Getting ready for the holiday rush in hospitality

The holiday season is just around the corner, and with it comes a surge in travel and guest expectations. Cultural festivals and vacation periods coincide, creating a peak demand for hospitality services. To ensure a seamless and profitable holiday season, hospitality businesses, hotels, resorts, restaurants, wellness centres, and leisure outlets alike must be prepared to deliver exceptional service.???

?Here are some ways to consider when gearing up for the season.??

• ?Data-driven forecasting??

Leveraging historical data recorded in reservation or booking modules and POS systems, businesses can look into industry trends to predict booking volumes. Analysing past patterns will allow accurate demand forecasting, empowering businesses to allocate resources accordingly and be prepared for busy periods.???

• Reservation coordination?

Investing in digital solutions like reservation management software can handle the influx of reservations coming from the holiday crowd, allowing businesses to effectively manage tables and prevent overbookings. In fact, restaurants adopting flexible online or digital solutions reportedly handle 30% more customer volume.????

• Channel management??

Managing multiple booking channels can be complex. Centralised channel management software, integrated with a robust property management system, ensures consistency across all online platforms, increasing visibility and driving more bookings, especially during high-demand holidays.??

• Inventory control?

Robust inventory management is essential during demand fluctuations. Smart inventory management will allow for optimised resource allocation and the design of tailored offers based on different guest needs. For example, hotels can cater to a range of preferences, from a luxury experience to more affordable options, making their offerings accessible to a wider audience.??

• Personalised service??

More than ever, the holiday season is the time to make the most of guest data to personalise their experience based on their diverse needs, demographics and what they want to experience or celebrate. This extends from offering exclusive menu combos based on cultural dietary needs to allowing room choices based on personal preferences.??p?

• Guest centric technology??

Guests expect convenience. Contactless check-ins, keyless entries, smart room devices, guest engagement applications and the Internet of Things are some of the technologies that can be integrated into hotel services to enhance comfort and create a memorable stay.? These technologies allow guests to take charge of their journey and free up the employees from non-value-added tasks.?

• ?Targeted marketing campaigns?

In the digital age, seasonal offers are most effective when promoted through digital channels. To maximise reach and engagement, it is essential to leverage digital marketing strategies such as social media ads and email campaigns. These platforms allow brands to deliver tailored offers directly to their target audience, cultivating lasting relationships with their customers and ensuring a seamless experience from initial interaction to post-stay engagement.?

The holiday season is a season of opportunity???

Technology plays a critical role in optimising operations and enhancing guest satisfaction, allowing hotels to maximise profitability. Efficiency is key during the holiday rush, and it is vital that business step up their game during the season.?