7 Elements of a Compelling Pre-Arrival Upselling Email to Boost Your Profits

In the ever-evolving landscape of hospitality, pre-arrival upselling email offers have become a strategic tool for hotels to enhance guest experience, drive revenue and maximize profit. These emails serve as a prime opportunity to engage guests before their arrival, offering additional services, amenities, and experiences tailored to their preferences. Let’s look at the importance of pre-arrival upselling email offers and what elements are essential to craft compelling and creative email offer campaigns.

The Impact of Pre-Arrival Upselling Emails

Pre-arrival upselling emails are a critical touchpoint in the guest journey, enabling hotels to interact with guests before they arrive. Studies have shown that well-crafted upselling emails sent prior to arrival can significantly increase ancillary revenue, with open rates averaging around 60-70% and click-through rates ranging from 30-40%. Furthermore, pre-arrival communication not only drives revenue but also significantly impacts guest engagement and satisfaction. In 2018, Deloitte published a comprehensive report on "Hotel Guest Experience Strategy," emphasizing the critical importance of delivering unique and personalized experiences to every guest. According to their survey, 25% of respondents were more inclined to promote hotels that proactively communicated with them, while 20% were more likely to promote hotels offering personalized experiences. Additionally, half of the respondents expressed keen interest in services such as transportation arrangements, with approximately 45% indicating a desire to make restaurant reservations prior to arrival. These findings highlight significant opportunities for hotels to differentiate themselves, enhance guest satisfaction, and ultimately drive revenue and profits through compelling pre-arrival upselling emails.

Elements of a Highly Creative and Compelling Upselling Email Offer

1. Personalization 

Tailor content to each guest's preferences and past interactions with the hotel. You want your message to sound like it was especially meant for them and with their best interests in mind. For example, if a guest has previously booked spa treatments, personalize the offer by suggesting similar services or packages tailored to their interests. If their flight arrives early, you may want to offer an early check-in or airport transfers.

2. Compelling Subject Line

Capture the recipient's attention with a subject line that communicates the value proposition of the offer.  For instance, "Create Memorable Experiences with these Exclusive Packages" or "Enhance Your Stay with Our Special Offer".

3. Visual Appeal 

Use high-quality images to showcase the products, services, or experiences being offered. Highlight the experience and the benefits instead of just showing the physical amenities. Include visually appealing images of spa treatments, luxurious room experiences (not just the bed), or gourmet dining options to entice recipients. 

4. Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

Include a prominent and clear CTA button that directs recipients to take action. Use phrases like "Book Now" or "Reserve Your Upgrade" to prompt recipients to engage with the offer.

5. Value Proposition

Clearly articulate the benefits of the offer to the guest. Highlight how upgrading to a suite will provide additional benefits for example - space and luxury amenities, spa bath, enhancing the guest's overall stay experience.

6. Limited-Time Offer

Create a sense of urgency by emphasizing that the offer is available for a limited time. Use phrases like "Act Fast – Offer Ends Soon" to encourage recipients to take advantage of the offer before it expires.

7. Incentives or Discounts

Offer exclusive incentives or discounts to entice guests to upgrade or purchase additional services. Tie it up to your loyalty program or create a time-bound offer for instance.

Industry Trends and Best Practices

Hotels are increasingly leveraging data analytics and automation tools to optimize their upselling email campaigns. By segmenting email lists and personalizing offers based on guest preferences, hotels can increase relevance and engagement. Additionally, AI-driven recommendation engines, and partners who have harnessed these capabilities, enable hotels to deliver targeted offers tailored to individual guest profiles, maximizing revenue potential.

Pre-arrival upselling email offers represent a valuable opportunity for hotels to maximize revenue and profits and enhance guest satisfaction. By incorporating personalized, visually appealing, and compelling elements into their email campaigns, hotels can create experiences that resonate with guests and drive conversions. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, staying abreast of emerging trends and best practices in email marketing is essential for hotels looking to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive revenue growth.