It’s because every time I go to a hotel’s website and book, I feel things are transparent and I get a vibe of the place I am going to stay at.

And I am pretty sure, there are a lot of people like me who choose a hotel website over any other platform.

But not every website is effective. And it’s because hoteliers don’t understand what makes a good website. They don’t weigh much on the hotel website features and other requirements. They feel, having a website (without any additional stuff or optimization) is enough to push their sales through the roof.

So, I have decided to put out some indispensable information about the hotel website essentials. And I hope all the hoteliers who are reading this blog implement the tips for a great hotel website.

Why is it Important for Hotels to Have a Website?

Before we jump right to the hotel website tips and essentials, let me address one of the most common queries — Do hotels need a website?

Well, the answer is YES! The importance of hotel website in today’s competitive world is immense. 

People nowadays always turn to the internet, even for the tiniest doubts. And if businesses (irrespective of the domain) aren’t making the most out of it, they are going to lag behind.

A hotel website makes it highly convenient for people to browse and search for the hotel’s information. And without an inch of doubt, it increases the chances of getting more bookings.

But, there’s more to it! Here are some of the benefits of having a website for your hotel:

#1 It’s the trademark of the hotel

A website speaks volumes about a business. And it’s no different for hotels. 

The main motive of a hotel website is to let the guests (even the ones who have never visited your property before) feel the vibe and atmosphere of the property. Be it through the content or images or graphics.

Simply put, it gives your hotel a platform to spread the brand message and connect with your former and potential guests.

#2 It’s a source of communication and information

Your hotel website is also a channel through which people can reach out to you. 

However, when I am saying it’s a communication channel, it’s not just limited to a contact form or an email id or a phone number. 

Furthermore, your website also lets you deliver information to a wider audience. People get to know everything about your property on the website. 

You can deliver information that they might want to know through blogs, PRs, etc. We will talk about these aspects going forward.

#3 Drives direct sales

A website is the best source for driving direct sales or direct bookings. Hands down!

Many people tend to visit a hotel website and make a booking even after checking on an OTA. So, hotels need to double on that.

Not to mention, when you have a booking engine integrated, things get much better. 

Website Statistics You Should Know

Even though I have already stated the benefits of having a website, I want to include some concrete stats. And I am sure these will rest the case.

According to Graffiti9:

• 86% of visitors want to see information about the business’ offerings whenever they land on the homepage.
  (Meaning, you must have a website that contains important & useful information — from your brand story to details about offerings, prices, offers, etc.)
• 64% of website visitors always look for contact information.
  (As I said in the beginning, your website is a channel of communication)
• 52% of visitors also look for the business’ ‘about us’ section.
  (This is a great opportunity to spread your brand message)

Hotel Website Requirements You Must Meet

Now that we have learned about the importance of having a website for a hotel, let’s dive into the essential features of a good hotel website.

Here are some of the important things every hotel website must have:

#1 For Interface

Responsive and mobile-friendly design

According to a report, internet users are increasing at a rate of more than 7 percent (roughly 875,000 new users each day). And guess what, about 92 percent use mobile devices to go online.

So, building a website for your hotel, and writing all the information is just one thing. There are other hotel website requirements as well. You have to ensure that your website is both responsive and mobile-friendly.

When you have such a website in place, its layout changes based on the screen size of the device. It makes sure that the content fits well on the screen, images are optimized, there’s correct spacing, and more.

Great photographs of the property

The next (and one of the most important) thing(s) you should have on your hotel website is intriguing photographs of your property. Upload photos of the different types of rooms you offer, the ambiance, food, amenities etc.

Photographs provide your guests with the first impression of your property. They show people what to expect from the hotels.

Word to the wise: Always put up genuine photos. Do not upload stock images. Why? Because if someone makes a reservation after seeing your photos and the reality turns out to be completely different, then it might take a serious toll on your reputation.

Fast loading time

When it comes to hotel website requirements, load time plays a vital role. Search engines like Google highly consider page load time for ranking. Meaning, that Google shows people sites on search results that take less time to load.

That’s not all. According to a report, 40% of people abandon a website that takes more than 3 seconds of load time.

So, you must invest an ample amount of time and effort in optimizing your website.

#2 For Conversion

Booking engine

Now that you have a website with all the intriguing photos, faster load time, and responsive, it’s time to convert those curious website visitors into satisfied hotel guests.

How? 

You need to have a booking engine in place. An integrated booking engine is one of the crucial hotel website features. It allows website visitors to book directly with your hotel right from the website. Not to mention, it also makes the reservation process a lot smoother.

Lead magnet

If you don’t know what a lead magnet is, it is basically a free item or service that is given away to acquire contact details.

eBooks, newsletters, product trials, etc. are good examples of lead magnets. And it is important that your hotel has this on the website.

Additionally, if a visitor doesn’t book with your property, you can still manage to reach out to him/her and nurture.

#3 For Branding

Social proof or validation

One can never overlook the importance of social proof or validation. Period.

Every time I visit a hotel website, I always check the reviews (or testimonials).

I am being very frank here; I always see the choices of others as a strong indication that a particular offering must be good. If it has worked for them, I feel there are chances it will work for me as well.

So, when you build a website for your hotel, never ignore this aspect. And if you’re wondering how to incorporate this into your website, let me tell you, there’s no rocket science. It could be as simple as a series of customer testimonials displayed on a web page. In no time, you’ll witness first-hand how this influences the buying decisions of your website visitors.

Blog posts

Blogs are one of the underrated hotel website features. Hoteliers must understand that it plays a crucial role in branding. With a blog page on your hotel website, you can start offering value to your former and potential guests, even before they start thinking about booking a room with you.

It gives you the power to expand on topics and attract like-minded people who could also become advocates for your hotel’s brand.

Not to mention, search engines also redirect people to pages that are living and breathing (rather than static ones).

Simply put, it’s about telling a story, delivering information, and fulfilling the needs and wants of those curious folks. This is what good brands do!

If you don’t give the market the story to talk about, they’ll define your brand’s story for you.

David Brier

Press releases/news/updates

Just like a blog section, your website must have a page for updates. It is a good practice to keep your audience updated with all the happening in your hotel.

For example: Your hotel has partnered with a well-known restaurant that is going to open an in-house restaurant at your hotel. Wouldn’t you want to spread the news to a wider audience? Obviously, yes! This is where such a section comes into the picture.

A page for local tourist attractions

When it comes to branding, you have to go the extra mile and ensure you’re doing everything possible for your existing/potential customers.

And one of the best things you can do is introduce them to your local attractions. Apart from just selling rooms, tell them about all the places they can visit, the activities they can do, the food they can try, etc.

Connect with them at the highest level possible.

#ProTip: When you’re working on your website and putting up all the content, do not forget to work on SEO. We have an in-depth blog on hotel SEO. You can read and master the art of ranking higher on SERPs.

SEO for Hotels: A Complete Guide

#4 For the backend

Tool for SEO

Now that you have learned about SEO, it’s time to get some tools. There are several tools available on the internet that can help you enhance your SEO efforts. Here are some of them:

• Ahrefs
• Google Search Console
• SEMRush
• Ubersuggest
• Google Keyword Planner
• Yoast SEO
• All-in-One SEO

Analytical tools

Another important aspect that you need to consider is monitoring and enhancing your website performance. For that, you need to have certain tools. Here are some of the tools you can consider:

• Google Analytics
• Spring Metrics
• Open Web Analytics
• Facebook pixel
• Kissmetrics

Security

Security is one of the top hotel website features. Period.

No matter what. You cannot compromise your and your guests’ data. Here are some of the steps you must take to ensure website security:

• Add HTTPS and an SSL Certificate
• Use a secure web host
• Record user access and administrative privileges
• Limit login attempts
• Change the default settings of your CMS
• Perform routine backups of your website
• Use a firewall

The post The Must-Have Hotel Website Features Checklist for 2024 appeared first on eZee Absolute.

For the year 2024, it’s important to ensure your hotel is up to standard. And if you’re wondering about the changes to make in your hotel to attract more guests and become profitable in the coming year, I have got you covered!

In this article, I will share 9 areas that you should be focusing on and improving to make your hotel more enjoyable and efficient for guests.

What’s in Store for the Hospitality Industry in 2024?

The last couple of years have been a roller coaster ride for the hotel industry worldwide. The sector has witnessed everything from a complete business halt to a spike.

This year, the travel and hospitality industry saw a great recovery, but as we move to 2024, the frequency of travel is expected to spike even higher despite the economic slowdown and rising costs.

ICRA estimates that premium hotel occupancy will reach 70-72% in 2024, with average room rates expected to be around Rs 6,000-6,200.

