Challenge: Revenue Optimization
Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort, part of the TMR Hotel Collection and managed by Windward Management is situated amidst the serene landscapes of Cavan Town, Ireland. Spanning across 1,300 acres of pristine countryside, this esteemed Spa & Golf destination has garnered a reputation for offering an authentic retreat to nature. With its blend of rustic charm and contemporary elegance, Farnham Estate provides guests with an unparalleled experience of relaxation and rejuvenation. From luxurious accommodation to an 18-hole championship golf course, and state-of-the-art spa facilities, the resort promises a holistic escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Despite its idyllic setting and exceptional amenities, Farnham Estate faced challenges in optimizing its revenue streams. The resort aimed to reduce its reliance on Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and drive more direct bookings through its own website. Additionally, Farnham Estate sought to expand its market share within both domestic and neighbouring markets while enhancing its digital presence to assert itself as a prominent resort.
Achieving Strategic Goals
For Farnham Estate to elevate its digital presence they decided on the following goals to help affirm its position as a premier destination:
- Increase revenue generated directly through the resort's website.
- Decrease dependency on OTAs and third-party booking platforms.
- Expand market share in domestic and neighboring markets.
- Elevate the resort's digital footprint through targeted campaigns.
Solution: A Collaborative Strategy
In collaboration with Farnham Estate and the team in Windward Management, SHR devised a comprehensive strategy to address these challenges and achieve the desired objectives. The solution revolved around optimizing the resort's online presence and enhancing user experience to facilitate seamless bookings. Key components of the solution included:
- Website Design and Optimization: SHR designed a user-friendly website for Farnham Estate, prioritizing ease of navigation and streamlining the booking process. The website served as a digital storefront, enticing visitors to explore the resort's offerings and facilitating direct bookings through an intuitive interface.
- Digital Marketing Strategy: Leveraging its expertise in digital marketing, SHR devised targeted campaigns to drive traffic to Farnham Estate's website. By identifying and engaging with specific market segments, the campaigns aimed to increase brand visibility and attract potential guests.
- SHR’s Suite of Tools: Farnham Estate utilized SHR's integrated suite of tools, including Booking Engine (BE), Digital Marketing and Website optimization, to maximize the efficiency of its online operations and marketing initiatives.
Revenue Growth Underpins Remarkable Results
The partnership between Farnham Estate, Windward Management and SHR yielded remarkable results, demonstrating significant growth and ROI improvements:
- Revenue Growth: Since partnering with SHR in 2017, Farnham Estate witnessed a staggering 242% increase in annual online revenues through their Brand Website by the end of 2023. This substantial growth reflected the effectiveness of the strategies implemented to drive direct bookings and reduce reliance on OTAs.
- Digital Campaign Performance: SHR's targeted digital campaigns contributed to a remarkable 489% increase in revenues during the same period. Moreover, the return on investment (ROI) soared from 32:1 to an impressive 101:1, underscoring the effectiveness and efficiency of the digital marketing efforts.