For Travel Enthusiasts, who needs seamless and end-to-end travel booking experience, Agoda is an online travel agency that provides convenience, affordability and a range of travel services such as Stay, flights, on-ground transportation and experiences for a hassle-free experience.
The natural frequency of Agoda must be 3 annually. The logic behind defining this frequency is because of three main reasons:
According to a study by NCAER, Sikhs in India undertake an average of 2.35 overnight trips per year, which is the highest among all religious groups surveyed.
Travel industry be it online travel agencies, hotels, airlines or tour companies, all these companies market as per 4 main season which is peak season (festive, summer and winter holidays) , off seasons (low pricing) , shoulder season (season between peak and off) , waning season (just after peak season)
Because of these marketing tactics, people travel round the clock now as per their budgets, preferences, purpose and time window.
Be it college going youth or a middle class/upper middle class families - the number of weekend trips have increased a lot to the nearby cities/places. For example you will find people living in Mumbai & Pune are taking much more trips to places like Lonavala, Khandala, Mahabaleshwar to relax on weekends. There’s also a changed behavior towards international trips - people now start saving for their international trips from the beginning of the year so that they can do their 1 international trip every year to explore the world.
Other than booking their stays, users can also book following services on Agoda.
Disclaimer: These natural frequency are as per various industry studies considering annual travel done by Indians.
Services | Flights | Activities/Experiences | Airport Transfers | Car Rentals | e-sims | Bus | Trains |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Natural Frequency/Annually | 2-3 | 3-4 | 2-4 | 1-2 | 0-1 | 3-4 | 1-2 |
A user is considered as active if they book a stay or any other services once in 6 months.
Natural frequency of an active user:
User Type | Action | Reasons |
---|---|---|
Casual Users | Booking 1 stay once in 6 months or Booking any 1 services once in 4 months | 1 - Casual Users are someone who are only looking for best possible deals, they mostly prefer Agoda if they get the best pricing but they might hop on other App too for the same reason2 - Even if these users does not book stay on Agoda but book flights or trains or any experiences on the platform that also makes them an active user as they are still transacting on the App |
Core Users | Booking 1 stay once in 4 months or Booking 1-2 service once in 4 months | The core users shows more commitment towards the product hence start booking their stay more frequently to get cashbacks (which is coming back in 45-60 days) and utilize it in their next trips |
Power Users | Booking 3 stays in a year + Booking 1-2 services in a year | Considering power users have become habitual of using the App, likes the UI and loves utilizing cashbacks on their next trips and bundle booking (stay + flights + experiences) in a cart and transacting in one go |
Select Segmentation Type | Reason for Selection | Features ICPs values the most | Natural Frequency as per ICP |
ICP Based Segmentation | As Agoda being in travel industry where preferences, customer behaviour, options of travel is so vast, reaching out to travelers basis their demographics, behaviour, preferences very be much beneficial for Agoda | Share Wishlisting Contact Property Match the lowest pricing | 1) Casual: Users: Booking 1 stay once in 6 months or booking 1/2 services in 4 months 2) Core Users: Booking 1 stay once in 4 months or Booking 1-2 service once in 4 months 3) Power Users: Booking 3 stays in a year or Booking 1-2 services in a year |
Personal and Demographics Details | ICP 1 | ICP 2 | ICP 3 | ICP 4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
ICP Name | Tanay | Ravi | Hersh | Shefali |
Age Group | 25-30 | 36-40 | 25-30 | 30-35 |
Gender | Male | Male | Male | Female |
Location | Tier 1/2 cities | Tier 1/2 cities | Tier 1/2 cities | Tier 1/2 cities |
Designation | Founder | Co-founder | AVP | Supply Director |
Companies | Internet Companies, Start-ups | Start-ups, SMEs | Start-ups | Start-ups |
Income Level | 1.5lakh | 2+ | 1-1.5 | 2+ |
Marital Status | Unmarried | Married | Unmarried | Unmarried |
Kids | NA | Son - 6 years old | NA | NA |
Hobbies | Pickelball, Playstation, Reading books (trying to get back) | Exploring Local Food | Mobile Games, Gym, Reading, Playing football | Travel, Exploring different cuisine & cocktails, to know about people and culture |