Furthermore, new travel trends are expected to show up in 2024. Health and wellness tourism, sustainable travel, nostalgic escapes, workation, staycation, etc. are to name a few. 

However, the trends aren’t limited to these, there is a wide array of travel trends that are expected to emerge in 2024 and beyond.

Check out our 2024 travel predictions to have a clearer picture of what to expect.

Even though people have traveled tremendously post-pandemic, the urge to step out of the home and explore is still as alive as it was back then. It’s just that the preferences of exploration have changed.

Things to Change and Improve in a Hotel in 2024

This brings us to address the elephants in the room — Are you upgrading your hotel to keep up with the trends? Have you worked on your hotel to cater to guests’ new needs and wants? 

If not, it’s time to take a different approach and look for changes to make in your hotel:

Here are all the areas of a hotel that must be improved before entering 2024:

1. Operational methods

As I said above, travelers’ preferences have changed. Today, people want everything quick and seamless. And if hotels want to cater to such travellers, operational methodologies are one of the things to change in a hotel.

For example, if your guests want to order some food, your frontdesk shouldn’t say, “sir/ma’am, please get in touch with our kitchen/restaurant staff and place your order.” Rather, every department in your hotel should be connected seamlessly to the frontdesk.  

Hotel operations are complex, with several interlocking pieces and dependencies. 

There are times when hotel staff may go from dealing with unhappy guests to welcoming new ones to the hotel, attending to their requests, and even checking on other aspects of the property.

Now, the bitter truth here is that these complexities cannot be an excuse to comprise the guest experience.

So, if you have been facing similar troubles lately, then it’s time to change your operational methodologies and turn to new ones.

2. Communication strategies

If you’re wondering what’s there to improve or change in terms of communication, then it’s the channel.

Gone are those days when you’d have an in-person conversation with your guests to update them about their booking, the services they can avail of, and upsell to them.

And by including WhatsApp in your hotel’s tech stack, you can level up your communication strategy. You can simply integrate WhatsApp into your hotel’s property management system and connect with guests the right way.  

With auto-response, FAQs, and a chatbot, guests can instantly get their queries raised and resolved even if no staff is available. 

#Fact: A majority of guests today prefer WhatsApp to communicate with a hotel. Not to mention, WhatsApp messages have a better open rate compared to traditional emails.

3. Marketing approach

The way you market your hotel also needs to be changed in 2024. People are more inclined toward hotel brands that have a much better connection with their audience.

What I mean by that you must switch from generic marketing activities to human behavior-backed marketing.

When you understand human behavior, you understand what exactly intrigues your potential and existing guests. And accordingly, you can create effective marketing materials and campaigns.

Social proof marketing is a great example of attracting more guests to your hotel. What this phenomenon means is that “people develop a notion that since others are doing it, I should be doing it too.”

Now, talking about marketing, channels are also important. It is crucial that you determine where your ideal guests are hanging out. If you can figure that out, you’ll be able to generate quality leads and convert them much more easily.

Further, if you want to know what’s more in store, you can check out our blog.

Read: Hotel Marketing Trends to Increase Bookings in 2024

4. Sales strategies

If you want to be a profitable hotel in 2024, you also need to look into your current sales strategy. To be specific, I am talking about improving your sales cycle as it directly impacts the way you turn a lead into a guest and repeat the success by acquiring repeat reservations.

And if you’re clueless about this whole concept of the hotel sales cycle, then I am afraid you have a broken strategy in place.

The first and foremost thing to understand before getting into details is that “you cannot sit idle and wait for guests to come to your hotel.”

You need to create a system through which your hotel gets discovered, intrigues people, turns them into leads, and makes them your guests.

So, if you haven’t checked on your sales strategy yet, then it’s time you do so and take the dust off it.

5. Revenue management

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of revenue management. If your hotel is not betting on it, then it is indeed lagging.

Now, I have two types of hotels to point out here:

• A hotel that doesn’t believe in revenue management.
• And one that is doing revenue management completely wrong.

For both types of hotels, the following is going to be helpful.

Revenue management is a necessity for hotels worldwide as it enables accommodation businesses to become significantly profitable. However, revenue management is much more than just increasing prices; rather, it is more about determining the right opportunity, the right target guests, and the right prices.

Here are three resources that will help you take your hotel revenue management game to the top:

• The right hotel revenue management system for your hotel
• In-house vs outsourced revenue management
• How to Do Hotel Revenue Management the Right Way?

6. Ambiance

Ambience has always been paramount for hotels to attract guests. And in 2024, it is going to be even more prominent.

If you want to offer a positive experience to your guests, consider relooking at your hotel’s ambience and finding opportunities to make improvements.

Now, changing an entire theme or design might not sound practical. But that doesn’t mean you can’t tweak around with certain elements.

After all, it will put guests in a good mood, make them comfortable and relaxed, and turn your hotel into a fast favourite.

Be it a small hotel or a massive chain of properties, the ambiance must be aligned with both the hotel brand and what guests expect. If you can pull this off successfully,  you’ll be able to enhance the overall guest experience and drive more reservations. 

7. Amenities

Guests want amenities, that too variety of them. As a hotelier, keep this in mind.

The general psychology behind this is the value mindset. When people pay for a stay in a hotel, they judge the value of it by other things that are on offer. And this has been a constant factor for years.

So, even in 2024, you’re going to have guests who would expect a lot more from your hotel than just a room to stay in.

But again, are all amenities necessary? Absolutely, no.

Then how do you pick the right ones for your hotel?

Well, I got your back again. Here’s a blog on “choosing amenities for hotels”. 

Do give it a read to understand everything that goes inside picking the right facilities to enrich the experience of your guests.

8. Guest-facing technologies

If you remember, I talked about how guests’ preferences have changed over the years and now they want everything seamlessly. And whenever I address it, guest-facing technologies always come to mind.

Now, when I say guest-facing technologies, I specifically mean three of them — mobile app, contactless hospitality, and self-service kiosks.

These technologies will help reduce your guests’ dependency on your hotel staff. Guests can avail of any services all by themselves — be it checking into the hotel, making payments or raising a query. Everything becomes guest-centric and streamlined.

If you are planning to make a great impact in 2024 and make your hotel stand out, having these technologies at your disposal will be great.

9. Hotel management system

When it comes to a hotel management system, the first and foremost thing to look at is whether the system covers everything — end-to-end.

If it misses out even on a single area of your hotel operation, then switching is the right thing to do.

Bet on a hotel PMS that not just manages bookings but also allows you to interconnect every department and lets you run your hotel with ease, and from a single dashboard.

Furthermore, a hotel management system should also be able to help you manage your point-of-sale outlets.

Not to mention, the system should also allow you to understand your hotel’s performance through essential reports. That too, whenever you need it.

Entering 2024 sans the proper hotel management is the last thing you want to do. If you haven’t audited your system yet, it’s time to do so and switch to one that makes hoteliering actually simple.

The post 9 Impactful Changes Your Hotel Needs to Make in 2024 appeared first on eZee Absolute.

While many hotels come with strong strategies for peak and off-peak seasons, they overlook shoulder season.

That shouldn’t be the case, at all.

Shoulder season in hospitality is as important as any other period of the year.

Now, for those who have never heard about it, shoulder season is real. And going forward in this blog, I will walk you through what is a shoulder period in a hotel, how can shoulder season affect hotel revenue, and all the other nitty-gritty.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the blog.

What Is Shoulder Season in Hospitality?

Shoulder season in hospitality is between the peak and off-peak season. Every part of the world has its own shoulder seasons; it varies from hotel to hotel based on the destination.

For instance, based on the location, if summer is the peak season for your hotel and winter is the low season, then spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons.

What makes shoulder season a bit complicated to deal with is that it has elements from other periods as well. During shoulder season, hotels don’t receive a lot of reservations but it still has some advantages.

How does Shoulder Season affect hotels?

Unlike off-peak season, shoulder season isn’t the time when business is low. However, being an overlooked period, hotels don’t really have a strategy to keep the business floating.

Meaning, if hoteliers fail to create a framework, their property might witness a drastic drop in demand.

Let me explain it better with a scenario.

Roshan is a hotelier based out of Coorg, India. Over the years, he has learned the skills of pricing rooms based on the season and earning better profit. However, he has always been inconsiderate about the shoulder season.  

But then his perception changed when his hotel was abysmally impacted by the shoulder season. There was hardly any booking and he witnessed severe loss. Turns out, the other hotels in the vicinity tweaked their strategy and attracted more travelers.

Being a median travel season; it’s not easy to predict how shoulder season is going to turn out for hotel businesses. For some, it may become a great deal while for others it could be another off-peak period of the year.

