Posted on 29. Aug, 2010 by Kat Schneider Fotheringham in Blog, Business Travel, Uncategorized, corporate housing, executive accommodations, international business travel
Sounds like everyone is looking for a way to win in this economy! Hoping to cash in on a common traveler complaint, some hotel companies are offering to pay for the checked-baggage fees charged by some U.S. airlines. Kimpton Hotels and chains run by InterContinental Hotels Group, including Holiday Inn, introduced the promotion to spur weekend and leisure business.
Although hotel companies, airlines and the corporate housing industry are all showing signs of recovery, each of these industries has undergone a rough two-year downturn, marked by cutbacks in business travel, meetings and conventions, and shorter vacation bookings. Hotels have been aggressive in introducing deals, including deep discounts and get-the-third-night-free offerings. The newest trick of refunding bag fees is a marketing tactic (albeit a clever one) that is aimed at generating good will on a very touchy issue.
The deal being offered primarily targets leisure travelers and vacationers. Like me, most business travelers prefer carry-ons, who are often enrolled in frequent-flier programs, and already not subject to bag-check fees.
While this tactic is currently being used on leisure travelers, its message should not be lost on corporate housing and business travel professionals. Think about what you can offer your prospective guests in the way of unusual amenities during these still-rough economic times to help keep your properties filled and your business viable. It can be literally anything–but something that addresses the fact that they’re away from home and makes it easier for them to relocate–even temporarily–to your property should be considered.
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