Promo Code Discounts are a flexible tool for driving direct bookings and creating targeted offers without publicly reducing your standard rates. Below are some of the most effective ways to use Promo Codes to support your pricing and marketing strategy.
Types of Promo Code applications
Time-based or themed promotions
Promo Codes work well when linked to specific time periods, themes, or occasions. These promotions create relevance and help guests quickly understand why the offer exists.
You can use themed Promo Codes to encourage bookings around:
- Public holidays
- Seasonal events
- Special awareness months or celebrations
Examples:
- BRAAIDAY – A discounted rate for Heritage Day weekend stays.
- COSYWOMEN – A special offer for bookings made during Women’s Month.
These types of promotions are easy to communicate and work well in email campaigns or on social media.
2. Online sales
A good example of this type of promotion is a traditional Black Friday online sale. These are often referred to as Flash Sales, where a discount is offered that has a limited booking window to book for a stay during any desired period. This is a great way of motivating guests to book immediately before they miss out on the deal.
Promo Code: BLKFRI21
Booking window: 26 November - 3 December 2021
Travel period that the discount applies to: 1 February - 31 August 2022
Online sales and flash promotions
Promo Codes are ideal for short-term online sales such as Black Friday or limited-time flash deals. These promotions typically include:
- A short booking window, and
- A separate travel period during which the discounted rate applies.
This structure creates urgency, encouraging guests to book quickly before the offer expires, while still allowing flexibility around when they stay.
Repeat booking incentives
Promo Codes are an effective way to reward returning reminders guests and encourage them to book directly next time.
You can send personalised Promo Codes to past guests offering a small discount on their next stay. These are often shared via email and can include a straight-to-rate booking link to make the process as simple as possible.
Rewards for booking agents or top referrers
Promo Codes can also be used to incentivise agents, corporate partners, or referrers who bring you regular bookings.
By offering a dedicated Promo Code, you can reward strong performance and motivate partners to increase the number of bookings they generate for your property.
Exclusive discounts for groups or events
Promo Codes are ideal for private group offers that shouldn’t be available to the general public.
You can create dedicated Promo Codes for:
- Wedding guests
- Event attendees
- Friends and family of a specific group
This allows guests associated with the event to book directly at a preferred rate, while keeping your standard pricing intact for everyone else.
