Survey says: Holiday promos more ho-hum than ho-ho-ho

19 Dec, 2011 By: Stephanie Ricca

AAA may be forecasting a 1.4-percent increase in holiday travel away from home this year, but that doesn't necessarily mean hoteliers are having luck with seasonal promotions.

According to HotelManagement.net's latest online survey, 45 percent of respondents said their holiday season promotions this year are "terrible."

While 22 percent of respondents said seasonal promotions are "fantastic" this year, 16 percent said their seasonal promotions were more ho-hum than ho-ho-ho, and another 16 percent wished they knew more about planning them.

It may be late, but there's still time to get a few last-minute promotions out there in time for New Year's celebrations.

First, consider the numbers: According to AAA, the holiday travel season officially runs from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2. This year's travel volume is expected to be the second-highest of the past decade. And while many holiday-season travelers stay with family and friends, hotels at all segments can expect some modest rate growth this season. According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, Three-Diamond hotels are expected to raise rates about one percent over last season, while Two-Diamond hotels are expected to raise rates four percent over last season.

Second, spread the word ... fast: There's no time to send a direct-mail piece and face-to-face appointments are tough to schedule this week. So hit social media and blast promotions out on Facebook and Twitter.

Instead of just offering a lower rate for rooms, try enticing guests (particularly local New Year's Eve guests) with dining and drinks packages, or partnerships with area businesses, like these companies are doing on Twitter: