Well done Fairmont Hotels.
Fairmont just announced that they are expanding a partnership with BMW to provide guests with complimentary bicycles - on a side note, yes, BMW does make bicycles.
Fairmont Hotels has previously only offered complimentary bicycles to guests in Canadian and US properties. But as stated, as of today, they are expanding this program to virtually all hotels which bear their name.
I find this idea to be a very smart move by Fairmont Hotels. For a minimal investment (per property) they have: added value to their offering, garnered favorable media attention for the Fairmont brand and have appealed to the growing concerns of consumers as it relates to their environmental footprint.
Would a similar program work in your geographic location? Is your geographic location conducive to bike travel and without a Fairmont Hotel. If so, perhaps you can employ a congruent strategy to that of Fairmont; build your brand in the media and add value to your offering, all for a minimal investment.
In a time where, in many markets, we are confronted with an oversupply of rooms, initiatives which add value will allow your property to cement your position in the market and grow your business over time.
