People are on the go more than ever before. And with the rise of smartphones, they expect to be able to do everything on their mobile device – from planning and booking a trip, to asking questions about their stay. That’s where hotel text messaging technology comes in.
There are currently 3.6 billion people using text messaging all around the world. By the end of 2018, that number is expected to grow by another 1.1 billion. That means by next year, nearly 5 billion people worldwide will be using messaging as a key way of communicating.
Hotel messaging is the new industry trend
Text messaging has become so much more than a form of social communication. Companies in industries like fashion and pharmaceuticals have already seen the benefits of using instant messaging as a means of streamlining customer service – answering everything from simple queries to requests and advice.
Guest messaging in the travel industry is the next big communication trend. Studies show that more than 90% of respondents from the US and UK said that responding to hotel companies via text message would either be “very” or “somewhat” useful. Guests prefer quick, direct responses rather than calling the front desk or sending an email – plus, having it all stored on their mobile phones means they can access the information whenever they need to.
With free instant messaging services like Facebook Messenger and Whatsapp, setting up this hotel technology is easy. And it’s a crucial step for your business, as it’s been proven to build loyalty, improve review scores and enhance the overall guest experience. We’ve outlined some practical examples of hospitality texting, which you can easily start using today.
When you should use instant messaging
1. Confirm reservations.
This is probably the most obvious use of guest messaging technology. With the click of a button, you can send your guests a reminder of their stay the day before they check-in. It’s also a great opportunity for you to ask for their arrival time and if they need any help arranging transport to your property. This kind of personal service is a wonderful way to set expectations and impress your guests before they even arrive.