How Can Hotels Make the Most Out of Shoulder Season?

To cope or increase hotel occupancy during shoulder season, hoteliers must be proactive and incorporate solid strategies to consistently attract travelers.

Following are some of the points that every hotelier must keep in mind while preparing for the shoulder season:

1. Identify your shoulder seasons

Experienced hoteliers are already aware of all the seasons of a hospitality business.

However, it’s a little difficult for new or budding hoteliers to identify when exactly the shoulder season is. Why so? Because the booking flow during shoulder season is significantly unpredictable.

Now, if you want to keep your hotel profitable during this particular time of the year, the first and foremost thing to do is identify it. There are shoulder seasons for both the spring and fall; but again, it depends on the destination.

So, analyze your current and past booking flow, traveler preferences, and market behavior, and determine when exactly you witnessed shoulder season.

2. Plan everything in advance

Now that you know which time of the year is shoulder season for your hotel, it’s time to be prepared — IN ADVANCE.

What I mean by ‘in advance’ is that you cannot start strategizing a day, week, or month before. You have to start working on things during your peak or off-peak season.

Be it in terms of marketing, pricing, or operation, everything has to be rolled out.

Keep in mind, that travelers are becoming smarter. They now understand that shoulder seasons go a little lighter on their pocket, which is why it is becoming more and more attractive.

Therefore, do not procrastinate and wait for the last moment. Start planning for your hotel’s shoulder season as soon as you can.

3. Set realistic goals for shoulder season

Like I said above, shoulder seasons are unpredictable. And this is why you have to understand that the goals you set for this particular time of the year have to be realistic.

When I say realistic goals, I mean the goals you can reach based on your hotel’s abilities.

For example, at the beginning of the year, you set a goal of 10% growth in terms of revenue. Now, based on your analysis, you could divide it among all the seasons. The off-peak season could have 1-2%, peak season could make 4-5%, and shoulder season could do 3-4%.

You cannot simply set a goal that in this shoulder season your hotel is going to make 5-6% more revenue. It doesn’t work that way. You have to keep the entire year in mind.

4. Turn to seasonal pricing and packages

Seasonal pricing and packages are a great way to make the most out of the shoulder season.

For those who aren’t aware, seasonal pricing is all about pricing your hotel’s rooms and services depending on the season.

For example, during peak season, you set a higher room rate due to the rising demand. But when it’s an off-peak season, you set lower prices to acquire more reservations.

Now you must be wondering how should you price your rooms during shoulder season?

Well, I don’t like to complicate things, and that’s why keeping your room rate lower than your peak season but still higher than your low season should ideally work.

However, I suggest you do the research and math, and then come up with something that you believe is going to work.  

Not to mention, you can also create exclusive packages to attract more travelers to your hotel.

5. Deliver the right message through marketing

Marketing is supremely crucial for a hotel the entire year. However, the messaging needs to keep on changing depending on the season.

Meaning, the messaging you used for the peak season is not going to work for the shoulder season. The reason is that travelers’ and guests’ preferences keep on changing.

Those who visited your hilltop hotel during the peak period might not visit your property for the same reason during shoulder season. Therefore, it is important to understand the motivation of your guests.

I recently wrote an article on the role of psychology in hotel marketing. Do give it a read to make your hotel marketing better.

6. Leverage revenue management strategies

Revenue management is a blessing in disguise for hotels of all shapes and sizes. It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is; revenue management can turn into a revenue-generating machine.

For instance, imagine a hotel without any sort of pricing strategy. Throughout the years, it has had the same room rate. However, the hotel has come across the concept of dynamic pricing and now it keeps on changing the room rates based on the market condition or demand.

But there’s still a sad story, it’s not seeing any significant result. The revenue is still the same — dull!!

What could be the reason behind this fiasco? Well, the answer is the lack of in-depth understanding.

This is where revenue management comes into the picture.

A revenue manager or a revenue management system collects and organizes data related to a hotel’s revenue, sales, and other financial aspects. Next up, based on the analysis, it comes up with pricing that is likely to attract more guests to the hotel and boost the overall revenue.

So, if you think that revenue management is amiss at your hotel then it’s time to turn to it.

The post The Secret to a Successful Shoulder Season in Hospitality appeared first on eZee Absolute.

While there are many options in the market, hotel tech providers like eZee stand out for their unique features and capabilities.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the key features that set eZee’s hotel management software apart, and discuss how they can benefit hotels of all sizes and types.

Here’s What Differentiates eZee from The Rest

1. All-in-one solution

Hotel operations are complex and multifaceted. Various departments and functions of a hotel must work seamlessly in order to ensure a smooth and efficient guest experience.

One way to achieve this is by utilizing an all-in-one solution that eliminates the need to use multiple systems and software to manage different aspects of the hotel’s operations.

We offer integrated solutions like a property management system (PMS), point of sale (POS), channel manager, and booking engine that not only streamline hotel operations but also allow for the seamless flow of information across all departments.

2. Cloud-based solutions

Accommodation businesses usually face the challenge of providing secure and flexible access to important data and systems for both employees and guests.

However, this problem can be resolved by the adoption of cloud-based software that allows secure access from anywhere, at any time.

And with our cloud-based hotel management system, your hotel staff can access important information and perform key tasks from any device. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a smart device.

Additionally, cloud-based solutions are typically more secure, as they are regularly updated and maintained by the software provider, ensuring that the latest security protocols are in place to protect sensitive guest data.

3. Integrated solution

When we talk about property management systems, integration is one of the key elements that cannot be overlooked.

Having a hotel management system that integrates with multiple software and hardware solutions provides a complete and cohesive experience, streamlining hotel operations and providing valuable insights and data.

And we offer integration with 150+ online travel agencies (OTA’s) and 500+ third-party software/hardware solutions, ensuring that you get the ability to seamlessly connect and communicate with a wide range of systems.

This integration allows for more efficient data sharing, reducing the risk of errors caused by manual data entry, and enables hotel staff to access and manage important information from a single platform. 

4. Unlimited user and device license

For a hotel that uses a property management system, it is important to have, manage, and track multiple user accounts and devices. The reason is that it greatly enhances the efficiency, collaboration, and flexibility of hotel operations.

However, not every hotel tech provider offers this. Further, they also charge an additional amount for multiple user accounts and devices.

Our hotel management software offers unlimited user and device licenses, allowing accommodation businesses to have as many users and devices as they need without any additional costs. Meaning, as a hotelier, you get more flexibility and scalability, making it easier for your staff to manage their operations and adapt to changing business needs.

5. Guest-facing technology

Guest-facing technology can greatly enhance the guest experience by providing a more convenient, efficient, and personalized check-in and check-out process.

A kiosk, for example, allows guests to check in and out, make room selections, and complete other transactions without the need for human interaction. Contactless services, on the other hand, allow guests to make payments, access room keys, order room service using their own devices, etc.

We offer both kiosk and contactless services as a part of our guest-facing solutions, leading to more satisfied guests, enhanced guest service, and increased revenue. Also, it reduces the workload on the front desk, allowing hotel staff to focus on providing personalized service to guests.

6. 24/7 support services 

Hotel technology is a game-changer, and support is key. Availability of support ensures constant assistance for seamless operations, minimizing downtime and resolving issues swiftly. Further, it helps with technical difficulties and reduces the risk of lost revenue and unhappy guests, offering peace of mind and reliability for all. Invest in 24/7 support for a thriving hotel.

We understand the importance of providing reliable and efficient support services for our clients. This is why our full-fledged support center goes beyond troubleshooting, training, and implementation. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the best possible experience and is ready to assist you with any client-requested enhancements and upgrades.

Not to mention, the support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout the year with live chat, phone, and email support. It ensures that you always have a dedicated point of contact along with the necessary tools and resources to run your hotel operations smoothly and efficiently.

7. GST, PCI DSS, and GDPR compliant

Hotels are required to comply with various laws and regulations, such as GST compliance, PCI DSS compliance, and GDPR.  If you’re unaware of them, let me explain in simple terms.

• GST compliance is essential for hotels to ensure they are correctly calculating and reporting GST on all transactions.
• PCI DSS compliance is a set of security standards created by the payment card industry to protect sensitive cardholder data.
• GDPR compliance is essential for hotels to protect the personal data of their guests.

Our hotel management solution is compliant with all of them. Meaning, the software is designed to help hotels easily calculate and report GST, provide the necessary security to protect sensitive cardholder data, meet the requirements of the regulation, and protect the personal data of guests.

With such a hotel tech solution, accommodation businesses like yours can be assured they are meeting industry standards and can operate with confidence and trust.

