There is a strong argument that travel businesses need tech tools more than other businesses. The nature of its dealings is rooted in being conducted over long distances. Whether booking a tour to a faraway destination or planning to travel to family in a different province, tourism SMEs can streamline their business with a little help from technology.
Any tourism business needs the following technologies to help it thrive.
Communication Tools
Communication tools include any type of way to transmit information to an intended audience. This can include SMS, instant messaging, e-mail marketing and even direct marketing via phone calls.
As a travel business, it is important to stay in communication with your customers, especially about bookings, travel plans and account information. Tools to invest in include WhatsApp Business or MailChimp. Not only does this help businesses to communicate with customers before the travel or adventure commences, but afterwards, it is a channel to help stay in touch with the travellers about future promotions or gauge their feedback.
Additionally, should any customer experience a problem during their travels, they can reach out to the business directly and address the issue.
Booking Tools
Whether it is booking a relaxing spa appointment, a tour time at a heritage site, or accommodation, booking software eases the process. It makes the experience flawless by preventing double bookings and ensuring that all the necessary information is recorded when bookings are made.
From plug-in software to your website, to online booking sites, there are multiple options tourism SMEs can explore.
Accounting Tools
Accounting software, especially cloud-based accounting software, can be particularly useful for any business. Therefore, accounting software is a non-negotable for tourism businesses. It helps entrepreneurs to manage their finances, record transactions and even pay their bills.
Tools like Xero and Sage gives a clear view of your cash flow. Being empowered with this information, businesses can make informed decisions about the business’s financial health.
Website Builders
In the digital age, every business should have a website where it can tell its customers about the services it offers, the experiences they can look forward too, and what its pricing entails. You can choose from a range of top website builders.
Payment Tools
If using a booking tool and an excellent website builder, you will surely need a payment tool. A payment tool, often called a payment gateway, is used to give online shoppers peace of mind when making online payments. This technology makes online payments safe, secure and smooth, all while increasing the trust of your business.
Mobile Platform
Travellers benefit from convenience, because on the road, they don’t have time to fuss with documents, complicated websites or unclear information. Businesses have the opportunity to help their customers as well as grow their business through a good mobile app. This handy technology can be a traveller’s greatest pocket assistant, integrating with other tools such as itineraries, reminders and travel updates.
Social Media Management
Social media is a means to grow a business’s visibility, manage its community and distribute marketing messages. Tools like Hootsuite and Buffer help manage multiple accounts, schedule posts, and analyse performance, making your online presence more effective.
It integrates with all the popular social media websites, allowing travel businesses to promote their services and products while saving time and money.
Benefits of Adopting New Technology for a Hospitality Business
There are multiple benefits to using technology in your travel, tourism or hospitality business.
Personalised Guest Experience
E-mail marketing and mobile apps can provide customers with a personalised experience, presenting them with communications that are tailored to their specific needs and interests.
Increased Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings
Tech tools help travel businesses increase their efficiency and save costs. It does this my saving entrepreneurs time through the many automated functions they have, as well as the vast amount of mistakes it prevents.
Competitive Advantage
Businesses that use technology to improve efficiency have a competitive advantage over those that don’t. This happens simply because entrepreneurs can save money and focus their efforts on growing their enterprises.
Enhanced Sustainability Practices
By switching to digital tools, the business can focus on being a long-term, sustainable business that not only focuses on its own longevity but also on protecting nature through sustainability practices.
There is a strong argument that travel businesses need tech tools more than other businesses. The nature of its dealings is rooted in being conducted over long distances. Whether booking Read More
