We're thrilled to announce a very handy enhancement to our platform: inline picture upload! Now, managing visual content within your Hotel Manager just got a whole lot easier. At Seekda, we're dedicated to continuously improving user experience and providing the tools you need to work effectively. Here's what you can expect from this new feature: Seamless Integration: Upload images directly within the process of creating banners, packages or add-on services without any hassle. No need to interrupt your work and upload images in your central image library. Contextual Relevance: With inline picture upload, images are directly integrated into products and services. This contextual relevance ensures that the visual content is closely tied to the topic at hand, facilitating better understanding and communication with guests. Reusability: Not only can you upload images right where yo need them, but can also easily reuse these images in other places across our platform. Whether it's in a banner, a package, or a room type… , your uploaded images are readily accessible for continued use, saving you time and effort. How can I use this feature: Just head to any place where you select and assign images to a product and choose the "Upload Image" button. We're excited to see how this new feature enhances your experience on Seekda. As always, we value your feedback, so please don't hesitate to share your thoughts with us.

In this section, we would like to address frequently asked questions and provide you with background knowledge on recurring topics so that you can find the right solution immediately and save valuable time. Our first question today is: A booking exists in Hotel Manager but has not yet been imported into my PMS. Does Seekda actively send the bookings to the hotel program? The short answer: Seekda does not actively send bookings to the PMS and has no insight into the room plan. The detailed answer with a pinch of expert knowledge: A connection to the PMS means that your hotel program (if it is certified with Seekda) can send prices and availability to us. Seekda then sends these prices and availabilities in real time to all connected channels and makes the bookings available to the PMS. If a guest books on an external channel, e.g. Booking.com, the reservation is transmitted to Seekda as channel manager and imported into our system with the transmitted data (XML). After successful import, Seekda makes the reservation available to the connected PMS providers for collection - on the designated endpoint after authentication by the PMS. The property management system queries the endpoint for reservations at pre-defined intervals with an XML request. If the connection to the endpoint was successful, it receives an XML response according to the query criteria (reservations with all reservation details). This is then processed internally by the PMS and stored accordingly in the room map.

On July 1, 2024, the DSR booking engine will be sent to its well-deserved retirement after having been an integral part of all our customers' lives for the past 10 years. The new booking engine from Seekda, the KUBE, will be the only supported booking engine from this date on. In our last newsletter we summarized the configuration options of the KUBE. Since then, many customers have contacted us asking for concrete examples of how KUBE is being used by live customers. For this reason, we would like to present a selection of customers who have already made the switch and would like to share their experiences with you. By switching to the KUBE, we have been able to double our share of online bookings: seamless integration into our website, intelligent information about the rates on offer and a bonus system for the next stay are features that make our guests happy to book online." NockResort - Bad Kleinkirchheim (Austria) "We think the change makes sense - visually we and our guests like it much better, more contemporary and customer friendly. We look forward to further innovative developments from Seekda and are happy to be involved." Vötter's Hotel - Kaprun (Austria) "Nach einem kurzen Probelauf war für uns klar, dass die KUBE viele tolle Vorteile bietet, von denen man als Betrieb nur profitieren kann. Aus diesem Grund haben wir nicht lange überlegt und sofort umgestellt." Chalets & Apartments Wachterhof - Hochzillertal (Österreich) The new KUBE booking engine is now available for all customers with the new contract models (Seekda One, Pro or Light). Hoteliers with these contracts who are still using the DSR booking engine are asked to make the switch by June 30, 2024 at the latest. If you currently have an older contract that does not include the use of the KUBE booking engine, you do not need to do anything. Our sales team will contact you in the coming weeks to present you the new contract. We look forward to offering your guests an even better booking experience with the KUBE!

In our last newsletter we excitedly announced the upcoming launch of our latest product, SeekdaPay. This groundbreaking solution will be launched in spring 2024 and will fundamentally simplify the payment process for bookings on Seekda. We would like to give you a comprehensive insight into the benefits of SeekdaPay: Greater automation in payment transactions: Deposits can be easily made online and later automatically debited, which is especially important in case of no-shows or cancellations. No manual entry of credit card information: SeekdaPay processes the payment information automatically, without the guest having to pay again, both for direct bookings and bookings via external channels. Wide range of functionality: From virtual terminals for online payments to physical terminals designed specifically for hotels. Seamless integration with the KUBE: No dependency on third party providers, just one point of contact for all questions and problems, simplifying processes and saving time. Broad range of payment options: SeekdaPay supports standard credit cards as well as alternative payment methods like the new trendy e-wallets. Attractive conditions: SeekdaPay offers extremely attractive conditions that are tailored to the specific needs of our partners. We cordially invite interested customers to join us as pilot customers. If you are interested in participating in the SeekdaPay pilot program, please contact us! We look forward to working with you to create a more efficient and convenient payment method for you and your guests!

