Juggling the day-to-day management of a busy hotel can feel overwhelming at times. All over the world hoteliers, just like you, are working hard to keep the many complex facets of hotel operations in check.
In any given day, you might deal with your hotel’s latest promotions and marketing messages; the analysis of your sales figures and occupancy rates; the management of guest expectations and online reviews; the supervision of maintenance works and renovations; and that’s before we even mention the effective management your hotel staff.
It’s no wonder then that findings from Roy Morgan Research in 2014 found hospitality workers to be the second most stressed – with sales support workers taking the top spot.
Using technology to alleviate stress levels
Despite the alarming stats, help is always at hand for busy hoteliers looking to reduce their stress levels.
Just as technology empowers travellers and guests to explore their online options and conveniently book their chosen accommodation, intuitive technology can eliminate the manual processes that dominate your daily routine in your hotel.
Research from a Phocuswright study, co-sponsored by SiteMinder, found that many hoteliers, across both the US and Europe, are not using hotel technology to effectively streamline their day-to-day processes.
“Use of technology to manage (as opposed to facilitate) distribution and online marketing is weak among US independent properties,” revealed the report.
Phocuswright and SiteMinder drew a similar outlook for hotels in Europe: “Rates and availability are mostly manual processes, with each distribution channel managed separately. Strategy and structure are missing from pricing strategy, making it difficult to optimise channels and compete effectively with chains.”
The problem: Selling your hotel’s distressed inventory
One great example of how you can use technology to positively impact your hotel’s operations is last-minute bookings.
We know that mobile devices are changing everything. Half of the world’s population now has a mobile device – up from just one in five 10 years ago. That in turn means that more guests are booking your hotel on smartphones and tablets, and crucially, they’re doing it increasingly at the last minute.
