Boost Your Revenue: How Accommodation Businesses Can Increase Sales by Expanding Add-On Offerings

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Written By Sarah Colgate

While attracting new customers is crucial, increasing the revenue from each booking can significantly boost your bottom line. 



One of the most effective ways to do this is by expanding your range of add-on sales. Add-ons not only enhance the guest experience but also provide additional revenue streams that can make a big difference in your profitability. 




Here are a few suggestions you might consider to boost your accommodation business revenue:

Offer Local Experience Packages

One of the most appealing add-ons for travellers is the opportunity to experience the local culture and attractions. 


You can offer packages that include guided tours, tickets to local events, or even workshops with local artisans. Have a look around your town and see what would work well with our ideal client. 


For example, if you run a coastal resort, you might partner with a local surfing school to offer surf lessons as an add-on. Or, if your business is in a wine region, consider offering vineyard tours and tastings as part of the package.


Real Life Example: A boutique hotel in a small historical town offers an add-on package that includes a guided walking tour of the town’s historical sites, a visit to a local museum, and a dinner reservation at a renowned local restaurant.


This package is very successful as it’s convenient for travellers to book, offers to expand the experience they will have and ensures they connect with multiple businesses within the town. A mutually beneficial package for the hotel and traveller 

Enhance the Stay with In-Room Amenities

Another way to increase sales is by offering premium in-room amenities that guests can purchase as add-ons. 


These could include luxury toiletries, a welcome champagne package, or even in-room spa services. 


Guests are often willing to pay extra for a more comfortable and personalised experience. Consider your ideal customer and what would make their stay more enjoyable.

Real Life Example: A rainforest lodge offers an in-room add-on package that includes a fine bottle champagne, a locally produced charcuterie board, candles and fluffy bathrobes for guests to enjoy in the private spa treehouse.

Provide Convenience Services

Travel can be stressful, and anything you can do to make your guests’ stay more convenient will be appreciated and can be monetised. 



Offer services like airport transfers, luggage storage, laundry services or early check-in/late check-out options. 



These convenience services can be bundled with the booking or offered as standalone add-ons.



Real Life Example: A Sydney city hotel offers a “stress-free travel” package that includes airport pickup, express check-in, and a late check-out option, making the guest’s arrival and departure smoother.



As I have said above, look at your customers, take note of what services would make their stay more enjoyable, more convenient and easier. 

Create Themed Packages



Themed packages are a great way to attract guests with specific interests. 





Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a wellness retreat, themed packages allow you to tailor your offerings to meet the desires of different customer segments. These packages often include a variety of add-ons that enhance the overall experience.





Real Life Example: A Gold Coast family friendly resort has a package for keeping the kids busy. Offering a 3-night package with Dreamworld tickets, face painting, Kids club and family movie night by the pool. By knowing their customer and what makes life easier for guests this resort owns the family market and delivers time and again on themed packages.


Capitalise on Special Occasions


Guests often travel to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons. 


Offering celebration packages as add-ons can significantly increase your sales. 



These packages might include decorations, a cake, a special gift, or a private dining experience.



Real Life Example: A beach resort offers a “Birthday Celebration” package that includes room decorations, a birthday cake, a complimentary cocktail, and a personalised gift from the hotel.

Offer Wellness and Fitness Add-Ons


With the growing interest in health and wellness, offering wellness-related add-ons can be a profitable venture. 



This could include yoga classes, personal training sessions, or access to a local spa. Wellness travellers are often willing to pay a premium for services that help them maintain their routines while on vacation.



Real Life Example: A luxury resort offers a “Wellness Package” that includes daily yoga classes, a consultation with a nutritionist, a massage and a selection of healthy meals delivered to the guest’s room.

Introduce Culinary Experiences


Food is a significant part of the travel experience, and offering culinary add-ons can be a great way to increase sales. 



Consider offering cooking classes, wine tasting events, or private chef services. These experiences can provide guests with a deeper connection to the local culture and cuisine.



Take it one step further and provide local food experiences with paddock to plate add on. Creating memories and connection. 



Real Life Example: A vineyard hotel offers a “Gourmet Experience” package that includes a private wine tasting, a cooking class with a local chef, and a gourmet dinner in the vineyard.

Upsell Room Upgrades

Room upgrades are a classic add-on that can significantly increase revenue. 




Offering guests the opportunity to upgrade to a better room or suite, perhaps with a view, a balcony, or additional amenities, can be an enticing proposition, especially if the price difference is presented as a special offer during booking.




Real Life Example: A beachfront resort offers an upgrade to a room with an ocean view and a private balcony, along with a complimentary bottle of wine, at a discounted rate compared to booking the room directly.

Partner with Local Businesses

Collaborating with local businesses can allow you to offer a wider range of add-ons without increasing your overhead.


These could include restaurant vouchers, tickets to local attractions, or even local transport passes. By partnering with local businesses, you also support the local economy while enhancing your guests’ experience.

Example: A city hotel partners with a nearby theatre to offer an “Evening Out” package that includes tickets to a show, dinner at a nearby restaurant, and a complimentary taxi ride back to the hotel.

Conclusion

Expanding your range of add-ons is a smart strategy to boost your revenue while enhancing the guest experience. 


By offering carefully curated add-ons that align with your guests’ interests and needs, you can increase the value of each booking and differentiate your business in a competitive market. 


If you are not sure what will work, try a few different options over a year and see what performs best. Also ask your customers. When they check in, ask them if they would like to purchase the add on, get a gauge for what they think and if they are enthusiastic about purchasing it.


Remember, the key to successful add-on sales is to provide options that genuinely enhance the guest’s stay, making their experience more enjoyable and memorable.


Ready to boost your revenue and elevate your guest experience? Start expanding your range of add-ons today! Experiment with different options, gather feedback, and discover what resonates with your customers. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to differentiate your business and increase the value of every booking. Begin enhancing your offerings now!

Sarah Colgate
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