How to Land a Familiarisation Stay Anywhere in the World

 

Hello, Lotte here,

 

After eight months of building the paid membership, I’ve learned a lot from talking daily to hoteliers, holiday homeowners and of course travel advisors just like you.

 

Here’s a quick focus read on how to land a familiarisation stay (and where most people go wrong):

 

 

1. Find the Decision Maker

 

If you can, go straight to the person who can actually say “yes.”

Generic inboxes are black holes, your email might never land in the right hands.

 

 

2. Know Who the Decision Makers Are

 

These roles are your targets:

Owner • Commercial Director • General Manager • Assistant GM • Operations Manager • Revenue Manager • Sales Manager • Marketing Manager • Sales & Marketing Director.

 

Sometimes you’ll find PR or marketing agencies acting as gatekeepers. Be careful as they are often on retainers and might block you.

(This is where the club helps, we’ve learned how to navigate these hurdles, appeal to the right people and get the “yes.”)

 

 

3. Keep Your Email Short and Sharp

 

No fluff, no long stories, no personal oversharing. They don't need to know your ABTA. They don't need to know about your host agency. 

Hotels don’t need to know your background, it’s not relevant and can actually be a red flag.

Be clear about who you are, what you do and how a stay with you can drive ROI. That’s what makes them listen. Always check the ADR of the property. 

 

 

4. Follow Up. Briefly and Professionally

 

A short, polite follow-up works wonders. No chasing or pleading. Just professional persistence. If it takes a few follow ups, that's fine. You are offering to sell. 

 

 

5. If You Get a Yes. Act Fast

 

Don’t keep them waiting. Reply quickly and with genuine enthusiasm.

You’ve just been offered something valuable. Be gracious, show excitement and make it easy to confirm. 

Don't mess around with dates. Don't be cheeky and start adding friends, kids. Be clear from the beginning. 

 

 

6. Deliver. Always.

 

Remember: this isn’t owed to you. It’s an opportunity.

If you say you will create content or share the stay, do it. Soft skills and reliability win every time.

 

 

7. Confidence Sells

 

If you believe you can sell, hotels and holiday homes will too.

And if you need a little help? That’s exactly what the club is for.

 

Hotel Fam Club acts as your buffer and credibility layer, helping you create, share and showcase your stays with a gallery and write-up that gives hoteliers confidence and takes pressure off you.

 

Ready to turn your next stay into a sale?

Join Hotel Fam Club, 12 months’ access for £180.

It’s not a cost, it’s your shortcut to getting that first (and next) familiarisation stay.