The answer to this questions is technically no, you don’t NEED one, but here are a few reasons how your hotel could benefit, and why you might WANT one.
The age of the mobile is upon us
Mobile technology is no longer something we are anticipating, it is officially here. The development of new technologies and new ideas, bring new higher expectations of your customers and guests. With the increase in smartphone usage and android applications, it is clear that the mobile trend is here to stay.
Smartphone users are tech savvy and expect to be able to interact with your hotel via their mobile devices. If your hotel does not offer mobile compatible services you run the risk of loosing business to other hotels that do provide this convenient and easily accessed information. Your hotel needs to adapt and develop a mobile strategy in order to keep up with these growing expectations, and also reap the benefits this new technology has to offer.
Internet analyst, Mary Meeker of Morgan Stanley stated in a recent report, “The current cycle is the era of the mobile Internet and within the next 5 years it is predicted that more users will connect to the Internet over mobile devices than desktop PCs.” She further predicted that “Rapid Ramp of Mobile Internet Usage Will be a Boon to Consumers and Some Companies Will Likely Win Big (Potentially Very Big) While Many Will Wonder What Just Happened.”
Adapting your hotel website for mobile access
It is important to remember that whilst a standard website is vital for desktop users, a mobile website is essential for smartphone mobile users. A standard website is not compatible with mobile users. Mobile web sites or apps are designed specifically for mobile use and are made so the guests can effectively navigate through your website, access information and have the option to make a reservation through their mobile devices.
According to a recent EyeforTravel report, it was indicated that the use of mobile in travel distribution is “unavoidable” and is “the key success of any travel business in the future.” So do your hotel a favour and adopt a mobile strategy, keep up with the tech-savvy times, because the mobile movement is here to stay.
