How Hotel Loyalty is achieved from today’s guests is a frequently asked question in the sector. The travel industry is back in full form after a 2 year long unforeseen hiatus. Since people want to make up for the lost time, the number of frequent travelers has increased – but so has the competition in the hospitality industry. Hotels and properties are constantly vying for the traveler’s attention and it’s never been as important to gain customer loyalty. Here are the top ways Hotels are earning brand loyalty from today’s frequent travelers.
Earning Loyalty tip #1: Give Travelers the Control of their Hotel Stay
The modern-day traveler is fiercely independent, digital, adventurous and loves to be in control. The modern-day traveler also has limited vacation days and wants to maximize their time when traveling or on a holiday. One of the key ways in which you can earn a traveler’s respect and loyalty is by putting them in control. Instead of dictating their arrival time and details of stay during their travel, allow them to design their own custom experience and take into account their priorities.
A frequent traveler, in particular, is well versed with the nitty-gritty details and the ‘process’ of travel and they generally neither need nor like to be told the instructions repeatedly.
Build in as many options as you can in your guest experience. From the automated check-in process, autonomous and keyless entry to their room, to the choice of sustainable alternatives there are tons of possibilities and other options you can offer to your guests to put them in the driver’s seat.
Discover here Why 90% of Travelers Positive Reviews stem from a Good check-in.
Earning Loyalty tip #2: Personalize your Hotel Experience
Don’t you love it when you’re a regular and the bartender just knows exactly how you like your drink? Imagine being able to replicate that feeling for your guests. Frequent travelers usually have a fixed set of preferences and priorities. Those traveling with kids may need a crib in the room. Some want an east-facing room so they can rise with the sun while some don’t like to be too high up. Some cannot survive without a coffee maker in their room while others must have the bathroom at a certain temperature. Everyone has a different requirement and a different quirk – and it’s always nice when the hotel delivers a wide range of experiences adapted to everyone’s personal needs and preferences.
Offer personalized experiences with the right Upselling tool, so that way you will be able to enhance your profits but also improve your guest experience being closer to get their loyalty.
Get in touch with your guests pre-arrival and find out in which ways you can personalize their experience for them. If it’s a returning traveler, you already have their preferences on record!
Find here a full guide on 12 ways of improving guest experience.
Earning Hotel Loyalty tip #3: Surprise and Delight
Personalizing experiences isn’t all about getting the temperature of the room right. Maybe your guest is celebrating a special occasion such as a birthday or an anniversary. You could leave a personal note and perhaps a free cake in their room! When you can, surprise and delight your guests with complimentary services and free goodies (everyone loves free stuff!).
Remember, it doesn’t have to scream money. The complimentary goodie could be inexpensive yet meaningful (partnering with local businesses is a great way to facilitate this). A well-designed rewards program will also go a long way in earning brand loyalty. You can even put the traveler in control here by offering a variety of custom rewards programs!
Smart solutions helping grow your business and guest experience
Are you thinking of making the switch to smart solutions? You’re on the right track!
There are plenty of ways to incorporate smart technology into your hospitality business. Online bookings, automated check-ins and check-outs, keyless entries, tech-controlled rooms, etc – You can use technology to enhance your guest experience and bring up Travelers Loyalty. Find more tips for hotels and vacation rentals here.