Willingness to Pay | Moderate - Tries to get best possible deals | High | Moderate to High | High |
Travel-Specific Details | ||||
Travel Goals | Travel New PlacesSpend time with my Partner mostlySpend time with my Parents/Friends | Explore new places Spend time with my wife | No Goals - No set agenda Just goes around places | Leisure, Explore different cuisine and cultures |
Preference (Travel Outlook) | Prefers finishing off travel time so picks flights over trains comparativelyWhen planning international travel pick countries which are Visa Free orVisa on Arrival | Rarely goes to a place twice,Prefers Leisuring, does not like to rushPrefers road trips due to kidAvoids trains because of HygienePrefers exploring local food and cultureWith International trips Comparison of prices matrixgoes down | Want to chill, never plans activites too,Do random stuff sometimes like Scuba diving course in last tripPrefers doing things as per my feelings at the timeUsually avoid booking return ticketsLike to try local food and talk to local people | Want to relax,understand about people and their livesAlways explore the local foodDoes not want to fill the days with lot of activities |
Travel Partner/People | Mostly Solo and with Partner Sometimes Friends/Family too | Wife & Sister - 90%Business Trips - Cofounders | Solo | Partner and Girls (Close-knit girls group) |
Frequency of Travel/Year | 20 | 30 | 8-10 | 30 |
Segregation of Trips | Work Trips - 10-12Leisure Trips - 8-9 | Work Trips - 18-24Leisure Trips - 6-8 | Work Trips - 5-6Leisure Trips - 2/3 trips | Work trips - 20-25Leisure Trips - 5-6 |
Recent Travel History | Recent trip Singapore (Business Trip)Keeps on travelling in India - Recent trip Dehradun | Gwalior (Went for a business trip, Wife & kid joinedand we explored local places and cuisines | Thailand - Did Scuba course | Bali - One of my team won a League at the Company |
Early Planner or Last Minute? | Mostly Last Minute | Early Planner | Last minute | Last minute |
How Far in Advance Do You Plan Your Trips? | Domestic Trips - Impromptu or 1/2 weeks ago International Trips - 1/2 months ago | Usually a couple of weeks ago | Solo - ImpromptuWith Friends - A month ago | With Partner - Last minuteWith Friends - 1/2 months in advance |
2025 Travel Goals, Why? | Europe - Want to start with Europe as everythingcannot be covered in one trip | Srilanka (Visa Free, Clean, Better than Goa, expenses almost equivalent to Goa)Dubai - Want to explore business opportunities | Backpacking around Asia, Europe, Northeast India | Thailand (bachelorrete)Goa (I go here multiple times a year, have one Villa)Europe (Want to start these trips) |
Travel Challenges | India - hotels are more expensive in GeneralOutside: biggest challenge going outside is currency exchange | Avoids train journey because of hygieneDoes not book homestays if wife is with meSecurity is most imp aspect of Stay hence book above 3 star properties only | Hygiene is most important - Never books 8/10 people dorms | Coordination problems with friends, Had to makeWhatsApp groups then people take time to choose |
Do you prefer city or nature places? | Nature | Both | Both | Both |
Your Source of Finding New Places? | Instagram, Youtube & People | People, Instagram, Youtube | Youtube | Instagram & People |
Social Media and Travel Apps Details | ||||
Social Media Apps They Use | Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIN, Reddit, Youtube | Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, Youtube, LinkedIn | LinkedIn, Reddit | |
Most Used Social Media App | ||||
Time They Spend on Social Media in a day | 2/3 hours | 2-3 hours | 1-2 hours | 30 mins - 1 hour |
Travel Apps They Use and Why? | Agoda, Skyscanner, Hostelworld, Airbnb, Goibibo | MMT, Agoda, Ixigo, Cleartrip, Easemytrip, Paytm | Don't use Apps but websitesFlights - SkyscannerTrains - Cleartrip, Ixigo, MMT whoever gives confirmed ticketHotel Bookings - Agoda, ., MMT , airbnbhostel world | MMT - For domestic travel - Army - For Internation Travel - Pay later option - you can cancel before 24 hoursAgoda - Only when tripadvisor suggest that prices are lowAirbnb - When we want to book the homestayTrivago - When want to compare stay pricesSkycanner - for flights |
Agoda-Specific Questions Details | ||||
