Receiving a phone call inquiring about group availability can feel like hitting the jackpot. Not one, but 10 rooms? Yes, please. However, you don’t have to wait for these lucky calls. Here are some ideas to help boost your reputation in the eyes of group travel planners, leading to happy guests that may return again and refer their friends, family, and coworkers.

Offer Specials

While it’s tempting to try to use this opportunity to gain the biggest profit, providing a group discount for a block of rooms can encourage the group travel planner to go to your property and not a competitor’s. Promote group discounts on social media and mention the reasons your hotel is great for groups – free breakfast, Wi-Fi, indoor swimming pool, etc.

Be Aware

Subscribe to the email newsletter for your nearest convention center, arena, and other venues. If you haven’t already, test out promoted posts on social media to promote group hotel deals, naming specific events happening in your city. You can even target promotions to those who have liked certain pages – such as companies putting on conventions or musical artists – or target by location to serve ads to those who live close enough to drive but far enough that they’d stay the night.

Provide Exceptional Service

Whether the planner is hired by the group or will be one of the guests, be sure that their check-in process is easy and that they receive the service they need. Reach out a week before the reservation to confirm the dates, amount of guests, and rooms needed and to ask if they need any special accommodations, such as accessible rooms. For the repeat planner, this will make a big impact.

Encourage Reviews

If a satisfied guest writes a review about how all 30 people in their party enjoyed their stay, they are endorsing your property for consistent in quality. Don’t be shy about asking upon check-out if everyone was satisfied with their stay and to provide instructions on how they can leave you a review. If you’re already using our Reputation Management product, try to get an email address from at least one guest per room so they will be reminded to give feedback.