With a special offer, guests can book at a discounted rate. However, there are times when you want to provide this discount exclusively to specific guests.
What is a promo code?
In the Hotel Link extranet, a promo code is a distinct code, often consisting of words or a combination of characters, which guests must input during the booking process. This code is used to unlock and activate an exclusive special offer when making a room reservation. Essentially, the special offer becomes applicable only if the guest has the promo code to enter in the booking widget. For example: "10%WEEKLY," "SUMMERSALE," and so on.
Benefits of a promo code
Acquire New Guests: Many travelers make their initial hotel bookings due to offers or discounts. You can create a promo code specifically for these potential guests, encouraging them to choose your hotel for their first booking. Promo codes serve as a potent tool for expanding your guest base.
Rewarding Loyal Guests: In addition to attracting new guests, you can also use promo codes to reward your loyal guests, those who have made numerous reservations at your hotel. By offering promo codes to these valued guests, you can encourage them to keep choosing your hotel over competitors. This approach enhances guest satisfaction and loyalty, potentially leading to a referral program in the future.
Increase Seasonal Sales: Promo codes and discounts play a crucial role in reaching a wider audience during peak travel seasons such as holidays (New Year’, Christmas) and seasons (Summer) ensuring competitiveness year-round.
How to create a promo code
- Navigate to the 'Special Offers' section under the Booking Engine.
- In the left-hand menu, select '+ new special offer.'
- Proceed to create your special offer.
- In the 'Activate Special with a Promo Code' field, enter the code guests will use to activate the special offer during booking.
- When a promo code is applied to a special offer, the 'Only Show Rate Plans with Promo Code Applied' option becomes available. This option determines which rate plans guests will see in the booking widget:
- Yes: After guests enter the promo code, the booking widget displays only the rate plans with the promo code / special offer applied.
- No: After guests enter the promo code, the booking widget shows all rate plans that are available to be booked.
- You need to have a minimum of two special offers.
- These offers should be applicable to the same room types or rate plans.
- You cannot set up two or more special offers of the same type, except for the 'Pay Stay Deal,' which can be combined with other offers.
- The 'Last Minute Discount' cannot be combined with other offers.
Promo code expiration
The promotional code's validity corresponds to that of the special offer. When travelers enter the promo code in the Booking Widget on the hotel website, a popup response will confirm if the code was successfully applied and activated the special offer or if the code is expired or invalid.