8. Advanced reporting and analytics

Reports and analytics are crucial for accommodation businesses as they provide valuable insights and data to drive informed decision-making. Additionally, they help hotels understand guest behavior and preferences, enabling them to offer personalized experiences and enhance guest satisfaction.

Our software offers advanced reporting and analytics capabilities with more than 200+ reports, providing detailed business insights to help you understand your performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.

Furthermore, our software allows hotels to analyze and compare data across multiple properties and locations, providing a comprehensive view of their operations, and letting hotels identify areas of opportunity.

9. Affordable pricing

Cost is a major consideration for any business, and hotels are no exception. Investing in a comprehensive hotel management software can be a significant expense, and many hotels may be hesitant to do so because of budget constraints.

Our hotel management software takes this pain out.

We offer an affordable pricing model that is designed to meet the needs of hotels of all sizes and budgets. Additionally, we offer a 14-day free trial, which allows hotels to test the software and see how it can benefit their operations before committing to a purchase, without breaking the bank.

10. For hotels of all shapes and sizes

While all the factors are imperative for hotel businesses, our hotel management software takes this to the next level.

The solution is designed to meet the needs of hotels of all shapes and sizes. Whether you run a small bed and breakfast, a large resort, or anything in between, we can help you manage your operations efficiently and effectively.

Its scalability and flexibility allow the software to adapt to the unique needs and requirements of different types of accommodation businesses.

The post How eZee Helps Hotels Continuously Elevate the Overall Experience appeared first on eZee Absolute.

But not every hotelier knows the nitty-gritty of complementary hotel services. But no worries, I got your back!

In this article, we will analyze how hotels can use complementary services to their advantage and how to make the most of these services to drive revenue like a pro.

Whether you’re a small and independent hotel or a chain, these tips will help you up your hotel freebie game. 

Why Should Hotels Offer complementary Services?

Offering complementary services can be a key differentiator for hotels, providing guests with a memorable and enjoyable experience.

According to a resource, Statista found that 89% of guests believed complementary services in hotels like free and seamless internet access is important, while another survey carried out by Hotels.com revealed that 56% of business travelers listed free and fast WiFi as the most crucial factor in choosing a hotel.

Here are some of the reasons why hotel owners should bet on offering complementary services:

1. Attract more guests

Offering complementary services can be a powerful tool for hotels for attracting both new and old guests. These services can set a hotel apart from competitors and be a deciding factor for guests when choosing where to stay.

So, instead of only focusing on the pricing, shift your thoughts towards complementary services as well to enhance the overall value of a hotel stay.

2. Increase customer loyalty

When guests are provided with extra value through complementary amenities, they are more likely to appreciate their stay and return to the hotel in the future. This can result in repeat business for the hotel and a strong customer base.

Additionally, guests who have had a positive experience with complementary services are more likely to recommend the hotel to others, leading to increased visibility and brand loyalty.

3. Improved guest satisfaction

complementary services can be an effective way for hotels to improve guest satisfaction and enhance their reputation.

By providing complementary services that address the specific needs or preferences of the guests, hotels can tailor the experience to the individual, making the stay more personalized and leading to a higher level of guest satisfaction.

4. Upsell opportunities

When you offer complementary services, you open multiple doors for upselling. For instance, if you’re offering a complementary meal with a high-end room, you can entice guests to upgrade their room, extend their stay, or purchase additional services, resulting in an increase in overall revenue for the hotel.

Furthermore, hotels can offer various other bundle complementary services with paid services to create packages that provide more value to guests while also increasing revenue.

Types of Complementary Services to Consider Offering

There are various types of complementary services that hotels can offer to guests. Here are a few you can consider:

• Free breakfast such as continental or a full buffet to attract guests.
• High-speed internet for guests to work and stay connected.
• Shuttle service to and from the airport or nearby attractions.
• Free parking for cars, motorcycles, and buses.
• Complementary fitness center for guests to stay active during their stay.
• Concierge services to help guests plan their stay and make recommendations.
• Room upgrades to guests who book directly or as a loyalty reward.
• Option of early check-in and late check-out, giving guests more time to enjoy their stay.

These are just a few examples, but there are other complementary services that hotels can offer. The key is to understand guests’ needs and preferences and tailor the services accordingly.

How Should Hotels Decide Who Gets Complementary Rooms?

“The success of a hotel is not measured by how many people sleep in its beds, but by how many people return to them.”

When deciding who gets complementary rooms, hotel owners have several options to consider:

• Reward for loyalty: Offer complementary rooms as a reward for guests who have stayed at the hotel multiple times or have a membership in the hotel’s loyalty program. This can encourage repeat business and build loyalty among guests.
• Marketing campaigns: Offer complementary rooms as part of a promotion or marketing campaign, such as to guests who book directly with the hotel or participate in a social media contest. This can increase the visibility of the hotel and attract new guests.
• VIP or high-value guests: complementary rooms to high-value guests, such as celebrities or guests with a high spending history can be a way to attract high-end guests and increase revenue for the hotel.
• Tailor to guest’s needs: Understand guests’ needs and preferences and customize the complementary services accordingly. For instance, some guests may prefer a complementary meal over a room.
• Create your own criteria: If you do not prefer to stick with the hard and fast methods of offering complementary services, you can create your own criteria to decide who gets complementary rooms based on the hotel’s goals and objectives.

#ProTip: It's important to strike a balance between offering complementary rooms and maximizing revenue. Hotel owners should consider the cost of offering complementary rooms and the potential revenue they could generate by selling those rooms at full price.

The Impact of Complementary Services and Rooms On Hotel Revenue

When talking about complementary services, complementary rooms in hotels should not be overlooked as they have a direct impact on hotel revenue.

Offering complementary services and rooms can have a significant impact on hotel revenue. On one hand, they can be used as a marketing tool to attract new guests and increase visibility for the hotel, leading to increased bookings and revenue from paid rooms.

On the other hand, if complementary services in hotels are not managed carefully, they can also have a negative impact on revenue. If these services are offered too frequently or to the wrong guests, they can cannibalize revenue from paid rooms. Additionally, if complementary services and rooms are not offered in a targeted and strategic manner, they may not generate the desired increase in revenue.

The post Unlocking the Potential of Complimentary Services in Hotels [Attract Guests, Increase Revenue] appeared first on eZee Absolute.

Each approach, in-house and outsourced, has its own set of unique advantages, yet both have their own limitations.

So, the question at hand is, how can hotels determine which marketing approach to opt for? And, how to capitalize on the strengths of both in-house and outsourced marketing?

In this article, we are going to explore the intricacies of this sought-after topic and discover the right approach to elevate your hotel’s marketing efforts to new heights.

Advantages of In-House Hotel Marketing

A huge number of hotels prefer to handle their marketing in-house, and for those who haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, here’s a sneak peek at the perks:

1. Control and flexibility in decision-making

When we talk about the benefits of handling hotel marketing in-house, control and flexibility hold the first spot on the list.

With an in-house marketing team, hotels usually have the autonomy to make decisions quickly and adapt to changing market conditions. This means that in-house teams can execute ideas and campaigns faster, as they don’t need to go through the approval process with an outsourced agency.

Furthermore, by having an in-house hotel marketing team, hotels have the flexibility to make last-minute adjustments or pivot their strategies if necessary.

This level of control and flexibility enables accommodation businesses to stay ahead of the competition and make the most of their marketing efforts.

2. Better understanding and targeting of the market

Just like any other department of a hotel, the in-house marketing team also has the privilege to enjoy a typical hospitality environment.

By this, I mean the department gets to interact with a lot of people from other segments which might include the management as well as the guests. This is why in-house marketing teams tend to gain a deeper understanding of their guests, the local market, and the specific needs of the hotel.

“Marketing without understanding your target audience is like trying to shoot a fish in a barrel… with a blindfold on. Get to know your market and watch your efforts hit the bullseye every time.”

Additionally, an in-house team has the ability to gather customer data and insights in real-time and use them to improve the hotel’s marketing efforts. 

Also, they can create more effective and personalized marketing campaigns that speak directly to their guests. Tracking and analyzing marketing results of campaigns, and making adjustments as needed also becomes easier.  

3. Potential for cost savings

Another advantage of having an in-house hotel marketing team is that it has the potential for significant cost savings.

Now, this is not a blind statement, there are actual reasons behind it.

For example, in-house marketing teams are well aware of the hotel’s budget and are likely to be familiar with cost-effective marketing techniques, and are able to implement them more efficiently.

That’s not all. They can also take advantage of internal resources and assets, like staff and equipment, to create marketing materials and campaigns, which can save on production costs. Additionally, if they want to conduct market research and gather customer data, they can leverage the hotel’s existing customer base.