Why Do You Use Agoda? | Usually get lowest prices on Agoda for both domestic and international Especially one of the lowest of hotels gives decent last minute deals , Tday I need a place to stay, We usually stay a hotel and airbnb with my partner , Agoda has one of the lowest dealCashback | Great CashbacksI get best deals usuallyNo loyalty as such, if tomorrow some other websitegives better deal than I will book from there | Great Deals - Had both good and bad experiences but Customer Supportteam was responsive hence still keep booking from Agoda | To book budget friendly places, I use Agodawhen prices are cheap for the same propertywe want to stay at |
You Use App or Website? | App | App | Website | App |
Which Are Some Features You Like the Most? | Mostly Share | Share | None as such ,all of then are quite the same, Share the hotel in everything | Share |
Frequency of feature usage | All the time | All the time | NA | All the time while planning a trip |
Notifications Are On for Agoda? | No | Yes (but only regarding my trip) | NA | No |
Do You Delete the App Once Coming Back from Your Trip? | Yes (Except Agoda as it gives Cashback after 45-60 days) | No | NA | No |
Any Feedback on UI? | All App UIs are super cluttered, for first time users, itssuper distracting - have to put in efforts to find | UI is super cleanNo dark colours, soothing to eyesEasier to navigate | NA | All UIs are horrible, too cluttered |
If not Agoda - What will be the substitute? | I am okay using anything if it gives me the best deals | Any platforms which gives better deals | Not as such, okay with any platform out there | Use multiple platforms, depending upon which one is providing with better deals |
Any Agoda Experience worth Highlighting? | Once it has happened that Property did not honourAgoda booking, Owner gave me another option so I tookit but it will difficult to reach to Agoda folks as theydon't have any toll free number | Once I booked a hotel in Kasoli where the Propertyhas shown Community Swimming pool,I connected with Agoda Support Staff and I actuallygot the whole amount re-imbursed | During our bad experience in Thailand where we booked anexpensive property for 2 nights stay (70K) for 3 people, Hotelproperty was not ready to honour that deal and we paid inadvance for this, Property mentioned that they never confirmedthe booking with Agoda, we called the customer support andrather than giving the amount back, the customer support teamwas pushing for Agoda coins - when a customer had suchbad experience how can the support team push for Appmoney | Not as such |
Problem Statement | travels frequently for work and leisure but faces challenges with high domestic hotel costs, currency exchange for international trips, and last-minute bookings. While he values Agoda for competitive prices and cashback, the cluttered UI and lack of prompt customer support impact his experience. | prioritizes comfort, hygiene, and security in travel, especially for trips with his wife and child. While he values Agoda for cashback and competitive deals, he remains open to other platforms offering better options. | seeks spontaneous and laid-back travel experiences, focusing on hygiene and exploring local cultures. While Agoda is valued for great deals and responsive customer support, past issues like unresolved property disputes highlight the need for reliable booking confirmations and customer-centric resolutions. | values travel for leisure, exploring local cuisines, and understanding cultures. She prefers budget-friendly accommodations and relies on platforms like Agoda for competitive pricing, though coordination challenges with friends often complicate group travel. Shefali's use of multiple platforms for deals and feedback on cluttered UIs emphasize the need for seamless, user-friendly travel solutions tailored to spontaneous and planned trips alike. |
ICP Type: | Power User | Power User | Core User | Casual User |
Framework | Selection | Reason |
---|---|---|
New Feature Engagement | Primary | 1 - Agoda's primary/core product is booking stays but travel is not only about stay but booking other services too such as transport, experiences, if travelling internationally then may be buying e-sim so all the adjacent features such as flight, bus, experience booking brings people on the App for various reasons and not just stay2- The increase in various services booking increases the chances of booking Stay more from the same App.3 - This also contributes into habit formation and sub-consciously making Agoda as their primary OTA |
Frequency of Engagement | Secondary | As people have started travelling more, the number of times travelers choose Agoda for their bookings also plays an important role |
Depth (Time/Money) Engagement | No | NA |
Strategy #1 : Agoda Tiered Membership
Strategy Title | Agoda Tiered Membership - Annual |
Goal | Make travelers habitual of using Agoda |
Focused ICPs | All ICPs |
