The Business Traveller Advantage
Year-round bookings
When it comes to running a successful accommodation business, attracting business travellers can be a game-changer. Unlike leisure travellers who often book during peak seasons, business travellers provide a steady stream of bookings throughout the year. This consistent flow of guests can significantly boost your revenue and help maintain a stable occupancy rate.
For instance, a boutique hotel in London found that by focusing on business travellers, they were able to increase their midweek bookings by 30% during traditionally slower months. To achieve this, they partnered with a virtual assistant service to manage their bookings and customer inquiries, ensuring prompt responses and efficient handling of reservations.
Low-maintenance guests
Business travellers are typically low-maintenance guests, which can be a boon for your staff and resources. They often have a set schedule and specific needs, making it easier to anticipate and cater to their requirements. These guests are usually self-sufficient and require minimal assistance, allowing your team to focus on maintaining high standards of service without being overwhelmed.
A small bed and breakfast in Manchester found that by catering to business travellers, they were able to reduce their housekeeping costs by 15%. They achieved this by outsourcing their housekeeping management to a specialised service, which helped streamline operations and ensure efficient cleaning schedules.
Steady occupancy rates
One of the most significant advantages of catering to business travellers is the potential for steady occupancy rates. Corporate travellers often book rooms during weekdays, which can help fill the gaps in your occupancy calendar. This steady flow of guests can provide a reliable income stream, helping you to better manage your finances and plan for future investments.
A mid-sized hotel in Birmingham saw a 25% increase in their midweek occupancy rates after implementing a targeted marketing strategy for business travellers. They achieved this by outsourcing their marketing efforts to a specialised agency, which helped them create tailored campaigns and reach the right audience.
Relationship-building opportunities
Catering to business travellers opens up opportunities to build long-term relationships with corporate clients. These relationships can lead to repeat bookings, referrals, and even contracts with companies for regular accommodation needs. By providing exceptional service and meeting the unique needs of business travellers, you can establish your property as a preferred choice for corporate travel.
A serviced apartment complex in Edinburgh managed to secure a long-term contract with a multinational company after consistently providing excellent service to their employees. They achieved this by outsourcing their customer relationship management to a dedicated team, which helped them maintain regular communication with corporate clients and address their needs promptly.
Tailoring Your Accommodation
Streamlined check-in and check-out
Business travellers value efficiency and convenience above all else. Implementing a streamlined check-in and check-out process can significantly enhance their experience and increase the likelihood of repeat bookings. Consider offering mobile check-in options, express check-out services, and flexible arrival and departure times to cater to their busy schedules.
A hotel chain in Leeds implemented a mobile check-in system that reduced wait times by 70% and improved guest satisfaction scores. They achieved this by outsourcing the development and maintenance of their mobile app to a specialised tech company, ensuring a smooth and user-friendly experience for their guests.
Flexible dining options
Business travellers often have unpredictable schedules and may require flexible dining options. Consider offering 24-hour room service, grab-and-go breakfast options, and in-room dining facilities. Additionally, partnering with local restaurants for delivery services can provide a wider range of choices for your guests.
A boutique hotel in Glasgow saw a 40% increase in food and beverage revenue after introducing a 24-hour room service option. They managed this by outsourcing their food preparation to a local catering company, allowing them to offer a diverse menu without significantly increasing their operational costs.
Dedicated work spaces
Creating dedicated work spaces within your property can be a significant draw for business travellers. These spaces should be equipped with comfortable seating, ample power outlets, and good lighting. Consider offering private meeting rooms or co-working spaces that can be booked by the hour or day.
A serviced apartment complex in Cardiff saw a 50% increase in corporate bookings after renovating their common areas to include dedicated work spaces. They achieved this by outsourcing the design and implementation to an interior design firm specialising in corporate environments.
High-speed internet connectivity
In today’s digital age, reliable and fast internet connectivity is non-negotiable for business travellers. Invest in high-speed Wi-Fi throughout your property, including guest rooms, common areas, and meeting spaces. Ensure that the connection is secure and capable of handling multiple devices per guest.
A hotel in Bristol saw a 30% increase in positive reviews related to internet connectivity after upgrading their Wi-Fi infrastructure. They achieved this by outsourcing their IT management to a specialised company, which helped them implement and maintain a robust network system.
Bespoke Business Packages
Competitive room rates
Offering competitive room rates for business travellers can give you an edge over your competitors. Consider creating special corporate rates or volume-based discounts for companies that frequently book with you. These rates should be flexible and transparent, taking into account the specific needs of business travellers.
