With technology, come easier forms

of communication.

Gone are the days where we wait next to the telephone, or activate answering machines to receive calls or messages.

With a variety of different communication portals at our fingertips, communication is instant.

As a Guest House owner, being able to respond to enquiries from guests immediately is imperative. 

With Booksure’s reservation system, emails are automatically sent out to both guest and reservation manager at every step of the booking and payment process.

SMS notification is an added extra (for those times when you are not in front of your computer). As a “freemium” member you are given 25 free SMS’s to utilize. Top up bundles are available for purchase thereafter.

For more information email us on support@booksure.com

We all know that you don’t get a second chance at first impressions. Studies have shown that 10 seconds   is about the limit for keeping a user's attention, if that content is not “Attention grabbing” they will move on. People are visually stimulated. If we like what we see, we want it!

With Booksure you can post unlimited pictures of your establishment that will be displayed on our listing site, making it easy for potential guests to see exactly what you have to offer.

Although “word of mouth” is a very successful means of advertising, the majority of people will first want to SEE what they have been referred to. If they like what they see AND have been given a verbal referral the booking is as good as confirmed!

For more information email us on support@booksure.com

As a Booksure member, you have choices.  You can opt for an ordinary enquiry / quote procedure or a real-time booking option, a 24 hour authorisation option or both.

We understand that you receive bookings from many channels, so to help prevent a potential overbooking, we have introduced a 24 hour authorization period.  Once a booking has been received, you will have 24 hours to respond to the guest and either accept or decline the booking.   You can also limit the number of rooms that you would like to make available for a real-time booking.

The whole process is streamlined and easy to use.

As a user, you need nothing but a personal computer and internet access. This means customers can book and pay immediately, at the price you have specified.

With our super-efficient support team on standby 7 days a week, any problems that may arise can be sorted out in no time at all!

For more information email us at support@booksure.com

Booksure comprises a “feature rich” online reservation system for booking, secure payment and inventory management, making the running of your establishment effortless.  With the launch of our free model, use of the system and certain key features comes with ZERO monthly fee.

Some of the key features include:

• Manage rooms, descriptions, images, rates and inventory easily
• Manage enquiries quickly and efficiently
• Receive instant email notification of bookings (additional SMS notification can be purchased in bundles)
• Display a real-time availability calendar  (Optional drop in control that will be embedded on your website)
• Real-time booking options, booking options with 24hour authorisation as well as an enquiry option (Optional drop in control that will be embedded on your website)
•  Accept credit card payments securely with 3D Secure
• Advertise discounts and special offers
• Receive online reviews from clients
• Load gallery images of your establishment
• Make use of the daily diary to easily organize your bookings

For more information email us at support@booksure.com 

They say the best things in life are Free! One of these includes Booksure’s online reservation management and payment system!!

This is what you get:

•  Management of rooms descriptions, images, rates and inventory
• Drop in Controls on your website keeping your own “look and feel” 
• Online reviews posted by your guests 
• Use of the real-time and 24 hour authorisation booking facility 
• Enquiry / Quote option for a more personalized guest experience
• Gallery Images of your establishment can be uploaded 
• Instant email notifications of bookings, enquires, successful and unsuccessful payments (Additional SMS notification can be purchased in bundles)
• Use of the “Daily Diary” giving you a visual breakdown of pending and confirmed bookings
• Being on our listing site – increasing availability and Search Engine Optimization  (increasing the visibility of your establishment in google search)

A small transaction fee will be the only thing charged with any credit card payment processed through our secure payment gateway.

For more information email us at support@booksure.com

Being a leader in enquiry based booking systems since 2005, Booksure strives constantly to provide establishments and guests alike with a reliable and secure online service with reservation and secure payment technology.

Booksure is Introducing a new and exciting FREE module which encompasses all the facilities needed for secure and reliable online bookings and payments, at ZERO monthly cost.

Not only will establishments have use of the online reservations management system, but will also be added to our listing site, which is viewed by countless potential guests daily.

Sign up is FREE and with zero obligation and ZERO monthly fee.

For more information email us at support@booksure.com  

Port Elizabeth is definitely stepping it up in terms of “touristy” things to do in and around the city.

For those of us who appreciate art, culture and a bit of South African History, I would recommend taking a trip down the new Route 67, a brand new tourist attraction for the city of Port Elizabeth.                         

Along the route, you can view 67 Public Works of Art, symbolising the 67 years of Madiba’s work, dedicated to the Freedom of South Africa.

