The modern hospitality industry has grown more competitive than ever, and this landscape makes standing out from the crowd a major challenge for businesses. As bookings, promotions, and general operations have moved online, business owners must navigate a digital landscape that demands constant attention and innovation. Gone are the days when word of mouth and walk-ins could sustain a hotel, resort, or BnB; now, a strong online presence and savvy digital marketing are crucial to success.
If you run such a property yourself, chances are, you’re already familiar with the many unique difficulties this environment presents. The pressure to attract guests while competing with both established brands and emerging properties can be daunting even for seasoned players in the industry. Additionally, you’re under more pressure than ever to maintain a positive online reputation and provide a seamless guest experience—both critical factors that influence bookings. The modern traveler expects convenience, personalization, and exceptional service, all of which require you to adopt a strategic approach.
In this short guide, we at Maya Business will provide practical tips for boosting bookings and maintaining competitiveness in the digital age. We’re happy to leverage our expert business advice and solutions to help you develop effective strategies for navigating these challenges and achieving sustained growth.
Optimize Your Business's Website
These days, most potential guests will form their first impressions of your business based on your online presence. In particular, your website will likely be their first point of contact with you, which makes it essential for you to invest in making it as attractive and functional as possible. Provide high-quality photos, virtual tours, and detailed, accurate descriptions of rooms and amenities to boost your appeal by leaps and bounds.
In addition to attractive visuals and complete information, your website also needs to feature a seamless, intuitive booking process that users can navigate easily. Solutions like Maya Checkout, for instance, allow guests to complete their transactions quickly and securely through a wide variety of different payment methods. Maya Checkout also comes equipped with 24/7 fraud protection, so your customers can rest assured that both their money and sensitive personal information are safe with you. What’s more, Maya Checkout is also fully functional as a WooCommerce payment gateway. If your business takes bookings on this popular platform, you can immediately enjoy all the benefits of Maya Checkout simply by installing our user-friendly plugin, and you’ll soon see why it’s the payment gateway WooCommerce users in the Philippines trust the most.
Leverage Social Media
Any hospitality business looking to expand its reach and engage with potential guests should consider harnessing the immense power of social media. Social media platforms offer a unique opportunity to connect with your audience on a personal level and interact with them in real time. In the process, you’ll get more chances to showcase the unique aspects of your property and the experiences it offers.
Post engaging content regularly can keep your audience interested and informed. Share guest testimonials, behind-the-scenes looks, and highlights of local attractions to fuel excitement about your property. Collaborating with travel influencers can further amplify your reach, as their endorsements can lend credibility and attract new followers who are likely to become guests.
Invest Heavily in the Customer Experience
Today’s travelers seek more than just a place to stay; they crave unique and memorable escapes from their daily lives. Exceptional customer service and personalized experiences are thus crucial in setting your property apart from the competition. Leverage guest data to help you personalize their stay, whether it’s by remembering their room preferences, celebrating special occasions, or offering tailored recommendations for local attractions.
Amenities also play a major role in enhancing the guest experience. High-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable bedding, quality toiletries, and modern entertainment options can make a substantial difference in guest satisfaction. In addition, making sure that your staff is well-trained and consistently delivers friendly, helpful service can turn first-time visitors into loyal, repeat customers.
Highlight Your Location’s Unique Selling Points
Your property’s unique features and local attractions are powerful tools for attracting guests. By emphasizing what makes your location special, you can differentiate yourself from competitors and appeal to travelers seeking specific experiences. Whether it’s a breathtaking view, historical significance, or proximity to popular landmarks, these unique selling points of both your property and the surrounding area can be a major draw.
Sustainability and eco-friendly practices are increasingly important to modern travelers. Consider highlighting your commitment to environmental stewardship, such as using renewable energy, implementing recycling programs, or offering locally-sourced food, to attract eco-conscious guests. Presenting your business as committed to environmental conservation enhances your brand’s reputation while also contributing positively to the local community and to the hospitality industry at large.
Open Up Attractive Packages and Discounts
Creating appealing packages and discounts is an effective strategy for increasing bookings and adding value to your guests’ stays. Try bundling accommodations with local experiences, such as dining, spa services, or adventure activities, to make your offerings more appealing. These packages make travel more convenient for your guests and give them the impression that they’re getting more for their money.
Early bird discounts and promotions for longer stays can encourage guests to book sooner and extend their visits. If your goal is to maintain steady occupancy throughout the year, offer special rates for off-peak seasons or holidays. Lastly, seasonal promotions tailored to different times of the year can also drive bookings. Holiday specials, summer deals, or weekend getaways can attract guests looking for a specific type of vacation. Market these promotions through your website, social media channels, and email newsletters to reach a broader audience.
Offer Top-Tier Hospitality with Support from Maya Business’s Solutions
Maya Business is the perfect partner for hospitality businesses looking to level up their operations and offer one-of-a-kind experiences guests won’t find anywhere else. Sign up for Maya Business today and you’ll gain access to our full suite of payment, business banking, and disbursement solutions, designed to keep your business running like the tight ship it was always meant to be.
With a Maya Business account, you can open a Maya Business Deposit account and use it as your settlement account. With an industry-leading 2.5% per annum interest rate, you’ll earn PHP 25,000 in interest per year on a PHP 1 million deposit. You’ll also get to send money to your partners and suppliers for free via InstaPay and PESONet, so you can eliminate the need to pay transaction fees and build your savings instead.
Signing up also qualifies you for a no-collateral Maya Flexi Loan offer of up to PHP 2 million in just 3 months, which gives you another funding source you can use to improve your property even more. Just use Maya as your primary processor for all wallet and card payments. The more you use our solutions, the better the loan offer will be.
Sign up for Maya Business today to enjoy the benefits of Maya Business solutions.
