How mobile hotel app drives digital revolution in hospitality sector
Mobile platforms are the top choice for travel research and booking. About 85% of travelers use a mobile device to book, and 60% use navigation apps during the trip. This means that travel software solutions are more crucial than ever for tourism since they can reach the user during the whole selection process and accompany them during the trip.
With this in mind, it has never been more vital for hotels to bet on their digital side. Consequently, they can not only attract more customers but also provide better service and stay in touch with their guests. A well-thought-out hotel mobile app that considers best practices to deliver a distinctive, delightful, and unforgettable experience can do all that. It can also help the hotel stand out and ensure guests’ stay is amazing and unique.
Why hotel mobile app is an evitable innovation in hotel industry
The world of smartphones has been taken over by mobile applications that enhance the device's functionality and user experience. Almost every industry is reaping the benefits of mobile applications. As a result, mobile apps have evolved into an efficient means of streamlining work, raising revenue, and digitizing procedures. The tourism and hospitality industry of every country plays a vital part in connecting people.
Hotels have assisted millions of people in various ways, including offering shelter for vacationers, a haven for foodies, and meeting places for business people. Consequently, several well-known hotels have begun to harness the potential of mobile apps to provide their guests with an exceptional experience.
Mobile app trend shows no sign of slowing down
Software and mobile app development can be a cost-effective digital option for your company to reach out to new clients and increase operational efficiency. By 2026, the mobile app market is expected to be worth $614.40 billion. With all the potential cash comes a great deal of duty to adapt to shifting market norms.
One study shows that the number of smartphone users has grown by between 0.3 and 0.6 billion every year since the phones came out. In 2016, there were 3.6 billion smartphone users. In 2022, it was reported that there were 6.6 billion smartphone subscriptions.
Even though Google Play Store is getting rid of low-quality and spammy apps, the number of apps in the store is growing every day. The Google Play Store gets updated with about 3,739 new mobile apps daily.
The SensorTower expects the users of the Google Play Store will spend $60 billion on apps by 2023, up from $53 billion in 2022.
At the latest, there are 2.11 million iOS mobile apps in the App Store from 724+ publishers around the world. About 221,666 of the iOS apps in the App Store are games. The rest are apps that don’t involve games.
Due to the App Store’s growing popularity and number of users around the world, the company expects its revenue to grow to $96 billion by 2023, up from $88 billion in 2022 Q1.
With the growing need for mobility, mobile app development rates will increase in the next few years in all industries, including the hospitality sector. Therefore, if you are looking to expand your digital footprint through hotel mobile apps, now is the time to start so that you deliver nothing but the best to your customers.
Hotel digitalization paves the way for mobile hotel app
Pandemics have likely changed the way people want to travel. As more people return to hotel lobbies around the world, hotel owners are using technology more effectively to make things easier for guests. From contactless options to make spaces more convenient to concierge services that use AI, hotels are stepping up automation to make every part of leaving home easier. Hotel brands can use these new advances to give guests a more personalized experience, which will improve the brand’s reputation and drive greater loyalty.
81% of travelers want greater digital customer service from hotel brands.
80% of hotel guests would download a hotel app that would enable them to check-in, check-out, and get all information about the hotel.
47% would be more likely to order room service if the hotel would give them the option of ordering via an app
48% would be more likely to go to the hotel restaurant if the hotel would give them the option of ordering food via an app
While over 75% of properties admit the importance of an app, only a quarter are currently implementing one in their business strategy. This means there’s a significant opportunity for hotels to create a competitive advantage for themselves.
As a result of the convergence of two factors, the expanding mobile app trend and the demand for accessing hotel services through software is increasing, resulting in the emergence of the hotel mobile app. Increasingly, mobile plays a vital role in the guest’s trip, from the time they book through before arrival and after departure. You may utilize this travel software solution to keep visitors interested while also advancing your marketing goals and offering your hotel a competitive advantage.
8 tremendous benefits of mobile apps for your hotel business
1. A more streamlined booking experience
When a traveler downloads your hotel mobile app, they will have fast access to your hotel information and will be able to book with a couple of thumb touches if they like. This will save time on both ends and provide a more good experience for your guest.
2. An in-depth guest data storage
A hotel mobile app will provide you with easier and more focused access to visitor information and behavioral traits during the booking process and during their stay. When developing pricing or marketing plans, data is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal because it helps you to make accurate predictions and informed judgments.
3. An efficient way to maintain your hotel’s brand awareness
A hotel mobile app is one of the biggest and most frequently used commodities on a smartphone. So if someone downloads your app, they will probably see it every day and remember it when they want to look for a place to stay.
4. Improve hotel guest experience with automated customer service
Not only will your hotel mobile app help a traveler book a room, but it will also help them during their stay. They can use your hotel mobile app to order services, make purchases, choose upgrades, book appointments, etc. Furthermore, you can quickly alert guests about special deals and promotions. This way, all requests will be organized and handled automatically, which will make everyone’s lives easier.
5. Integrate an app into your communication channels
Your hotel mobile app can incorporate numerous communication channels, including social networking. It is an efficient approach to keep your guests informed about your property, even if they missed a Facebook post, tweet, or mailing list subscription.
