The hospitality industry is in dire need of a better way to engage its customers. With the increasing competition in the market, the hospitality sector needs to focus on improving customer engagement to increase its revenues. This article will look at some of the solutions available for hotels to serve their guests better. These solutions include Cloud-based hospitality systems, data management, personalization, and augmented reality.
Personalization
One way to improve customer engagement in the hospitality industry is to implement personalized services. These services will make the guest experience more enjoyable and memorable.
To do this, hoteliers must collect data about customer preferences. The right technologies can help hotels offer a personalized experience. However, most hotels do not do this.
There are many ways to collect preference data. A few examples include a survey, checking-in, and room service delivery. It is also possible to collect information through housekeeping.
Hotels should develop customer-preference data centers. This can be done through a survey, which can be triggered by a specific event. Some properties have successfully mastered this process.
Personalization of offers and upgrades is a great way to boost sales and generate positive word of mouth. In fact, companies that excel at personalization generate 40 percent more revenue than the average.
Augmented reality
Augmented reality is an excellent choice if you are looking for ways to boost customer engagement in the hospitality industry. In addition to improving your customers’ experience, it can also enhance your business’s overall operations.
Several industries are already using AR and VR to improve the customer experience. Some examples include Sephora’s app, which overlays different makeup shades and styles on the wearer’s face, and Ikea’s augmented reality application, which allows shoppers to try on clothes virtually.
Other industries like food and beverage have taken advantage of the technology. McDonald’s Happy Meals has interactive digital stories and instructions encouraging kids to build their own augmented reality glasses.
The hospitality industry is a perfect fit for augmented reality because of the sheer number of people who carry smartphones in their pockets. With AR, you can connect with your customers in ways never possible before.
Data management
Hospitality organizations want to offer a personalized experience for every guest. This means they need to understand how to manage data effectively. It can help them, target guests, reduce costs, and generate more profit.
The hospitality industry can deliver a positive, unforgettable guest experience with a customer-centric focus. Technology will be the key to this goal. Today, hoteliers have access to digital footprints that allow them to better understand their target demographics and provide better service. These data can be used to tailor offers and promote new activities.
Hotels have been turning customers’ smartphones into remote control systems and “concierges.” Some hotels have also introduced beacon technology, which can be used to provide location-based services. They can also use mobile apps to allow guests to book spa services, check in and out, and receive information on local attractions.
Cloud-based hospitality system
A cloud-based hospitality system can improve your guest’s experience. Moreover, it can boost productivity and profitability. With a property management system, hotels can set up packages, sell discount vouchers and offer online booking options.
Using a hotel management system can also streamline processes, reduce accounting and administrative tasks, and automate payment systems. The right tech solution can even help hoteliers respond more quickly to guests. Cloud interfaces allow for self-service options.
The hospitality industry has seen a large increase in the use of cloud-based software. These systems can automate many processes, from guest check-in and checkout to housekeeping. It is also possible to integrate with third-party systems such as OTAs and loyalty programs. In fact, the Harvard Review found that customers who experienced ‘best experiences’ spent 140% more than those who had bad experiences.
IoT solutions for hotels
IoT solutions for hotels can help enhance customer engagement and improve operational efficiency. These solutions enable hotels to connect with their guests, reduce the number of staff, and provide more personalized service.
In addition, IoT can offer hoteliers new ways to streamline their check-in and check-out processes. This can save time and labor costs and eliminate the need for elaborate methods.
Another way IoT can help hotels improve their guest experiences is by preventing problems before they occur. With IoT, an issue that could affect the AC or water heater can be stopped before it becomes a problem. Instead of sending a maintenance worker out to the room, the equipment can be pre-configured and maintained automatically.
Smart locks can replace the traditional key card, removing friction from the check-in process. By allowing visitors to unlock the door with their phones, the process is simplified, and guests can avoid the lengthy and sometimes confusing wait at the front desk.
