Obviously, Klaus and I are new to this fascinating world-- so we REALLY appreciate all the advice in these forums!
Many of the things y'all said were things I had not yet thought about--but now I am. I love the idea of swapping nights with other innkeepers one knows.
Since we do plan to focus on attracting "traveling executives", I will look more into the IATA site to see how I can verify the claim of being a travel agent.
What about discounts through marketing sites--like purpleroofs.com? Is there a reason to offer a discount like that? We've stayed in many B&Bs we found through there, and I'd say it's half and half as to which inns offered the "PurpleRoofs discount" and which did not.
Someone mentioned the AAA discount... is that done in return for being listed in AAA guides?
Thanks!
--Eriks.
AAA discounts are given to the AAA members when they travel. And yes you have to be listed in their guide books. You do not qualify for this as you are basically a homestay...one guest room. I believe you have to have 4 rooms at least to be in AAA and meet their specific guidelines.
As for discounts, you can choose whether or not to give them. That is up to your discretion. But...for the most part I wouldn't do it. You are a very small one room place. You are not going to make much doing this and then a discount on top of that....sorry..I would not. I have friends who are list on Purpleroofs and they don't give discounts...I see no reason to do so. Otherwise you will get everyone and his brother asking for discounts. Are you close enough to downtown Richmond, that you will get "traveling executives"? Most l would think prefer being in close to where they will be meeting. Do you have a marketing plan /strategy to attract such clientele? "Build it and they will come" does not work.
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