Spring Break 2025: 6 Expert Tips for Hotel Marketers to Stay Ahead of the Trends

February 10, 2025 by Jaylene Van Lin

Spring break 2025 is almost upon us and the pressure is on for all hotel marketers. We know you're already juggling 27 different spreadsheets, 14 marketing campaigns, and 3 “urgent” emails about the in-room Wi-Fi.

Don't worry, we've rounded up the hottest travel trends this year to incorporate into your spring break marketing plan. Let's dive into what's on the horizon for spring break 2025 and how you can position your property to stand out from the crowd.

1. All-Inclusive is the new “do-it-yourself” vacation

Gone are the days when all-inclusive meant overpriced buffets and watered-down cocktails. In 2025, the all-inclusive experience has been given a much-needed makeover. Now, it’s about curated experiences, think gourmet dining, tailored activities, and stress-free relaxation. Travelers are booking these stays because, let’s face it, who has time to plan everything when they’re just trying to chill?

Marketing tip: If your hotel offers all-inclusive packages, make sure you're marketing it as the ultimate vacation hack. Forget worrying about reservations or what time dinner starts. Emphasize convenience, luxury, and indulgence because who doesn’t want to enjoy their vacation without the planning drama?

2. Wellness: Because "relaxation" is now a lifestyle

Wellness has officially graduated from fad to lifestyle. In 2025, travelers aren’t just looking for a massage; they want holistic, feel-good experiences. Yoga at sunrise? Check. Farm-to-table meals that make you feel healthier just by looking at them? Double-check. Travelers want to feel balanced, and your hotel should be the sanctuary they’ve been dreaming of.

Marketing tip: If your property offers yoga sessions, a tranquil spa, or even a mindful breakfast option, make sure to highlight it in your hotel’s marketing. You could even create a “Recharge and Reboot” spring break package for stressed-out students or burnt-out professionals looking to escape the grind. After all, what’s better than taking a deep breath and feeling like you’ve really recharged?

3. Detour destinations: The secret getaway no one’s talking about

Spring break isn’t all about big cities and overcrowded beaches anymore. In fact, more and more travelers are looking to skip the crowds and discover detour destinations. You know those little-known gems that are just a short drive or train ride from the main action. We’re talking cozy towns, quiet lakesides, and charming villages that offer more authentic experiences and less Instagram chaos.

Marketing tip: If your hotel is located near a popular tourist hub, sell the escape. Offer spring break packages that highlight these hidden gems; maybe even suggest a “Detour Day Trip” itinerary for guests to explore quaint neighborhoods, local shops, and undiscovered views. Let them enjoy the best of both worlds: proximity to the popular spots without the stress of the crowds.

4. Multigenerational travel: More generations, more fun

What happens when you combine spring break with family reunions? Multigenerational travel. From grandparents to grandkids, families are increasingly choosing spring break as the time to bond and make memories that don’t involve Zoom calls or awkward holiday dinners. This isn’t just for the fun family anymore—this is about a family getaway that includes everyone, no matter the age or stage.

Marketing tip: If you have family suites, connecting rooms, or on-site amenities for all ages, make sure to highlight them in your spring break marketing. Consider offering spring break packages designed for multigenerational groups; things like family-friendly excursions, kid-focused activities, and special meal deals that cater to everyone from toddlers to grandma. Bonus points if you can throw in a “family game night” or an intergenerational scavenger hunt.

5. Slow travel is the new fast travel

In 2025, travelers are over the rush-rush pace of seeing everything on their list in one trip. Instead, slow travel is in. Think long weekends, extended stays, and truly immersing in the destination. Guests want to take their time and savor each moment, not run around with their noses stuck in their phones while trying to snap a perfect shot of every tourist spot.

Marketing tip: Cater to this new slower pace by offering packages that allow for longer stays or multi-night discounts. You could even create an itinerary that encourages guests to explore your destination at a relaxed pace. Maybe a guided walking tour, a cooking class, or a local wine tasting that gives them a deeper connection to the area. Don’t forget to position your hotel as the ideal spot to settle into for an extended, relaxed stay.

6. Experiential travel: Because why just “stay” when you can “do”

This year, travelers aren’t just looking for a room to sleep in. They’re seeking experiences. Whether it’s an exclusive concert, a cooking class, or a local adventure, travelers want their stay to be a part of something bigger. For them, it’s about connecting with the place in a meaningful way, not just checking into a room.