A hotel in Sheffield managed to increase their corporate bookings by 35% after introducing a tiered pricing system for business travellers. They achieved this by outsourcing their revenue management to a specialised firm, which helped them develop a competitive pricing strategy based on market trends and demand patterns.
Inclusive breakfast options
Many business travellers appreciate the convenience of an inclusive breakfast option. Offer a range of healthy and quick breakfast choices that cater to different dietary requirements. Consider extending breakfast hours to accommodate early risers and those with tight schedules.
A boutique hotel in Oxford saw a 20% increase in positive feedback regarding their breakfast offerings after introducing a wider range of options. They achieved this by outsourcing their menu planning and food sourcing to a nutritionist and local food supplier, ensuring a diverse and high-quality breakfast selection.
Complimentary Wi-Fi
While high-speed internet connectivity is crucial, offering it as a complimentary service can be a significant draw for business travellers. Ensure that the Wi-Fi is easily accessible throughout the property and that the connection process is straightforward.
A hotel chain in Manchester saw a 15% increase in business traveller bookings after introducing complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi across all their properties. They managed this by outsourcing their Wi-Fi management to a specialised IT company, which helped them implement a robust and user-friendly system.
Transport arrangements
Offering transport arrangements or partnering with local transport providers can add value to your business packages. Consider providing airport transfers, car hire services, or information about local public transport options. This can help reduce stress for your business guests and make their stay more convenient.
A serviced apartment complex in Liverpool saw a 25% increase in corporate bookings after introducing a complimentary airport shuttle service. They achieved this by outsourcing their transport management to a local taxi company, ensuring reliable and efficient transfers for their guests.
Leveraging Social Media
LinkedIn strategies
LinkedIn is a powerful platform for reaching business travellers and corporate decision-makers. Develop a strong LinkedIn presence for your property, sharing content that highlights your business-friendly amenities and services. Engage with corporate accounts and participate in relevant industry discussions to increase your visibility.
A boutique hotel in Edinburgh saw a 40% increase in corporate inquiries after implementing a targeted LinkedIn strategy. They achieved this by outsourcing their social media management to a digital marketing agency specialising in hospitality, which helped them create engaging content and build meaningful connections on the platform.
Showcasing business-friendly amenities
Use social media platforms to showcase your business-friendly amenities. Share high-quality images and videos of your work spaces, meeting rooms, and other facilities that cater to business travellers. Consider creating virtual tours to give potential guests a comprehensive view of what you offer.
A hotel in Birmingham saw a 30% increase in business traveller bookings after launching a series of Instagram Stories highlighting their business amenities. They achieved this by outsourcing their content creation to a professional photographer and social media expert, ensuring high-quality and engaging visuals.
Highlighting unique selling points
Identify and highlight what sets your property apart from competitors when it comes to catering to business travellers. This could be your location, your eco-friendly practices, or your exceptional service. Use social media to tell your unique story and create a compelling narrative around your brand.
A serviced apartment complex in Glasgow saw a 20% increase in corporate bookings after highlighting their eco-friendly practices on social media. They achieved this by outsourcing their sustainability initiatives to an environmental consultant, who helped them implement and communicate their green practices effectively.
Engaging with corporate accounts
Use social media to engage directly with corporate accounts. Follow and interact with companies that frequently send employees to your area. Share content that would be relevant to their employees and consider offering exclusive deals or packages through social media channels.
A hotel chain in Leeds saw a 35% increase in corporate bookings after implementing a targeted social media engagement strategy. They achieved this by outsourcing their social media management to a specialised agency, which helped them identify and engage with potential corporate clients effectively.
Networking and Relationship Building
Attending business events
Actively participate in local business events, trade shows, and conferences. These events provide excellent opportunities to network with potential corporate clients and stay informed about the needs of business travellers. Consider sponsoring relevant events to increase your visibility within the business community.
A boutique hotel in Cardiff saw a 25% increase in corporate bookings after regularly attending local business events. They achieved this by outsourcing their event participation strategy to a local PR firm, which helped them identify and make the most of networking opportunities.
Hosting networking functions
Transform your property into a hub for business networking by hosting regular functions. This could include breakfast meetings, evening mixers, or industry-specific gatherings. These events not only showcase your facilities but also position your property as a business-friendly venue.
A hotel in Bristol saw a 30% increase in corporate event bookings after introducing a monthly networking event for local businesses. They achieved this by outsourcing the event planning and management to a specialised events company, ensuring professional and engaging networking opportunities.
Building connections with decision-makers
Identify and build relationships with key decision-makers in local businesses and corporations. This could include HR managers, travel coordinators, or executives responsible for corporate travel arrangements. Personalise your approach and demonstrate how your property can meet their specific needs.
