To be or not to be? The answer is to be tech savvy in today’s world. It’s difficult to know where to start with all the technology trends out there. Some can be quite costly to implement. What can a hotel do right now to get some traction in their technology initiatives?

Implementing state of the art hospitality TVs, PTACs & ACs, appliances, or other accessories is a good start. We dive a bit more into how to be tech savvy with an expert in the hospitality industry.

CEO of Voyat, Benjamin Habbel, points out eight suggestions to being tech savvy in hospitality. He explains what will work for a property when it comes to implementing technology.

1. Simplify

Whether it’s in the ads or on the website, organize it to be user friendly and appealing. Adding incentives and urgency messages (such as “one room left”) are effective at increasing conversions. The booking process must be simple so that guests can easily get in and book with as few clicks as possible.

2. Spread out into the Neighborhood

Hotels should be in tune with things to do in the city or town. However, they should consider taking into the next level and partner with the community to really show case any upcoming events, festivals, or concerts. This will provide an edge to your business and give your guests the opportunity what it feels like to be a local.

3. Think like a Travel Agency

Use the same tactics as an online travel agency does- display urgency messages, if there was a booking within the last 24 hours and how many people are viewing that room or service. Showing online activity will help even out the playing field and help to bring more online customers to the hotel site.

4. Always try New Distribution Channels

Look for other networks to promote the hotel. Being flexible as to where rates are displayed and advertised can tap into other audiences that weren’t considered to be targeted. This applies to social channels and sites that are not as mainstream.

5. Tryout Chatbots

Generation Y (also known as millennials) prefer contacting a business on their platform of choice. This is via messaging systems, like Facebook or WhatsApp rather than calling. Implementing chatbots not only prepares hotels for this entire generation but also can be used as a customer service tool.

6. Build your Presence on Social Media platforms

Dangle a carrot of deals for rooms rates or a discounted service if a guest shares property details with a friend. Build reoccurring business by offering a discount rate for those that leave a positive comment and rating.

7. Sell into your Website

Advertise car rentals, activities, transportation through ad units on a hotel’s site. Mimic the competition if they are doing affiliate marketing with rival properties. With this approach, a hotel can generate revenue from the ad space.

8. Gather Data

Recognize buying trends of a consumer to take a predictive modeling approach. You can test site features by comparing two versions of the same webpage to see which gets a better conversion. These are ways a hotel can improve their online activity. They must consider how they can utilize online services to get a better online presence.

Do You Have Questions on How To Be Tech Savvy in the Hospitality Industry?

Our hospitality tech product team can help. Reach out to us directly. We're happy to point you in the right direction.