Did you know that 148.3 million travel bookings are completed online each year?
Furthermore, with popular online travel agents such as Expedia and Priceline allowing consumers to compare travel options side by side based on price, location and time, it has never been easier for travellers to book the trip of their dreams at the touch of a button.
That being said, as a hotelier, the pure number of different online channels that you need to navigate and listings you must update can be overwhelming to say the least.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution.
Using a channel manager system.
Not sure what this is or how it can help improve your hotel business?
Keep reading to find out more!
What is a channel manager?
Let’s start at the beginning. A hotel channel manager is a technology solution for time-poor hoteliers. An online tool which allows you to sell all your rooms on all the various booking sites simultaneously. It can also help you to attract more guests and maximise your profits.
Already sounding too good to be true?
Take a look at even more benefits of this software below.
How can channel manager be used to improve your business?
If you think that channel manager is only good for managing room rates and availability, then you will be pleased to hear that it offers so much more than just this.
1. More online bookings
Who doesn’t want more bookings coming their way? and with telephone and walk-ins becoming increasingly few and far between, you need to be looking at ways to increase your number of online bookings. Fortunately, this is where channel manager comes into its own, enabling you to connect with multiple channels with ease.
2. More revenue
Of course, more bookings means more money coming in. However, channel manager also helps you to manage your bookings more effectively; eliminating the chance of double bookings and optimising your room rates based on previous guest data.
3. Enhanced brand recognition
Brand recognition is crucial in the hotel industry, encouraging repeat bookings and positive word of mouth. Channel manager can allow you to advertise your rooms on channels that attract customers who would never have otherwise heard of your hotel, increasing both your brand awareness and brand recognition.
4. Less manual tasks
If you find yourself bogged down with the day to day running of your hotel business and do not feel like you have sufficient time to strategize for the future, then channel manager is exactly what you need. No more need for manual data entry, you can use your time more wisely and prioritise your long term business goals.
5. More direct bookings
Although it may seem like the opposite is true, you may find that some travellers who first find your brand via an online travel agent, then choose to get in touch with you directly for more further information about your hotel and subsequently book a room with you.
This means that you will enjoy the benefit of an OTA finding you a new guest, as well as the advantage of having a direct sale and not having to pay any commission. Win-win!