Travel bans have been imposed in many countries around the globe to prevent the deadly spread of Coronavirus. The tourism and hospitality industry has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic as many are unable to travel – for leisure or business – with nations closing off their borders and being on lockdown.
Many hotels, faced with a sharp decline in occupancy rates, have ceased operations indefinitely. The ones that stayed open are struggling to fill up their rooms and provide work for their employees.
In these troubled times, hotels have to think of innovative ways to stay afloat!
Below are some marketing ideas for hotels to bring in revenue amid the global COVID-19 outbreak.
5 Marketing Ideas for Hotels During COVID-19
Increase Social Media Presence
Screen time has significantly increased as most of us are adhering to social distancing and spending more time at home. Hotels can take advantage of this period to stay relevant and increase brand awareness by creating more content on their social media platforms.
Encourage your past guests to share their favorite memories while staying at the hotel. Film your chefs preparing recipe videos of the hotel’s signature dishes. Get your fitness instructors to conduct virtual workout classes. Share stories from housekeepers, bellhops and front desk staff about their experiences working at the hotel.
It’s always great to build personal connections with your past and potential customers to ensure their stay as soon as travel restrictions are lifted.
Provide Food Delivery Service
This is probably one of the best options for many hotels. Food delivery service is thriving since many are on lockdown. Plan with the kitchen staff on offering enticing meals that are suitable for delivery. Get creative and come up with a fun menu.
Incorporate Taco Tuesdays or Fish Friday as people are going to crave for those! Use social media and get in touch with local online publications to promote your food delivery service.
Offer Promotional Rates
Attract guests by offering great deals on room bookings if they make their reservations during this time period. Hotels can opt to include complimentary breakfasts and discounted spa treatments if they are unable to lower their room rates.
Offer Exclusive Packages for Loyal Guests
Put out even greater exclusive packages for loyalty members of the hotel. They’re your most valuable guests and are sure to return once the situation has calmed down.
Allow Free Cancellations and Date Changes
It’s safer to only provide the option for non-refundable bookings for your guests. However, there are many uncertain elements happening right now and in the unforeseeable future. In addition to lower room rates, giving your customers the options to change their dates or cancel for free, will allow them to book with confidence.
Maybe they really want to go on a vacation in September, but they’re afraid that the travel bans are still in place. Allowing them to change their dates without any penalties ensure that they will honor their bookings. Even if they do cancel, their interest to stay at the hotel might still be present and there is a good chance that they will rebook their reservation in the months to come.
Let’s take a look at what some hotels are doing to stay open during this crisis.
Red Roof Inn chains across the U.S. solved the inconveniences of working from home issues by turning their beautiful rooms into dedicated workspaces. Rooms are decked with a workstation, free wifi, free local and long-distance calls, in-room coffee and access to fax machines.
Their Red Roof’s Work Under Our Roof day rate starts at $29 with a promise of a quiet, comfortable space to get your work done!
In
Hong Kong, Dorsett Hospitality International offers “quarantine packages” at nine of their hotels for residents, expats and students and who are required to serve a 14-days home quarantine upon returning. Many choose to self-isolate in hotels to prevent any potential virus spread to their families.
Hotels located near hospitals have also offered discounted rates for healthcare workers who are tirelessly working long hours to care for patients infected with the Coronavirus, and cannot go home due to the fear of putting their families in danger.
COVID-19 Hotel Recovery Strategy – Hotel Marketing Plans During Coronavirus
Following these strategies can help hotels continue bringing in the cash flow as the travel industry continues to stay in a standstill. Once the demand for travel increases again, hotels with great marketing plans will take the lead in recovering the loss of revenue.
Reassess your Digital Strategy: While travel is on pause, this is a great time to reassess your hotel digital marketing strategy! Review your marketing assets, revisit important initiatives and processes to set your hotel up for future success.
Need help with your hotel marketing plan? Let’s chat!
Amberly Bucci, Digital Marketing Strategist specializing in Hospitality Industry
Amberly Bucci provides creative strategy and provides strategic direction for marketing initiatives including copy, website design, and campaign development for her clients. Her responsibilities include strategy and consulting, campaign management, Facebook Advertising, and more. She has developed award-winning multi-channel marketing campaigns and has helped her hotel clients boost more sales online for over 12 years!
