Let's be honest: is your 2025 budget forecast currently based on:

A) Complex data models?

B) A hopeful prayer?

C) A fortune cookie?

If you picked B or C, we feel you. It’s tough out there.

So you want to optimize your budget this season? Then, you’ve come to the right place! 

Let’s be real. We’ve all been there. You’re putting yourself out there. You’re doing the work, but you’re just not turning heads. The phone line is dead and your website is gathering dust.

You’re wondering, “Am I the problem?”

Maybe it’s not you. Maybe it’s your marketing budget. It’s tired. It’s predictable, it’s safe, and frankly, it’s not getting you the ROI (Return on Investment) you deserve.

It’s time for an upgrade. Here’s how raising your marketing budget is like a Birkin bag for your bottom line—it might seem like a splurge upfront, but it’s a classic investment that only appreciates over time.

If you’re like most hotel marketers, your world revolves around a few key performance indicators (KPIs). One of them is Return on Ad Spend (ROAS). This metric tells you how much revenue you earned for every dollar spent on marketing. It’s a vital metric when measuring campaign performance.

But here’s an uncomfortable truth: ROAS is a snapshot, not the entire picture of your marketing campaign’s success. It’s great for measuring the immediate effectiveness of a specific ad. However, it will leave you in the dark in the long term for the health of your brand.

True success isn’t about filling rooms every night, but about building a community of loyal advocates who return year after year. To measure that, you can look at your powerful trio of metrics: Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), Revenue Per Occupied Room (RevPOR), and Lifetime Value (LTV).

SEO is evolving–a surprise to no one.

But how is it changing search?

AI is restructuring the results page. New technologies are determining what websites to show you. How can you ensure you appear in Google search results?

Here are the three key ideas to live by:

• SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

• AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)

• GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)

SEO sets the stage with a foundational strategy, AEO builds on that by formatting content to appear in snippets, and GEO takes it one step further by ensuring your content is structured and credible.

These three engine optimization tactics work together, so no need to start a new strategy from scratch.

A Guide for Hospitality Businesses

In the competitive world of hospitality, standing out is more challenging than ever.

Guests want more than booking a room; they are seeking memorable experiences. This is why brand storytelling is a game-changer. A well-crafted brand story fosters connection and sets you apart from your competitors. In this blog, we’ll discuss the steps you can take to structure your brand’s story.

Travelers rely heavily on visual content before booking their hotels. While high-quality photos are essential, video marketing can take your strategy to the next level. According to Uno RateGain, 83% of travellers book a hotel after seeing their content. Reels captivate audiences longer and are more likely to be shared, making them a powerful tool for driving bookings.

Choosing the right partnership requires more than a glance at the follower count. To ensure a successful collaboration, you’ll want to know what metrics matter.

On July 17th, the RevPar team had the privilege of attending the TIEWN/BLLA Women’s Leadership conference in California. An event overflowing with inspiration and connection.

Calvin Tilokee, Founder and CEO of RevPar Media, reflects on his experience, saying, “It was powerful to experience the camaraderie and feel a room full of people pulling in the same direction and sharing experiences.”

Increase Instagram Traffic with SEO

Instagram made a groundbreaking update on July 10th–your content will now be available in search engine results. Users will no longer have to open the app to view Reels, photos, or carousels. This new update will revolutionize how marketers connect with people online.

In today’s digital landscape, consumers rely on real-time reviews from social media for recommendations before making expensive decisions. Influencer marketing bridges this gap by connecting consumers with trusted voices.

But how can you use influencer marketing to promote your property? You can find this answer in data-driven strategies. Here is how we helped one of our hotels leverage insights for a high-performing influencer collaboration.

In this debut episode of Socially Awkward, host Calvin Tilokee welcomes Christine Trippi, Founder of The Wise Pineapple and author of Yes is the Answer, for a transformative discussion about “leading from the heart” in hospitality.

The hospitality industry is evolving at lightning speed. At HITEC (Hospitality Industry

Technology Exposition and Conference), they showcased groundbreaking new

technology through 370+ interactive exhibits. From AI-powered hospitality robots to new

fire prevention methods, these advancements optimize workflows and enhance the

guest experience. Here’s a look at the latest innovations from HITEC:

RevPar Media made waves this year at the Boutique Boutique & Luxury Lodging

Association’s Investment Conference in New York City by connecting with CEOs and sponsors. The energy was electric--here are some standout moments that inspired us:

Nestled in the heart of South Carolina is a haven where luxury meets southern charm. Inspired by the beloved state bird, a symbol of joy and renewal, The Wren blends refined hospitality with modern sophistication. Here, every detail is thoughtfully curated, offering a nesting place for travelers looking for an escape that is both tranquil and elegant.

“Keyah” (pronounced keh-YAH) is a word from the Navajo (Diné) language meaning “the land” or “the earth.” But it carries far deeper significance—it represents the sacred bond between humanity and the world that sustains us.

At Keyah Resort, we honor this connection by partnering with with Indigenous communities and offering guests an immersive and educational experience rooted in respect for the land.

Tucked into the misty folds of the Smoky Mountains, The Scoundrel Hotel was born from the myth and mischief of East Tennessee’s moonshine legacy. Inspired by the notorious but beloved moonshiner Popcorn Sutton, our hotel reimagines the backwoods outlaw spirit into something warm, mischievous, and unforgettable.

In the hospitality industry, reputation matters. According to a study by Beverley A Sparks and Victoria Browning, 93% of travelers worldwide use online reviews to make booking decisions. When you respond to negative feedback, it shows that you’re listening and want to problem-solve.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on handling negative comments with professionalism and grace.

Sales Director Jennifer Suski breaks down her proven approach to filling hotel rooms with group business—combining data, relationships, and personalized outreach. Here’s how she does it:

We’re thrilled to announce RevPar Media’s very own podcast—Socially Awkward—hosted by our own Calvin Tilokee! Tune in on May 22, 2025, to your new favorite hospitality podcast.

Social Awkward will feature insightful conversations with hospitality leaders about unexpected challenges, creative solutions, and a behind-the-scenes look at the hospitality industry.