The hospitality industry is on the cusp of a revolution, driven by the increasing adoption of voice technology. Voice-activated devices, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, are reshaping the way guests book and interact with hotels. In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of voice technology on direct booking revenue and what hotels can do to capitalize on this trend.
The Rise of Voice Technology
Voice technology has become increasingly popular in recent years, with millions of voice-activated devices being sold worldwide. According to a report by eMarketer, the number of voice assistant users in the US alone is expected to reach 128.9 million by 2023.
How Voice Technology Is Changing Hotel Bookings
Voice technology is changing the way guests book hotels in several ways:
- Voice Search: Guests can now search for hotels using voice commands, such as “Alexa, find me a hotel in New York City.” This makes it easier for guests to find and book hotels, especially for last-minute bookings.
- Voice Booking: Some hotels are now allowing guests to book rooms using voice commands. For example, Marriott International has partnered with Amazon to allow guests to book rooms using Alexa.
- Personalized Recommendations: Voice-activated devices can provide personalized recommendations to guests based on their preferences and booking history.
The Impact on Direct Booking Revenue
Voice technology has the potential to significantly impact direct booking revenue for hotels. Here are some ways voice technology can drive direct bookings:
- Increased Bookings: Voice technology makes it easier for guests to book hotels, which can lead to an increase in direct bookings.
- Improved Customer Experience: Voice technology provides a more personalized and seamless booking experience, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Reduced Distribution Costs: By driving more direct bookings, hotels can reduce their distribution costs and increase their revenue.
Best Practices for Hotels
To capitalize on the trend of voice technology, hotels should consider the following best practices:
- Optimize for Voice Search: Hotels should optimize their website and content for voice search, using natural language and long-tail keywords.
- Partner with Voice-Activated Devices: Hotels should consider partnering with voice-activated devices, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, to allow guests to book rooms using voice commands.
- Provide Personalized Recommendations: Hotels should use data and analytics to provide personalized recommendations to guests, based on their preferences and booking history.
- Monitor and Measure Performance: Hotels should monitor and measure the performance of their voice technology initiatives, using metrics such as booking conversion rates and customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Voice technology is revolutionizing the way guests book and interact with hotels. By providing a more personalized and seamless booking experience, hotels can drive direct bookings and increase revenue. By following best practices and capitalizing on the trend of voice technology, hotels can stay ahead of the competition and provide exceptional experiences for their guests.