4Hoteliers
SEARCH
SHARE THIS PAGE
NEWSLETTERS
CONTACT US
SUBMIT CONTENT
ADVERTISING
The Non-Room Revenue.
By Vijay Dandapani
Tuesday, 10th February 2009
 
While there is no dearth of adjectives to describe the economy there is certainly a paucity of revenue generating ideas.

Hoteliers looking at the abyss that seems to have replaced the cash-register have an urgent need to find alternative revenue sources given plummeting room rates without adopting the tin-ear tactics of airlines who seem intent on aggravating an already aggrieved customer by levying fees for checked baggage and, now, pillows!

Some ideas for non-room revenue could include the following:

- Late night arrivals combined with the new era of austerity frequently compels many a traveler to steer clear of expensive in-room dining. As an alternative, hotels can offer pre-packaged (preferably low-fat) meals on the go that require neither preparation nor microwaves. (Oakfield farms, for example, offers a product along these lines)

- As above for "medical kits" that could include non-prescription analgesics, band-aids etc.

- If the hotel has any USP by way of products in-room (frette linen, duvet pillows, temper-pudic mattresses, "logoed" items etc.) look into "selling" them to interested guests.

- Take a fresh look at pricing in all miscellaneous income departments like laundry, parking garage commissions, car-rental agency commissions and all vending machines.

- If the property accepts pets, look into offering related services such as dog-walkers, vets etc on a revenue sharing basis with the providers. The same goes for a "nanny service".

While most if not none of the foregoing will likely compensate meaningfully for the precipitous drop in RevPar, the measures could help add to a bottom line that is fast changing color.

Vijay is Chief Operating Officer and part-founder of Apple Core Hotels- a chain of 5 midtown Manhattan hotels offering value and comfort in the heart of the city.Member of the board of Directors - Hotel Association of New York. www.vijaydandapani.com
Global Brand Awareness & Marketing Tools at 4Hoteliers.com ...[Click for More]
 Latest News  (Click title to read article)




 Latest Articles  (Click title to read)




 Most Read Articles  (Click title to read)




~ Important Notice ~
Articles appearing on 4Hoteliers contain copyright material. They are meant for your personal use and may not be reproduced or redistributed. While 4Hoteliers makes every effort to ensure accuracy, we can not be held responsible for the content nor the views expressed, which may not necessarily be those of either the original author or 4Hoteliers or its agents.
© Copyright 4Hoteliers 2001-2023 ~ unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved.
You can read more about 4Hoteliers and our company here
Use of this web site is subject to our
terms & conditions of service and privacy policy