With consumer travel at an all-time low of 33%, every hotel manager must do everything they can to attract more customers and streamline processes as much as possible.
Upgrading your hospitality software is a good place to start. A smart business owner knows that the latest technologies will soon pay for themselves in time and labor savings.
Here’s how to choose hotel management software to help you get and keep your head above water.
Look For Comprehensive Hotel Management Software
One size rarely fits all when it comes to hospitality. Even the best management software can’t match every hotel’s unique needs.
It’s best to look for a package that meets at least 80% of your requirements instead. Most hotel software includes the basics like:
- Online booking engine
- Reservation management
- CRM
- Reports
So, look for extra features that could help you in your business. These include the capacity to manage a bar, restaurant, spa, gym, or food and beverage offerings.
Even if you don’t need these extras right now, keep them in mind for future expansion.
Consider Integration With Distribution Channels
Every hotel owner knows that direct bookings are best, but you must move with the times in the competitive hospitality industry. Vast numbers of travelers prefer booking with one of the established online travel agents, like Expedia.
Listing your hotel with these OTAs can give you much-needed exposure and offers a degree of convenience for your guests. If you go this route, your management system must have Channel Manager.
This software manages room availability per these external bookings. It should also feature a reporting facility that lets you analyze your performance for each OTA.
Security Is a Top Priority
When you run a hotel, not only are you dealing with people’s credit card details, but you’re also recording their personal information. A security breach can spell disaster for your hotel and erode customer relations.
Insist on the latest, cutting-edge security measures when choosing a hotel management software package.
Do You Need a New System?
During these times of spending cutbacks, there are other options to replacing your entire hospitality business system. To save money, you should consider adding to what you already have instead.
For instance, if you’re happy with all the basics your system offers, why not add some nice-to-have like a visitor management system. This visitor management software helps streamline the check-in process, enhance efficiency, and impress your guests.
Smaller hotels should definitely consider the option to run several software options, instead of paying for one package featuring a host of services they don’t need.
Overcome Your Obstacles With Technology
If you want your business to survive this latest hiccup in its history, you need all the help you can get. So, scrap the Excel spreadsheets and handwritten notes in favor of technology that can help your hotel grow. It’s easier to keep tabs on your hospitality business’s progress with hotel management software.
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