User Behavior | - Compares pricing on different platform - Go till book now to see other charges such as convenience fees, tax etc - Check prices of different properties within budget - Tries to apply various coupons - Checks Credit card cashbacks |
Pitch/Content | Planning to travel the world? Now with best deals, be a part of Agoda community by becoming a member and save more now via Agoda's membership Program |
Offer | Additional Discounts: Silver - 5% cashback Gold - 5% cashback + airport pickup Platinum - 5% cashback + airport pickup + 1 experience free |
Channel | PNs, In App Banners, Youtube & Instagram |
Frequency & Timing | - Pop - up message right after sign-up - Homepage - Booknow Page - Cart Page |
Success metrics to track | Number of memberships |
Ramp-up milestones | - 1000 purchases within a week - 10000 purchases within a month |
Reasons why it will work | People wants to travel more often than ever, such membership will help them save money and eventually travel more with less |
Proposed flow | Step 1: Reads about membership on social media or App Step 2: Explores the details in the App Step 3: Registers for membership by paying on platform Step 4: Enjoys the membership for a year |
Suggested Pricing for Agoda's Tiered Membership | |||
Tier | Benefits | Cost per year (₹) | Justification |
Silver | 5% discount on bookings | 799 | Covers discount value + minor platform fees. |
Gold | 5% discount + Free Airport Pickup | 1599 | Airport pickup cost recovered within 2-3 trips. |
Platinum | 5% discount + Airport Pickup + Free Activity | 3999 | Activity cost covered; premium users willing to pay. |
Strategy #2: Agoda Miles Badge
Strategy Title | Agoda Miles Badge |
Goal | Make travelers spend more time on the App and reward them basis kilometers travelled |
Focused ICPs | Core and Power Users |
User Behavior | - Travelers spam their social media with travel pictures - Usually does not record anywhere the kms they have travelled |
Pitch/Content | You just came back from Thailand, do you know you have travelled around 8000 within last 7 days? You are a pro travellers and have received a batch and unlocked a reward for you! Checkout the App now. |
Offer | 400/- off by using AGODAMILES8000 coupon code, but wait if you share this badge on social media and tag us, get 1000/- off on your next domestic trip! |
Channel | Push Notifications |
Frequency & Timing | - When a traveller crosses a particular miles milestone - Notification once they are back from their trip - 3/4 times nudging them via PNs or before booking other trip on checkout page |
Success metrics to track | Number of Coupon codes utilised |
Ramp-up milestones | - 500 badge shares in 48 hours - 5000 badge shares in 20 days |
Reasons why it will work | Most of the offerings of the travel Apps are similar and just the UI is changed, this will not only give more WOM to Agoda via Social Media, they can even get more signups as people see their friends/family members using Agoda, creating curiosity and trust among them |
Proposed flow | Step 1: User receives a notification Step 2: Checks out what the badge is Step 3: Finds the reward and badge lucrative enough Step 4: Shares the creative on social media directly (Which has user picture and details such as travelled 8K kms) Step 5: Tags Agoda Step 6: Gets the coupon code by submitting screenshot or link on the App Step 7: Uses the code for booking next trip |
Strategy #3: Traveler's Voice:
Strategy Title | Traveler's Voice |
Goal | Make power user share their feedback on the App which will help move some set of casual users to core users |
Focused ICPs | Power Users |
User Behavior | - Loves a property (after reaching) - Talk about property with friends/family members - Share property pictures on social media - Write google review if nudged - Make room/property tours and shares on social media |
Pitch/Content | - Loved staying at Ritz - Carlton, sharing your detailed review and pictures/videos and get featured in our Traveler's voice section in App and on social media and get personalised suggestions based on your past bookings for your next travel |
Offer | Personalised travel and experience suggestions for next trips |
Channel | PNs, Dynamic Banner below core proposition tile, checkout page |
Frequency & Timing | PNs - Once a week or when user is coming on App repeatedly Dynamic Banner - Stays on the App always |
Success metrics to track | - Number of review shares |
Ramp-up milestones | - 25 reviews in 2 days - 100 reviews in 1 month |
