Welcome back to the Accommodation Show for Episode 1 of Season 12! Yes, you read that right—Season 12 is set to be absolutely monumental. We’ve got an all-star line-up featuring the best and brightest from the world of short-term rentals, leading figures in marketing, and key players from some of the top hotel brands. This season promises to be a treasure trove of insights, strategies, and actionable advice to take your accommodation business to the next level.
This episode serves as a prelude to the upcoming VRMA International conference in Orlando, which is just a little over a week away. I’ll be there, soaking up all the knowledge and networking with industry leaders. If you happen to spot me, please do come over and say hello—I’d love to connect with you in person. Without further ado, let’s dive into this special episode that focuses on a topic close to every accommodation provider’s heart: Direct Bookings.
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the OTA (Online Travel Agency) hamster wheel, yearning for a way to reclaim your margins and build brand loyalty, then this episode is your golden ticket.
I’m honoured to host Alex Husner, CMO for Casago (check them out, they are doing unreal work) and an industry heavyweight in the vacation rental market, to shed light on the intricacies of direct bookings. Alex brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to the show, offering actionable insights for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re managing a boutique B&B or a sprawling resort, understanding the dynamics of direct bookings could be your game-changer.
In a world where OTAs like Booking.com and Airbnb hold immense advertising power, it’s easy to underestimate the potential of direct bookings. Yet, as Alex points out, the right approach can not only save you a fortune in commission fees but also build a treasure trove of loyal customers. Imagine a future where your guests not only book directly but also become ambassadors for your brand. It’s not a dream; it’s a strategy, and this episode will show you how to implement it.
If you’re still not convinced, let me lay it out for you. A focus on direct bookings allows you to control your guest experience from start to finish, cultivate lasting relationships, and build a self-sustaining marketing ecosystem. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to revolutionize your approach to direct bookings.
Reasons You Should Listen to This Episode 🎯
Learn strategies for building a loyal customer base ❤️
Effective ways to optimize your website for direct bookings 🖥️
How to leverage AI and data analytics 📊
Importance of balancing OTA and direct booking strategies ⚖️
Understand the role of PPC and SEO in direct bookings 📈
Alex Husner is not just an industry veteran; she’s a change-maker. Serving as the CMO for Casago, one of the largest professionally managed vacation rental companies in the U.S. and Mexico, Alex brings a wealth of experience and innovation to the table. Her previous role as CMO for Condo-World saw her managing over 500 properties with an astonishing 95% direct booking ratio. A digital marketing maven, Alex co-hosts the podcast “Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals” and serves on the Board of Directors for the VRMA. Her hands-on experience and passion for the industry make her insights invaluable for anyone looking to up their game in direct bookings.
Friends, time is money, and this episode is a goldmine of information that will save you both. Listening to Alex’s insights will not only deepen your understanding of the importance of direct bookings but also arm you with actionable strategies you can implement immediately. If you’re serious about taking your accommodation business to the next level, you can’t afford to miss out on this episode.
So, grab your notebook, settle in, and prepare to be enlightened. I guarantee that by the end of this episode, you’ll be buzzing with ideas and eager to put them into action. Let’s reclaim the power of direct bookings and elevate our businesses together.