May 2, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

Coinciding with the arrival of the month of May (which signals the upcoming start of the summer travel season in the United States) is the debut at many hotels of what I consider one of the least innovative hotel marketing offers out there: the gas rebate package.

This offer has been around for years in one form or another, but most commonly involves staying at least two nights at a certain rate, and for doing so receiving a “gas rebate,” “gas credit,” or “gas reimbursement” of a nominal amount (usually US$40 to US$50 per stay).

And though I loathe the press releases touting these offers, one can’t argue with success, which several sales and marketing directors tell me they’ve had with such packages.

“Marriott partners very closely with AAA, and we introduced a package last year wi...Read More

April 28, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

This just in: Travel agents can bring you business. A lot of business. So don’t forget about them.

So says the latest report from travel industry research firm PhoCusWright Inc. Specifically, it notes that the travel agency distribution channel accounts for nearly US$110 billion in sales, or about 41% of all travel booked in the United States.

Perhaps the Web hasn’t killed the travel agent after all.

“The agency distribution landscape is large, complex and dynamic,” says Douglas Quinby, senior director of research at PhoCusWright. “Companies seeking to engage with this important distribution channel must understand which segments of the agency landscape are relevant for their business.”

For La Quinta, California-based ...Read More

April 22, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

Today is Earth Day, and with temperatures in the 70s (that’s 21-24 Celsius) in Chicago, I’m reminded daily how great life can be when one enjoys the outdoors. Though I’m stuck inside in our office during business hours on most days, I do spend at least a couple of nights each week coaching youth soccer or going for a run outside.

That said, here are a few ways hoteliers can get outdoors before, during or after the work day:

- No matter your role in a hotel or hotel company, and no matter how much work you feel the need to do, make time to exercise at least a couple of times per week, and do so outside when the weather is cooperative. Perhaps this means walking to/from work.

- If you spend all day in the executive office at a hotel property, take 30 minutes in the afternoon to mingle with guests on the terrace, in the...Read More

April 16, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (2)

Nothing seems hotter heading into summer in North America than being motorcycle friendly.

Earlier this month, Best Western announced that more than 1,000 member properties across the U.S. and Canada are now rider friendly, offering motorcycle riders wipe-down towels at check in and complimentary access to a wash station. In addition, some properties are offering designated parking, tar remover, sunscreen and lip balm for riders.

The hotel chain’s new commitment to motorcycle enthusiasts is part of a recent agreement between Best Western and Harley-Davidson to bring travel benefits to Harley riders. Besides the amenities, other benefits include a specially-themed rewards program and 10% savings for booking Best Western reservations through Harley-Davidson’s interactive ...Read More

April 9, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (1)

Yesterday TripAdvisor announced that it now features 15 million user reviews and opinions, up from 10 million in June 2007. What's more, TripAdvisor-branded sites reached more than 25 million unique monthly visitors in the past year, according to the comScore Media Metrix Digital Calculator Report, July 2007 .

In my last blog post, I argued that hoteliers should monitor their presence on TripAdvisor and do everything they can (within ethical behavior) to get a good ranking and good user reviews. My fellow blogger, e-marketing expert Scott Van Hartesvelt, also advises hoteliers to "study the feedback you receive on third-party review sites" in his lates...Read More