Reasons why it will work | If you see in ICP section, the travelers usually spend a lot of time reading about the destination, safety, prices and how to navigate in that city online, checks youtube video and follows instagram influencers for the same, if Agoda starts sharing this in the App the user might spend more time on App and eventually decide to book on the App |
Proposed flow | Step 1 : Gets a notification to be " Travelers Voice" Step 2: Opens the App Step 3: Check out about the program Step 4: Upload detailed review and photos of stay or place Step 5: Gets a message that you have unlocked your reward, type your next destination to get personalised stay recommendations |
Strategy #4 Share and Collaborate with friends:
Strategy Title | Share and Collaborate with Friends |
Goal | Make it convenient for travelers to share their wishlist with friends/family and finalise a property to stay |
Focused ICPs | All ICPs traveling in groups |
User Behavior | - Users travelling in group check out a property and share the liked property one by one using share button - Users check the property on other platforms - Users check the property on google - WhatsApp discussions happening for finalising the property - Confusion till the end about the property |
Pitch/Content | - Made a big wishlist of hotels to stay and friends fighting over which one to book? Agoda made it easier for you! Share your wishlist with friends, discuss on the in-app chat window and upvote the property you like! The highest loved property can be booked at best possible price on Agoda! |
Offer | Collaborate better with friends without the hassle of jumping on various Apps |
Channel | PNs, Social Media (YT & IG), Influencer Marketing, In-app banners |
Frequency & Timing | - Full social media campaign by country's best influencers just a month before peak season starts - 1 push notification per day during the campaign - Display banner on the App |
Success metrics to track | - No of people using share with friends option |
Ramp-up milestones | - 5000 collaborative chat windows within a month - 50 Sucessful bookings by the user after collaborating and upvoting - 20K App donwloads (assuming that friends will have to download the Agoda App to chat and upvote |
Reasons why it will work | All are ICPs mentioned that they use Share button the most but once they share the hotel links, it gets difficult to discuss about the properties and constantly jump between WhatsApp and Agoda to check the details mentioned by other group members, this evolved feature will make this process convenient and also contribute to more bookings and App downloads |
Proposed flow | Step 1: User reads about feature via influencer Step 2: Check out the feature on App Step 3: Share the wishlist link with friends Step 4: Friends open the App or download the App Step 5: Starts chatting "This is awesome" Step 6: Friends start upvoting the properties Step 7: The group finalise the property Step 8: They make the booking |
Strategy #5 Your Travel Bucket List on Agoda:
Strategy Title | Your Travel Bucket- list on Agoda |
Goal | To make traveler use Agoda as one - stop solution for all travel needs |
Focused ICPs | All ICPs |
User Behavior | - User makes wishlist of countries/ places in notes taking Apps or diaries - Saves videos/reels on Youtube or Instagram - Revisit different Apps to check their wishlist and once decided to make bookings |
Pitch/Content | Now you can make your travel bucket list on Agoda! All the experiences, countries, destinations at one place |
Offer | Save your travel bucket list and get 5% cashback on these bookings |
Channel | PNs, Banner, Agoda social media channels, WOM |
Frequency & Timing | PNs - Once a week or when user is coming on App repeatedly Dynamic Banner - Stays on the App always |
Success metrics to track | - No of bucketlist created |
Ramp-up milestones | - 1000 bucketlists in 1 week - 5000 bucketlist in 4 weeks |
Reasons why it will work | This campaign will give people more reason to spend on App, it won't be a constant nudge of just discount but something unique on the offering. |
Proposed flow | Step 1: Checks the PN or communication via other channel Step 2: Opens the App Step 3: Adds 5 destinations Step 4: Gets a message saying book hotel in your dream destination and get 5% cashback |
As per Nudgenow.com General App Retention Trends:
According to industry analyses, average app retention rates across various sectors are as follows:
As per above given data, the retention curve flattens after 28th day for Travel Apps globally.
The channels that is used by our ICPs the most, is the channel that drive the best retention. As per the ICPs They spend most of their time on YouTube and Instagram so its the best platform to drive retention.
