Guest Connect – Automated Messages

What is Automated Messages?

Automated Messages is the first feature of Holidu’s Guest Connect tool.
It allows you to automatically send personalised, multilingual messages to your guests at key moments in their booking journey — for example, when their booking is confirmed, shortly before arrival, or after departure.

By automating your guest communication, you can:

• Save hours of time every month.
• Provide consistent and professional information to every guest.
• Remove language barriers with automatic translations.
• Stay in full control of your message content and timing.
• Remain fully GDPR-compliant.

Key Benefits

• Trigger-based sending – Messages are sent automatically when a specific event occurs (e.g. arrival, departure), so guests always receive important information on time.
• Email with host signature – Your name, business details, and email address are added automatically, saving you time and creating a professional impression.
• Direct guest replies (Holidu, manual, and Host Website bookings only) – Guests can reply directly to your messages for quick, two-way communication.
• Sender name personalisation – Your chosen sender name appears in the guest’s inbox, helping to build trust and recognition.
• Automatic translation – Messages are sent in your guest’s preferred language, removing language barriers.
• Property-specific templates – You can create unique messages for each property or use a universal one for all.
• Template preview – See exactly how your message will look in different languages and booking channels before sending.
• Template duplication – Copy and adapt existing templates to speed up setup for multiple properties.
• GDPR-compliant blocklist – Exclude certain bookings from receiving automated messages to maintain compliance and control.
• Personalised salutations – The guest’s name is automatically added to the greeting for a warm, personal touch.

Message Templates

You as a host can use three default message templates that help maintain communication throughout the guest’s journey:

• 1 day after check-in – “Hope you are settling into your apartment”
• 1 day after check-out – “Thank you for your stay”
• 150 days after check-out – “We miss you”

These templates are pre-set but can be customised at any time to match your tone and preferences.

Advanced Messaging Features

AI-Automated Text Generation

Messages can be enhanced using predefined AI options for tone adjustment, simplification, shortening, or full AI rewriting.
This feature helps you create polished, concise, and professional messages quickly and easily.

Link for Direct Booking Website & Booking Module

In your messages, you can include direct links to your Booking Website or Booking Module, depending on what’s available for your property.
If neither is available, a link to your property’s Holidu listing page will appear automatically.
This helps you promote direct bookings and encourage repeat guests effortlessly.

Upload Images & Files

You can upload images and files directly to your scheduled message templates — for example:

• A welcome guide or check-in instructions 
• Property rules or Wi-Fi details 
• Local recommendations and maps 

This ensures guests have all the information they need before and during their stay.

How It Works

1. Access Guest Connect
   1. Log in to your Holidu account.
   2. Go to More > Guest Connect, then select the Automated Messages section.
2. Create or edit a template
   1. Choose the trigger (booking confirmation, arrival, departure).
   2. Write your message in your preferred language — it will be automatically translated for the guest.
   3. Add dynamic fields (like the guest’s name) for personalisation.
   4. Preview your message in all supported languages and channels.
3. Assign the template
   1. Apply it to one property or multiple.
   2. Use the duplication feature to adapt templates for other properties.
4. Activate sending
   1. Once active, messages are sent automatically whenever the chosen trigger occurs.
   2. For Airbnb and Booking.com, messages appear in the guest’s chat thread, but guests cannot reply directly.
5. Monitor and adjust
   1. Review templates regularly to keep content up to date.
   2. Use the blocklist to stop messages for specific bookings or guests if needed.

Things to Know

• Guest replies are only possible for Holidu bookings. Guests from other portals will receive your messages but cannot reply directly.
• Automatic translations use the guest’s booking language.
• You can update templates anytime — changes apply to all future messages.
• Channel-specific formatting ensures your message always looks professional.
• The blocklist helps you stay GDPR-compliant by allowing booking-level exclusions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn off automated messages?
Yes. You can enable or disable automation for each template or property.

What if I send the wrong detail?
Update the template — any unsent future messages will use the new version.

Can guests reply to my messages?
Only for bookings made via Holidu email. Channel chat messages (Airbnb, Booking.com) don’t allow guest replies.

Will guests know the messages are automated?
No — they appear personal and professional, like a direct email from you.

Can I send different messages for different properties?
Yes. You can set unique templates per property or use one for all.

Why Use Automated Messages?

Automated Messages are perfect if you:

• Want to reduce repetitive admin tasks.
• Host international guests.
• Manage multiple properties.
• Value consistent, high-quality communication with minimal effort.

You decide what is sent and when, while Holidu takes care of delivery — giving you more time to focus on what matters most: welcoming your guests.