This Route takes visitors past some of the oldest monuments, art and architecture in PE. It begins at Jetty Street, where visitors will walk past the Campanile, through Vuyisile Mini Square, past the historic City Library, up the steps of St Mary’s Terrace and on to the Donkin Reserve.

Initiatives such as this will undoubtedly improve the look and feel of the city, as well as have an impact on economic activity, thus giving the Eastern Cape tourism a well needed boost!

Read a review given by a tourist who experienced the Art walk:

“Route 67 has blown a new breath into the historic heart of the city. I have visited the Donkin Reserve just about on a weekly basis over the last couple of months, have taken TV crews, journalists and photographers and they all loved it. Took the kids to explore all the art pieces that have been installed and they loved it, especially the huge SA flag, the votong line, the lady with the chair and the taxi's in the wall. The best view is from the top of the old lighthouse which is also well worth climbing”. (source)

Pictures taken from: http://www.peherald.com/gallery/59

Whether we would like to admit it or not, Facebook has taken the world by storm.

From your co-worker, to your neighbour, to your friend’s grandmother. There are currently over 800 million active Facebook users worldwide. This includes small business owners as well as big corporates. The true benefits of setting up a Facebook page stem from the fact that, while not everyone is doing it, a lot of people are.

There are many specific techniques that can make Facebook work for you, but the following are some of the best and most straightforward reasons for getting started if you don’t already have a Facebook page.

1. Facebook fans become guests 

This is probably the most obvious reason you should be on Facebook. Business owners create online communities in order to educate, inform, and market to people online, and ultimately, to get them in the door as customers. When people connect to you on Facebook, they are likely to feel a more personal connection to your business, becoming part of a community of others who feel the same. 

2. Online consumers will talk you up

 
Facebook is one of the best online methods of word-of-mouth marketing. According to one study, over half of consumers polled said they are more likely to recommend a brand or business after becoming their fan on Facebook.[Source] In fact, consumers are likely to interact with your brand, share stories about your brand with others, and post about brands they like.[Source]   

 

3. Your coupons reach a wider audience

 
Many businesses promote their business with coupons and discounts. On Facebook, you can offer a digital coupon for a free or discounted item when someone “Likes” your Facebook page. This can help widen your exposure and give people a reason to visit your actual establishment. 

4. People want to know you better

 
The world of business is becoming more and more transparent. Consumers—especially those new to your guest house—are interested in the faces behind the brand. Try posting a photo of the chef with her famous dessert or of your host. Invite customers to come in and view your place. These types of offers can make customers feel more personally connected to your brand. Even though it’s digital, people still yearn for a real connection to the businesses they like. 

5. Better results from marketing

 
Facebook has multiple tools and benefits for the business owner, some of which can actually help target your most local customers. Try using Facebook Ads to direct advertisements to potential consumers in your area.

From improved word-of-mouth marketing to better direction with advertisements, starting a Facebook page is a relatively simple yet effective way to grow your community of customers.

Escape reality for a few days!

Wake up in a luxurious suite, sip on champagne and simply enjoy some quiet time alone.

THIS is what romance is all about!

That time of the year has arrived. Pack the car, load the kids and head off on holiday. The check list is endless… here are a few essential items that make up that list! 

1. Money - No jokes! Not only does it make the world go round….but aids in going around the world too! You’ll want spending money for anything and everything! Budgeting wisely is advised….overspending whilst on holiday is very easy!

 
2. Camera - For creating and posting those special memories.

3. Portable DVD player - For those of you with kids… this is essential. Any long trip can be far less painful with endless episodes of loony tunes. (Ear phones are advised too.)

4. WetWipes - For those unexpected moments, where faces or places might need wiping.

5. Instant hand sanitizer - Hygiene is key…. Some restrooms are just not up to par in that department, so a quick hand wash that doesn't require water is super effective!

6. First Aid Kit - Always be prepared. Consider whether you’ll need mosquito or insect repellent, bring some plasters for those little cuts you might get and any other medicines you think you might need. 

7. Passport - Very important if you are travelling abroad! Avoid that awkward moment when you arrive at your departure gate only to find you've forgotten your passport or left it in the airport bar. Keep it safe and keep it with you always.

8. Universal charger - If you're carrying several electronic devices, a universal charger is a godsend! 

9. Torch - Fact: In any dark situation, normal functionality is greatly limited. Putting some light on the scene will significantly increase your chances of getting things done.

10. Dental Floss - Believe it or not…. This has been proven to have more uses than just obtaining sparkly teeth! You never know….