Watch this video interview with Ric Leutwyler, Chief Operating Officer and President, Representation Services Pegasus Solutions, Inc. for tips on how to increase look-to-book ratios:

• Remember “it’s not about how you do things, it’s about how consumers do things”
• Ensure that images, video, virtual tours and written content are always available to the consumer
• Capitalize on the positive things that are said about the hotel

Launch the video: How to Increase Booking Ratios

64% of respondents believe that “hotel tours (combinations of guided spin, zoom imagery, videos or animation)” are very effective yet only 41% have deployed this tactic.

 At a glance, the most effective rich media merchandising and social media tactics include:

• User ratings and rankings: 67%
• Hotel tours (combinations guided spin, zoom imagery, videos or animation): 66%
• User comments and reviews: 64%
• Videos for merchandising, advertising and demonstration: 60%
• 360 degree spins/panoramas: 49%

Download the full report and discover the rich media/merchandising and social media-based features these leaders are using or plan to use and what they believe to be most effective at driving conversions.

“We are looking forward to seeing Sol Meliá properties adopt VBrochure and begin enhancing their online listings with richer visual content. We are confident that a richer visual experience for online shoppers will translate to increased bookings,” said David Wright, Vice President of Hotel Distribution & E-Commerce.

Read full release: Sol Meliá Selects VFM Leonardo to Strengthen Visual Presentation of Hotels Online

“The positive trend with increasing booking results seems to continue. I think that the average room rates will develop slower than the overall number of reservations,” states Wiegmann.

The global recession has had a significant impact on how people research and buy travel online. “Today’s hotel companies are faced with challenges that were not present at mid-decade,” states Wiegmann.

Sales and marketing actions have become extremely important to the success of hospitality companies as the travel market recovers. Meaningful videos and photos, a multi-channel approach and an active social media strategy are just some of the activities hoteliers need to focus on. Watch the video »

Larraine Voll Morris, Vice President Global Distribution Systems and eChannels at Marriott International said, “We believe that VFM Leonardo’s technology, extensive network and online merchandising expertise will help us strengthen Marriott’s visual presence online. We strongly encourage Marriott properties to adopt online merchandising – a proven method to drive increased booking conversions.”

Read the Press Release:
Marriott International Selects VFM Leonardo to Enhance the Visual Presentation of Marriott Properties Online