Travel Tuesday is here to stay. This burgeoning travel shopping day has seen online searches surge by over 500% since 2021 (McKinsey, 2024), marking it as a unique opportunity for luxury hotels to drive bookings and revenue in the post-Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Thanksgiving sales season. Falling on the Tuesday after Cyber Monday (December 3 for the uninitiated!), this travel-exclusive day has shifted from an American phenomenon to an international marketing event, where discerning travellers hunt for exclusive deals and experiences. As the popularity of Travel Tuesday continues to skyrocket, independent hotels and resorts have a chance to tap into this trend and turn browsing travellers into loyal guests.
In this guide, we explore how hotels and resorts can leverage Travel Tuesday to not only fill rooms but also to create memorable experiences that keep guests returning.
Why Travel Tuesday Matters
Travel Tuesday, or “Trip Tuesday” as some refer to it, has evolved as a critical shopping day for the travel sector, paralleling retail’s Cyber Monday. According to data, nearly 73% of people in the UK report they would choose travel over tangible goods when given a choice (Independent, 2024), which underscores a shift in consumer preference towards experiences. In light of this, Travel Tuesday deals are becoming increasingly relevant, with consumers eagerly awaiting exclusive offers.
For luxury hotels, this shift represents an opportunity to build brand loyalty and drive new guest acquisition. By offering well-crafted deals that appeal to experience-driven travellers, independent hotels and resorts can position themselves as the go-to choice for exclusive stays and memorable experiences.
Strategies for Hotels & Resorts to Capitalise on Travel Tuesday
1. Exclusive, Time-Limited Offers
On Travel Tuesday, potential guests are hunting for exclusive offers they can’t resist. For luxury hotels, this means designing limited time offers that are as attractive as they are unique.
- Extended Stay Discounts: Encouraging longer stays can improve both occupancy rates and revenue per guest. Offer a discount on stays of three or more nights, bundling in perks like complimentary breakfast or access to premium amenities. Exclusively bookable with the property direct via your bespoke website’s booking engine.
- All-Inclusive Experiences: Create comprehensive Travel Tuesday 2024 deals that include amenities such as spa treatments, private guided tours, or gourmet dining experiences. These “all-in” packages appeal to guests seeking convenience and added value.
- Members-Only Offers: Offer loyalty members additional benefits or deeper discounts on Travel Deal Tuesday deals. Highlight benefits such as early access to bookings, exclusive room upgrades, or personalised amenities to attract and retain high-value guests.
The scarcity and exclusivity of these deals can drive higher conversion rates, as they not only attract immediate bookings but also create a sense of urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out) that encourages quicker decision-making.
2. Use Personalisation to Target High-Spending Guests
Personalisation is paramount in the luxury sector, where guests value tailor-made experiences that reflect their preferences and past behaviour. To achieve this, luxury hotels should leverage guest data to create bespoke offers and tailor marketing messages.
- Dynamic Offers Based on Guest Preferences: Use your CRM system to craft highly relevant offers. For instance, frequent spa-goers could receive wellness package deals, while past patrons of the hotel’s fine dining restaurant might be tempted by a culinary weekend.
- Location-Based Offers: Analyse guest demographics to determine geographical trends. For example, UK-based guests could be targeted with discounted stays at warm-weather destinations, while local guests might be offered a “staycation” package with added amenities.
- Behavioural Triggers: For guests who previously booked directly, create automated emails that remind them of perks like early check-in, complimentary room upgrades, or dining credits if they book on Travel Deal Tuesday. This gentle reminder taps into personalisation and increases the likelihood of direct bookings.
Personalisation not only makes guests feel valued but also enhances the guest experience, building an emotional connection with the brand that leads to long-term loyalty.
3. Leverage Social Media with Targeted Campaigns
With Travel Tuesday trending on social media, luxury hotels can make significant gains by tapping into these platforms. Crafting a strong social media strategy can help create anticipation around Travel Tuesday deals 2024, driving traffic directly to the booking page.
