2019 Hotel & Resort Trends
Want to boost cash flow in your hotel?
In a constantly-shifting industry where new venues are opening weekly, staying at the top isn’t always easy. Bartercard has the tips and tricks to stay ahead of the curve and think outside the wine box to attract new customers.
1. Direct bookings will keep dropping acquisition costs
Hotel bookings are a continual balancing act because while operators want to maximise direct bookings to lower costs, they equally don’t want to burn bridges with platforms like Booking.com or Expedia that bring continual business. Hotels and resorts are doing more to proactively attract direct bookings in 2019 - expect to see more direct marketing, online tactics and special rates rewarding travellers who book direct.
2. More user-generated content
The industry will continue to collaborate with influencers in 2019 to stay at the forefront, but you don’t have to be a global brand to appear in social feeds. User-generated content is unpaid and posted by followers who love the brand and want to talk about it. This essentially creates endorsement which is among the most effective ways to attract new customers. According to tintup.com, 86% of millennials consider referrals a good indicator of brand quality; and excellent service standards are critical to achieving user generated content. Many brands like Frank, an Australian e-retailer counting 680,000 followers, encourage user generated content by reposting tagged posts. A great brand across the board underpins user generated content.
3. Extras
The upside for visitors who can instantly post about brands in a digital age is a higher benchmark of service, Instagram-able spaces and more creativity. Room gadgets like nail dryers, discounts for eco-conscious guests and smart cars for shopping trips (cutting out car rental) are a few ideas at future-focused hotels, leading to enhanced experiences. The most extravagant extra must be room service for pets, including a specialised room service menu and gift bags with personalised food bowls and mats.
4. Smart-room technology
We do so much from our smart phones like banking, payments, receiving information and automating; so, hotels are ingraining smart phone technology into stays. Many are already using mobile keys, text messages instead of calls to reception and customised temperature, lighting and toiletries to enhance the guest experience and stay ahead of the curve. Watching ads and flicking channels is a thing of the past, so personalised entertainment via guests’ own Netflix and Amazon accounts is letting guests watch what they want, when. This lets hotels create a more comfortable and cosy stay.
5. Home away from home
Speaking of cosy, hotels are creating familiarity in more places in than just entertainment, transforming lobbies into expanded living rooms and adding a longer list of features like exercises, massages, cooking classes, dry cleaning and deliveries. With more services at guests’ disposal, hotels are turning eco-friendlier too; embracing local over imported ingredients, furniture and art.
In a fast-evolving market, Bartercard is a flexible business solution to attract customers, fill downtime and increase cash flow too. Thousands of members in the hospitality space use Bartercard every day to take cash out of the picture and supplement business.
For more information visit bartercard.com.au.
If you’re wanting to increase you customers and grow your restaurant, café or bar, download Bartercard’s FREE eBook: 8 ways to attract new customers.
13th December 2018
