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If we build it, will they come?

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Maximisses started this discussion 13 years 10 months ago

Hi Guys.

I'm currently looking into opening up a backpackers in Lima, Peru. With the funds we have budgeted we would need to open up within a month or two of signing the lease.

As the group I belong to know other hostel owners in Cusco, we believe we won't have a problem obtaining some referrals for those backpackers returning to Lima for a few days before flying out of the country. The concern we have is how do we capture those backpackers flying into Lima in the first 3 months before all the internet marketing kicks in?

We believe that with referrals and internet advertising it may take between 3-6 months before we start seeing people filling our beds. Another member of our group believes that it may take 12 months.

So my questions are:

1) when you opened your hostel how many months did it take to see backpackers coming into your backpackers?

2) is there any other marketing techniques we can apply (before opening) besides website, search engines, entry into tripadviser, hostelworld etc that may help us capture people before they fly into Lima?

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Carl

13 years

Interesting questions. I'm opening a hostel in Malaysia and am wondering the same thing. I think a lot of backpackers just walk in and book but for that you need to be at a good location or:

1. Have some people flyer at airports, bus/train stations or other crowded hubs
2. Create signs and post them in the nearby area so wanderers get directed to your place
3. Talk to restaurant/shop owners or tourist info center in the area and let them know you're open. Travelers tend to ask about a place to stay once they visit local restaurants or bars.

Well at least that's what I'm going to do. Anyone some other ideas?

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megie1987

13 years

I've noticed in some hostels, flyers for other hostels, either in the same city, or in the cities people would visit before they get to your city. So if you know where a lot of people might be before they head to Lima, contact those hostels and asked them to put some of your flyers out, or ask them to recommend your hostel. Definately target transport hubs, a lot of people arrive places without bookings and so they will often take what is initially suggested to them. Perhaps make up some special 'opening offer' to entice people to choose you over another place.

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Rucksack Brian

13 years

I've noticed in some hostels, flyers for other hostels, either in the same city, or in the cities people would visit before they get to your city. So if you know where a lot of people might be before they head to Lima, contact those hostels and asked them to put some of your flyers out, or ask them to recommend your hostel.

If it's possible, take this one step further and go visit those hostels. If they know you personally they might be more inclined to recommend your hostel.

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balibali

13 years

I just bought a small guesthouse that because of it location gets few walk-in customers. I have been concentrating solely on the internet for promotions and we have started to get bookings already, both from booking sites and directly. I was pleasantly surprised by the results. Brochures and pamphlets are expensive to make and distribute and it is difficult to track results. Talking to other businesses in your area is good, but that can also take time. Also the people in my area who bring guests want a crazy commission, so I don't want to encourage them too much. Have a good website and market the h*ll out it and you could have bookings from day 1.

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