Landhoeve’s Success Story: More bookings and less stress with Booking Experts
The pioneers of lodging and recreation share their formula for success. How do they boost off-season bookings, manage peak periods, and ensure guests return? Today’s speaker: Wendy van Essen, owner of Landhoeve in Oosterwolde. What has Booking Experts delivered for her in concrete terms? More bookings, time savings, and reduced costs.
Landhoeve
Oosterwolde, the Netherlands
Holiday farm
BEX PMS
Wendy, could you give us some background on Landhoeve?
Sure! I’m Wendy van Essen, and together with my husband we started Landhoeve in 2015. We began as a small farm campsite with five Farmers Bed glamping tents. My husband managed the campsite while I had a full-time job alongside. Later, we expanded to include a B&B and Bell Tents. In 2023, we replaced the tents with wooden cabins and switched to Tommy Booking.
"The investment was big, but it pays back double."
What made you decide to use Tommy’s reservation system?
I come from an IT background, so I understand the importance of good software and the advantages it provides. I knew Booking Experts was next-level. That was clear to me. I made a booking at a holiday park that used Booking Experts and was immediately impressed by the guest journey. I wanted the same for our guests! Still, I chose Tommy first, mainly because of the price.
In 2025 you finally switched to Booking Experts. How did that go?
In our old reservation system, I ran into several issues: payment reminders were sometimes sent while guests were still at the park, I couldn’t link it with my accounting package, and there was no cash register system. I also received a large number of phone calls from guests with questions about the booking process. Having used Booking Experts as a guest myself, I knew how smooth and simple the journey could be. I spoke to them again at the Recreation Trade Show, and they convinced me of the value Booking Experts offers.
How does that value pay off for you?
After the switch, I thought, “Now I’m going to find out what can’t be done,” but so far I haven’t found a single error in the system. The investment was substantial, but it pays off handsomely. It saves me time, reduces costs, and generates more bookings.
- Saving time: Since working with Booking Experts, we receive far fewer phone calls from (potential) guests, mainly because the booking process raises fewer questions. For example, the Search & Book feature provides all the information needed to make a good choice and suggests alternatives when dates aren’t available.
- Cost savings: BEX PMS is comprehensive — far more than a booking system. I no longer need separate mailing, cash register, or scheduling tools, which is a significant saving.
- More bookings: Because the booking process runs smoothly and raises fewer questions, I’m confident I’m getting more bookings. Guests also enjoy a better experience, which leads to positive reviews and, in turn, more bookings.
Would you advise similar entrepreneurs to work with Booking Experts?
Absolutely! Especially as a small business, you benefit from the efficiency. Booking Experts really feels like an extra employee. The community is also valuable: through events and training, you meet other entrepreneurs and gain access to a team that genuinely thinks along with you. Their support staff are actual consultants and give advice. And perhaps most importantly, even as a small company, you are taken seriously. You don’t do it alone; you do it together. I would definitely recommend Booking Experts to small business owners. It’s not a cost, it’s a growth accelerator.
Are you curious what Booking Experts can do for you? Schedule an introduction!