4. Consistency in message and branding

“A strong brand identity is the cornerstone of a successful hotel, as it differentiates you from your competitors and creates an emotional connection with your guests, who will remember their experience and come back for more.”

To build and maintain strong brand identity and build trust with guests, hotels must maintain consistency in message and branding. This is where in-house hotel marketing comes into the frame!

As mentioned above, in-house marketing teams are constantly in touch with other departments of the hotel, including the c-suits and even guests. And this better equips them and ensures that all marketing materials, such as brochures, websites, and social media posts, are consistent in terms of design, tone of voice, and messaging.

Moreover, an in-house team ensures that all marketing efforts comply with the hotel’s brand guidelines and standards, which is important in maintaining the integrity of the hotel’s brand.

5. Higher level of privacy and security for data

Accommodation businesses deal with a lot of sensitive information, such as customer data and financial information. They cannot, at any cost, let breaches or unauthorized access invade these data.

Now, like every other domain, even the in-house marketing team has to follow robust protocols to avoid potential legal and financial repercussions. And that provides a higher level of protection for sensitive information.

Additionally, in-house teams better understand the hotel’s specific security needs and can tailor their security measures accordingly.

6. Better coordination among different teams

Coordination is one of those factors that can never be overlooked in hotel marketing and an in-house team ensures just that.

Now, despite making statements about this affair in previous points, I want to emphasize it more.

When a hotel has its own in-house marketing team, it can work closely with other departments within the hotel as they have an understanding of the hotel’s day-to-day operations.

For example, the in-house hotel marketing team can work with the sales team to create promotions that align with the hotel's occupancy goals, or with the operations team to develop campaigns that promote the hotel's amenities.

Advantages of Outsourced Hotel Marketing

Now, I am not taking sides. This is why I acknowledge that even outsourced hotel marketing has its own set of advantages. Here are some of the benefits of outsourced marketing for hotels:

1. Access to specialized skills and expertise

Outsourced agencies usually have teams of professionals with specialized skills and expertise in areas such as digital marketing, public relations, and market research.

So, when you outsource your marketing efforts from an agency, you get to tap into the knowledge and experience of agency professionals who have worked with a wide range of clients and have a deep understanding of the industry.

This, in turn, helps hotels create more effective and efficient marketing campaigns, and achieve better results.

2. Bring a fresh perspective

When it comes to perspective, there’s a huge difference between what an in-house team brings to the table and what an outsourced team has to offer.

And in most cases, it’s a good call to go with the latter one.

But why would I say so?

Outsourced hotel marketing agencies have experience working with different clients from different industries. And this enables them to provide new and unbiased perspectives on a hotel’s marketing efforts.

These fresh sets of eyes or external perspectives can help your accommodation business think outside the box — identify new target markets, new channels for reaching customers, and new ways to promote the hotel's services and amenities.

3. Save time and resources

Almost every marketing agency has its own resources and expertise to handle a wide range of marketing tasks. Meaning, when you hire a hotel marketing agency, you don’t have to worry about engaging your resources.

For example, by outsourcing a specific marketing campaign, you can alleviate the burden on your in-house marketing professionals, enabling them to focus on other areas of the business.

This allows for a more efficient and streamlined allocation of resources, while still ensuring that all marketing efforts are maintained and executed to the highest standard.

4. Access to industry-specific tools, software, and technologies

Outsourced agencies often have access to a range of industry-specific tools and technologies that may not be available or affordable for an in-house team. These tools and technologies can help hotels stay competitive and achieve better results.

For example, these agencies may have access to sophisticated data analysis tools that can help hotels to better understand their customers, track the performance of their marketing campaigns, and make data-driven decisions. They may also have access to specialized software that can help hotels automate their marketing efforts, and improve their online visibility.

Not to mention, external hotel marketing professionals often have hands-on experience with the latest technologies and trends in the industry. And this, mi amigo, can help your hotel stay ahead of the curve and to keep up with the industry standards.

5. Tap into the agency’s existing networks

What if you want to connect to a media house and get your story published? Let me tell you it’s a challenge.

Approaching a media house requires building relationships, understanding the media landscape, knowing the right people to pitch to, and crafting compelling and newsworthy story angles.

But marketing agencies often have established relationships with other businesses, media outlets, and influencers within the industry, which can help hotels to expand their reach and to promote their services and amenities to a wider audience.

Additionally, outsourced agencies also have relationships with other hospitality businesses, such as tour operators, that can help hotels to expand their reach and to access new markets.

Choosing the Hotel Marketing Approach

Both in-house and outsourced hotel marketing are effective in achieving a hotel’s marketing goals. However, the decision to handle marketing in-house or to outsource it will depend on the specific needs and resources of the hotel.

Accommodation businesses should carefully evaluate their goals, budget, and the skills and expertise of their in-house team, and weigh the pros and cons of each option to decide which approach is the best fit for them.

Now, what if you decide to outsource your hotel marketing? How would you find the right marketing agency?

To find the right marketing agency for your hotel, you can take a number of steps such as:

• Clearly define your hotel’s marketing goals and objectives.
•  Research and evaluate different agencies based on their expertise and experience in the hotel industry.
• Schedule consultations or calls to understand the agency’s approach, experience, and understanding of the hotel industry.
• Check references and review case studies from previous clients in the hotel industry.
• Assess the agency’s ability to work within your budget and timeline.
• Consider the level of communication and collaboration that you feel comfortable with.
• Look for certifications and awards that show the agency’s level of expertise.

Word to the wise

It is important for hotels to regularly re-evaluate their chosen approach to marketing, whether it is in-house or outsourced, to ensure that it is still the best fit for the hotel and that it is effectively achieving its goals.

Regular re-evaluation allows you to assess the effectiveness of your current marketing strategy, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments as needed. Moreover, this can help you ensure that your hotel’s marketing efforts are aligned with the goals and objectives and that they are getting the best return on investment.

The post In-House Vs Outsourced Hotel Marketing: What’s Best for Your Hotel? appeared first on eZee Absolute.

Now, amid the talks around these technologies, most hoteliers feel the dilemma of getting a PMS and POS from different vendors or the same. 

Well, the answer is simple — it should always be from the same hotel tech vendor. But, why would I say so?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of using a PMS and POS system from the same hotel tech supplier, and how it can help you succeed in the competitive world of hospitality.

Advantages of Using PMS and POS From a Single Vendor

Before you just take my word about single-vendor PMS and POS integration being the best choice, there are several advantages you should know about: 

1. Integration and data management

One of the major advantages of using a PMS and POS system from the same hotel tech supplier is improved integration and data management.

When these systems are from the same solution provider, they are designed to work seamlessly together and communicate with each other effectively. Meaning, data can be easily shared between the systems, reducing the need for manual data entry and improving the accuracy of information.

Moreover, with a single, integrated system, hospitality businesses can also benefit from having one database for all of their operations. This can improve the organization and accessibility of data, as well as reduce the risk of data loss or corruption.

2. Time and cost

The best way to understand this is by looking at a scenario of a hotel that uses a PMS and a POS from different vendors.

Now, the major challenge here is to integrate both systems. It is going to be a complex and time-consuming process. Further, for each system, you are going to require individual setup costs, which can add to the overall cost of the systems.

But on the other hand, using a PMS and POS system from the same vendor can simplify this process and reduce the time and cost associated with integration. Hotels will not have a need to invest in additional support for integration.

3. Collaboration and communication

In a fast-paced and customer-facing business like a hotel, it is important for every department to communicate seamlessly.

Now, when I say communicate, I don’t mean walking up to every person and speaking. Rather, what I mean is that every department must have access to certain information.

Let’s understand this with an example.

Zoya is vegan and she mentioned the same while making a reservation with your hotel. Now, your hotel offers complimentary breakfast, which is served at your in-house restaurant.  However, you forget to inform the restaurant about Zoya's dietary preferences and served her no-vegan food.

Oops! Sounds like a blunder, isn’t it?

Well, that’s exactly why getting a PMS and a POS system from the same vendor helps you. The solutions ensure that they are well connected with every other system and work in sync without any miscommunications.

4. Data security

Hotel businesses handle sensitive data on a day-to-day basis. Which is why it is important to have a robust data security infrastructure.

While every other data security measure is worth the effort, it is also imperative to ensure that your technologies such as the PMS and the POS are from the same provider.

The reason is, when these systems are from the same vendor, you get enhanced security features and controls, such as encrypted data storage, secure login protocols, and multi-factor authentication. 

This can help protect hotel businesses and their customers from data breaches, cyber threats, and unauthorized access.

5. Customization and scalability

Customization and scalability are also two of the major advantages that hotel tech providers offer with their systems.

