In any competitive market, you need to be aware of the latest trends in order to stay on top. This is especially true for those in the hospitality industry. Many customers may not realize it, but the hotel business is a constantly changing landscape. It’s vital for everyone in the industry — from big chains to little inns — to stay informed about what’s happening in hospitality. That way, you’ll be in a great position to make your mark. By embracing these three top trends, you can set yourself apart from the competition:
Online booking systems
One of the most important trends to implement? Hotel management system software. When you switch to an online booking system, you’re making sure you never miss out on a potential reservation. Guests can book their stay 24/7 and have constant access to your room availability and rates through automated hotel reservations software. Hotel reservations software provides convenience and saves time for both customers and employees. The best hotel management software is easy to use and can even be utilized via mobile devices. And since over 20% of bookings were completed on mobile devices this year, that’s a chunk of business your hotel can’t afford to miss.
Plus, the mobile usage goes both ways. Albert Ramons, Corporate Director of Revenue for Broughton Hotels, highlights how effectively he can use the SkyTouch management system from his phone: “I’m able to do it from anywhere I need to, to easily change my rates [so that] we’re able to get those bookings from market competitors.” We provide the best hotel management software available on the market today, which makes sure your rooms are always easy to book, your rates are always easy to change, and your customers’ transactions are always secure.
Social media
Having a social media presence is no longer optional for hotels — it’s crucial to your success. In a saturated market, it’s important that potential guests can find your facility across all social media platforms (particularly on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), as well as commonly used review sites like Yelp. By sharing beautiful, compelling images of your facility, your general area, or the food you provide, you can entice potential customers to book a stay. It’s also important to be engaged in order to answer questions or address concerns and complaints that may arise on occasion. If potential customers go looking for your social media profiles and come up empty, that could raise a major red flag in their minds.
The Internet of things
Although they aren’t a reality across the board quite yet, one of the latest trends in hotel industry technology is the use of smart appliances. This allows guests to experience the newest technology in hotel rooms within your facility. For those who complain about extreme room temperatures during their stay, smart thermostats will be of particular interest. Soon, everything from smart lighting to room service requests could be controlled from a tablet or even an app. It’s just one more way to make their stay all the more enjoyable.
It’s important for those within the hospitality industry to embrace these new technologies. Not only do they provide more convenience, but they also provide a lot of incentive for guests to book their stay in the first place.
To find out more about how technologies like the best hotel management software can give your business a boost, contact us today!