Marketing tip: If your hotel offers any unique experiences, activities, or partnerships, don’t be shy about promoting them. From wine tastings with local sommeliers to partnerships with local artists for painting workshops, highlight experiences that guests can’t get anywhere else. You might even consider creating a “Spring Break Bucket List” for your hotel’s region and offer discounts or promotions for guests who check off all the items.

You’ve got this (and so does your property)
Spring break 2025 is shaping up to be a season of change and opportunity. By staying ahead of these emerging trends and tailoring your offerings to meet the demands of travelers, you’ll be able to capture attention and maximize bookings this year. So, take a deep breath, have a little fun with your spring break marketing, and remember: your property has a lot to offer. It’s time to make this spring Break one to remember, for your guests and your bottom line.

For expert guidance and tailored spring break messaging strategies, contact GCommerce Solutions today.

How to Respond to Google Reviews

February 5, 2025 by Alex Scharpf

Responding to Google reviews is a critical part of any effective strategy for Local Search Engine Optimization (Local SEO). The way you respond to reviews can impact your hotel’s visibility, affect your credibility among potential guests, and even influence bookings. Here are a few tips for responding to Google reviews, to ensure that your Local SEO is as effective as possible.

Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative

This shows that your hotel is engaged with your guests and takes feedback seriously. This can also improve brand loyalty, as it allows guests to form a more personal connection with your hotel.

On Google Business Profile, hotel listings with a high percentage of review responses are also more likely to be shown in search results.

If your hotel does not have the time to reply to reviews, companies such as our partner Widewail can assist with the workload by responding on your hotel’s behalf.

Respond within 2 weeks of the review being posted

1 week is even better, and within a few days is best. If your hotel can keep this pace consistently, it shows potential guests that you put effort and thought into every aspect of the guest experience.

Timely replies to reviews can also have a positive effect on Google Business Profile visibility.

For negative reviews, make sure to include a potential solution

Even if you contact a guest privately about a negative review, it is a good idea to mention this in your public reply as well. For example, you can respond with “Hello Guest Name, we will be reaching out about your experience.” This shows potential future guests that you care about the guest experience, and reduces the perceived risk of staying at your hotel for the first time.

Do not try to remove negative reviews

If a review counts as spam or otherwise breaks platform guidelines, it’s a good idea to remove it. However, leaving genuine negative reviews on your Google Business Profile provides a more accurate representation of your hotel, and creates trust with potential guests who may be suspicious of an overly positive response.

Leaving negative reviews visible also gives your hotel a chance to flex your problem-solving and customer service skills, with thoughtfully crafted replies.

Remove illegitimate positive reviews

If a positive review counts as spam or otherwise breaks platform guidelines, you should try to remove it. This creates a more accurate representation of your hotel, and creates trust with potential guests who may be suspicious of spammy positive reviews.

Listen to your guests

If a particular theme continues to reappear in negative reviews, take this feedback seriously and consider addressing the root of the problem. This will improve the guest experience, leading to more repeat guests and fewer negative reviews in the future.

In summary

Responding to Google reviews can improve both your hotel’s visibility and your relationship with guests. If you respond to reviews with honesty and maintain an authentic presence on your Google Business Profile, this will positively impact your hotel in both the present and future.

If you want to learn more about responding to Google reviews or improving your Local SEO strategy, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Maximizing Revenue and Guest Satisfaction with Revinate Upsells

January 27, 2025 by Maddie Holifield

Personalizing the guest journey is no longer optional - it’s essential. Revinate, a GCommerce Partner, offers a powerful way to enhance the guest experience and increase your property’s revenue through its Upsells feature.

What is the Upsells feature?

By seamlessly integrating room upgrades, amenities, and unique experiences into automated email campaigns, Upsells offers an opportunity to generate incremental revenue while providing guests with tailored offerings.

The dual benefits of upselling

Upselling is a win-win for both hotels and your guests. It allows properties to unlock new revenue streams and provides personalized enhancements to elevate the guest experience.

For hotels, upsells deliver 100% profitable revenue with no commission fees, whether through room upgrades, exclusive amenities, or local activity offerings.

For guests, upsells cater to specific guest needs and preferences. From romantic add-ons for anniversaries to family-friendly offerings, this feature allows for more personalized experiences and increases the likelihood that guests will return. Upsells also serve as a gateway to curated local experiences, enriching the overall stay.

Upsells across the guest journey

To maximize the impact of upsells, it’s important to align offers with different stages of the guest journey.

Pre-arrival:

As guests plan their trips, they’re more likely to consider upgrades. Pre-arrival emails showcasing popular upsells save time at check-in while improving pre-trip engagement.

