Consumer behaviour has dramatically changed with today’s technology-savvy traveller expecting hotels and the travel industry to comply with their technological needs.
Here are 7 reasons why hotels should be embracing technology now:
- Today’s consumer switches between up to 27 different media in one hour. Today’s traveller will use all digital platforms to find hotels/book rooms/sort travel.
- Mobile hotel bookings to increase by 225% in 2014, according to Expedia. The future of the hotel/travel industry looks set to focus on mobile.
- In 2013 hotel visitors to desktop websites declined by 17.11%, while increasing by nearly 85% via mobile. Mobile is becoming the key device for bookings.
- 74% of Hotel.com’s mobile bookings are made for same-day. Today’s traveller is spontaneous and demanding, they want to be able to book then and there.
- Three quarters of UK Hotel searches are already done from a smartphone. Smartphones are also the most popular way to search for availability.
- Mobile usage increases as the day progresses. Target your customers by sending social posts and emails well into the evening.
- 17% of travel purchase decisions are influenced by social media. Make sure the content you send from your social platforms is relevant and targeted.
It is important to utilise technology to enhance your customer’s stay too. Here are some examples –
- SolWaveHouse, Majorca – When guests are checked-in at this hotel they are given unique access to the hotel’s Twitter app. Guests are then able to tweet each other, share photos and send private messages.
- Bloc Hotels, UK – Bloc Hotel’s rooms give sophisticated climate control, super-fast Wi-Fi, HD LED TV’s and Artemide ambient lighting. Plus, forget about the standard door key, your phone works as your room key during your stay.
- Hyatt Regency, Hong Kong – This five star hotel offers complimentary smartphones to all guests staying at the hotel. Guests enjoy unlimited local and international calls, unlimited 3G mobile internet access, interactive maps, a Hong Kong city guide as well as a list of offers across Hong Kong.
Wired Media increase bookings, revenue and occupancy for hotels, luxury destinations and other hospitality clients.
Sources: Google, ROI Research Inc., “S-Net: A Study in Social Media Usage & Behavior” sponsored by Performics, Aug 2011; Google/ Shopper Sciences, Role of Social in the Travel Shopper’s Journey, December 2012; Time Inc study, A (Biometric) Day in the Life of the Consumer 2012; Sources: Geraldine Calpin, VP Global eCommerce & Expedia; Source: HeBS Digital December 2013; Source: * Priceline, 2014 **Hotels.com, Oct 2013.
For Wired Media website click here
Follow Wired Media on Twitter here