Overview
This article explains how to create a rate plan tied to a promo code in your Booking Engine. This method enables you to offer exclusive pricing to specific guests, allowing a tailored promotional strategy via email or social media. This feature enhances marketing efforts and rewards select guests with special rates.
In particular, rate plans act as foundational structures for linking promotional offers and discounts to room inventory. Ensuring proper setup and configuration of rate plans is essential for their successful application during bookings.
Step-by-step instructions
Access the Pricing section
Navigate to
Booking Engine → PricingClick to open the rate plan creation interface
Create a promo code rate plan
Go to the
Promo-code/CouponssectionSelect "Yes, I want to show this pricing only to guests with a promo-code"
Choose or create a promo code you wish to share with guests
Share the promo code
Distribute the promo code to your selected clients via email, social media, or other communication channels
Inform them that applying the promo code during booking will unlock the special rat
Verify the Promo Code Setup:
Double-check the promo code for accuracy to avoid any typos.
Test the functionality by simulating a guest booking to ensure the special rate is displayed and applied as expected.e
Note
The promo code functionality is only available for direct reservations and will not synchronise with online travel agencies (OTAs).
Activate the rate plan
By default, all rate plans are closed
Ensure the rate plan is open by following the instructions in this article. Additionally, ensure that the rate plan is linked to the appropriate rooms and inventory dates to avoid any visibility issues during booking.
Once the rate plan is set, the "Promo Code" field will appear on your Booking Engine. When guests enter the promo code during their search, the associated rate will be displayed in the search results.
If the promo code field does not appear, confirm that the associated rate plan is active and matches the configured booking conditions (e.g., dates, room type).
FAQs
Why is my promo code not applying during checkout?
Reason: The associated rate plan might be closed for the selected booking dates.
Solution: Ensure that the rate plan is open and linked to inventory with available dates matching the guest's booking search.
Why is my promotion not automatically discounting prices?
Reason: Promotions must be explicitly linked to a rate plan and adhere to setup policies.
Solution: Link the promotion to the appropriate rate plan and confirm the alignment with sales terms, like cancellation policies.
Why isn’t my promotion visible at checkout?
Reasons:
Rate plan not linked to the selected room.
Restrictions like minimum stay or booking window conditions.
Solutions:
Link the rate plan to the intended rooms.
Verify and adjust restrictions blocking the promotion.
Confirm inventory matches promotion conditions.
Can I use the promo code with OTAs?
Can I use the promo code with OTAs?
No, promo codes are only applicable for direct bookings and are not synchronised with OTAs.
How do I distribute the promo code?
How do I distribute the promo code?
You can share the promo code with clients via email, social media, or any other communication platform that reaches your target audience.
What happens if the rate plan is not set to open?
What happens if the rate plan is not set to open?
Guests won't see or be able to access the promo code rate. Ensure the rate plan is activated following your management guide.