How Technology Can Simplify Room Block Management

There are hotels that manage room blocks manually, and then there are hotels that use technology to simplify the task — and opportunity — of room block management. The latter properties get a leg-up on the comp set, as they're able to promote, upsell, and drive extended group stays directly from their room block bookings.

Take Gaylord Palms as an example. By leveraging Cvent Passkey, they recognised a 43% increase in overall upsell revenue compared to pre-pandemic business (2019). Through a unique and creative approach, the team increased upselling by 275% and achieved 66% in incremental add-on revenue such as early check-in, late check-out, “your choice” housekeeping, and guaranteed bed types. They now have a new award to add to their portfolio, as this strategy helped them win a Cvent Excellence Award — The Block Buster, which was presented on stage during Cvent CONNECT 2022 in Las Vegas.

The annual Excellence Awards recognise the top achievers across the hospitality industry, showcasing the accomplishments of industry leaders as they propel growth and inspire the future with innovative solutions. The Block Buster recognises hospitality organisations that use room block management technology to drive group business revenue and deliver a more efficient planner experience.

Also nominated for the award:

• Hilton Orlando: Leveraged Passkey to facilitate processes that had a direct impact on additional new revenue. In 2021 alone, this led to:
  • 258 events created
  • 302 open events
  • 20,486 reservations booked
• Ocean Reef Club: Automated over 15% of their reservations using Passkey’s rooming list automation tools. As a result, they recognised 201% over average in shoulder night revenue compared to their competitive set and achieved incremental revenue with add-ons, extended stays, and upsells.

Key benefits of room block management technology 

Cvent Passkey is integrated room block management and upsell software that streamlines and automates meeting and event bookings for hotels, DMOs, and venues. The product enables a seamless group booking experience and facilitates valuable upsell opportunities for properties when guests book their stay in room blocks. With Cvent Passkey, you can ... 

• Boost efficiency and impact by automatically promoting and selling room upgrades, extended stays, amenities, and packages.
• Grow group business when you capture more revenue and win more ancillary revenue from group business overall.
• Streamline your manual process by syncing real-time updates to your CRS, PMS, revenue management, and sales and catering systems to eliminate errors and save time.
• Leverage state-of-the-art dashboards to get actional insights about pickup, revenue, and channel success.
• Drive more RFPs by increasing your exposure on the Cvent Supplier Network.

Cvent Passkey makes it easy to manage your room blocks and hotel bookings online:

• Increase efficiency with automated room lists and planner reporting.
• Empower planners with custom webpages and planner tools, alerts, and dashboards.
• Drive revenue with flexible and easy upselling tools. 
• And much more ...