Is your Wi-Fi fast enough?

In last week’s blog, we discussed online reviews and the top 8 things guests complain about.  Topping the list as the #1 complaint from hotel guests was extra costs for internet access.  We’ve all heard lately that free Wi-Fi has become an expectation for guests when staying at your property.  But someone has taken it to the next level by creating a new website that serves the purpose of “shaming” hotels for their costly or slow Wi-Fi.

Guests and travelers can now head to www.hotelwifitest.com to see how your hotels Wi-Fi speeds compare to that of other hotels.  Once your property’s internet connection has been tested through the site, you’re forever listed on the website with an “expected speed” in megabytes per second (mbps).  But the fun doesn’t stop there; alongside your property’s expected Wi-Fi speed lists your room rates and online reviews courtesy of Hotels.com.  If that isn’t enough, the results can also be shared to Social Media so people can tell all their friends how awesome or terrible your property’s internet is.  For those traveling on business, a strong internet connection can make or break a guest’s stay.  Business travelers are known for repeat business so this website can be very damaging to hotels which rely on this type of customer.

The website does suggest that most hotels offer free Wi-Fi, but many also still charge for access.  A survey released by Telegraph Travel  suggests over 90% of European hotels currently offer free Wi-Fi access.  Free internet access alone is no longer enough, as the website reads, “Nothing could be more disheartening than turning on your laptop, only to realize that the hotel’s Wi-Fi is so slow it will take four hours to view the thirty-minute video.”  Now imagine that thirty-minute video is part of a business traveler’s presentation that he has to give that afternoon?  Needless to say, he won’t be back.

While the chatter of guests expecting free Wi-Fi seems like it just started last week, at the rate technology progresses it’s no surprise they’re already expecting more.  Free Wi-Fi is great, but now it’s only as good as your connectivity.

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Source:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/10995868/Hotels-named-and-shamed-over-slow-costly-Wi-Fi.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/uk/10797654/British-hotels-among-worst-for-Wi-Fi-charges.html

Have you joined Groupon Getaways?

Are you on Groupon Getaways yet? If not, you’re missing out on your chunk of over $696 million.  “Travel now represents more than $250 million in annual revenue for Groupon North America.”  Travelers often plan several trips throughout the year, but not through Groupon.  It’s a very common practice for Groupon users to peruse the site or app to see what kinds of deals are available.  Most of the time, purchases made through Groupon and Groupon Getaways specifically, are purchases a customer would not have normally made if they weren’t available through Groupon.  What Groupon offers is a unique opportunity to create an incremental trip which determines the customers travel location and hotel preference simply because they found it on the site or app.

Why is Groupon Getaways good for hotels and destinations?

–94% of customers reported that their Getaways purchase was an incremental trip

–82% of customers reported that their Getaways purchase influenced their destination selection

–97% of customers reported that the hotel they booked was influenced by Getaways

“The key to Groupon’s strategy is “incrementality” – the idea that many of their customers are not using Groupon as a replacement for other trip planning and purchasing activities, rather as an additional trip they wouldn’t have taken otherwise.”

TNooz took the time to speak with Simon Goodall, VP and GM of Groupon Getaways, on the growth in revenue and current focus on Getaways.  Considering North America sales increased by 46% in 2013, it seems to make sense to put a heavier emphasis on this Groupon Getaways.

To get signed up for Groupon and work with their marketing team, visit https://www.grouponworks.com/

Follow Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association on Social Media for industry trends, news and information!

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Source:

http://www.tnooz.com/article/groupon-getaways-posts-double-digit-growth/