With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry—and more than 15 of those focused specifically on booking engine performance—Misty brought a wealth of practical knowledge, real-world examples, and strategic guidance to the conversation.

Known for her collaborative approach and passion for digital growth, Misty offered attendees conversion-focused strategies designed to help hoteliers turn online lookers into loyal bookers. As a trusted leader in hotel digital marketing, Vizergy serves over 1,700 clients worldwide, delivering integrated web, media, and technology solutions to independent hotels, branded properties, and management companies alike.

A Booking Engine Built for Conversion

Misty emphasized that a booking engine should do more than function—it should be built to convert. She shared key features that drive performance, including:

• Mobile-first design
• Room upgrades and retail add-ons
• Loyalty/member-only rates
• Rate parity tools and OTA comparisons
• ADA compliance and multilingual capabilities
• Customizable email templates and booking links

She also reinforced the importance of aligning the booking engine’s design with a property's brand identity—mirroring website visuals, targeting the right guest segments, and creating a seamless transition from browsing to booking.

Personalization by Property Type
One of Misty’s most valuable points was the need to tailor booking strategies to property type. Whether it’s a boutique hotel, airport property, or a luxury spa resort, the booking journey should reflect the specific needs and expectations of the target guest.

Conversion Tactics That Move the Needle
From urgency triggers like “only 1 room left” to clean layouts and filtering tools, Misty walked through tactics that build guest trust and increase bookings—without overwhelming users. She highlighted the power of clear rate displays, high-quality imagery, and intuitive navigation to reduce friction in the booking flow.

Retailing Throughout the Guest Journey
Misty also explored the growing opportunity for pre-, during-, and post-stay retailing, which can drive meaningful ancillary revenue:

• Pre-Stay: Early check-in, spa packages, add-ons
• In-Stay: Dining reservations, upgrades, transportation
• Post-Stay: Gift cards, branded merchandise, re-engagement tools

A Strategic Reminder: Control the Experience
The session concluded with a strong takeaway: while OTAs help with reach, the direct booking channel is where hotels own the guest relationship. Misty encouraged attendees to use rate parity, value-added incentives, and consistent distribution to elevate performance while maintaining control of the guest journey.

To watch the webinar replay or explore other sessions in the series, visit [Vizergy’s YouTube channel]. For additional information, contact HSMAI South Florida or reach out to Misty Wagner at mailto:misty.w@vizergy.com.