Creative Ideas to Maximise Bookings
In today’s competitive holiday rental market, offering special deals and discounts can make your property stand out while encouraging guest loyalty and repeat bookings. From rewarding repeat guests to seasonal promotions, the right offer can attract new visitors, fill gaps in your calendar, and boost your income.
At Reliance Retreats, we’ve seen how well-crafted promotions can transform a holiday property’s performance. Here’s our guide to creative special offers, with insights into when and how to implement them effectively.
1. Reward Your Repeat Guests
Building loyalty among your past guests is a smart way to secure future bookings.
- Offer a Discount on Their Next Stay: A 10–15% discount or an exclusive offer for returning guests makes them feel valued.
- Upgrade Options: If you have premium features like a hot tub or a larger room, offer these as complimentary upgrades for repeat visitors.
- Early Access to Deals: Give loyal guests first dibs on new promotions or high-demand holiday dates.
Why It Works: Repeat guests are more likely to treat your property with care and leave glowing reviews, making them invaluable to your success.
2. Referral Incentives
Turn your happy guests into brand ambassadors with a referral programme.
- Offer Discounts or Vouchers: Reward guests who refer friends or family with a discount on their next booking or a small gift card.
- Track Referrals: Use a simple system to track who referred whom, ensuring your guests know their efforts are appreciated.
Why It Works: Referrals from trusted sources are one of the most effective ways to gain new bookings, especially in competitive markets.
3. Blue Light Card and Forces Card Discounts
Show appreciation for frontline workers and the armed forces by offering exclusive discounts.
- Blue Light Card Holders: Cater to NHS staff, emergency service workers, and care workers by providing a year-round or off-peak discount.
- Forces Card Holders: Recognise military personnel with special rates or added perks like late check-outs or free welcome packs.
Why It Works: These discounts create goodwill and attract a loyal customer base. Plus, they often travel during off-peak times, filling gaps in your calendar.
4. Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals
Leverage these major shopping events to generate bookings well in advance.
- Offer Limited-Time Discounts: Create urgency with deals that are valid for only 24–48 hours.
- Bundle Offers: Include extras like complimentary breakfast, local experience vouchers, or discounted stays for longer bookings.
Why It Works: Black Friday and Cyber Monday create a sense of urgency, encouraging guests to secure their holiday plans early.
5. Deals for Teachers
While summer may be peak season and harder to discount, teachers can still be targeted for other times of the year:
- Weekend Getaways: Offer special deals for long weekends or during half-term breaks.
- Off-Peak Discounts: Encourage bookings during quieter seasons with teacher-exclusive rates.
Why It Works: Teachers appreciate the opportunity to relax outside of peak holiday periods, making this a great way to attract off-season bookings.
6. Tailor Offers by Season
Not all discounts need to be available year-round. Tailoring promotions to specific seasons ensures you maximise your property’s potential:
- Winter Stays: Offer cosy packages with discounts on stays featuring a roaring fireplace, hot chocolate, or spa access.
- Spring Breaks: Highlight blooming gardens or nearby springtime festivals with exclusive spring offers.
- Autumn Retreats: Attract guests with autumnal perks like free wine or discounts on longer stays.
Why It Works: Seasonal offers align with guest expectations, making your property more appealing during specific times of the year.
Tips for Crafting Effective Special Offersdiscount
Be Strategic
- Ensure promotions align with your property’s peak and off-peak seasons. Avoid heavy discounts during high-demand periods unless part of a specific strategy.
Create Clear Terms
- Specify booking deadlines, applicable dates, and exclusions to manage guest expectations and protect your revenue.
Leverage Marketing Channels
- Promote your offers through your website, email campaigns, and social media channels to reach the widest audience possible.
Why Choose Reliance Retreats?
At Reliance Retreats, we specialise in helping holiday home owners maximise their bookings with tailored marketing strategies. From crafting compelling special offers to managing your property’s online presence, we ensure your holiday let stands out and thrives year-round.
Start Planning Your Special Offers Today
Offering special deals doesn’t just attract more guests—it builds loyalty and helps you optimise your bookings. Ready to take your holiday property to the next level? Contact us today and let’s create the perfect plan for your success.