In the current economic environment hoteliers are having to rethink their marketing strategies. Return on Investment (ROI) should be formost in the mind of a hotelier considering internet marketing and hotel web design.  The economic downturn has affected where people are spending their money. The hoteliers clients are battling to get credit, food prices, fuel prices and even energy prices are impacting upon the clients ability to afford their next get away.

A Smith Travel Research reports that  occupancy rates in North America fell by 1.9%; in Europe by 0.7% and in Asia Pacific by 3.1%, compared to the same period a year ago. I am  aware that we are seeing similar results in Southern Africa. The question is “What should hoteliers do in an unstable and uncertain economic environment?

1. What strategies could help reverse or alleviate the adverse impact of negative growth in occupancy?
2. What action can hoteliers take to ensure their success?
3. Where should hoteliers spend their advertising budget?

In a difficult times like these Internet marketing can help hoteliers and lodge owners generate better income. The internet can help you attract more affluent travelers, and out-smart the competition. Experience shows that Internet-savvy hoteliers with online strategies in place are the winners in economic downturns.

Fact: 83% of travel planning in the U.S. is done online. Clients are spending more time  online planning their holidays.  Online travel planning will only grow this year and into the future. Travellers are always searching for the best deals on the web.

The Internet has established itself as the most important distribution and marketing channel in the hospitality industry. In 2008, 37% of all hotel bookings were be generated from the Interne (33%
in 2007, 29% in 2006). At least another third of all hotel bookings were influenced by
the Internet, but done offline at travel agents, call centres and other bricks and mortar stores. All major hotel
brands are already generating an excess of 40% of the CRS bookings via their brand websites.

Merril Lynch estimated that  over 45% of all hotel bookings will be completed online by 2010. South Africa and the East  are experiencing immense growth in Internet adoption rates and are recording a double digit growth in online hotel bookings.

Can you afford not to have a specialist web marketer in your corner while your competition is winning?