As a hotelier, you want to offer your guests the best booking experience with the aim of increasing your direct bookings. Switching to a new Internet Booking Engine (IBE) can be crucial. But what do you need to look out for to ensure you find the best solution for your hotel and make direct bookings as easy as possible for your guests? In this article, we show you which features and characteristics make a good booking screen.
As a hotelier, what do I need to bear in mind when switching to a new Internet Booking Engine?
Choosing a new Internet Booking Engine is an important decision. A good IBE can increase conversion rates, improve customer loyalty and increase your hotel’s revenue. But which aspects are particularly important? Here are the key criteria you should consider:
Intuitive and transparent internet booking engine
- Increase conversion: A user-friendly booking system can increase the conversion rate by up to 15%. Make sure that the booking process is quick and easy so that potential guests don’t bounce.
Low bounce rate
- One-page booking process: To minimise the bounce rate, the entire booking process – from room selection to payment – should be displayed on one page.
Fullrange of functions
- Versatile booking options: In addition to individual bookings, company bookings and packages should also be possible. A regular guest login for companies that book regularly is also important.
Sale of arrangements and hotel specials
- Versatile offers: Especially for holiday hotels, the sale of arrangements, packages and specials is indispensable. It should also be possible to create call-off quotas for events such as weddings or conferences.
- Last minute inclusive deals or hotel packages that can be booked well in advance. A high-performance internet booking engine should definitely think beyond the usual room booking.
Customisation to your corporate identity
- Seamless integration: The booking screen should fit seamlessly into your online presence and not be perceived as a third-party product.
Upselling and cross-selling opportunities
- Additional offers and upgrades: Extras should be bookable and illustrated in order to increase sales opportunities. Tools that indicate higher room categories are also useful.
Booking codes for regular guests
- Customised offers: It should be possible to create specific booking codes for regular guests to give them special offers.
The world of payments and payment providers
- Diverse payment methods: In addition to credit cards, it should also be possible to integrate alternative payment providers. Check in advance whether the new provider works with your payment provider.
And what else should you think?
2-way interface: A good internet booking engine should enable smooth integration with your hotel software. Without a functioning interface, you risk overbooking and damage to your image.
Channel manager: A good IBE provider should also have a channel manager in its portfolio that enables sales via various portals. Thoroughly check the new partner’s interface portfolio.
A good internet booking engine can revolutionise your hotel business. With the above criteria, you are well equipped to make the right choice and offer your guests the best booking experience.