A serviced apartment complex in Sheffield managed to secure long-term contracts with three major corporations after implementing a targeted relationship-building strategy. They achieved this by outsourcing their corporate outreach to a business development specialist, who helped them identify and connect with key decision-makers.
Offering venue services
Position your property as an ideal venue for business meetings, conferences, and corporate events. Highlight your meeting facilities, catering options, and any additional services you offer. Consider creating packages that combine accommodation with venue hire to attract corporate clients.
A hotel in Oxford saw a 40% increase in corporate event bookings after revamping their meeting facilities and marketing them effectively. They achieved this by outsourcing their venue marketing to a specialised agency, which helped them create compelling packages and reach the right audience.
Targeted Advertising Campaigns
Business publication placements
Invest in targeted advertising in business publications, both print and digital. These publications are often read by corporate decision-makers and can help increase your visibility among potential business clients. Focus on publications that align with your target market and highlight your unique selling points.
A boutique hotel in Manchester saw a 20% increase in corporate bookings after running a series of ads in a leading business magazine. They achieved this by outsourcing their media planning and buying to a specialised agency, which helped them identify the most effective publications and create impactful advertisements.
Direct outreach to local companies
Develop a direct outreach strategy to connect with local companies and offer your services. This could involve email marketing campaigns, personalised presentations, or even site visits to showcase your facilities. Tailor your approach to each company’s specific needs and travel patterns.
A serviced apartment complex in Liverpool managed to secure contracts with five new corporate clients after implementing a targeted outreach campaign. They achieved this by outsourcing their lead generation and outreach efforts to a B2B marketing specialist, who helped them identify and approach potential clients effectively.
Emphasising proximity to business hubs
If your property is located near business districts, corporate offices, or conference centres, make this a key part of your advertising message. Highlight the convenience and time-saving benefits of staying at your property for business travellers.
A hotel in Leeds saw a 30% increase in midweek bookings after emphasising their proximity to the city’s business district in their advertising. They achieved this by outsourcing their advertising strategy to a local marketing agency, which helped them create targeted campaigns highlighting their convenient location.
Showcasing testimonials from corporate clients
Use testimonials and case studies from satisfied corporate clients in your advertising campaigns. These real-life success stories can be powerful tools in convincing other businesses to choose your property for their travel needs. Ensure that the testimonials highlight specific benefits that are relevant to business travellers.
A hotel chain in Edinburgh saw a 25% increase in corporate bookings after incorporating client testimonials into their advertising materials. They achieved this by outsourcing their content creation to a professional copywriter, who helped them craft compelling stories that resonated with potential corporate clients.
Measuring Success and Adapting
Tracking business traveller bookings
Implement a system to track and analyse bookings from business travellers. This data can provide valuable insights into booking patterns, preferred room types, and additional services used. Use this information to refine your offerings and marketing strategies.
A boutique hotel in Birmingham saw a 15% increase in repeat business traveller bookings after implementing a comprehensive tracking system. They achieved this by outsourcing their data analysis to a business intelligence firm, which helped them identify trends and make data-driven decisions.
Gathering feedback and implementing changes
Regularly gather feedback from your business guests and use this information to make improvements. This could involve post-stay surveys, in-person conversations, or monitoring online reviews. Be proactive in addressing any issues raised and communicate the changes you’ve made based on guest feedback.
A serviced apartment complex in Cardiff saw a 20% increase in positive reviews after implementing a structured feedback system. They achieved this by outsourcing their customer feedback management to a specialised service, which helped them collect, analyse, and act on guest feedback effectively.
Analysing competitor offerings
Keep a close eye on what your competitors are offering to business travellers. Regularly review their packages, pricing, and amenities to ensure that your offerings remain competitive. Look for opportunities to differentiate yourself and provide unique value to business guests.
A hotel in Bristol managed to increase their market share of business travellers by 10% after conducting a comprehensive competitor analysis. They achieved this by outsourcing their market research to a specialised firm, which helped them identify gaps in the market and refine their offerings accordingly.
Staying abreast of business travel trends
The business travel landscape is constantly evolving. Stay informed about emerging trends, such as bleisure travel (combining business and leisure), sustainability concerns, or changes in corporate travel policies. Adapt your offerings and marketing strategies to align with these trends.
A hotel chain in Sheffield saw a 30% increase in extended-stay bookings from business travellers after introducing ‘bleisure’ packages. They achieved this by outsourcing their trend analysis and product development to a travel industry consultant, who helped them identify and capitalise on emerging trends in business travel.