For example, when you deploy a PMS and a POS from the same tech solution provider, you get a range of customization options, allowing businesses to get tailored systems for their specific needs and preferences.

Additionally, these integrated systems can make it easier for accommodation businesses to scale their operations as they grow and evolve.

For example, single-vendor PMS and POS allow flexibility, making it easier for hotels to add or remove features and users as needed.

6. Training and support

When you get a new property management system (PMS) for your hotel, it is important to train each and every employee on how to get used to it and milk its benefits. And in most scenarios, the service provider offers free training.

Now, imagine a situation where you deploy another system such as the POS, but from a different vendor. Wouldn’t this be a hassle to have two separate training sessions from two service providers? 

But if you get the PMS and the POS from the same vendor, your training will be much easier and save time.

Not to mention, the vendor would also offer you support for both the systems with utmost quality.

So, if you have been wondering whether it’s the right call to go for the same hotel tech provider, then the answer is YES.

7. Reporting and analytics

Irrespective of the shape and size, every hotelier needs to know what’s happening in each aspect of the hotel. And what could be a better way to learn about them than reports?

But then again, what’s the point of having different reports from different systems?

Integrated systems like PMS and POS, especially when they are from a single vendor, are designed to work together seamlessly. Meaning, the reports they generate are much more detailed and cover all the areas of the hotel, allowing hotels to track key metrics and performance indicators. Be it from the areas of the hotel or from a POS outlet, the reports provide precise information.

Things to Keep In Mind While Choosing the Right Hotel Tech Vendor

When it comes to choosing the right hotel technology vendor, it is essential to consider a range of factors.  

While the points mentioned above are also good to gauge whether the hotel tech vendor is suitable for your hotel, there are some more factors to consider.

Here are more considerations:

• Identify your hotel’s specific needs and ensure that the vendor you choose offers solutions that can address those areas.
• Research the vendor’s reputation in the industry to gauge the reliability and quality of their solutions.
• Review the various solutions the vendor offers and ensure they align with your business needs.
• Evaluate the pricing and ensure that it aligns with your budget and is reasonable.
• Consider the level of support and training offered by the vendor.
• Look at the vendor’s previous clientele and feedback as it can give you an insight into their capabilities and experience.

The post How PMS and POS Solutions from Single Vendor Improve Hotel Management appeared first on eZee Absolute.

Now, these individuals who can work from anywhere, are looking for the perfect place to park their laptops. And what better place to set up shop than a cozy hotel room?

That’s right, hotels have the chance to bet on this trend by attracting these tech-savvy wanderers who are flocking to Malaysia in droves. 

But is your hotel prepared to cater to them? Don’t fret, if not!

In this article, we’ll show you how to make your hotel the ultimate destination for digital nomads. I have got all the tips you need to turn your hotel into a nomad-friendly oasis.

So put down that fruity cocktail, step away from the pool, and get ready to milk the benefits of hosting digital nomads at your hotel.

How Can Hotels Benefit from Hosting Digital Nomads?

If you have been thinking of targeting this group of travelers, then here are some of the benefits you would love to learn about:

1. Generate a steady stream of revenue

Unlike traditional tourists who often prefer shorter stays, digital nomads tend to stay in one location for extended periods, ranging from a few weeks to several months.

This extended stay can provide a reliable source of revenue for hotels, as the hotel is able to count on a certain number of occupied rooms for a longer period of time.

Additionally, the extended stays of digital nomads can lead to a sense of community and familiarity within the hotel, creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere for the guests and the staff.

2. Have a higher average daily rate

Usually, many digital nomads are successful professionals who have chosen to embrace the nomadic lifestyle and work remotely, allowing them to earn a good income while traveling.

This financial stability often translates to a higher willingness to pay for quality accommodations and amenities.

In addition to their higher level of disposable income, digital nomads also tend to prioritize certain amenities when choosing a place to stay. Fast and reliable internet, co-working spaces, and technology-friendly rooms are all important considerations for digital nomads. 

By offering such amenities, hotels can appeal to the needs of digital nomads and potentially charge a little higher daily rates.

But then, again, don’t make it all about the cash. Set rates that are practical and reasonable.

You can also turn to revenue management experts to create pricing strategies that bring in better profit.

3. Explore new markets

Many digital nomads are young professionals who have chosen to embrace a unique lifestyle. By catering to the needs of these travelers, hotels can attract a new segment of guests who may not have considered the hotel in the past.

If hotels can rework or tweak the look and feel, and services, they can differentiate themselves and stand out in the market. This can significantly help hotels attract a younger, more adventurous, tech-savvy guest base.

In addition to exploring a new segment, hosting digital nomads can also help accommodation providers diversify their investments, potentially increasing the overall revenue.

How to Attract Digital Nomads To Your Property?

Attracting digital nomads to your hotel can be a little trickier than attracting traditional tourists, but it is not impossible. With the right strategies, hotels can successfully tap into this lucrative segment.

1. Offer flexible booking and payment options

Digital nomads often have unpredictable schedules and may need to extend or shorten their stays. Which is why it is imperative to offer flexible booking options, such as the ability to easily change or cancel reservations.

No doubt, it is going to be a major selling point.

Additionally, digital nomads may not want to pay for their stays upfront. In that case, you can offer them flexible payment options, such as the ability to pay on a weekly or monthly basis.

This might not be a huge change, but it is likely to make it easier for digital nomads to pay for their stays and remain at the property for longer periods of time.

For example, Hotel Elegan in Langkawi has recognized the growing trend of digital nomads. While all their strategies to attract these travelers did perform well, what outperformed everything was their policies.

Elegan offers flexible booking options that allow guests to change or cancel their reservations up to 24 hours before their arrival date without any penalties. Not just that, it also offers flexible payment options, allowing guests to pay on a weekly basis rather than upfront.

2. Provide amenities that cater to their needs

Digital nomads are often driven individuals who are looking for a space that inspires productivity and creativity.

Hotels can create this type of environment by offering amenities and services that foster a sense of community and support the needs of digital nomads.

Some ideas for amenities that can help create this type of environment include:

• Fast and reliable internet that is capable of handling multiple devices and is available throughout the property.
• Dedicated space to work alongside other like-minded individuals to foster a sense of community, and encourage collaboration.
• Host meetups or workshops to provide digital nomads with the opportunity to network.
• Create quiet areas such as a library or a lounge to help them stay focused and productive.
• Provide wellness amenities such as a gym or yoga studio to help them recharge.

3. Partner with local businesses and communities

Digital nomads often appreciate the opportunity to involve themselves in local culture and connect with the community.

Now, what you as a hotelier can do is, try to create an authentic and immersive experience by partnering with local businesses and communities. This can include things like offering discounts to local attractions, partnering with local restaurants to offer special deals or menus, or hosting events that highlight local culture and traditions.

By creating such an experience, you allow your guests to feel welcomed and drive a sense of good feeling. This in turn increases your chances of retaining them and drives repeat bookings.

4. Use social media marketing  

Most Malaysian hotels have an intriguing ambiance and surrounding. So, how about flexing the beauty online?

Social media and online marketing are essential tools for any hotel that is preparing to enter into new markets and guest segments.

Hotels can use all the relevant social media platforms to showcase their property, amenities, and offerings, as well as highlight the local area and community. By creating engaging content and using targeted marketing strategies, accommodation providers can reach and attract the digital nomads markets who are looking for a place to stay and work remotely.

For example, you can showcase your digital nomad guests on your social media channels by posting photos of them working and enjoying their stays at the hotel. You can also encourage your digital nomad guests to tag the hotel in their own social media posts, which can help to further promote your property and reach a wider audience of potential guests.

5. Leverage the power of OTAs

For any hotel to gain mileage and drive bookings, online travel agencies (OTAs) and metasearch engines play a significant role. These are often the first places that travelers go to when searching for a place to stay.

So, when you’re trying to attract digital nomads, make sure your hotel has a strong presence on OTAs and meta search websites.

By listing your hotel on popular (and relevant) OTAs and meta search websites, you can make it easier for digital nomads to find and book your property.

Not to mention, you also need to regularly update your listings on these platforms and make sure that your hotel’s amenities and offerings are accurately represented.

We have dedicated blogs on this topic. Be sure to give them a read to learn more.

• How to Select the Right OTAs for your Hotel?
• Metasearch Engine Tips to Increase Direct Bookings

6. Offer special deals and discounts

It’s true that while many digital nomads have a good level of disposable income, not all of them are necessarily looking to spend more money on their accommodations.

This is where discounts come in.

Offering special deals and discounts can be appealing to digital nomads who are on a budget and looking to save money while traveling and working remotely.

