For both travel planners and the general public, finding and booking the perfect hotel is easier than ever. Upgraded user interfaces on hotel websites have eliminated many of the stress points involved in the booking process, and virtual reality software has closed the gap even further with interactive hotel tours.
Immersive, image-driven tours allow guests to feel at home in a hotel before they even arrive. Studies have shown that creating a tailored guest experience is among the most important facets of the modern hospitality industry, and there’s no better way to do this than with virtual reality. Let’s take a look at how this exciting new technology is transforming the way hotels interact with guests and compete in the modern marketplace.
Interactive Hotel Tours Allow Boutique Hotels to Stay Ahead in a Competitive Industry
The hospitality industry is increasingly competitive. With players like Airbnb and VRBO giving consumers more choices, hotels must be ready to play hardball. Imagery is the future of media, and is the platform that the hotel industry needs to embrace in order to stay competitive. There’s no better way to ‘wow’ a potential guest than to showcase your establishment at its finest. Interactive hotel tours are the perfect way to do this.
For many, part of the appeal in booking a boutique hotel is the unique culture and amenities that are offered. Virtual tour software allows hotels to elevate the visitor experience by providing a walkthrough of the property and its highlights. With an interactive hotel tour, hotel marketers can lure potential guests by allowing them to step into an experience before they make a final decision. It’s much easier to sell your honeymoon suite when the couple is already in love with the décor.
Highlight Food and Beverage Options
As we noted above, competitiveness in the modern hospitality industry is all about showing off your strong points. For example, a boutique hotel known for their legendary pastries can showcase their breakfast buffet in life-like fashion with an interactive hotel tour. Added audio or written descriptions can bring the spread to life as guests can virtually walk through the dining room and gaze over the muffins before they head to the booking page. Or perhaps you have a historic cocktail lounge. Virtually tell the story of the drink that originated there and the famous guests who’ve enjoyed it.
Another example is that of a hotel designed for business travelers. This tour might feature a lounge and restaurant that is the perfect place for guests to wine and dine with a client. With an immersive tour, the prospective guest can explore the dining room and view the menu while listening to the chef explain the house dish and the recommended glass wine to pair.
Navigating Large Hotels
Hotel marketers from large-scale hotels and resorts likely know the following situation: a guest walks into the lobby, makes their way to check-in at the front desk, then turns to find he or she has no idea where to head next.
Virtual reality software allows hotels to eliminate this problem. Guests can view the interactive hotel tour prior to arrival should they feel anxious about its layout. They can even view individual rooms to make sure they have all the amenities that they need.
Booking with Confidence
After a prospective guest watches your interactive hotel tour, they’ll be ready to book. Simply place a convenient and non-intrusive Call-To-Action button on the screen to direct them to the booking page. Virtual tour software is not only an invaluable sales tool, but it also answers many, if not all, of your prospective visitors’ questions. Guests know what they’re buying and feel comfortable before they even walk in your door.
Interactive hotel tours help hospitality businesses optimize their customer service experience by incorporating the latest in digital mapping technology and virtual reality software. Welcome to the future of hotel marketing!