Experience/Activities:
People travel to experience different parts of world, different cultures, people and food so Agoda must leverage their experience/activities booking feature more. Bringing convenience by providing common activities booking such as Burj Khalifa in Dubai and curating some unique experience package can help users to retain more comparatively for two reasons: Convenience and Uniqueness.
Flight Booking:
Other than this, flight booking is another hassle travelers wants to be done with. If Agoda can provide the best deals on travel this can drive retention for the core value proposition as well.
e-sim purchase:
International travelers staying for long usually find it difficult to buy e-sims because of trust on local stores (fear of paying more being a foreigner in that country) and usually first time travelers are unaware of where to buy the sims from. In this case, Agoda can help users to book their sims before reaching the other country and make this process hassle-free.
Voluntary Reasons | Involuntary Reasons |
Bad booking experience | Travel Plan Disruption |
Too many Push Notifications | Loss of income |
Property not honouring the booking | Lifestyle changes |
Bad interaction with customer support | Health Emergencies/Conditions |
Money deducting from account but no booking done | |
Did not find the unique properties | |
Higher prices on properties on App/ Competition Providing better deals | |
Better package deal on competition App | |
Complicated UI Experience/ Does not know how to navigate | |
Slow App Performance | |
Poor Search Results | |
Less filter options | |
Security Issues | |
Complicated process to reach out to customer support | |
Rigid Refund process | |
Poor Property Images |
Top Churn Reasons for Agoda | |||
Reason | Type | Primary/Immediate Customer Behaviour | Negative Actions |
Better deals at other platform | Voluntary | Indian Users have the habit of comparing prices | - Adding Properties in cart of saving in wishlist but not looking - Checking the property multiple times - Going on other platforms to compare prices - Asking too many questions on message property window - Trying to get better deals from the same property offline |
Property not honouring bookings | Voluntary | Trying to reach Customer Support | - Raise complaint tickets - Write on social media - Bad mouthing about Agoda - Try to book another property from Agoda - Try booking via competition App - Asking for refund if paid |
Hotel Images and Reality not matching | Voluntary | Trying to adjust or raise complaint on platform | - Raise complaint tickets - Write on social media - Bad mouthing about Agoda - Try to book another property from Agoda - Try booking via competition App - Asking for refund if paid |
Bookings getting cancelled | Voluntary | Most probably will book at some other platform | - Trying to reach customer suppport - Asking for refund and compensation - Booking via other platform |
Complex UI | Voluntary | Tries to navigate but then switch to other platform | - Might search "how to book hotel on Agoda" if deals are great - Ask customer support to contact for booking - Jump on competition platform - Delete the App and does not book |
Lot of Push Notifications | Voluntary | Switch Notifications Off or Delete the App until the next trip | - Disable notifications - Delete the App |
Strategy Title | Guaranteed Stay: If They Don’t, We Cover It! | Found a Better Deal? We’ll Match It! | Customize Your Alerts: Get Only What You Want! | Not as Expected? Tell Us & Get 25% Off! | Booking Canceled? Enjoy a Free Upgrade! |
Goal | Increase customer trust and ensure that users feel confident about their bookings, leading to higher retention. | Ensure price competitiveness and encourage users to book directly with Agoda by offering better deals or matching competitors’ prices. | Increase engagement by allowing users to personalize their notifications for specific offers and deals, leading to more targeted bookings. | Encourage user feedback on bookings that didn’t meet expectations, fostering trust and satisfaction, while driving repeat bookings. | Increase customer retention by offering free upgrades to users when their original booking is canceled, showing goodwill. |
Reason of Churn | Hotel Property not honoring the booked deal | Price-sensitive users might cancel or abandon the booking due to finding lower prices elsewhere. | Users feeling overwhelmed with too many irrelevant notifications or not finding offers that suit their preferences. | Unmet expectations related to room quality, amenities, or customer service may cause dissatisfaction. | Booking cancellations and lack of alternatives cause users to lose confidence in booking platforms. |
User Behavior | - Tries to compliant to Agoda - Writes on social media - Bad WOM | Users tend to compare prices across multiple platforms and might leave Agoda if they find a better deal. | Users unsubscribe from emails and push notifications when they receive too many irrelevant offers. | Users who have experienced discrepancies between the property’s listing and reality may avoid future bookings. | Users become disappointed or frustrated when their bookings are canceled and seek compensation or better service. |