Here are some ideas for special deals and discounts that you can go for:

• Extended stay discounts: Digital nomads often stay for longer periods of time, so offering discounts for extended stays can be a great way to retain them, enhance their experience, and generate revenue. For example, you can offer a 10% discount for guests who stay for a month or longer.
• Advance or last-minute discounts: By offering discounts for bookings made in advance or at the last minute, you can fill any gaps in occupancy and attract digital nomads who may have more flexible travel plans.
• Seasonal discounts: During slower periods (which typically fall from April to September in Malaysia) or during certain seasons, hotels experience lower occupancy rates. In that case, accommodation providers can offer special discounts to attract these travelers and increase occupancy.

#ProTip: Be sure to clearly communicate your special deals and discounts on your website and through your marketing efforts so that digital nomads are aware of them.

7. Invest in the latest hospitality technologies

Digital nomads value technology and convenience, so investing in the latest hospitality technologies can be a great way to welcome those tech-savvy nomads to your property.

Here are some ideas for technologies that can consider:

• Self-check-in kiosks: By offering self-check-in kiosks, hotels can make it easier and more convenient for digital nomads to check in and out of the property. This can help to create a seamless and hassle-free experience for your guests, which can be particularly appealing to this market.

• Mobile app: A mobile app can provide digital nomads with easy access to important information about the hotel and the surrounding area, as well as allow them to make reservations and manage their stay.
  
  For hoteliers like you, a mobile app PMS can be your pocket-friendly property management system. You can always keep a tap on your hotel irrespective of your location. Not to mention, you can also pull critical reports and see how your property is performing.

• Property management system (PMS): A property management system can help you streamline your hotel operations and improve efficiency. By implementing a PMS, you can better manage reservations, guest data, and other important information.
  
  This can help you in creating a more efficient and seamless experience for digital nomad guests, which can be a major selling point for this market.

• Contactless solutions: Contactless solutions have become increasingly important lately. Digital nomads, who may be particularly concerned about minimizing physical contact during their travels, may be more likely to choose hotels that offer contactless solutions.
  
  Some options for contactless solutions that you can implement at your property include contactless check-in and check-out, contactless payments, contactless amenities, etc. By offering these types of solutions, hotels can create a safer and more convenient experience for digital nomads.
  

The post Digital Nomads Are Flocking to Malaysia: How Can Hotels Attract them? appeared first on eZee Absolute.

But do you know what’s happening in the hotel automation space? What are the latest trends in hotel automation?

Whether you’re a hotel owner, manager, or employee, this blog is for you. 

I am going to delve into the world of hotel automation and cover everything you need to know, including the latest trends, the most useful tools, and practical tips for implementing automation in your hotel.

Evolution of Automation in the Hospitality Industry

The use of technology to automate various tasks and services in the hospitality industry has a long history. 

Early forms of hotel automation involved the use of computers for managing reservations and check-ins. 

As technology advanced, so did hotel automation, leading to the widespread adoption of personal computers and the internet in the 1990s, which enabled online reservations and electronic systems for managing guest information. And this made it easier for hotels to manage their operations more efficiently. 

In the last two decades, automation in the hospitality industry has continued to evolve. With the widespread adoption of smartphones and other mobile devices, hotels today are able to offer guests increased convenience and flexibility. 

Now fast forward to date, many hotels offer self-check-in kiosks and mobile app-based room controls, among other features that allow guests to access and control various aspects of their stay through their devices. 

This evolution of hotel automation solutions demonstrates the capabilities of technology to improve efficiency and enhance the guest experience. 

As technology continues to advance, it is likely that hotel automation will also evolve and change the way hotels operate and guests make reservations.

Current Trends and Technologies in Hotel Automation

There are many trends and a variety of tools and technologies that are commonly used in hotel automation. Some of the most talked-about include:

1. Property management systems (PMS)

When we talk about hotel automation solutions, a property management system (PMS) holds the first spot in the list. 

These software systems are used to manage reservations, guest check-in/check-out, and room assignments. However, it’s not limited to the same. A PMS is capable of enhancing and automating hotels’ end-to-end operations. 

Additionally, a PMS often integrates with other hotel systems, such as point-of-sale systems and customer relationship management systems. Through such integration, the system ensures that every department is working in sync and the hotelier doesn’t miss out on any updates. 

2. Guest experience solutions

These are designed to enhance the guest experience by providing personalized recommendations and services, such as booking activities or ordering room service.

Now, that’s a general overview or you can say a definition. 

But when you delve deeper, it goes without saying that there are multiple aspects that these solutions cover. 

One of the most sought-after is a contactless system, that allows guests to book, check-in, avail of services, and check-out from a hotel without any human interference. And it is a great example of such guest experience solutions. 

3. Smart room technology 

IoT is at the forefront of smart room technology. These devices are connected to the internet and can be used in hotel room automation and control of various aspects of hotel rooms. 

For example, hotels might use IoT devices such as smart locks, smart thermostats, or smart lighting systems that can be controlled through a mobile app or other interfaces. 

These technologies have gained a lot of attention lately for their ability to improve the guest experience. They provide customizable control over the room environment and enable guests to have a more personalized and enjoyable stay.

In addition to improving the guest experience, these technologies also have the ability to manage energy usage in a way that helps hotels reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy costs.

They can also provide important data and insights that can be used to identify opportunities for further energy efficiency improvements.

Also read: IoT in Hospitality Industry

4. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies are crucial for a hotel’s automation infrastructure. They can be used to automate various tasks in the hotel industry, such as analyzing guest data, creating guest personas, making personalized recommendations, or automating marketing campaigns. 

Additionally, AI and machine learning can be leveraged to improve security and safety by providing real-time monitoring and alerts, or by automating tasks such as identifying potential security threats. 

Tips for Implementing Hotel Automation

Automation is certainly an intriguing aspect of a hotel’s overall infrastructure. However, to make the right implementation, a hotelier needs to be aware and mindful of certain things.

So, if you have been thinking of deploying hotel automation solutions on your property, here are some tips for implementing it:

1. Develop a clear plan and strategy

Before implementing any automation technologies, it’s important to have a clear plan in place. This should include specific goals for the automation, such as improving efficiency, enhancing the guest experience, or reducing costs.

It should also include a timeline for implementation, taking into account any necessary training or other preparations.

Not just that! A strong and well-thought-out budget also plays an imperative role in the implementation of any automation technology. It ensures that the automation project is financially viable.

In addition to these elements, do consider the long-term benefits and potential ROI of automation. Will it pay for itself over time through cost savings or increased revenue? Will it provide a competitive advantage in the market? Answering these questions can help you determine the best course of action and ensure that your automation implementation is a success.

2. Consider the guest experience

When implementing automation, it’s important to consider how it will impact the guest experience. Will it make their stay more convenient and enjoyable, or will it feel impersonal and disruptive?

It’s important to strike the right balance and ensure that automation is used to enhance the guest experience, not detract from it.

Now, to achieve this balance, a hotelier must consider the needs and preferences of his/her guests. Some guests may prefer a more personal touch and may not be comfortable using self-check-in kiosks or mobile app-based room controls. In these cases, it may be best to offer both automated and traditional options to give guests the choice.

In addition, consider how automation will fit into the overall guest experience.

For example, if you are implementing a chatbot to assist with booking and other tasks, you'll want to make sure that the chatbot is easy to use and provides helpful and accurate information. If the chatbot is difficult to use or provides incorrect information, it could detract from the guest experience rather than enhance it.

3. Start small and scale up

When implementing automation, it’s often best to start small and gradually scale up. Starting small allows you to test out different technologies, see how they work in practice, and make any necessary adjustments or improvements before committing to a full-scale rollout.

Now, when I say start small, there are a few different ways to do that. One option is to implement automation in a specific department or function, such as reservations or housekeeping. Another option is to implement automation in a limited number of rooms or guest areas.

If you take these approaches, you’ll be able to see how automation is received by guests and whether is it really solving the problems and you’re getting the most out of your investment.

4. Train your hotel staff

Proper training is important when implementing automation in your hotel, especially in guest-facing areas, such as self-check-in kiosks or chatbots.

If your staff is not trained, they may not be able to assist guests who are having difficulty using the automation, which could lead to frustration and a negative guest experience.

Now, when you train your staff, provide clear instructions and training materials. You may also want to consider offering hands-on training or providing support as needed.

By investing in your staff’s learning and development, you can ensure that your staff is equipped to handle the new automation technologies and provide a high level of service to guests.

5. Integrate with existing systems

If you already have various systems in place, it’s important to determine how the new automation technologies will integrate with them. This will help ensure that everything works smoothly and that you’re getting the most out of your investment.

