Samantha Hasler leads the Digital Marketing Team at GlobRes
Mobile technology is no longer something we are simply anticipating.
The development of new technologies and ideas has brought about higher expectations from your potential guests. With the increase in smartphone use and android applications, it’s evident: the mobile trend is here…and it is here to stay.
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This explosion of the mobile web over the last 10 years places an important burden on hoteliers to implement a mobile-ready website. Why?
The growth of mobile usage among the travelling public is increasing at an astonishing rate. The statistics speak for themselves – the number of mobile subscribers will surpass 5 billion in 2010, over 70% of the population.
Every day, more and more people are surfing the internet from their mobile devicefor travel related purposes. By not being a part of the mobile world, your hotel has limited exposure and will miss out on reservations.
Research demonstrates that around 10% of hotel guests with mobile phones with data plans have used them to reserve rooms. Furthermore, mobile bookings are expected to exceed $1 billion in 2010.
Smartphone users are technically savvy and expect to be able to interact with your hotel via their mobile devices. If your hotel does not have a “mobile ready” website,you run the risk of losing business to hotels that do provide access to their information in a convenient and easily accessible format.
Your hotel must therefore develop a mobile strategy in order to keep up with these growing expectations, as well as to reap the benefits this new technology brings with it.
The growth of mobile use within the travel industry means some hoteliers are left behind. How can you keep up?
“You can’t literally translate the conventional website for the wireless world,” Starkov said during the European Hospitality Technology Educational Conference. “There are many limitations, primarily (which) come from usability and the inability to organize huge amounts of content on your mobile Web.”
The trick is to keep it simple by getting a mobile-ready website designed and developed for viewing on mobile screens. Include only the most important information relevant to consumers on-the-go.
It is vital that the functionality and navigation is clear and includes call-to-actions that give your site the best chance of converting your mobile visitor into a paying hotel guest. Presenting this information in an easy-to-read format and avoiding the use of multiple images is vital to keep your mobile audience engaged with the site.
You must also consider the differences in mobile devices - some phones support Java, others don’t. Compatibility with iphone is important but make sure your website is optimised to work on any phone that has the internet.
A recent EyeforTravel report states that the use of mobile in travel distribution is “unavoidable” and is “the key to success of any travel business in the future.” Whilst a standard website is vital for desktop users, a mobile website is crucial for smartphone mobile users.
Mobile websites and applications are designed specifically for mobile use and are made so your guests can effectively navigate through your website. By ignoring this fundamental requirement, your hotel may be missing out on reservations.
About GlobRes
GlobRes provides hotel reservations and digital marketing solutions for hoteliers globally including mobile-ready websites.
Why choose a GlobRes.mobi website?
• Optimised to work on any phone and adapts to any screen size
• Easy-to-update by anyone via a content management system (CMS)
• Book via ‘click2call feature’ which allows guests to call the hotel direct from their phone
• Website visitors are automatically redirected to the mobile site when they navigate to your website via a mobile device.
To start with a .mobi website or ask additional questions, simply complete the short online form and one of our sales executives will contact you. Alternatively email marketing@globres.com for further advice.
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Oct 6, 2010 , United Kingdom
"The growth of mobile usage among the travelling public is increasing at an astonishing rate. The statistics speak for themselves ? the number of mobile subscribers will surpass 5 billion in 2010, over 70% of the population." I'd like to see the research that supports this statement.