6. Develop a more competitive customer loyalty program
A hotel mobile app will give a stronger platform for your guest loyalty program by allowing customers to gain points for various app-based actions. They can then visit a hub to track their progress and potentially cash out their rewards instantly. This travel software solution can also be used to collect feedback after, or preferably, during their stay. If you see a negative review while the guest is still at the hotel, you may be able to promptly fix the situation and resolve the negative feedback.
7. Use your app as a tour guide
Similar to Google Trips, you may utilize your hotel mobile app to provide guests with the best local recommendations for where to eat, what places to visit, and what sights to view. You can combine this travel software solution with an interactive map to guarantee they don’t get lost and can better plan their trip.
8. Flexible language requirements
Travelers will be able to set the app to their preferred language. After that, all contact between guest and hotel will instantly translate back and forth to avoid misunderstandings, resulting in a more delightful experience for all parties.
Hotel app: 10 amazing mobile app features to retain customers
What functions does a decent hotel guest app provide? What features should it include? It always depends on the situation. After all, the greatest app is custom-developed with the demands and identity of each company in mind. But here are the main features you should consider if you want to design the finest hotel mobile app for your guests:
1. In-app booking: A must-have feature for gaining repeat customers
We start this article by stating that the majority of consumers utilize mobile devices for booking. Therefore, your guests should have the option to book directly within the hotel mobile app. Even if new guests use more broad services such as Booking.com to book your hotel, loyal guests who know and like your app would prefer to book directly through it.
2. Analytics: An essential tool to gain better customer insights
Something that does not directly affect your visitors, but is crucial for your hotel because it will make all the difference. The analytics of your app will allow you to collect, organize and analyze data regarding the usage of your hotel mobile app. This means you can determine not only which features offer the most value to your user’s experience, but also which services are most valuable. For example, the number of reservations and revenue your app generates, and the best method to enhance your app further.
3. Hotel contacts: Be accessible to guests at all times
Having your hotel’s main contacts - phone number and email address - readily available on your hotel guest app is essential, as guests require rapid access to this data. Your customers will be happier and more aware that you are always available if they need anything. It would be better if you have a section on your hotel mobile app where they can directly contact the front desk to ask questions or request services without any delays or problems.
4. Room layouts: The customer's preferences come first
Potential guests need to know a lot about the rooms, which is why your app should have layouts and high-quality content (photos and text) to show off the quality of your rooms. Include only relevant information so that those who are interested can make an informed choice and be happy with the openness and objectivity of your service.
5. In-hotel activities: A marketing strategy that promotes customer service
If your hotel offers activities like yoga, massages, classes, wine tastings, and more, the best way to promote them is through your hotel mobile app. Many of your guests might not even know these things are available. But thanks to your hotel mobile app, they can find them and even be notified directly based on what they’re interested in.
6. Out-of-hotel services: A productive method of networking with other businesses
Providing information on the hotel’s dining area, from menus to the day’s specials, is another crucial feature that adds much value for your guests. Furthermore, if you have any connections with local restaurants, put them in your hotel guest app and provide pertinent information. This adds a lot of value for the end user, as they’ll learn about other places of interest besides your hotel that you approve of.
7. Interactive map of the city: Extra service as a travel buddy
As we’ve already mentioned, your guests will most likely use their cell phones to hunt for sites of interest in addition to hotel information. Rather than allowing your users’ attention to wander other apps, include an interactive map in your hotel mobile app that shows where nearby attractions are and how to get there from the hotel. This means that your guests will not only use your app for longer, but they will also be happy and thankful for the extra service you gave them.
8. Review and feedback section: Grow hospitality through valuable feedback
The opinions of other guests are a vital part of a potential customer’s decision-making process. Your hotel mobile app should have a section just for this, and you should ask your guests to leave positive feedback during or after their stay. Therefore, you can focus the benefits of word-of-mouth marketing on your hotel guest app and get more customers. At the same time, you can also show your current customers that their opinion matters.
9. Loyalty system: Brilliant idea for retaining customers
If your hotel doesn't have a loyalty program, you should think about starting one, because it’s a great way to keep people coming back. This loyalty program should be integrated into your travel software solution. This would make it easy for users to earn points and would make the whole process easier to understand and therefore more satisfying.
10. Exclusive discounts and rates: Only available on your hotel mobile app
To reward consumers who opt to utilize your service, provide exclusive rates through the hotel mobile app. If you have agreements with restaurants, museums, or other tourist sites, you may also provide special codes or exclusive discounts to your guests via the application. You should consult with a travel software development company about tailoring your hotel mobile app ideas to your needs.
Final words
In this article, we discussed why a mobile app is a good option for your hotel chain and what features a hotel mobile app must have. These include the capacity to capture data and insights, having everything in one place, giving better customer support, and multilingual capabilities, having better offers, increasing your reward programs, unlocking other smart functionalities, and just making things easier.
Because your hotel is part of a chain, you may use its revenue and resources to design an app that provides a smooth user journey throughout all interactions with your brand. A digital experience is not only more convenient, but it also provides a competitive advantage, particularly for early users of hotel mobile apps. Do you require any more reasons to say yes?
Adamo Software, a leading travel software development company, is always willing to support your business and offer you the most effective travel software solution.
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