Seasonal highpoints will propel your revenues sky high literally but drain your resources unless you are prepared. Below are some tips that will prepare you for high occupancy seasons:
- Project Demand Accurately
- Learn from your past and predict peak days and months.
- Utilize forecasting analytics software to include trends, holidays, and local events.
- Monitor weather and travel trends that compel booking.
- Staff Optimisation
- Employ and train seasonal employees well ahead of time.
- Utilize flexible scheduling software to staff high-traffic periods.
- Train employees to accomplish several distinct tasks and remove bottlenecks.
- Streamlining Operations
- Pre-seasonal facility and equipment inspection to have all running like clockwork.
- Employ inventory control systems to maintain low-level inventory in stock.
- Automate check-in/check-out or sales procedures wherever feasible.
- Guest/Customer Experience Improvement
- Provide express services (mobile check-in, touchless payments).
- Be up-front in sharing wait times, services, and policies.
- Provide special deals or rewards discounts to repeat clients.
- Improve Internal Communication
- Use internal message boards (such as Slack or Teams) for live scheduling.
- Do daily huddles in peak weeks to get staff aligned and take care of issues.
- Have SOPs ready to take care of ongoing problems in the peak traffic.
- Apply Dynamic Pricing
- Rebalance rates or prices based on demand, using revenue management practices.
- Provide pre-booking specials or package discounts to stagandpost demand.
- Track and React in Real-Time
- Employ real-time dashboards to monitor KPIs such as occupancy, waiting time, or sales.
- Be capable of redirecting resources at the time based on real-time demands.
- Adjust services in the moment quickly based on customer comment.
- Plan Life After the Rush
- Book deep cleaning or restocking stock after the rush.
- Conduct performance review to see what worked and what did not.
- Reward your employees for attempting to boost morale and retention.
Bonus Tip: Contingency Planning
- Develop contingency plans for staffing shortages, technical failure, or supply chain collapse.