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Unexpected travel plans creates opportunities for hotels

Winter storms canceled over 1,500 flights and delayed over 3,300 flights last week, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. More cancellations are expected this week with continued storms.  The continuing bizarre weather patterns in many parts of the country are sending travelers scrambling when their flights are canceled or delayed. The U.S. Bureau of Transportations Statistics’ (BTS) official data revealed that flight cancellations were up nearly 50% more than historical averages in 2022. 

For the hospitality industry, these unexpected travel plans create opportunities to welcome these guests while boosting ancillary revenue. 

Since delayed or canceled flights often lead to long layovers - but not necessarily an overnight stay - day access opens up the doors to new high-spending travelers in a need of a place to relax or start their vacation early. Marketing to guests these days becomes a whole new source of business and can be done easily by partnering with day guest marketplaces like ResortPass. Day guest marketplaces make it easy for travelers to find and book day passes, spa passes or treatments, day rooms, and other experiences at hotels and resorts nearby for the day.

“Easy to use and easy to find exactly what you’re looking for! Much better than sitting at the airport or train station for the day. Will definitely use it again.”

Kel B. via ResortPass

Day Passes are the number #1 sellers on ResortPass, with prices ranging from $25 - $250 depending on the hotel's offerings. Day Passes allow guests to enjoy amenities on the property without booking an overnight stay. Other popular offerings include reserved poolside seating (cabanas or daybeds), day rooms, and spa offerings for guests looking for an elevated experience.

Hotels and resorts are able to control the availability and pricing in an easy-to-use portal that allows them to price based on demand and recapture lost revenue from groups or room cancellations by releasing inventory. Driving ancillary revenue through day guests allows properties to tap into this source of business when needed and at their discretion. 

While unexpected travel can create more demand, day guests boost revenue all year round. Based on reviews from ResortPass, these travelers are often disembarking from cruises, staying at vacation rentals without amenities, trying to make the most of every minute of their vacation while waiting for a late flight, or locals nearby and looking for a mini vacation for the day. Over 1.6 million guests have booked via ResortPass. 

“Great experience, I will be a customer for years to come! For those of us that cruise, it's a lifesaver! Rather than spending 6+ hours in the airport, we were laying out by a pool relaxing near the airport until we left for our departure.”

- Mike W via ResortPass 

Single properties generated upwards of $1 million in annual booking revenue through the Resortpass channel and reported an additional $1.5 million lift in food and beverage revenue in 2022.  This is expected to grow with the widespread knowledge of day access and expanding marketing efforts. Top brands like Marriott, Hilton, Four Seasons, Hyatt, and over 900 properties trust ResortPass as the leading marketplace for day access. 

 

The future possibilities for day guest travelers are endless domestically and overseas. Whether it's bringing day guests to your pool and cabanas, restaurants, or spas, there is an untapped potential to significantly boost revenues, enhance exposure for your property, and appeal to an entirely new and dynamic segment of travelers. The burgeoning day guest marketplace is the next great horizon for the hospitality industry. 

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