Hotel marketing
Definition and contents

Hotelmarketing

What is hotel marketing?

Hotel marketing encompasses all of a hotel’s activities aimed at satisfying the needs and wishes of guests through targeted exchange processes. The aim is to inspire guests with outstanding services and maximize profits at the same time. This includes the marketing of a hotel’s services and products to not only retain existing customers but also attract new ones.

Why is customer orientation crucial in hotel marketing?

Customer orientation is at the heart of hotel marketing. This means that the hotel services are offered at the right time, in the right place and at the right price via the right distribution channels in order to achieve the optimum profit. Guest and customer-oriented thinking is fundamental, with the guest at the center of all hotel activities. The task is to systematically identify, influence and satisfy guest needs.

What role does strategic planning play in hotel marketing?

A long-term and well thought-out strategy is essential for success in hotel marketing. Strategic marketing in the hotel sector involves comprehensive planning of marketing measures aimed at developing the hotel market in the long term. This includes strategic diagnosis, the definition of marketing objectives, the development of strategic building blocks and the operational implementation of these strategies. Without such a planned approach, hotels risk investing in inefficient and costly campaigns.

How is operational marketing implemented in the hotel sector?

Operational marketing refers to the day-to-day implementation of marketing strategies and tactical decisions within a hotel. It comprises the design of the four to five marketing mix instruments:
  • Pricing,
  • Product management,
  • Communication,
  • Distribution and
  • Personnel policy.
In addition to the classic elements such as pricing, product management, communication, distribution and personnel policy, two additional aspects expand the marketing mix in the hotel industry: process management and equipment policy. In process management, emphasis is placed on making services not only efficient but also tangible by optimizing business processes in a customer-oriented manner. The fit-out policy focuses on optimizing the physical environment in order to positively influence the perception of the service through design, architecture and appearance and thus stand out from the competition.

Which marketing tools are particularly important in hotel marketing?

The classic pillars of marketing, known as the 4 P’s – Price, Product, Place and Promotion – are supplemented in hotel marketing by a fifth P, People. These five P’s form the basis for sales policy and decision-making in hotel marketing and are crucial for the effective generation of bookings and revenue optimization.

In summary, hotel marketing is a comprehensive approach that combines strategic planning, operational excellence and strong branding to achieve success. By constantly adapting to market changes and focusing on guest needs, a hotel can strengthen its positioning and sustainably expand its market share.

Hire Ascensus for your hotel marketing?

At Ascensus, our holistic and practical approach sets us apart from other marketing agencies. Our in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the hotel industry is the result of our extensive experience in consulting, management and training in various hotels.

This practical insight into the operational level of hotel operations enables us to develop tailor-made marketing strategies that are not only theoretically sound but also tried and tested in practice. We understand the subtle nuances of day-to-day hotel operations and adapt our strategies to achieve real and measurable results. Our goal at Ascensus is not only to strengthen each hotel’s market position, but also to promote operational excellence in order to improve the overall guest experience and ultimately increase profitability.

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