Consider these: 80% of last minute bookings happen on mobile devices and conversion rates are 5% higher from an app. If you’re still not convinced, read this blog on why you should be investing in one.
The Present and Future Is Mobile
It’s the age of the ‘always connected traveller’. By 2021, it is estimated that 40% of the world will own a smartphone and over a third of people now use a mobile device to book a room. No surprise then that mobile plays a huge part in influencing consumer behaviour and conversions. According to a Criteo research, travel companies that have a mobile app reported 60% of the transactions came via a mobile app in 2017. This is up 41% from the previous year. Do you want to miss out or seize this moment?
The Personal Connect
An app is a direct channel of communication between a property and the guest. You can feed in unlimited information to app users; from what to do in and around your location to services and facilities.
Over time, the insights this channel provides and the opportunity it presents to deliver a personal experience based on the user’s interests are immense. And, we all know, great personalisation = higher conversion.
Great Service Experience for Guests
It’s not just a nice-to-have. Today’s guests expect a smarter experience. Smartphones are used to find, book, check-in and review properties they visit. By integrating it with your booking system, an app becomes a single point for your guests to interact with you – super convenient!
You can even make it easier for guests to use your facilities via the app, including room service, spa, restaurant, etc. Extend this convenience further by partnering with local operator and attractions so guests can book via your app.
A Dedicated Communications Channel
Think of a mobile app as your mouthpiece; you can up sell and cross-sell on it as much as you want. With promotion, discount and bonus push notifications, you can motivate customers to purchase from you, pushing up sales and conversions. It’s an excellent platform to run and grow your loyalty programme by offering reward points and benefits for those using the app. The data you collect in return is priceless as it allows you to deliver a seamless guest experience.
As a marketing channel, it is especially valuable as a channel to receive feedback from users. For instance, you can run polls, conduct surveys, enable users to report errors and so on. You can link it to your social media channels, making it easier for guests to leave reviews and build brand loyalty.
It’s Efficient for the Hotel
Mobile apps bring efficiencies at various levels. Check-in is easier – fewer mistakes and lesser time spent filling documentation. By solving problems via the app or taking orders such as room service requests via this channel, chances of errors are reduced and number of people required to manage these tasks comes down.
You can get rid of or at the very least reduce the use of brochures and phone calls to promote; pushing your messages via the mobile channel.