Simple Rules That Can Increase Your Share Of The Sizeable Summer Traveler Market

School is out for the summer and the search is on! 1000s are online, looking for a perfect vacation spot to spend a week or two. Some are looking for a destination where the sun shines brightly and the sea is cool and blue, a place where the kids can play in the sand and they can work on their suntan. Others are looking for destinations that will allow them to escape from the harsh summer sun. Whatever the search criteria for your hotel to be a contender in the 100% occupancy race, you have the latest, best and most competitive rates on both your Hotel Website and on all third party Intermediary Websites.

Why?

Travelers of today primarily use the internet to look and book hotel accommodation, which means the decision to book or not to book hinges on the rates they see on your own hotel website or on a 3rd party intermediary website (travel website). For example, can you imagine the fallout when a visitor in the process of booking sees last year's rates?

Irate visitors backed by the power of the web can do a lot of damage. You will have to devote time to counteracting the brand bashing that follows. So, always remember to update your rates and packages regularly on both your own hotel website and on third party intermediary websites.

As you can see, having current and competitive rates is extremely important. Now, that you know 'why' it is important to update rates on all mediums, here are 4 simple rate rules that can boost conversion rates:

1. Always display current rates. Displaying 2010 rates in 2011 leaves visitors to your website with the impression that you are completely, shut down or lackadaisical. It effectively encourages them to book with your competitors. Therefore, it is essential to update your rates on all your sales mediums - hotel website and third party intermediaries (travel websites, GDS etc.) regularly.

2. 'Competitive rates' are vital for success. When deciding rates you need to remember that the internet is highly transparent. Visitors can compare rates & packages of multiple hotels across multiple websites easily before booking. This transparency means that to be a contender in the guest 'capturing' race, you have to have a solid rate strategy that keeps your rates competitive without offering heavy discounts to attract guests. A good solution to this problem is to enhance your offerings with value additions instead of lowest rates.

3. Always display the best rate on your own hotel website. Encourage visitors to book directly from you by offering the best rates and packages on your hotel website. By using 'rate' to direct traffic, you not only increase your direct-to-consumer online sales but also limit the amount spend on paying commissions to your third party intermediaries.

4. Remember that 3rd Party Intermediaries are not the enemy. Third party intermediaries - travel websites and travel agents are part of your inventory distribution network. While it makes better business sense to display the best rates on your hotel website, you should keep in mind that not every traveler is acquainted with hotels in every region and uses third party intermediaries to book hotel accommodation.

To summarize, displaying old rates of you hotel website or on third party intermediaries leaves visitors with negative impression and in fact, encourages them to book with your competition. If you want to be considered as the perfect hotel option by travelers and whom doesn't, you need to display current rates and packages at all times. So, make sure that you are displaying current and competitive rates on both your Hotel Website and Intermediaries Websites.

We hope this article has provided you with insight into the traveler's mindset and the rules will help your plan a conversion boosting rate strategy. We wish you 'Good Luck' in the guest 'capturing' race.

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