5 Ways to Increase Hotel Occupancy with Mobile Apps
We know that even after COVID-19, travel won’t end. The relationship between hospitality and social distancing is mysterious but people will do both.
But How? Recently Hilton CEO said comeback depends on how quickly contactless tech features roll out. We live a life where everything can be operated with our fingers through smartphones. Technology is shaping every industry and so it is transforming the hospitality industry as well.
90% of travel brands said that having a mobile strategy is ‘critical’ to the future success of their organization. The solution appears to be quite obvious, the introduction of mobile apps. So let’s take a look at how you can increase hotel occupancy using mobile apps:
Simpler booking and smooth check-in/check-out can double hotel occupancy
When a traveller has the downloaded mobile app of your hotel, he will be able to make a booking easily. Not just this. A hotel app can also make check-in and check out more comfortable. The first impression of every hotel is the process of check-in.
Making a guest wait in a queue, or having a lengthy check-in process is not something a traveller would prefer after long hours of journey. With a fast mobile check-in feature, you can make an excellent first impression. Furthermore, in the end, a smooth checkout will make the entire stay comfortable ensuring superior customer experience.
With a mobile app, the hotel employees will not depend on the availability of staff on a workstation. Guests can check-in and check-out anytime they want. The app can also be integrated with your hotel door locks, PMS, and other systems that allow you to level up the guest experience.
Enhanced guest experience can attract more customers
More than half of hotel revenue comes from repeat guests than new ones. It’s always tougher to acquire new customers than keeping old ones. Excellent customer service not only earns positive reviews but it also earns the repeated visit of guests.
Once a guest checks in to your hotel, a hotel app can be used to send notifications concerning their comfort and encouraging them to explore food ordering and other room service features.
A mobile app can be used throughout the stay where a guest can book appointments, choose upgrades, and make purchases. There won’t be a requirement to call the hotel staff for any information. A hotel app can have anything a customer wants.
Stronger communication with guests can increase hotel occupancy
With the use of a mobile app, hotel staff can prioritize and quickly respond to guest requests. Even when your guests are gone, a mobile app can keep you connected with them. You can send push notifications to your guests offering them seasonal deals, discounts, or any update.
You can send a reminder of any upcoming event or simply surprise them with personalized offers. This way you can boost your communication with your guests even when they are away, the next time they wish to make a hotel booking, you eventually become their priority.
Effective customer loyalty program can gain customer trust and increase hotel revenue by 50%
Here, let’s refer to a report by the Center For Hospitality Research (CHR) at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration. According to the report hotels that implemented a customer loyalty program witnessed an average 50-per cent increase in annual revenue.
A hotel app can offer a magnificent experience when a guest loyalty program is integrated. Guests can simply collect points with every action they take on the app. For every service taken, for every meal ordered, for any product purchased, for long stays or direct bookings; everything can earn points for them.
And whenever customers want, they can potentially turn their points into discounted offers. The app can also provide a platform for guests to write a review of any service they like or dislike.
Informed guests are willing to share a long-term relationship with your hotel
A hotel app can act as a medium to share significant information and updates with your guests. For instance, you have expanded your business to a new city, or partnered with a brand, share the update with your customers on the mobile app itself. The app can also be a travel guide to your guests.
Travellers just cannot wait to explore the attractions in the city they visit. So, before their attention goes over other apps, provide them with an interactive map or itinerary based on their interests. Provide bits of advice on where to go, what to eat, the best attractions in the local area, and few offbeat gems in the town/city. You can also provide personalized suggestions.
Sharing information on the app can be a lot more beneficial post-COVID 19. People will travel but with a different mindset. Within the app, videos can be shared of the hotel sanitization process to ensure the health and safety of the guests. This way, a customer will feel comforted and valued, and stick to your hotel for long.
How Can TechAhead help you to increase your hotel occupancy with mobile apps?
TechAhead is the leader in mobile app development. With over 10 years years of experience, we have worked with over 500 clients. We have created apps to manage guest experience, room bookings, managing loyalty reward points, dining reservations, payments, bills management, etc.
With the proven track record of successfully executing large-scale complex projects, we are a trusted leader in product strategy, design, and development services. Get in touch with us and we will provide you with an incredible hotel app development experience.
Final Words
In the hospitality industry, service is the king and a seamless guest experience can make a customer feel special. And in today’s world we witness that every day, every person is addicted to mobile apps like WhatsApp, Uber, Instagram, and so on. So, give them what comforts them, a hotel mobile app.
The number of hotel apps is still a few, so it’s time to achieve a competitive edge and create a healthy and attractive environment for travellers post COVID-19 going touch-free.