The Complete Guide to SMERF Bookings for Hotels in 2025
Coming Soon! This comprehensive guide will cover:
What is SMERF?
SMERF stands for:
- Social (weddings, reunions, celebrations)
- Military (reunions, training events)
- Educational (school trips, academic conferences)
- Religious (church groups, retreats)
- Fraternal (service organizations, clubs)
Why SMERF Groups Matter
SMERF bookings help hotels:
- Fill rooms during low-occupancy periods
- Generate midweek and shoulder season revenue
- Build long-term relationships with repeat groups
- Reduce reliance on corporate travel
Managing SMERF Groups with BEOs
Creating detailed Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) is critical for SMERF success because these groups often have:
- Complex meal requirements
- Meeting room needs
- Special pricing expectations
- Specific billing arrangements
Tools for SMERF Management
Professional hotel sales software can streamline SMERF bookings by:
- Tracking group histories and preferences
- Automating BEO creation
- Managing room blocks efficiently
- Simplifying billing for group leaders
Want to learn more about managing group bookings?
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