Kurzurlaub is an online platform specialized in organizing short breaks. It makes it possible to find and book weekend trips, short breaks and holiday packages in Germany and other European countries. More than 300 Seekda customers are connected to Kurzurlaub via the interface and the number is constantly growing. With the latest update the data transfer has been extended, so that the interface can transfer the following information: Availabilities New: Prices and restrictions, if activated Transfer of bookings If you want to activate the transfer of prices for your account, an activation step by the Kurzurlaub team is required to enable the receipt of prices and to check the prices. Therefore, please get in touch with your contact person at Kurzurlaub before Seekda can start the transmission!

Unlocking the green potential of Europe's hospitality industry isn't just about adopting green practices, it's a strategic move where environmental responsibility and financial success go hand in hand. According to a recent survey conducted by Statista on behalf of Booking.com, European hoteliers see two key catalysts for this change: financial incentives and improved access to capital. An impressive 42% of the experts surveyed emphasized the critical role of tax incentives in promoting sustainable business models. These incentives not only recognize environmental responsibility, but also provide tangible benefits to a company's bottom line. As governments increasingly prioritize sustainability, such incentives can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with green initiatives, making them more financially viable for hoteliers. Next to financial support, improved access to capital is the second most important driver of sustainable transformation. In an industry where initial investments can be daunting, easier access to financing can enable hoteliers to launch green initiatives with confidence. Whether it's equipping properties with energy-efficient technologies or implementing waste-reduction measures, sufficient capital can grease the wheels of sustainability and ensure that green practices become not only desirable but achievable goals. Beyond financial considerations, however, the survey revealed another important aspect: the value of technical support and training. Approximately one-third of respondents emphasized the need for guidance and training to manage the complexities of sustainability. From understanding best practices to implementing the latest technologies, ongoing support and training can equip hoteliers with the knowledge and tools they need to make significant changes to their operations. For those interested in delving deeper into the nuances of sustainability in the hospitality industry, Statista's full report is available for download at the link above and provides a comprehensive analysis of current trends and challenges.

Create customized emails to enhance your guest's experience by providing pre-departure information or sending special messages at checkout. You have full control over when these emails are sent, either before or after their departure, and at your preferred time. With complete creative freedom over the content of the message, you can use convenient placeholders to ensure that each communication feels personal. Here are a few practical suggestions: Send check-in details or directions the day before they arrive. Alternatively, send a thank-you message after they check out, perhaps including an exclusive discount for future stays at your hotel. This process is fully automated: once you have configured the initial settings, the system will seamlessly send these emails to your guests without any manual intervention. Discover this feature now! You can find it in your Seekda account under Guests > Guest Emails.

As announced in our last newsletter, a major change is imminent: on July 1, 2024, the DSR Booking Engine will be sent into its well-deserved retirement after having been an integral part of all our customers' lives for the past 10 years. Seekda's new booking engine, the KUBE, will be the only supported booking engine from this date on. The KUBE is the result of years of product development. This modern solution is one of the most advanced on the market. With a host of enhanced features that surpass its predecessor DSR, the KUBE is an optimized and enhanced version of the booking engine. In addition to the improved settings and features, our ongoing statistics show a significant increase in conversion rates with the KUBE. To make the transition as smooth as possible for you, we would like to summarize a selection of the settings options available to you with the KUBE: Domain Setup: The KUBE is an independent and secure booking solution on a separate page, which offers you many advantages, especially in terms of conversion. The URL for the KUBE can be freely chosen under your own hotel domain. However, a secure, encrypted connection is guaranteed through the use of a special, automatically generated SSL certificate. Click here for more information. Widgets: The KUBE Widgets not only enhance the hotel booking landscape, but also offer finer personalization, a better user experience and increased revenue. Learn more about the widgets here. Dynamic Banners: This feature allows hoteliers to create customized and visually appealing content to create a more personalized and engaging guest experience, such as seasonal transitions or highlighting special events. Learn more here. Logo: Hoteliers have the option to display a logo in their dynamic banner to reinforce their brand. Styling: You can change many visual settings such as the font and colors of your KUBE directly in the Seekda backend. For more advanced settings, this can also be done directly in your account by the web agency using CSS (Booking Engine > Styling). Text Changes: Most texts like buttons and other labels that appear in your booking engine can be easily customized. Configuration: All other KUBE settings such as price display, multiple currencies and mandatory fields for booking completion can be easily set here (Booking Engine > Advanced Configuration). The KUBE Booking Engine is now available for all customers with the new contract models (Seekda One, Pro or Light). Hoteliers with these contracts who are still using the DSR booking engine are asked to make the switch by June 30, 2024 at the latest. If you currently have an older contract that does not include the use of the KUBE booking engine, you do not need to do anything. Our sales team will be contacting you in the coming weeks to introduce you to the new contract. We look forward to offering your guests an even better booking experience with the KUBE!

