Using Your Online Presence to Inspire Travelers
At some point, every journey began with a simple thought, a wish to go somewhere different, experience something unique, or even at times, something comforting. That idea was planted by seeing or hearing or reading or even smelling something which awakens your senses. So how do we get travellers to start dreaming about your product?…
Distribution Strategy and Channel Management
Your distribution strategy and a carefully planned, effective channel management policy, in many respects, is the key to your reservations success at your hotel. So what exactly is a “Distribution Strategy” and why should you as a boutique property have one as part of your revenue management plan? A Distribution Strategy determines when and through…
Tripadvisor Reviews and Your Marketing Efforts
There has been much debate surrounding guest review sites and particulary Trip Advisor. It is so easy to get overwhelmed with the conflicting opinions and advice – but one fact which presented itself in Trip Advisor’s research undertaken by Phocuswright is a fact we all know – guest reviews do matter. Peer review and user…
The Rise and Rise of Destination Marketing
Move over cookie-cutter vacation destinations; hello authentic travel! Tourism has undergone a dramatic change during the last five years, with large numbers of people losing interest in crowded, cliché holiday destinations and seeking out more authentic experiences. Today’s traveller wants something true and unique: a taste of real local food, local attractions and a connection…
Are You Hooking Into the Food Tourism Trend?
Identified as one of 2017’s travel trends, food tourism taps into a market of travellers looking to incorporate gourmet foods, local cuisine or perhaps wines or craft beers into their itinerary. But it’s not the food alone – it’s the experiences of the food, region and the activities linked to it all. Are you a…
Is Investing in Influencer Marketing Worth it?
For South African destinations, Influencer marketing can be cost effective. However, it’s important as with all marketing relationships, to be clear on expectations so that both parties gain value from the relationship. As more and more establishments gravitate towards this form of collaborative marketing, it’s important for boutique products with smaller inventory and budgets to…
10 Questions to Ask When Performing a Reservations Audit
Clipboard ready? Give your Reservation Process an Audit! Is your reservations department working as efficiently and effectively as possible? Your bottom line can be directly affected by the skill level of your reservationist and the efficiency of your internal systems within your reservation department or front desk. For Boutique Properties where many times job roles…
Are Online Travel Agents (OTAs) Necessary or Just Pricey Partnerships?
As a property owner/manager, you want to ensure you achieve your best possible rate and we all agree that your direct market is where you have a greater chance of achieving this by avoiding the often high commission structures of many of the top OTAs (online travel agents). Due to these fees, many small properties…
Showcase Your Property: Photography
We have all done this while researching a family holiday or business trip: We scan through 100s of websites and social media posts, scrolling until we stop at a photograph which grabs our attention. What is it about that photo? What has the photographer managed to capture that makes us want to know more about…
Creating Guest Experiences Beyond the Lodge
The African safari experience is a dream for many people. Thousands of people travel to Africa each year to live this dream- to witness sunset game drives and afternoon thunderstorms amidst spectacular game spotting. Africa is home to numerous quality safari lodges which offer this experience coupled with incredible locations and stunning architecture. A great…