Case Study 3: TrevPAR Upsell - Drakensberg Family Resort - Forging Family Bonds That Last A Lifetime

Summary:

In the family tourism market of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, self-catering resorts must balance luxury comfort with exhilarating outdoor pursuits to stand out. This case study spotlights how an award-winning, four-star, 100-unit self-catering family-friendly resort utilised TrevPAR Upsell during its bumper December 2024 season to generate nearly R100 000 in additional pre-arrival revenue - solely from enriching extras and unique experiences. By channelling efforts into personalised extras that amplified family joy and nature immersion, the resort not only grew guest satisfaction but also set the stage for record-shattering stays, with anticipation building for even greater triumphs in December 2025.

The Challenge: 

Nestled as a luxurious home base for families and nature enthusiasts exploring the Drakensberg’s rugged trails and scenic views, this 100-unit property thrived on its self-catering appeal but grappled with uptake of on-site adventures and dining options.

The Solution: Implementing TrevPAR Upsell 

To harness the December rush and prioritise memorable moments over accommodations, TrevPAR Upsell was activated with a deliberate emphasis on experiences and add-ons. This strategy converted pre-arrival excitement into tangible commitments, delivering swift ROI by automating offers that resonated with the resort's family-centric, nature-immersed identity and ensuring every stay was primed for enjoyment.

Implementation and Execution: 

While the Upsell system is focused on automation streamlining operations and freeing teams to focus on warm welcomes rather than sales pitches. Pre-arrival notifications arrived via email, building curiosity and securing bookings before guests even unpacked, which minimised on-site haggling and enhanced flow during the high-season hustle.

The resort's curated extras via TrevPAR Upsell covered adventure, indulgence, and convenience, all designed to weave joy into family itineraries:

· Horse Riding and Archery: Guided trail rides through Drakensberg landscapes and

precision target practice for all ages. 

· Rifle Shooting and Paintball: Safe, supervised sessions fostering team spirit and laughter

among siblings and parents.

· Breakfasts, Lunches, and Dinners: Freeing families for more playtime.

· Early Check-In and Late Check-Out: Flexible timing to ease travel days and squeeze in

extra mountain magic.

This precise, profile-driven approach avoided generic blasts, targeting families based on booking details for relevance that drove engagement without overwhelming the self-catering ethos.

Results and Impact: 

December 2024 emerged as a revenue powerhouse, with TrevPAR Upsell fuelling a surge in additions and extra’s bookings that outpaced prior holiday peaks. Highlights from the one-month implementation: 

· Total Additional Revenue = R97 995

· Satisfaction Surge: Family feedback in post-stay surveys increased in overall happiness,

crediting pre-booked extras for stress-free, unforgettable family-time.

Beyond the figures, the resort enjoyed smoother peak-period operations, with fewer last-minute requests and more glowing reviews spotlighting the thoughtful enhancements.

Conclusion and Future Outlook: 

TrevPAR Upsell's December 2024 deployment at this Drakensberg Family Resort unlocked R97 995 in pre-arrival revenue from extras, proving that investing in guest joy yields the sweetest returns - both in satisfaction scores and the bottom line. This triumph cements a formula for family resorts nationwide. As December 2025 approaches, the team buzzes with excitement to break last year's records.