Incentives don’t have to be expensive.
They just have to make the team feel like their effort matters.
The best-performing hotels don’t treat upselling like “extra work.”
They make it part of the culture — and reward the right behaviours.
Here’s how to do it without overcomplicating things 👇
Step 1: Decide What to Reward
Focus on actions that drive revenue, not just activity.
Examples:
Each successful room upgrade = €2–€3
Early check-ins or late check-outs = €1 each
Bonus for team if weekly target is hit
🔑 The key: only reward when money is made. No fake prizes for button clicks.
Step 2: Talk About the Incentive Publicly
It’s not enough to set it — you need to remind the team it exists.
Use your daily briefing:
“Don’t forget — each upgrade this week is worth €2. We’re 3 away from a pizza reward!”
Or add a sticky note behind the desk:
“💸 1 upgrade = 1 coffee ☕ Let’s go!”
Step 3: Keep it Team-Based Where Possible
Team incentives work better than individual-only rewards:
Builds collaboration
Avoids unhealthy competition
Feels achievable together
Examples:
“If we hit 20 upgrades this week, everyone gets lunch Friday”
“Top performer gets a small bonus, but team still celebrates”
Creative Incentives that Work
You don’t need to spend a fortune. Here are some real hotel-tested ideas:
Incentive | Why It Works |
€2 per upgrade | Direct, simple, trackable |
Coffee voucher | Instant gratification, low-cost |
Lunch for the team | Builds collaboration |
MVP of the Week badge | Recognition = motivation |
Mystery prize box 🎁 | Keeps it fun & unpredictable |
Loop in upper management | Make sure success is recognised from above |
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Paying for effort, not outcome → only reward actual revenue
Setting unclear rules → define what counts as an “upgrade” or “sale"
Forgetting to follow through → always deliver on the promised reward
Incentives aren’t bribes — they’re proof that the effort is worth it.
Done right, they unlock better guest experiences, more team energy, and higher revenue.