Case Study 4: TrevPAR Upsell - Igniting Bushveld Magic with December Delight Upsells

Summary 

In the heart of South Africa's untamed North West Province, where eco-luxury meets wild adventure, bush lodges compete to deliver escapes that linger long after departure. This case study delves into how a 76-room bush lodge turned record numbers during December 2024, leveraging TrevPAR Upsell to secure R133 915 in pure pre-arrival income. By focusing on extras that spark joy and interest, the lodge elevated guest stays to new highs, fostering deeper satisfaction and setting a benchmark they're eager to eclipse in December 2025.

The Challenge 

This 76-room property in the North West, draws crowds of nature seekers and thrill-chasers, yet ancillary opportunities like game drives or indulgent picnics often fizzled post-arrival. Families and couples buzzed with interest in add-ons during their visits, but outdated sales tactics such as in-lodge posters or verbal nudges at reception led to sporadic sales and uncommitted guests. This scattered approach wasted pre-arrival momentum, leaving revenue on the table, which diluted the seamless bushveld bliss and satisfaction that define a standout stay.

The Solution: Implementing TrevPAR Upsell 

Embracing a guest-first philosophy, the lodge activated TrevPAR Upsell to spotlight experiences turning December's holiday fever into automated, pre-arrival commitments that guaranteed enriched escapes. This pivot unlocked rapid returns by transforming casual interest into locked-in "investments," aligning perfectly with the property's wild-hearted allure.

Implementation and Execution: 

The platform's robust automation took the reins, reducing manual efforts and letting the team pour energy into storytelling hospitality. Upsell alerts landed pre-arrival via email, stoking excitement and nailing bookings before the first footprint hit the lodge grounds.

The lodge's December lineup of TrevPAR Upsell extras blended adrenaline, romance, and ease, all curated to ignite that North West spark:

· Game Drives and Quad Biking: Heart-pounding wildlife encounters and rugged terrain romps for unfiltered thrills.

· Picnics and Dinners: Sun-drenched bush banquets or starlit feasts, tailored for festive gatherings. 

· Romantic Turndown Service and Couples Massage: Whisper-soft evenings with petal-strewn beds and soothing spa duos. 

· Hot Air Ballooning: Dawn patrols over endless horizons, etching memories in the sky.

· Additional Night Stays, Late Check-Out, and Early Check-In: Effortless extensions to savour the savanna's spell.

· Lunch, Bucket of Beers, or Bucket of Ciders: Themed toasts and chilled cheers for holiday heart warmers. 

Powered by guest data, these offers hit home with pinpoint precision, sidestepping mass emails for conversions that felt personal and pressure-free.

Results and Impact: 

December 2024 exceeded expectations, with TrevPAR Upsell catalysing a festive frenzy of sales that redefined holiday highs. Standout metrics from the month-long surge: 

· Total Additional Revenue = R133 915

· Satisfaction Lift: End-of-stay reviews climbed with raves for pre-booked perks that "made our bush break unforgettable."

The pre-arrival upselling eased operational strains too, curbing on-the-spot asks and infusing check-ins with ease amid the December rush.

Key Success Factors: 

· Experience-Led Vision: Focusing on add-ons harnessed the lodge's bush essence, channelling revenue and growing satisfaction.

· Holiday-Timed Precision: Pre-arrival automation rode December's wave of wanderlust, converting hype to commitments.

· Intuitive Customisation: Booking insights ensured offers landed, fuelling uptake while honouring the lodge's free-spirited flow.

Conclusion and Future Outlook: 

TrevPAR Upsell's December 2024 masterstroke at North West Bush Lodge conjured R133 915 in pre-arrival revenue from adored experiences, underscoring that true win’s bloom where guest happiness meets smart strategy. This seasonal smash offers a playbook for bush retreats everywhere, blending wild wonders with wallet wins. As December 2025 looms, the lodge pulses with promise, geared to break records and script even bolder chapters in bushveld brilliance.