In the 2010 HeBS Benchmark Survey on Hotel Internet Marketing Budget Planning and Best Practices, participating hoteliers believed website design/redesign and Web 2.0 initiatives would prove to be two of the strongest revenue generating initiatives this year. 

In addition, hoteliers stated they believe that website re-designs, SEO and Web 2.0 produce the best results and highest return on investment (ROI):

Which Internet marketing formats do you believe produce the best results and the highest returns on investment (ROI)?

Source: Hospitality eBusiness Strategies (HeBS) 2010 Benchmark Survey on Hotel Internet Marketing

In recognition of becoming true partners with its clients, carefully studying their business objectives, tailoring strategic marketing plans, and launching websites and multichannel marketing campaigns with the goal of generating incremental revenues, Hospitality eBusiness Strategies won six Adrian Awards from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) and seven Davey Awards.

The results of this strategic direct online channel approach are more than positive. The following case study is based on HeBS' full-service Internet marketing and direct online channel strategy clients.

The study illustrates that investments in the direct online channel (hotel website re-designs, multichannel marketing initiatives, etc.) pay off handsomely:

Return on Investment (ROI) from the Direct Online Channel in 2009:

Source: 2010 HeBS Research

"In the most recent HeBS Benchmark Survey, results showed that hoteliers believed website design and Web 2.0 initiatives produced the best results and highest returns. HeBS is in full agreement and designs and conceptualizes every website and multichannel marketing campaign with this in mind. We understand our clients' principle need—driving hotel bookings in the most cost-efficient way, through the direct online channel. Our multiple Adrian Awards and Davey Awards are a testament to this, and we are honored to share these with our clients," said Max Starkov, Chief eBusiness Strategist at HeBS.

HeBS received the following website design and multichannel marketing awards:

Adrian Awards:

• Club Eldorado 60-Day Free Room and Show Giveaway (Eldorado Hotel Casino in Reno): Gold Adrian in Digital Marketing
• AmericInn Scavenger Hunt: Silver Adrian in Digital Marketing
• JW Marriott Indianapolis 30-Day Giveaway for Meeting Planners: Silver Adrian in Digital Marketing
• Shell Ultimate Summer Vacation Sweepstakes: Silver Adrian in Digital Marketing
• Loews Hotels Website: Bronze Adrian in Digital Marketing
• Viand Website: Bronze Adrian in Digital Marketing

Davey Awards:

• Greystone Hotels Website: Silver Davey in the Hotel/Lodging Category
• Champions Fort Wayne Website: Silver Davey in the Restaurant Category
• Viand Website: Silver Davey in the Restaurant Category
• Loews Hotels Website: Silver Davey in the Hotel/Lodging Category
• Valencia Group Website: Silver Davey in the Hotel/Lodging Category
• Urban Famer Website: Silver Davey in the Restaurant Category
• Club Eldorado 60-Day Free Room and Show Giveaway (Eldorado Hotel Casino in Reno): Silver Davey in the Microsite Category
• JW Marriott Indianapolis 30-Day Giveaway for Meeting Planners: Silver Davey in the Microsite Category

"In the ultra competitive casino industry, it is only through strategic partnerships with thought leaders like Hospitality eBusiness Strategies that we are able to achieve and maintain our role as market leaders. We are honored to have received these awards and look forward to more exciting marketing campaigns in 2011" said Chad Hallert, Director of E-Commerce & Internet Marketing.

About HeBS
Hospitality eBusiness Strategies (HeBS), the industry's leading Internet marketing strategy consulting firm for the hospitality vertical, is based in New York City. HeBS has pioneered many of the "best practices" in hotel Internet marketing and direct online distribution. The firm specializes in helping hoteliers build their direct Internet marketing and distribution strategy, boost the hotel Internet marketing presence, establish interactive relationships with their customers, and significantly increase direct online bookings and ROIs. A diverse client portfolio of over 500 top tier major hotel brands, luxury and boutique hotel companies, hotel management and representation companies, franchisees and independents, resorts and casinos and CVBs has sought and successfully taken advantage of the firm hospitality Internet marketing expertise.

www.hospitalityebusiness.com