Post stay:

Gathering feedback on upsells in post-stay surveys and emails provides valuable insights into guest preferences and help refine future offerings. As a bonus, engaging with guests post-stay strengthens relationships and encourages repeat bookings.

The revenue potential of upsells

Revinate customers are reaping significant benefits from their upsell initiatives. On average, properties generate $1,100 in monthly upsell revenue, with some earning as much as $10,00 per month in additional revenue.

Crafting effective upsells

Tapping into personalization is the cornerstone of successful upselling. By utilizing guest data, hotels can tailor offers based on past behaviors, preferences, or travel motivations. A study revealed that 36% of guests are willing to pay more for experiences tailored to their needs.

Timing is critical: pre-arrival campaigns sent 3-7 days before check-in yield a 61% average open rate and a 30% click-through rate. Subject lines featuring “upgrade” perform particularly well, boasting a 61% open rate.

Top performing amenity upsells include:

A small bouquet
Breakfast buffet
Airport pickup
Bottle of champagne

The long-term value of upsells

Beyond immediate revenue, upselling forages deeper guest relationships and improves guest loyalty. Personalized offers show that the property understands and anticipates guests’ needs, leading to higher satisfaction during and after a stay. Research shows that 91% of customers expect businesses to provide relevant, personalized recommendations, making upselling a powerful tool for meeting and exceeding guest expectations.

Examples of upselling In pre-arrivals

Utilizing the Upsells feature can improve guest satisfaction & increase revenue

Revinate Upsells offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate the guest experience while driving revenue for a property. By integrating personalized offers into the various stages of the guest journey, properties can achieve greater guest satisfaction and enhance guest loyalty.

Ready to unlock the full potential of upselling at your property? Contact GCommerce Solutions today.

The Path to Profitability in 2025: A Hotel Marketer's Guide

January 23, 2025 by Lindley Cotton

In today's dynamic hospitality landscape, understanding consumer behavior is crucial for hotel marketers to thrive. This guide will explore key strategies for navigating the evolving digital landscape, leveraging data and AI to drive guest satisfaction and loyalty, and ultimately achieving profitability in 2025.

View our guide now.

2024 Equity & Advocacy Team Impact Report

January 22, 2025 by GCommerce Solutions

In 2022, GCommerce produced a company survey to gather team member insights on
its Cultural Pillars. While the primary goal was to evaluate which pillars needed to be
updated in a post-pandemic world, GCommerce also found that many team members
requested more education and discussion around Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Survey respondents were proud of the company efforts towards a more equitable workplace,
but they wanted those efforts to be more formal and institutional. In response,
GCommerce decided to incorporate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion into its foundational
"Cultural Pillars."

The company didn't stop there. Formalizing DEI as a culture pillar was an important first
step, but GCommerce was looking to make an impact, both within the company and the
community.

And that is how the Equity & Advocacy Team was formed.

At the onset, the team drafted a charter to guide the goals, strategies and desired
outcomes of the group. Now, the company presents a recap of the work that has been
done and the outcomes it has generated over the past year.

View our 2024 Equity & Advocacy Team impact report here.

Maximizing your TikTok Campaign Potential

January 20, 2025 by Meaghan Reynolds

ICYMI: TikTok has been reinstated for the time being, and if you haven't tested TikTok advertising for your property, now's your chance.

TikTok is a playground for creativity and connection. With millions of active users and endless opportunities, it’s the ultimate space for advertisers to think outside the box and make a real impact.

Learn how to engage users, collaborate with creators, and drive results effectively.

Leverage TikTok’s Creative Codes

TikTok’s Creative Codes are designed to help advertisers craft ads that perform well on the platform. Here’s an expanded look at each component:

TikTok-first content: TikTok thrives on organic, native content. This means that ads should feel like they belong to the platform, unlike traditional ads. Using vertical formats (9:16 aspect ratio) and lo-fi, unpolished visuals (e.g., raw footage, informal settings) helps make ads feel more authentic. Creators are central to TikTok, so partnering with influencers or creators can elevate your ad’s relevance and engagement.
Trends: TikTok is driven by trends, and these can be fleeting, so it’s essential to stay on top of what’s happening in real time. TikTok's Creative Center is a great tool for finding current and popular trends. Integrating your brand into these trends can make your content more shareable and increase its reach. For example, if a popular meme is trending, creating an ad that aligns with that meme can catch the audience’s attention quickly.
Production: TikTok users expect high-quality video but not overly produced content. Use crisp visuals and sound but maintain an authentic, informal feel. Keeping your content fresh is key—if ads look stale or overly similar to previous ones, they can lose engagement. Refreshing your video ads regularly prevents ad fatigue, where users start to ignore or block out your content.
Structure: A good TikTok ad often follows a simple, clear structure:
- Hook: Capture attention in the first 3 seconds with something unexpected or intriguing.
- Body: Provide value or content that supports your message (e.g., product benefits, brand story).
- Close: End with a strong, clear Call-to-Action (CTA) that guides the viewer on what to do next, whether it’s clicking a link or visiting your website.
Stimulation: TikTok ads should move quickly. Use fast cuts and scene changes to maintain interest, and text overlays to highlight key points. People tend to scroll fast, so your ad must grab attention immediately. Dynamic editing with playful transitions can make the ad feel more like organic content.
Sound: TikTok is inherently auditory, so sound plays a huge role in creating an emotional connection. Music sets the mood of the ad, while voiceovers can help tell a story or explain how your product works. TikTok’s Commercial Music Library ensures that you have access to royalty-free music, which can be essential for maintaining the copyright integrity of your content.

