It’s been a bumper year for STAAH customers and team. Here’s a round-up of what you loved most about us and what to expect in 2017.
It’s been a BIG year
Thanks to the support of our customers and an industry-leading suite of technology solutions to help properties optimise their online sales and distribution, we have more than doubled our footprint since 2015.
3,500+ properties now actively use our services across 50 countries. This translates into more than 4.5 million bookings made with the support of our products and more than 200 integrations. 42 of these integrations were made in 2016, increasing our already substantial reach in both global and regional markets. Our product and services innovation hasn’t gone unnoticed with STAAH being awarded the prestigious ‘Innovation Showcase’ award by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) and being selected as a finalist in the Westpac Auckland Business Awards 2016 for the ‘Excellence in Innovation’ category.
Top 5 features for 2016
We are constantly upgrading products and adding new features to make it easier for you to manage your hotel’s online distribution strategy. Here is a list of our most loved features released in 2016.
1. InstantSite websites
A fully integrated online presence is crucial for a hotel’s success in this digital world. This includes having an optimised website, which can be costly to design and build. InstantSite is a smart and intuitive website builder and editor that will have your site up and running in no time. Customers can choose from a range of search-friendly templates that merge seamlessly with STAAH’s ConvertDirect Booking Engine and build the site using an easy-to-use CMS.
2. New extranet interface
User-friendly, more intuitive and easily navigable, the improved extranet used for our Instant Channel Manager and ConvertDirect Booking Engine is a big hit. While functionally nothing has changed, the design and layout are different, making things a lot easier for users. The roll-out was competed after comprehensive user-testing. The results are there for you all to see and benefit from.
3. Last minute deals
A quick and easy tool, this new addition to your Instant Channel Manager interface is a great way to promote last minute offers to attract short-notice bookings and to help fill otherwise empty rooms. You can use it to apply discounts for bookings made on the same day as guest arrival or within a set number of days of arrival. It can also be used to apply surcharges in the same way.
Click here to learn more about this great new feature and how you can use it to increase your revenue.
4. Add images on extras
A good visual is the best sales tool – better than any number of words. So our channel manager now allows you to load pictures of the ‘extras’ you can upsell at the time of booking. It’s an easy way to increase revenue and add value for your guests.
5. Booked room options
Launched in November and already popular with customers, this feature shows you how many rooms are booked each night and access booking details directly from the Availability module in Instant Channel Manager. It is another tool in your hand to better manage your inventory and increase revenue.
There’s a lot to look forward to in 2017
Expect more integrations as we expand our global footprint and make sure our product suite makes the most of emerging technology and trends in the hospitality and travel industry.
Micro-moments is the new buzz word and the reality for travel bookings; as is continued skyward usage of smartphones to research and book. Watch this space for product updates to make the most of these two huge trends.
Instant Channel Manager and ConvertDirect Booking Engine Insights is a powerful tool to optimise your online room inventory and rate management. We’ll continue to make this tool even easier for you to use and understand, and more integrated with your distribution decisions.
The role of OTAs and metasearch sites in online bookings is huge. But the higher yielding bookings come from direct bookings. ConvertDirect Booking Engine and InstantSite websites will be a huge focus to help customers make the most of this lucrative income source.
The development and roll-out of ReviewMinder is on track for 2017. This exciting new product will allow you to listen, understand and improve your online reputation.