5 things hotel salespeople should make sure are in their marketing plans going into 2025

1. Personalization and Customization

• Targeted Campaigns:

  • Example: Use data analytics to send personalized email offers to past guests based on their preferences, such as a spa package for someone who frequently books wellness services or a dining discount for guests who have dined at the hotel’s restaurant.

  • Example: Create personalized landing pages for different customer segments, such as business travelers, families, or couples, highlighting the amenities and services that cater specifically to their needs.

• Guest Experience:

  • Example: Promote a customized welcome experience where guests can choose their preferred room fragrance, pillow type, or in-room amenities during the booking process.

2. Sustainability Initiatives

• Eco-Friendly Practices:

  • Example: Highlight your hotel’s commitment to sustainability by showcasing initiatives like using solar power, offering refillable bathroom amenities instead of single-use plastics, or maintaining an on-site organic garden that supplies the hotel’s restaurant.

  • Example: Run a social media campaign focusing on your hotel’s green practices, encouraging guests to participate in eco-friendly activities such as opting out of daily linen changes or participating in local environmental clean-up events.

• Certifications:

  • Example: Feature your LEED certification or Green Key award in your marketing materials, on your website, and in social media posts to attract eco-conscious travelers.

  • Example: Create a press release or blog post that discusses the journey your hotel took to achieve these certifications, emphasizing the impact on the environment and guest experience.

3. Digital and Social Media Strategy

• Social Media Engagement:

  • Example: Launch a weekly Instagram series where you share behind-the-scenes content of your hotel, introduce staff members, or highlight local attractions. Encourage guests to use a specific hashtag when sharing their own experiences at your hotel.

  • Example: Use LinkedIn to share case studies of successful corporate events held at your hotel, targeting event planners and business travelers.

• Video Content:

  • Example: Create a series of short TikTok videos that showcase unique aspects of your hotel, such as a virtual tour of the suites, a cooking demonstration by your head chef, or a day in the life of a guest staying at your hotel.

  • Example: Produce a high-quality YouTube video featuring guest testimonials, scenic drone footage of your hotel’s surroundings, and highlights of the amenities offered.

4. Technology Integration

• AI and Automation:

  • Example: Implement a chatbot on your hotel’s website to assist visitors with common queries, room availability checks, and booking assistance, providing instant responses and improving user experience.

  • Example: Use AI-powered tools to send personalized follow-up emails to guests after their stay, offering discounts on future bookings based on their preferences during their previous visit.

• Mobile Optimization:

  • Example: Ensure your hotel’s website and booking engine are fully optimized for mobile devices, with fast load times, easy navigation, and mobile-friendly payment options.

  • Example: Develop a mobile app that allows guests to check in, access their room with a digital key, request services, and receive personalized offers during their stay.

5. Experiential Marketing

• Unique Experiences:

  • Example: Market an exclusive “Local Flavors” dining experience where guests can enjoy a farm-to-table meal prepared by a local chef, paired with wines from nearby vineyards. Promote this experience on your website and through targeted email campaigns.

  • Example: Offer a “Wellness Weekend” package that includes yoga classes, spa treatments, and healthy meals, specifically marketed to wellness enthusiasts through social media and wellness-focused online platforms.

• Storytelling:

  • Example: Create a blog series that shares the stories of past guests who had memorable stays at your hotel, whether it’s a couple celebrating their anniversary or a family reunion. Use these stories in your email newsletters and social media posts.

  • Example: Share the history of your hotel through a dedicated section on your website, incorporating vintage photos, interviews with long-time staff members, and stories about famous guests who have stayed at the property.

These examples will help bring your marketing strategies to life, ensuring your hotel stands out in the competitive landscape of 2025.