Embrace Native content

Native content refers to ads that blend seamlessly into the platform’s regular content, making them feel like organic posts rather than intrusive ads:

Keep it real: TikTok users are highly sensitive to inauthenticity. Ads that appear overly polished or commercialized can appear out of place. Instead, use lo-fi aesthetics, such as videos filmed on a smartphone with natural lighting, and avoid high-end production values.
Use vertical format: Vertical video (9:16) is the standard on TikTok, and videos that are in this format tend to perform best. Horizontal videos often look awkward and less engaging on mobile devices, which is the primary way TikTok is consumed.
Feature people: Authenticity is key on TikTok, so showing real people, such as employees, creators, or customers, can foster a deeper connection with the audience. If possible, feature user-generated content or collaborate with influencers, as their followers are more likely to trust and engage with the content.

Follow TikTok trends

Trends on TikTok can be divided into moments, signals, and forces, each offering different types of opportunities for your brand to align with cultural currents:

Moments: These are short-term trends, often based on memes, viral challenges, or real-time events. Brands can capitalize on these by participating in the trend quickly and authentically.
Signals: These are mid-term cultural trends that may last weeks or months, such as new product categories, emerging cultural shifts, or seasonal events. Adapting to these trends can help brands stay relevant over time.
Forces: These are long-term cultural patterns, like sustainability or social justice, that shape behavior and attitudes. Aligning your brand with these broader, deeper trends can help create a more lasting connection with audiences.

Optimize sound

TikTok is a highly immersive platform, and sound is one of the most important elements for keeping users engaged:

Music: The right song can enhance the emotional appeal of your video. It helps set the tone of your content, from energetic and playful to calm and soothing. TikTok allows users to select songs from its vast library, and using trending music can also give your content more exposure.
Voiceovers: Adding a voiceover to your ad can help explain the product or service you're offering, tell a story, or provide additional context. Voiceovers are especially useful for tutorial or instructional content.
Commercial Music Library: This library offers pre-cleared music that is safe to use for commercial purposes. Using music from this collection ensures that you don’t run into copyright issues, which can be crucial for maintaining the integrity of your brand.

Value of creativity

Creativity is at the heart of TikTok's success, and it must resonate with your target audience on a personal level:

Empathy: Understand the values, challenges, and interests of your audience. Show that you are aligned with their emotions or concerns, whether it’s through humor, inspiration, or relatability. This can increase viewer trust and make the content more shareable.
Resonance: The content should evoke an emotional response. This can be through storytelling, creating scenarios that the audience can relate to, or tapping into cultural relevance (e.g., addressing timely issues or trends).
Variety: Mix content types to keep your audience engaged. Entertainment-focused videos might attract attention, while educational content can provide more value. Combining different formats helps you reach a broader audience with varying preferences.

Strategies for Success on TikTok

Here are several key strategies for optimizing your TikTok campaigns:

Blend paid and organic content: A strong organic presence (e.g., regular posts, user-generated content) can make your paid ads more effective. By consistently posting relevant content, you build trust and credibility, making users more likely to engage with your ads.
TikTok-first content: Embrace the native, informal storytelling style that works well on TikTok. Ads that integrate into the TikTok environment feel more authentic and resonate better with users.
Creator collaborations: Influencers and TikTok creators are trusted by their followers. Partnering with them allows your brand to tap into their audience and establish credibility in an authentic way.
Creative tools: TikTok’s Creator Marketplace is a valuable resource for connecting with influencers, while AI tools can help scale your content and optimize performance. These tools enable you to manage your campaigns efficiently and target the right audience.

Need help getting started with TikTok ads? Reach out today!