Seekda offers an exclusive hotel data analysis tool that is highly valued by many of our customers: Reports. These provide an intuitive overview of various aspects of your account, such as the number of bookings, cancellations, booking sources, rooms or services booked and many other customizable pieces of information. You can select any number of filters for each report to perform a detailed analysis that meets your exact needs. The reports provide valuable insight into your hotel's performance. By analyzing the data, you can identify trends, make strategic decisions, and optimize your business strategy. They help you evaluate the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns, understand your guests' booking behavior, and allocate your resources more efficiently. In short, reports are essential tools for successfully managing your hotel and growing your business. Each report can either be viewed directly in the Seekda backend or easily exported to Excel for even more targeted analysis. You can find this feature in your Seekda account under Dashboard > Reports. If you wish, you can also create reports ad hoc by simply logging into your Seekda account, or alternatively set up an automatic sending of reports to the desired email address with the desired filters and intervals (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). Start using our reports today to realize your full potential!

We are pleased to introduce a new product that will significantly improve the daily lives of our valued customers: SeekdaPay. The solution will be launched in spring 2024 and will revolutionize the way you process payments for bookings via the Seekda KUBE booking engine. SeekdaPay allows a higher level of automation than previous solutions, e.g. a deposit can easily be taken online and then the same payment method can be charged again, which is especially important in case of no-shows or cancellations. No credit card details need to be entered manually or requested from the guest again: SeekdaPay does this automatically. SeekdaPay offers a wide range of features, including a virtual terminal for hassle-free online payments and a physical terminal designed specifically for hotels. What makes SeekdaPay special is the seamless integration directly into your booking engine, so you are no longer dependent on third party providers. With SeekdaPay, you benefit from a single point of contact for all questions and issues, streamlining your processes and saving you valuable time. Our hotels can expect a variety of payment options, including major credit cards such as Mastercard, Visa and American Express, as well as alternative methods such as PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Klarna Sofortüberweisung. In addition, SeekdaPay supports international payment methods such as JCB, Diners and Discover to ensure flexibility for customers from all over the world. We are committed to offering SeekdaPay to all our hotels at very competitive rates tailored to their specific needs. As we prepare for this exciting launch, we invite interested customers to join us as pilot customers. If you are interested in joining the SeekdaPay pilot program, please contact us! We look forward to starting the journey together towards a more efficient and convenient payment experience for you and your guests!

Establishing a successful pricing strategy is pivotal for a hotel's prosperity and revenue growth. One effective approach involves offering a combination of two rate plans for rooms: the Fully Flexible plan and the non-refundable plan. The fully flexible plan is designed to cater to travelers seeking maximum freedom. It allows free cancellation up to seven days before check-in, making it the most booked but also the priciest option. On the other hand, the non-refundable plan offers a lower price point, securing more guaranteed bookings, particularly for last-minute reservations within a week of check-in. Why consider both plans? Firstly, data reveals that travelers consistently prefer booking both non-refundable and fully flexible plans. The ease of comparing prices and selecting the best option makes these plans a top choice. Moreover, diverse traveler preferences come into play. Analyzing data suggests that travelers opt for either flexible or non-refundable plans based on their specific travel needs and booking lead times. Offering both options ensures your rates remain attractive to a broad customer base. Additionally, partners who provide both rate plans in Seekda, each with its payment and cancellation policy, experience a higher percentage of bookings. There's a potential loss of guests if both non-refundable and fully flexible rate plans aren't offered. In Seekda, creating a non-refundable rate slightly cheaper than regular rates with 100% payment upon reservation and no possibility of a refund is possible. Furthermore, different rules for various time periods within the same cancellation policy can be implemented. Even if a dedicated non-refundable rate isn't offered, regular rates can be made non-refundable for specific periods, such as during high season. Booking.com advocates for two base rate plans, citing properties with both plans and the Early Booker Deal experiencing a 5% increase in bookings, an 11% boost in exposure, and a 9% reduction in cancellations. Seizing this opportunity now can optimize your hotel's performance.

As of July 1, 2024, after many years of dedicated service, we will be bidding farewell to the booking engine that has been a staple for all our clients over the past decade, DSR. Seekda's new booking engine, the KUBE, will be the exclusive supported booking engine. The KUBE was introduced in early 2020, and over the past three years, it has garnered significant adoption, with more than half of Seekda's clients successfully transitioning to this advanced booking engine. Throughout this period, we have actively incorporated valuable feedback and requests from our clients, resulting in continuous enhancements. Our performance evaluations confirm an average conversion increase of up to 3% compared to Seekda's previous booking engine. This success has positioned KUBE as a market-leading booking engine and a benchmark for the entire hotel industry in the DACH region. The new booking engine KUBE is now available for all customers under the new contract models (Seekda One, Pro, or Light). For hoteliers with these contracts still using the DSR booking engine, we kindly request that you make the switch by June 30, 2024, at the latest. If you have upcoming maintenance work planned for your website in the coming months, we encourage you to take this opportunity to seamlessly replace your booking engine. If you currently have an older contract that does not include the use of the KUBE booking engine, no action is required on your part. Our sales team will be reaching out to you in the coming weeks to introduce the new contract. We appreciate your continued partnership and look forward to providing you with an enhanced booking experience through the KUBE!