Building Guest Loyalty Through Gift Cards & Special Offers

Guest loyalty is the cornerstone of a sustainable and thriving hospitality business. While attracting new guests is always essential, retaining existing guests often proves more challenging—and more rewarding. Loyal guests not only return to your property but also spread the word, bringing friends and family along.

One of the most effective ways to foster guest loyalty is by offering gift cards and special promotions. These thoughtful incentives can create memorable experiences and lasting bonds between your guests and your brand. Discover with Hotel Link how you can deploy gift cards and tailored incentives to cultivate lasting relationships with guests.

1. Gift Cards: A Long-Lasting Token of Appreciation

Why Gift Cards Work for Building Loyalty

Gift cards are more than just a gesture - they offer tangible benefits that drive loyalty:

• Make Guests Feel Valued: Receiving a gift card makes guests feel recognized and appreciated.
• Encourage Repeat Visits: Guests are more likely to return to use the value on their gift card.
• Flexible and Convenient: Guests can use gift cards for various services - accommodations, dining, spa treatments, or other amenities.
• Expand Your Reach: Guests can give these cards to friends or family, increasing brand exposure and potential new bookings.

How To Create And Distribute Gift Cards

Are you struggling to retain clients? Gift cards may be the perfect solution. With these two suggestions, you will have more ideas to create attractive promotions and build a community of loyal clients.

Determine Appropriate Gift Card Values

Offer a range of gift card options to suit different guest needs. For example:

• $25–$50 Gift Cards for small services like coffee, cocktails, or desserts.
• $100–$200 Gift Cards for dining experiences, spa services, or short stays.
• $300 and Above for weekend getaways or premium experiences.

Distribution Strategies

• Upon Check-Out: A small token of appreciation during check-out leaves a lasting positive impression.
• During Special Occasions: Offer gift cards for birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays.
• Promotional Campaigns: Give away gift cards when guests book directly on your website or through specific channels during promotional periods.

2. Special Offers: Keeping Guests Coming Back

Loyalty Offers for Repeat Guests

Loyal guests are your hotel's most valuable asset. So, give them reasons to come back to your hotel. Special offers will help you do that.

Learn more: The Future Of Hotel Loyalty Programs: Rewards That Drive Guest Engagement Better!

Examples of Special Offers

• Complimentary Room Upgrades: Offer free room upgrades for guests staying three nights or more or those who’ve visited multiple times in a year.
• Exclusive Discounts: Provide 10%-15% off for returning guests who book directly with your property.
• Free Add-On Services: Include perks like a complimentary spa session, breakfast, or a dining voucher.

Seasonal and Holiday Promotions

Leverage holidays and peak seasons to create enticing promotions:

• Christmas & New Year: Offer packages that include a festive dinner or countdown party.
• Valentine’s Day: Create romantic getaways with special dining experiences for couples.
• Mother’s Day or International Women’s Day: Provide spa discounts or complimentary treatments for female guests.

Promote these offers widely on your website, social media platforms, and through booking channels to maximize visibility and engagement.

3. Streamlining Offers with Channel Management Tools

Synchronize Offers Across Multiple OTAs

Managing gift card promotions and special offers across multiple OTAs can be simplified with a Channel Manager. This tool helps:

• Synchronize Promotions: Ensure that your offers are consistently updated on platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, and Agoda.
• Prevent Overbookings: Manage room availability and promotions in real-time.
• Reach a Broader Audience: Increase exposure to potential guests across various booking channels.

Use Smart Rate to Adjust Prices Flexibly

Using Smart Rate tools allows you to adjust pricing dynamically based on market demand, helping you maximize revenue while keeping your offers attractive.

Read more: How To Create OTA Promotions With Channel Manager For Holiday Season?

4. Promoting Gift Cards & Special Offers Effectively

Email Marketing

Stay connected with your guests through personalized email campaigns. Send welcome emails, birthday wishes, or updates about special promotions. Including gift card incentives or exclusive offers in these emails can boost engagement.

Read more: Turn Browsers into Bookers: The Power of Hotel Email Marketing

Social Media Engagement

Leverage platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to promote your gift cards and offers:

• Regular Posts: Share eye-catching images and videos showcasing your promotions.
• Contests and Giveaways: Host mini-contests where guests can win gift cards, increasing interaction and brand visibility.

Conclusion

Building customer loyalty through gift cards and special offers is an effective and easy-to-implement strategy. Small gifts and sincere care will help hotels retain customers and create long-term relationships.

In addition, to optimize hotel revenue during the holiday season, take advantage of Yield Management provided for free on Hotel Link's Channel Manager. Contact the Market Manager for detailed instructions today.

If you need support in implementing hotel management solutions or tools such as Channel Manager and Smart Rate, contact Hotel Link. Our team of experts is always ready to accompany and help your hotel grow stronger than ever!