In an effort to support all our accommodation providers we are launching a successfully trialled reward card that is to be launched in support of Visit Somerset accommodation members. Promoting the booking direct initiative, by giving those visitors that do book direct, a free link that will give access to free unique offers on line, through a cloud based app.
The project is being supported by
Touch Stay, and is an extension of an already successful loyalty guide run by
Stay in Bath. The scheme gives guests staying at accommodation providers within Somerset, Exmoor, and Bath the opportunity to enjoy unique offers, that can be used when staying with Visit Somerset accommodation members, with the rewards captured at attractions, venues, restaurants, and other visitor venues – either by showing their key fob, which we are producing for accommodation providers, to give to guests, or through the cloud-based app. (We can see
HERE the numbers of people interested in finding out about the offers, for two small establishments – Herschel Place and St Georges House, this measure in the last year. )
Consumers will be able to visualise through the app and its map, as to where the offers are in real time from the user’s location! See the attached slide. Accommodation providers will be able to share the link with directly booked customers on their acceptance/ booking forms. The link will be changed every month and gated ONLY to be used by Visit Somerset members.
One point that must be understood, is that all staff must be trained and aware of the scheme, so that those using the scheme will be recognised and greeted professionally from the outset.
The guide/card is a membership benefit that helps members to make their properties more appealing to potential guests, thereby generating more direct bookings.
This scheme is only open to Visit Somerset members. It was trialled in 2018/19 through,
‘Stay in Bath’ (who we are now officially working with), to great success.
If you are thinking of giving an offer or promotion – The business can support with anything from, a free cup of tea, or as the Thermae Bath Spa did an extra hour in the hot springs or the Jane Austen Centre a free cream tea! – The choice is yours. Please email
toby.jones@visitsomerset.co.uk, as he is going to maintain a spreadsheet - with a) details of your offer b) 1 image of your business (we can import images from ‘Google Places’ but you may have a better photo!) c) details of how guests should redeem the offer (e.g. “Show Reward Card on arrival” or “Enter promotion code XXXX when booking online”)
More on this
HERE to see the first training video