Elevate your travel experience with the newly launched dual-city escape for 2025 by two iconic European hotels, De L'Europe Amsterdam and Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp. As proud members of the Leading Hotels of the World, these storied five-star establishments offer a curated itinerary that seamlessly blends history, culture, and world-class culinary artistry.

This exclusive package is a dream for luxury travelers and food enthusiasts, inviting guests to explore the historic and culinary treasures of Amsterdam and Antwerp. From Michelin-starred dining experiences to exploring renowned museums and iconic landmarks, the itinerary promises an unforgettable fusion of cultural discovery and gourmet indulgence.

Guests booking the dual-city escape can look forward to exceptional perks, including:

• €100 food and beverage credit at each hotel

• Complimentary breakfast

• Bespoke VIP amenities

• An exclusive welcome cocktail
  

  

For those staying a minimum of two nights, enjoy a complimentary upgrade to the next room category, subject to availability.

Whether you choose to stay at one hotel or both, this unique package ensures a lavish experience that celebrates the charm and elegance of two of Europe's most enchanting cities.

Embark on this Michelin-starred journey and create timeless memories as you indulge in the finest offerings of De L'Europe Amsterdam and Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp.

With the Union Budget 2025 approaching, Pushpendra Bansal, COO of Lords Hotels & Resorts, has reiterated the need for transformative reforms in the hospitality sector. Contributing nearly 10% of India’s GDP, the sector remains a significant driver of economic growth, and Bansal emphasizes the importance of granting it the recognition it deserves.

Bansal advocates for the government to issue a Gazette notification granting industry status to the hospitality sector. This step, implemented uniformly across states, would foster infrastructure development, provide incentives for developers, and ease financial burdens on new projects. Such recognition would not only strengthen the industry but also bolster GDP, create employment opportunities, and enhance foreign exchange earnings. 

He also addressed the complexities surrounding GST rates in the hospitality industry, which vary across services. To create a more transparent and business-friendly environment, Bansal suggests introducing a uniform GST rate of 12%. This would simplify taxation, promote ease of doing business, and provide much-needed support to hotels and restaurants nationwide.

By urging these critical changes ahead of the Union Budget 2025, Bansal highlights the potential of the hospitality sector to drive India’s economic growth while improving global competitiveness.

In the hospitality industry, every guest that walks through the door presents an opportunity to elevate their experience while simultaneously driving revenue. Vivek Shukla, CEO of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, highlights the significance of two key strategies—cross-selling and upselling—in achieving this delicate balance. These strategies not only improve the guest’s stay but also create valuable opportunities for revenue growth.

Enriching the Guest Experience through Cross-Selling

Cross-selling involves offering guests complementary products or services that enhance their experience. A simple example is offering a spa treatment or guided tours to a guest who has just booked a room. This approach increases the hotel's transaction value while ensuring a more comprehensive and enjoyable stay for the guest. Personalizing these suggestions is key—recommending a couples’ massage for a romantic getaway or local attractions for a family vacation can significantly enrich their experience.

Elevating Choices with Upselling
Upselling focuses on encouraging guests to opt for premium options. This can range from suggesting a suite upgrade to offering a bottle of premium wine or flexible check-in times. The key to successful upselling is presenting these options in a friendly, non-intrusive manner. Highlighting the added value, such as a stunning ocean view, ensures that guests see the worth in upgrading, elevating both their experience and the hotel’s revenue.

Benefits for Guests and Businesses
When executed thoughtfully, both cross-selling and upselling create a win-win situation. Guests benefit from a more personalized and enriching experience, which makes them more likely to leave positive reviews and return in the future. For businesses, these strategies contribute to increased revenue per guest and provide a competitive edge in the market.

Key Factors for Success
Several elements are crucial for the success of these strategies:

1. Personalization: Leveraging guest data to make relevant recommendations ensures the offers feel meaningful and tailored.

2. Timing: The success of these strategies often depends on the timing of suggestions—well-timed recommendations during booking, check-in, or meal times enhance the chances of success.

3. Staff Engagement: Employees must be trained to recognize opportunities and present them naturally to guests. Strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of the hotel’s offerings are essential.

4. Technology: AI-driven booking systems and mobile apps can analyze guest preferences to provide personalized recommendations. Kiosks and digital touchpoints further promote upgrades and add-ons.

By combining strategic cross-selling and upselling techniques with personalization and the right timing, hospitality businesses can create memorable guest experiences while maximizing revenue. These practices not only generate immediate financial returns but also foster long-term guest loyalty, making them invaluable for sustained success in the competitive hospitality industry.