For example, if you are implementing a new point-of-sale system or a housekeeping or maintenance system, you'll want to make sure that it integrates with your existing property management system (PMS). This will allow you to have a comprehensive view of hotel operations and streamline processes across departments.

In today’s fast-paced tech-driven era, it is of utmost importance that all of your technology stacks are interlinked and synced. If you get it right, you are sure to witness a successful implementation of automation that adds value to your hotel.

6. Focus on continuously improving

Hotel automation technologies are extremely dynamic. Meaning, the technology that’s making strides today might not actually be relevant tomorrow.

This is why, you as a hotelier, must keep a tap on all the latest happening in the hotel tech space. Not just keep up, but you also need to determine how you can upgrade or replace certain technologies as they become obsolete and add new technologies to improve the guest experience. 

For example, there was a time when OCR scanners for guest check-in were only limited to mobile devices for front desk employees. 

However, there have been a lot of advancements in space. Today, there are dedicated kiosk-like devices that come with OCR scanners. Guests can simply scan their IDs, and proceed with their check-in with little to no human interaction. 

7. Be mindful of privacy

As with any technology that collects data, it’s important to be mindful of privacy concerns and ensure that personal data is collected and used in a responsible manner.

So, it is considered to be a good practice to evaluate every single technology and determine if they are secure enough to keep your hotel and its guests’ data safe. 

After all, a single mishap regarding a data leak can ruin your hotel’s reputation. 

One thing you can do to ensure total data security is work with cybersecurity experts who can help you build infrastructure that would ensure data security.  

8. Communicate with guests

I cannot emphasize enough on this point. It is of utmost importance that you communicate with your guests. 

And when I say communication, I literally mean telling your guests what you are doing in terms of automation in your hotel, particularly if they may impact the guest experience. Provide information about how to use the technologies or address any concerns that guests may have.

Now, this communication can happen in any form; be it on social media, announcements on the website, or with guests in person. 

The post Hotel Automation Checklist: Trends, Tools, and Tips for Success appeared first on eZee Absolute.

While many hotels are making the best out of it to boost their bottom line, some are still thinking of it as a mythical unicorn.

I kid you not, most of the hotels refrain from opting for any sort of revenue management services.

Who is to blame for it?

The hotel revenue management myths that are swirling around are the real reasons hotels are so skeptical about it.

So, I decided to debunk some common myths about revenue management systems and managers and make your life easier. 

Let’s Bust Some Revenue Management Myths

Before going ahead to shoot down all the misconceptions, I have a little something to say.

“Do not shy away from revenue management. It helps you better manage resources, predict customer wants and needs, and come up with the most effective pricing strategies to boost your hotel’s revenue.”

Myth #1: Automation will eliminate revenue managers

With the rate at which automation is invading industry after industry, different viewpoints have emerged in the revenue management community. Many believe that revenue managers’ jobs would be at stake.

However, that’s just one of those hotel revenue management myths.

Although revenue management software is instrumental to many hotels, it is a tool that helps revenue managers do their job much more efficiently, eliminating manual tasks.

For example, a hotel utilises various channels to drive booking. But imagine how tedious it would be to adjust prices across all the distribution channels. This is where a revenue management system comes in; it does the job without having to individually log in to each of those channels.

Revenue managers are at the heart of this entire segment, without their analysis and decision-making capabilities, it is not going to be easy for hotels to reap the best benefits.

So, sit back and relax, revenue managers aren’t going out of the scene.

Myth #2: Revenue management is only for mathematics enthusiasts

When we talk about aspects like pricing, revenue, or budgeting, many think that it is the job of someone who has a strong grip on mathematics.

But in reality, it is not true again. Mathematics is a part of it and not the entire segment. If you’re a mathematician, perfect. If you’re not one, no problem at all, you’re still good to go.

Rather, hotels when hiring revenue managers, look for people who have an understanding of a hotel’s business indicators and possesses analytical thinking.

After all, it is all about predicting guests’ behaviour, optimising room availability, and selling rooms at the right price at the right time to the right guest, thereby maximizing revenue.

Myth #3: Changes in pricing must be handled by revenue managers themselves

Just like the ones who think that automation is going to wipe off revenue managers’ jobs, there is another set of people who have a misconception that price changes cannot be automated.

I really wonder who spreads all these myths of revenue management.

Let me clear this for you.

A revenue manager cannot spend all day logging into various channels and changing prices. That is the reason there are automated revenue management systems that do the job, allowing the revenue manager to focus on making important decisions.

Myth #4: Revenue management systems are always expensive

Another misconception that holds back hoteliers from incorporating a revenue management system is that ‘all these systems are expensive’.

Again, this is not true. Not all revenue management systems are expensive.

This myth has gained momentum because RM services are being adopted majorly by high-end accommodation providers. And this makes the budget players feel that they need a humongous amount of money to reap its benefits.

That’s not all. Initially, large hotel chains and properties were well aware of revenue management and they were quick to opt for it. But many budget hotels have refrained from learning about such strategies.

And I am not making this up at all, because I have had the first-hand experience.

In 2019, I was in Matheran. I booked a nice hotel. The property wasn’t a big one but it was beautiful and gave me a luxurious experience.

I was wondering how come they have not been able to scale. 

They had so much potential — the staff, service, rooms; everything about it was just so perfect.  But despite all of it, they were having a tough time increasing their profit.

A day before my check-out, I had a long conversation with the hotel owner. To be honest, I was surprised to know that he thought revenue management services are only for high-budget hotels as they are expensive.

Not just that. Someone even told him that it’s risky and he’d lose all his money.

So, you can imagine how many such hotels have half-cooked information like this.

Myth #5: Budgeting and demand forecasting aren’t important in revenue management

When it comes to hotel revenue management, budgeting and demand forecasting play a crucial role. And if someone has told you otherwise, you can just let that advice go; it is just one of the myths of revenue management.

While hotel budgeting helps in estimating revenue and expenses, demand forecasting allows revenue managers to predict future guest demand over a defined period.

Demand forecasting, Budgeting, and revenue management are all interlinked. For a smoother and profitable functioning of a hotel, they need to go hand in hand.

Meaning, when you have such information at hand, it gets easier to make informed decisions regarding a hotel.

Myth #6: Outsourcing revenue management services aren’t worth

Whoever has started this myth must have not checked the pros and cons of having revenue management in-house vs outsourcing.

Let me explain this to you with a scenario.

An in-house revenue manager, no doubt, will have a lot of knowledge and experience. But if you look closely, s/he spends most of their time working with only one property i.e. your hotel.

On the other hand, an outsourced revenue manager has more exposure. S/he works with various other hotels and gets a wide view of the industry.  

Meaning, they are skilled and have carefully developed techniques that help you improve your bottom line.  

Investing to outsource revenue management services is absolutely worth it. Just make sure the service provider has a proven track record of its work.

Myth #7: Overbooking is a curse and should NEVER be used

Overbooking can make or break a hotel; it is like a double edge sword.

However, calling it useless is one of the huge misconceptions about hotel revenue management.

If you aren’t aware of overbooking, it is a strategy used by revenue managers to acquire more reservations than the number of available rooms to achieve the highest possible occupancy rate.

What does a hotel want? 

100% occupancy rate and better revenue. 

If used cautiously, with proper planning, analysis, and calculation, it can significantly help you achieve the same.

Myth #8: Revenue management doesn’t help hotels already in loss

I am sure many of you have heard this — “You’re already in loss/not making enough revenue. Why would you want to invest in some revenue management service?”

If you have received such advice in the past and believe that revenue management services cannot help hotels in loss, then let me burst your bubble. It is a huge misconception.

The prime job of a revenue manager or a revenue management service provider is to bring you dollars.

Now, if you’re wondering how would you pay for such services? There are a lot of service providers who give you a trial period to test their offerings. You can always opt for them.

Not just that. Many service providers only take payment once they achieve their goal.

So, do look out for such service providers if you’re having a tough time paying upfront.

Myth #9: Hotels under construction shouldn’t consider revenue management

Your hotel is still under construction? No worries, you can still opt for revenue management.

Many hoteliers wait for their hotel to start operations and then go for services like revenue management. However, that shouldn’t be the case. 

A hotel needs to be prepared from day one. And this is exactly what revenue management helps you with.

While the property is still in construction, you can leverage it to learn about the market segment, sales strategies, carry out compset analysis, work on pricing research and processing, and forward planning of market demand cycles.

Do you see how prepared you’re going to be when you cut that ribbon?

Not to mention, if there are provisions, you can actually make changes to your hotel rooms as per what you have analysed. 

The post 9 Common Myths About Hotel Revenue Management. Let’s Debunk Them. appeared first on eZee Absolute.