistics, managing guest RSVPs, and ensuring seamless execution.

Naturally, your team should work closely with clients to plan event details, customize decor, arrange seating layouts, schedule entertainment, and oversee event flow.

Decor and Ambiance

Elegant decor, lighting arrangements, floral displays, table settings, linens, centerpieces, etc., can enhance the ambiance of banquets and create a festive atmosphere.

You can customize decor to match the event’s theme, branding, color scheme, or style preferences.

Entertainment and Activities

Banquets may include entertainment options such as live music, DJ services, dance performances, interactive activities, photo booths, and other engaging elements to enhance guest enjoyment.

banquet-entertainment-and-activities-tip

Why is Hotel Banqueting an Important Revenue Stream? 

Banquet sales can contribute significantly to your hotel’s revenue stream because they help you make the most of your facilities and otherwise less-used spaces

This allows you to leverage their resources efficiently and maximize profitability.

In addition, professionally organized banqueting can:

  • Enhance your hotel’s reputation and attract new customers since you can showcase your services, amenities, and hospitality to a wide audience. Consequently, positive word-of-mouth can lead to repeat business, referrals, and long-term partnerships with organizations and individuals.
  • Diversify your revenue streams beyond traditional bookings and weather fluctuations in the hospitality industry.

What’s more, you can implement a variety of upselling and cross-selling opportunities for guests to buy additional services, curated packages, etc.

5 Hot Tips to Increase Banquet Sales in Hotels

Hotel banqueting provides abundant benefits and opportunities you can leverage even more by implementing the following tips:

  • Do benchmarking to see what your competitors lack, where you can shine, and offer something they don’t.
  • Target your audience so you can create and tailor the event and the accompanying elements to their specific needs.
increase-banquet-sales-tip-1
  • Advertise your Banquet feature across OTAs, your website, social media channels, etc. 

Opt for channels where most of your target audience resides to increase the possibility of booking.

  • Nurture relationships with previous banqueting guests and create a reward or loyalty program to entice them to return.
increase-banquet-sales-tip-2
  • Monitor OTAs, social media, and other channels to check guests’ sentiments and use them to identify what you do well and where you can improve.

Why Should You Opt For Hotel Management Software (HMS) to Automate Banqueting Service?

Although a banqueting service provides multiple revenue opportunities, organizing an event in your hotel can be a nightmare unless you have robust HMS.

Without an HMS that can automate and streamline online bookings, the process is time-consuming and requires many calls and emails.

This system enables your staff to track all guests’ requests from a centralized dashboard and provide them with accurate information about room and equipment availability.

Additionally, the real-time view and updates allow your staff to quickly respond to changes in guests’ requests and provide them with alternative solutions if necessary.

But, it’s not only about benefits for you.

Online booking possibilities make the process more flexible for guests, too. 

They can explore amenities, banquet spaces, and prices at their own pace to make an informed decision that aligns with their needs, vision, and budget.

Other noteworthy benefits of the banqueting feature within the HMS include:

Customization — During the booking process, guests can make specific requirements based on their needs.

Payment options — Thanks to integrated payment systems, your guests can quickly and safely pay online in multiple ways, using credit cards, digital wallets, etc.

Better organization — Automated housekeeping management ensures all the staff gets real-time updates on room status, eliminating double or missed tasks.

Upselling & cross-selling opportunities — From in-house catering to offering special discounts, promo codes, etc., you can elevate the guest experience.

ways-to-leverage-booking-engine-for-upselling-and-cross-selling

For example, you can offer special discounts to event attendees who want to stay at your hotel after the event.

Or include curated packages with city tours, spa sessions, etc.

Revenue tracking — The Banquet function enables tracking the total revenue from events, making it easier to plan future events and decide on the necessary resources.

Minimizing errors — The feature reduces the possibility of errors and incomplete documentation by tracking invoicing and payments

Improved service quality — Having all the aspects of the event meticulously planned and organized creates a positive experience for clients and their guests.

How Does The Banquet Feature Work?

The Banquet function is just one of the features of the hotel reception system. When a client requests the organization of a Banquet and chooses one of the available options or special requirement add-ons, all the information flows to the reception system.

The system includes all essential information:

  • Guest details
  • Event details
  • Billing
  • Statistics and reports.

Payment calculation functions include advance payment, amount distribution, and automatic adjustment based on the final bill. 

Due to the automated system, any reservation changes or updates can happen instantly and immediately show in the centralized dashboard.

How Can OTA SYNC Take Your Hotel Banqueting to A New Level? 

OTA SYNC is an all-encompassing hotel management solution that can help you automate and streamline everyday operations, including pre-, during-, and post-arrival.

Thus, together with the Channel Manager and Booking Engine, it provides a robust asset to:

? Manage online reservations, room availability, invoices, billing, etc., from a centralized platform.

otasync-calendar

? Connect with point-of-sale systems, ERP solutions, and reporting tools to get a comprehensive overview of the hotel’s performance.

? Update room availability, rates, and bookings in real-time, ensuring consistency across multiple OTAs and booking platforms to avoid under or overbooking.

otasync-room-availability

? Manage multiple properties and events in a single view with real-time and accurate updates and changes.

? Get direct bookings and allow guests to check room availability, view pricing, and complete secure bookings in real-time.

? Access our Premium features:

  • Banquet & Event management — Facilitates efficient coordination of venue booking, scheduling, catering arrangements, and guest management tasks.

Thus, you can centralize operations, track event details, manage reservations, and generate invoices.

  • SPA & Wellness management — Includes features for appointment scheduling, client management, and resource allocation, such as treatment rooms and equipment. 

Furthermore, it integrates with POS systems and manages staff schedules for improved overall efficiency.

  • Housekeeping management — Provides a centralized platform for efficient task assignment, real-time updates on room status, inventory tracking, maintenance alerts, and seamless communication among housekeeping staff.

? Change pricing depending on seasonality and demand to maximize revenue and avoid gaps.

? Offer special deals, packages, and promo codes to boost loyalty and also attract new guests.

otasync-special-offers

? Enhance the guest experience via the Guest App, which hosts features for self-check-ins and check-outs, valuable tips on what to do and visit, information about hotel rules, etc.

And so much more.

Ready to test OTA SYNC?

Try OTA SYNC for free and ensure a seamless experience for event planners and attendees.

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