- Influencer Partnerships: Partner with influencers who cater to luxury travel audiences. Their followers are likely to trust their recommendations, making them valuable advocates for your brand. Influencers can showcase the hotel’s luxury amenities, giving potential guests an immersive glimpse into the experience they could have.
- Engagement-Driven Content: Use countdowns, behind-the-scenes content, and stories featuring past guests to engage your audience. Feature content that emphasises the exclusivity of your offers, like sneak peeks of the Travel Tuesday deals.
- Interactive Polls and Contests: Increase engagement by holding contests or asking followers to vote on which type of deals they’d prefer—such as free spa treatments, discounted suites, or exclusive dining credits. This approach builds hype and provides valuable insight into what your target audience is most interested in.
Social media content with a clear call to action and time-sensitive elements can drive bookings and boost your brand’s online visibility, particularly on platforms like Instagram, which is popular among luxury travellers.
4. Boost Direct Bookings with Website Optimisation
Website optimisation is critical for converting the increased traffic that Travel Tuesday promotions bring. Ensuring a seamless, user-friendly experience on your website can significantly impact your conversion rate.
- Fast Loading Speeds: With so many travellers searching for deals, slow-loading pages can lead to lost bookings. Ensure that your bespoke website is optimised for speed, especially on mobile devices, as the majority of travel searches and bookings now happen on mobile.
- Clear Calls-to-Action and Simplicity: Use distinct calls-to-action on your homepage and booking engine pages, like “Unlock Travel Tuesday Offer” or “Book Now for Exclusive Deals.” Streamline the booking process so that users can reserve a room in as few clicks as possible.
- Personalised Recommendations During Booking: Utilise tools to display upsell options during the booking process, such as premium room upgrades or activity add-ons. This approach not only enhances the user experience but also boosts ancillary revenue.
By focusing on user experience, hotels can maximise the chances of turning website visitors into confirmed bookings, particularly during the high-traffic period of Travel Tuesday.
5. Promote Loyalty Programs with Added Incentives
Travel Tuesday is an excellent time to promote or enhance loyalty programmes. Offering additional perks and rewards on this day can not only boost bookings but also encourage guest retention.
- Double Points for Bookings on Travel Tuesday: For loyalty members, offer double points on Travel Tuesday bookings. This incentive can increase bookings while encouraging guests to return to the hotel to redeem those points.
- Immediate Rewards for New Members: Offer a special benefit, like complimentary room upgrades or a free night on their next stay, for guests who join the loyalty programme on Travel Deal Tuesday.
- Targeted Email Campaigns for Loyalty Members: Send personalised Travel Tuesday offers to loyalty members, highlighting the unique advantages of booking with their membership. This not only improves engagement but also encourages repeat bookings from your most loyal guests.
These strategies help luxury hotels build a committed customer base and elevate the perceived value of their loyalty programme.
6. Highlight Eco-Friendly Options and Social Impact
As sustainability becomes an increasingly important factor in travel decisions, hotels should consider integrating eco-friendly initiatives into their Travel Tuesday campaigns. This not only attracts eco-conscious travellers but also strengthens the brand’s commitment to responsible tourism.
- Carbon Offsetting Options: Offer guests the option to book “Green Packages” that include carbon offsets for their stay, which can be an attractive choice for environmentally aware travellers.
- Socially Conscious Packages: Highlight local experiences that support the community, like tours with local guides, visits to nearby artisan markets, or excursions that benefit environmental conservation efforts.
- Sustainable Amenities: Emphasise any eco-friendly amenities, such as locally-sourced toiletries, plastic-free options, or energy-efficient lighting. Promoting these elements as part of a “Green Stay” package can resonate well with a growing market of sustainability-minded travellers.
By aligning their offerings with values of sustainability and social responsibility, luxury hotels can appeal to a segment of travellers who are willing to pay more for responsible luxury experiences.
Maximise Revenue, Build Loyalty
For luxury hotels, Travel Tuesday is not just another sales day – it’s a chance to captivate high-value guests with unique, exclusive experiences. By tailoring offers to luxury travellers, leveraging personalisation, enhancing direct bookings, and fostering loyalty, hotels can transform Travel Tuesday into a day of great savings for your guests, and greater profits for you.