How to Optimize Your Booking Calendar During Peak Season and
Maximize Revenue
During peak season, when occupancy rates are very high, small gaps often appear in the
booking calendar. These gaps, though minor, can result in lost revenue and require
significant effort to fill. So how can you maximize your bookings while avoiding errors and
ensuring customer satisfaction? Here are some effective strategies to optimize your calendar
and boost your revenue.
1. Understanding the Challenge of Calendar “Gaps”
Even with excellent overall occupancy, gaps can appear between different customers’ stays.
These openings are often too short to attract new bookings without additional effort.
- Typical Example: A booking ends on a Thursday morning, and the next begins on a
Saturday afternoon. This two-night gap often remains unused.
Many managers attempt to rearrange bookings manually, moving customers around to fill
gaps. However, this method can be:
- Time-consuming: Reorganizing stays requires careful analysis and takes up
valuable time.
- Error-prone: Mistakes can lead to double bookings or system errors.
- Customer dissatisfaction: Some customers may not appreciate changes to their
dates or accommodations without their consent.
2. Strategies to Fill Calendar Gaps
Leverage Targeted Promotions
To fill these gaps, consider launching targeted promotions, such as:
- Last-minute discounts: Offer reduced rates for stays that fit precisely into vacant
dates.
- Short-stay packages: Provide tailored pricing for shorter stays matching specific
gaps.
Offer Flexible Options to Customers
Reach out to potential campers and encourage them to adjust their dates. A guest willing to
arrive a day earlier or stay an extra day can effectively fill these gaps.
Rely on Technology
Modern technological solutions allow you to maximize occupancy without manual effort.
Automated calendar optimization tools simplify the booking process and reduce human error.
3. How the “Partially Available” Feature Can Revolutionize Your Booking
Management
Innovative technology, such as the tools offered by Kampwise, can streamline this process
with the “Partially Available” feature.
How It Works
When a customer searches online for a specific stay:
-
The system displays available spots matching the customer’s criteria (dates,
equipment, etc.).
- If no site perfectly matches the request, the “Partially Available” feature suggests
alternatives:
- Sites available for part of the requested stay.
- Options to book multiple sites to cover the full stay.
Benefits for Campgrounds
- Maximized Revenue: By avoiding the loss of potential customers, this feature helps
fill gaps that would otherwise remain vacant.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Instead of seeing a “No Availability” message,
customers are encouraged to adjust their stay or explore alternatives.
- Time Savings for Managers: No more playing “Tetris” with the calendar –
everything is automated and simplified.
Real-World Example
A camper wants to book a site from July 15 to 19, but no single site is available for the entire
stay. With the “Partially Available” feature:
- The system suggests a site from July 15 to 17 and another from July 17 to 19.
- The camper can accept this solution, securing their stay while filling two gaps in your
calendar.
4. Turning Peak Season into an Even Greater Opportunity
With the right tools and strategies, you can fill these calendar “gaps,” improve revenue, and deliver an optimal customer experience. Adopting a technological solution like Kampwise can transform the way you manage bookings during peak season, saving time and minimizing errors.
Want to learn more?
Find out how Kampwise can help you optimize your bookings and make the most of your
calendar. Visit our website or contact our team today!