Pitch/Content | Book with confidence! If the hotel doesn’t honor your booking, we’ll take care of it—no questions asked! | Found a better deal? Let us know, and we’ll match it—guaranteed | Only want updates on your dream destinations or specific deals? Customize your alerts to get only what you care about! | Not what you expected? Let us know, and we’ll make it right with 25% off your next booking! | If your booking is canceled, we’ll upgrade your stay for free—no extra cost to you! |
Offer | If the hotel property cancels or doesn’t honor the booking, Agoda will offer alternative accommodations at no additional cost to the user. | Agoda will match or beat a competitor's price for the same property and stay dates if the user provides evidence. | Users can select preferences for the type of deals they want to receive alerts about (e.g., discounts, new destinations, last-minute deals). | Users will receive a 25% discount on their next booking if they report discrepancies or dissatisfaction with their previous stay | If a booking is canceled by the property, Agoda will provide an upgrade to a higher-tier room or property at no additional charge. |
Channel | Email, Push Notifications, and App Banner on the homepage. | Email, Push Notifications, and Live Chat. | Email and App Notifications. | Email, In-app Surveys, and Push Notifications. | Email, Push Notifications, and Live Chat. |
Frequency & Timing | Triggered when a user is about to finalize their booking or during the checkout process, and periodically via email reminders for first-time users. | This strategy is triggered when a user abandons a booking or shares a competitor’s deal with Agoda support. | - Prompted during onboarding, with an option to update preferences through the app or website. -Monthly reminders for inactive users. | Prompt for feedback within 48 hours after check-in, and immediately offer the 25% discount for eligible cases. | Activated immediately after a cancellation is confirmed and communicated to the user. |
Success metrics to track | Booking completion rate after implementing this strategy. Customer complaints related to cancellations. Increase in new customer sign-ups and repeat bookings. | Reduction in cart abandonment rates. Conversion rate after matching competitor prices. | - Click-through rates on customized alerts. - Engagement rates for users who opt in to customized alerts. | Rate of feedback submissions. Repeat booking rate after offering a discount. | Retention rate after offering an upgrade. User satisfaction surveys after the upgrade process. |
Ramp-up milestones | Phase 1: Roll out to frequent travelers. Phase 2: Offer to all users once the process is smooth. | Phase 1: Test with high-value bookings. Phase 2: Roll out to all users after optimizing the process. | Phase 1: Introduce to new users. Phase 2: Roll out to existing users based on preferences. | Phase 1: Test with select users who have stayed at top-rated hotels. Phase 2: Expand based on feedback and optimization. | Phase 1: Offer upgrades to users with high-value bookings. Phase 2: Roll out to all users with automatic upgrades after a cancellation. |
Reasons why it will work | It directly addresses a major pain point for users (cancellations) and provides them with a safety net, building trust and reliability. | Addresses price sensitivity directly, giving customers the confidence that they are getting the best value for their booking. | This strategy empowers users to control their experience, ensuring they only receive relevant information, which increases engagement. | It gives customers a safety net while encouraging honest feedback, which improves the platform and the user experience. | Free upgrades create positive sentiment among users and increase the likelihood of repeat bookings. |
Proposed flow | 1 - User books a hotel. 2 - Agoda notifies the user of the “Guaranteed Stay” policy at checkout. 3 - If the booking is canceled or overbooked, Agoda covers the cost of an upgraded alternative property. | 1 - User finds a better price elsewhere and shares it with Agoda. 2 - Agoda confirms the price match. 3 - User is able to secure the deal and proceed with the booking. | 1 - User sets preferences during re- onboarding or in-app. 2 - They receive personalized alerts based on their preferences. 3 - Users engage more frequently due to relevant offers | 1 - User reports an issue (via survey or app). 2 - Agoda confirms the issue and offers the 25% off next booking. 3 - User redeems the discount on a future stay, promoting loyalty. | 1 - Booking is canceled. 2 - Agoda contacts the user with the free upgrade offer. 3 - User enjoys the upgraded stay, and continues to use Agoda in the future. |
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