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A mobile app is guaranteed to make life easier but there is still resistance from hotel owners and managers to build one for their business.
The travel industry is finally starting to recognise the all encompassing nature of mobile devices within the guest booking journey.
Many hotels have now optimised their website for mobile devices and enabled mobile and Facebook booking capabilities. However, only a few have capitalised on mobile applications.
While over 75% of properties admit the importance of an app, only a quarter are currently implementing one in their business strategy. This means there’s a significant opportunity for hotels to create a competitive advantage for themselves.
Approximately 80% of internet users are using their smartphone to browse so the market is there to be leveraged. In an industry where service is king, an app will greatly help you perfect this.
If you’re a smaller hotel, the option is still viable and will make things easier for both parties. With today’s technology, you can even create your own mobile application using an app builder.
Here are 8 reasons your hotel should have its own mobile app:
1. Hotel apps offer a more optimised booking experience
Once a traveller has downloaded your app they’ll have instant access your hotel information and be able to book within a couple of thumb-touches if they choose to. This will save time on both ends and give your guest a more positive experience.
2. An app will help you track more guest data
An app will give you easier and more concentrated access to guest information and behaviour traits across the booking journey and during their stay. Data is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal when developing pricing or marketing strategies because it allows you to make accurate predictions and informed decisions.
3. You can maintain brand awareness for your hotel
Apps are one of the biggest and most used commodities on a person’s smartphone so if your app has been downloaded, a user will likely see it every day and have it top-of-mind when they choose to research accommodation.
4. Increase customer service at your property
Not only will your hotel app service a traveller during their booking stage but throughout their stay. They can use your app to order services, make purchases, choose upgrades, book appointments etc. and you’ll be instantly notified.
On the other hand, you can also quickly alert guests of special promotions and hot deals. This way all requests will be organised and automated, making life easier for everyone.
5. Integrate your communication with an app
Many different communication channels can be integrated with your app, including social media. It makes for an effective way to keep your guests updated about your property even if they’ve missed a Facebook post, tweet, or aren’t subscribed to a mailing list.
6. Create a more effective guest loyalty program
A hotel app will provide a better platform to house your guest loyalty program by allowing the guests to collect points for different actions they take on the app. They can then go to a hub to see their progress and potentially cash in their rewards instantly.
The app can also be used to collect reviews after or preferably during their stay. If you see a review that’s less than positive while the guest is still at the hotel you may be able to rectify it immediately and resolve the negative feedback.
7. Use your app to act as a tour guide
Similar to Google Trips, you can use your app to give guests the best advice about where to go to eat, what attractions to visit, and the best sights to see in the local area. You can combine this with an interactive map to ensure they don’t get lost and can better organise their itinerary.
8. Adapt to any language
Travellers will be able to set the app to the language they’re most comfortable with and any communication between guest and hotel will automatically translate back and forth so there is no misunderstanding, leading to a more enjoyable experience for both parties.
