Empty units? Gaps in your calendar? Here is a list of some reasons why your pick up slows down.
Seasonality & Market Trends
- April marks the beginning of the low season in Dubai as temperatures rise, leading to reduced demand from leisure travelers.
- Corporate travel demand also tends to slow down as businesses wrap up the first quarter and adjust budgets.
Increased Supply & Competition
- Many new properties enter the market post-high season, increasing competition.
- If competitors are dropping their rates aggressively, your pricing may not be competitive enough to capture demand.
Pricing & Restrictions Issues
- If your rates are still set based on high-season pricing, it may be deterring bookings.
- Minimum stay restrictions could also be an issue. If travelers are booking shorter stays and your settings are limiting flexibility, they may choose alternatives.
Event-Driven Demand Shift
- Events like Ramadan (March 10 – April 9, 2024) and Eid may shift demand patterns, with less inbound travel during fasting periods but a surge around Eid holidays.
Visibility on OTAs & Conversion Rate
- If your listing is not ranking well on Airbnb, Booking.com, or Expedia due to low recent booking activity or guest engagement, your visibility could be low.
- Listings with limited discounts, weak photos, or outdated descriptions can struggle to convert lookers into bookers.
Ok, now that you understand the source of the problem. How can we help you resolve this problem? Well we have a few tricks up our sleeves.
Adjust Pricing Strategy
- Lower rates gradually from April onward to stay competitive with market trends.
- Consider offering early bird discounts or last-minute deals to boost pickup.
- Use dynamic pricing to ensure your rates are adjusted based on demand fluctuations.
Increase Flexibility
- Lower minimum stay restrictions (e.g., allow 2–3 nights instead of 5+ nights).
- Enable non-refundable rate plans for budget-conscious travelers.
Enhance Visibility & Conversion
- Refresh your listing: update photos, descriptions, and amenities to make it more attractive.
- Engage in promotional campaigns on OTAs like Booking.com’s Genius program, Airbnb’s visibility boosts, and Expedia’s discount promotions.
Target Market-Specific Demand
- Adjust rates & promotions before Eid, targeting GCC travelers who book family trips during holidays.
- Promote long stays to digital nomads and corporate travelers by offering extended stay discounts.
If your interested in learning more about your portfolio, ask your customer success manager to book a call with our revenue management specialists.
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