Leisure bookings on the rise

Leisure trips continued to outpace 2011 in the fourth quarter of 2012, according to data released by Pegasus Solutions recently. December closed 2012 on a positive note overall for both business and leisure travel, with future hotel stays suggesting additional growth potential for both channels. Globally, leisure travel demand remained strong despite temporary regional setbacks. Over the fourth quarter of 2012, net bookings continued to grow by an average margin of 6% over 2011 as rates remained steady. In North America, December bookings rose 6.3% over the prior year as rates grew nearly 4%. David Millili, chief executive officer of Pegasus Solutions, said that the positive leisure performance further highlights the need for hotels to cater to the leisure booker. “Driving traffic to a hotel’s web site is the best way to increase valuable direct bookings. Hotels can’t hope consumers will find them. Implementing an internet marketing strategy that encompasses the latest advances in keyword, phrase and content analysis, social media, and email campaigns will keep a hotel top of mind the next time a consumer is ready to book,” Millili said. Go to http://www.pegs.com or www.openhospitality.com for more.