In the age of the internet we seek validation and reassurance for almost every decision we make — from online shopping to choosing a restaurant. Businesses, reputations and years of hard work can be undone by negative reviews.
In the world of tourism today’s internet savvy switched-on travellers check out review sites like TripAdvisor or look at the ratings on OTAs (online travel agencies) like Booking.com before choosing a hotel (accommodation) or which tourist attraction (experience) to visit while in the destination. No one will choose to stay in a property with
low ratings, as much as travellers are unlikely to visit tourist attractions that have poor reviews.
The volume of information available can be both s blessing and a curse for hotels and tourist attractions. Reviews are not always subjective or necessarily truthful. Anyone can leave a review on TripAdvisor, for example, but whether the guest actually stayed at the hotel or not is not properly verified.
Now a solution is at hand, thanks to the benefits of the DeskBell app.
Imagine being able to interact with the hotel or tourist attraction even before you check-in or visit. DeskBell enables you to do much more than just find out opening times or what restaurants are available. It empowers both guests and hosts to provide useful and valuable information. Say you arrive at the hotel for your dream holiday with your family but are unsure from the pictures you’ve seen what the children’s swimming pool is like. Solution — ask other guests! With the Desk Bell app you can chat in real-time to other guests and receive unbiased information. Is the hotel’s restaurant value for money? Is the tourist attraction nearby worth the visit? Ask others which excursions or shopping trips they would recommend. Where can you find a grocery store or pharmacist nearby? These little things can make a big difference.
Other guests or visitors can be a vital source of information, not just for the tourist but also for the property.
If you don’t know about something you’re unlikely to change it, right? Exactly — DeskBell provides an excellent opportunity for hotels and tourist attractions to gain valuable feedback. For example, the local museum was interesting but there were not enough interactive activities for children, or the hotel restaurant was ok, but the staff were not very welcoming. If they act on this feedback they can improve the experience so that guests and visitors will engage more with the property.
In real terms it is in the interests of the hosts to engage with their guests. If they feel welcome in the hotel restaurant, they will come again. If the visit to the museum is fun, then visitors are more likely to buy gifts in the shop — which means additional revenue.
Another positive point is that engaged guests and visitors will leave genuine and positive reviews which of course includes uploaded images, free user-generated content, because they want others to benefit from the same experience.
