Hotels adopt new tricks to woo more guests

NEED OF THE HOUR: Hoteliers are looking at more innovative ways to attract guests.

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Mumbai: Hoteliers are now feeling the heat of rising costs with falling room rates and occupancy levels, the industry is looking at innovative ways to rein in operating costs and improve check-ins.

With room rates and occupancy falling 10-12 per cent over the last two quarters, hoteliers are now going an extra mile to welcome their guests. From freebies to free air tickets and now even cash back deals to improve check-ins.

"Cash back deals for the first time in the hotel sector. We are giving 12 per cent cash back across all hotels - tied up with portals - most leisure travel bookings happen via portals," says head sales and marketing, Fortune Hotels (ITC), Abinash Manghani.

ITC hotels also has a welcome environment programme underway to save energy and has also installed solar panels in most properties for heating purposes, including drying laundry.

The Leela has gone one step further, as it plans to set up its own wind farm in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

"In addition this year, in order to build our demand for the October to December period we also went international. Last year we didn't do any international communication and the focus remains we will keep the pressure on," says VP sales and marketing, Hotel Leela Ventures, Sanjoy Pasricha.

A strict control is also being kept on day-to-day operating costs. This includes adopting "just in time" delivery of food supplies and inventory schedules to reduce storage costs.