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Tip Tuesday #4: Increase your visibility and appeal to more guests by offering extra flexibility!

Hi Everyone! Account Advisor Colleen here with another Tuesday Tip for you! 

Given the current uncertainty around the world, the way guests plan and book travel is changing. During this time, travelers want more options to adjust travel plans in case their circumstances change. We see this on our website too, with many guests using the free cancellation filters during their search.    

Make sure your property is attractive to guests using these filters by increasing the flexibility of your existing free cancellation policies - ideally up to one day before check-in.  In addition to visibility, you’ll also stand out with special tagging reminding guests that your property offers flexible options. 

We’ve made it easy to convert your existing flexible policies in just a few steps, by visiting the Rate Plan Optimisation page in your Booking.com Extranet.

Have you made any changes to your policies recently to be more attractive to guests? Share with other partners in the comments below.


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M Adamopoulou 3 years ago

Hi Colleen,

Free cancellation one day before check-in is very tempting for guests but that means too many cancellations and more uncertainty  for hosts...

I understand the uncertainty the guests are facing these days but don’t forget that we hosts are also trying to survive and are willing to give our guests the best hospitality and make their holidays amazing!!!

Wish everybody best holidays this summer...

 

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BrookAve 3 years ago

exactly  it can be too one sided, and easily abused by guest.

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Colleen Accoun… 3 years ago

Hi M Adamopoulou and BrookAve,

 

Thanks for your reply! Totally understand what you're saying here. All markets are different and can attract different types of guests, so it is important you do what is right to protect your business at the end of the day. 

 

Worth talking to your local team to understand what may be happening in your area and if there may be any changes you could make to ensure you are all set up to target the right guests. 

 

Best Regards, 

Colleen G

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M Adamopoulou 3 years ago

Most guests will try to take advantage of this situation...

They did it before crisis!!!so why not now...

In these days I think people are being more careful with their traveling plans...they are more careful with reservations...and if something goes truly wrong I think most of hosts are reasonable enough to find best solution.

Take care...

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Noren Mouton 3 years ago

Interesting to know that guests are using "free cancellation" as a search-filter. Could you give us some more insights?
What is the percentage of guests exactly using this filter? 
Does it depend on the region?
On the period of the year? 

I still see that 30% of all guests in my area are cancelling their bookings
This is why I don't accept ANY cancellations. Maybe, I miss a booking opportunity - but I certainly don't miss any of my fixed bookings and this is more important to me. 

As a host, I can simply not afford to not have the income as the holiday period in my area is really short: it is 3 months only in Southern France. 

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Colleen Accoun… 3 years ago

 

Hi Noren Mouton,

 

Thanks so much for your comment and insight! 

 

You will need to speak to your local team for more data on what is happening for searches for your area What we have so far seen globally is that Partners who have implemented the 'Flexible 1 day' policy have increased their visibility by 23%, leading to more bookings.

 

With regards to your cancellations I would recommend taking a look at the Cancellation Characteristics report in your extranet. This data can help inform your decisions around cancellation policies. Here is a great article on how to use the report, manage and understand your cancellations. 

 

Thanks again for your input! 

 

Best Regards, 

Colleen G.

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David 3 years ago

Dear Booking.com you should be ashamed of yourself treating your partners, your bread and butter like this. Pushing the hand that feeds you to offer free cancellation right up until arrival day.The Dutch government bailed you out unfortunately we do not have that luxury.

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Excellent Gues… 3 years ago

Hi Colleen

How can I contact You for help . Ive got Credit with Booking.com and I do not know how to fix it

Please Help

Thanks

Loots

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Excellent Gues… 3 years ago

Hi Colleen

All the bookings from the 20th March 2020 was CANCELLED as We all know . Booking.com still send the invoice and My wife just payed without asking , I have Cancelled all of them with Booking.com but its still showing on my Account

Please HELP Urgent 

Thanks

Loots

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Colleen Accoun… 3 years ago

 

Hi Excellent Gues…,

 

Thanks for your comment. 

 

Please reach out to your credit control team by sending a Message via the Extranet -> Inbox -> Booking.com Messages -> Compose new message. 

 

Best Regards, 

Colleen G