Partner Article

Group mobile app boosts revenue opportunities for UK hospitality sector

To support UK independent hotel properties, associations, and small to medium sized chains in keeping up with modern technology trends, Appy Hotel has further developed its cost-free mobile marketing app. The own-branded app will generate greater brand awareness allowing hotel groups to compete with larger brands online and help to drive up visitor numbers.

There have been 100-150 new hotel openings in each of the last five years[1]. This creates plenty of choice for the consumer but, in comparison, a saturated market for hoteliers to compete in.

Working with associations, the group app platform will enable independent hoteliers and partner hotels to collaborate and benefit from additional awareness and revenue opportunities. With restricted budgets, Appy Hotel’s group platform easily enables hoteliers to combine marketing efforts by branding individual establishments together under one umbrella app. Each will benefit from its own customised, interactive app promoting its services and facilitating reservations. A link to download the app can then be advertised on each hotel website and marketed together in local tourism guides, publications and websites to drive awareness.

JP Dumas, founder and CEO of Appy Hotel said, “The single biggest challenge for small UK hotels is marketing themselves against the competition. Hotel associations and small chains do not benefit from the clout that a recognised national hotel brand can boast, leaving it vulnerable. By teaming up with other hoteliers – whether that’s a partner hotel, small group in a seaside town in Cornwall, or a group of boutique hotels across the UK, it’s a simple case of power by numbers. Why go on a solo mission when you can benefit from the brand power of others? We know that hotels in marketing groups experience dramatically increased revenue growth compared to those that remain independent.

“The functionality of the app allows information about the hotel to be easily digested in a format that’s interactive, personal and easy to use. Creating an ‘experience’ for visitors will leave a lasting impression and encourage them to tell their friends.”

Available on both Apple and Android operating systems, the Appy Hotel platform provides a mobile app, mobile web site and web app that can be accessed on smartphones or tablets to engage visitors prior to and during their stay.

JP Dumas continues, “International guests prefer an app that can be accessed even if they aren’t connected to the internet, meaning they needn’t worry about data roaming charges, whilst domestic guests prefer the immediateness of a mobile website. Whatever the platform, it is also simple to update in real time.”

Appy Hotel provides a range of monthly plans ranging from a basic “always free” option to a £99 option that supports powerful optimisation and guest satisfaction features. A white label version of the app which is built and managed by Appy Hotel for the hotelier is also available at £199 per month.

For further information: http://www.appyhotel.com/

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Notes to editors:

Appy Hotel currently provides its service to over 500 hotels worldwide, offering a wide variety of packages to suit the needs of each hotel.

Anchalee Chamroontaneskul, director of marketing communication, Thailand, for Marriott Hotels & Resorts:

“Our mobile app is an innovative way to strengthen and enhance our marketing and branding efforts. With millions of travellers using tablets and smartphones for work and leisure, they’re great platforms to have meaningful interactions and showcase our properties. Our guests are delighted to have this new experience.”

About Appy Hotel

Appy Hotel’s mission is to bring effective, simple and inexpensive web based technology to the hospitality sector. At a time when digital and social media, tablets, phones and computers are changing the way hotels communicate; Appy Hotel is a friendly platform that helps hotels improve revenue, guest satisfaction and brand perception, while reducing marketing expenses.

Appy Hotel is the brainchild of CEO JP Dumas, an accomplished luxury technology expert. His team includes veteran web and start up professionals from the US, Australia, Israel, and Europe. JP says the team’s international background is an important part of the company’s culture, and together with the close collaboration with hoteliers and hotel guests throughout the development, was instrumental in creating a streamlined user experience.

Based in Hong-Kong, the company serves leading hotel brands including Marriott, Starwood, and others around the globe. More information can be found at http://www.appyhotel.com/

[1] British Hospitality Association

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by R. Desouza .