ISO-Gruppe, a specialist provider of cutting-edge IT solutions for the attractions industry, has shared insights into the benefits of a multi-room booking function for theme park operators and users.
“The modern theme park industry faces the challenge of meeting the increasing demands of guests while ensuring efficient processes. With the increasing popularity of family and group travel, the demand for more sophisticated booking functions is also growing,” says a spokesperson from the company.
“Families and small groups are the largest customer group in theme parks. Multi-room booking features are essential for efficient operations and increased customer satisfaction.”
Booking multiple rooms in a single reservation streamlines the procedure for family reunions, corporate events, and group holidays. By offering this functionality, operators can cater to the different needs of large groups and deliver a seamless experience.
Benefits for users and operators
“Imagine a family or group of travelers wanting to book multiple rooms at a theme park hotel,” says the company. “Without a multi-room booking function, users have to reserve each room individually. This poses a significant risk: while they successfully book the first room, the second room in the desired hotel could already be booked by another guest.
“This not only leads to uncertainty and possibly frustration among customers but may also force them to look for an alternative – often with a different operator.”
This issue is inconvenient for guests and reduces income for operators. Guests who abandon their booking due to an unsatisfactory experience do not usually return. Multi-room booking can help overcome these difficulties.
The advantages for families and groups include:
- Faster booking. Families and groups can reserve multiple rooms in a single booking process, rather than having to repeat the entire process for each room, and so have time for planning activities.
- Reliable experience. As all of the reservations are made at the same time, there is no risk of rooms being sold out before the booking is confirmed. As a result, the booking process is less stressful.
- Flexible bookings. Families and groups can choose from diffferent room types and combinations within a single reservation to guarantee that everyone’s needs are met.
- Simplified group travel. Multi-room booking makes it easier to plan for everyone and ensures that the whole group can stay together.
For theme park operators, multi-room booking brings operational benefits, as well as the opportunity to increase sales and build long-term relationships.
The benefits include:
- Increased booking values. The average booking value increases when guests are able to reserve many rooms in a single transaction. This is especially important for large gatherings or family vacations.
- Fewer abandoned bookings. Guests are less likely to switch to another operator if the booking process is easy.
- More efficient administration. In addition to saving guests’ time, booking multiple rooms at once reduces the administrative load for the operator’s staff.
- Cross-selling potential. During the reservation process, operators can offer targeted upgrades and extra services, such parking passes or unique experiences.
- Guest satisfaction and loyalty. A user-friendly and dependable booking platform makes a positive impression and encourages repeat business.
Real-world results
These benefits are illustrated by an ISO-Gruppe client that reported increased sales of 25% and a 35% reduction in cancelled bookings within six months of implementing a multi-room booking function.
In addition, the operator found that families and groups are booking far more frequently, as they can be confident that all the rooms they require are available. Guests now say that they have a significantly better user experience, and are more likely to recommend the theme park to others.
A multi-room booking function offers a competitive advantage to operators and a significantly enhanced experience for guests booking group stays.
“For visitors, it solves the frustrating problem of uncertainty when booking multiple rooms and ensures convenience and efficiency. For theme park hotel operators, it increases revenue, improves customer satisfaction and creates operational efficiencies,” says the company.
“At a time when ease of use and seamless processes are crucial, theme park operators should not be without this feature. It is an investment that pays off many times over – for visitors and companies alike.”
ISO-Gruppe recently announced the release of its whitepaper, Optimizing Attraction Park Commercials, which explores approaches to offering more than a ticket by using storytelling to sell attraction and accommodation bundles. The whitepaper is available to download here.
