Industry Going Mobile – But Don’t Forget Data Security
How Mobile Technology is Changing the Face of the Hospitality Industry
For anyone wondering if consumers are embracing mobile technology in relation to the hospitality industry, one just needs to look at the following stats:
- 29 percent, and rising, of U.S. mobile subscribers over the age of 18 have booked hotel stays on their smartphones, according to comScore Inc.’s September 2011 Custom Mobile Retail Advisor Survey.
- During the 2011 holiday season, more than 67 percent of consumers planned to make a purchase using a mobile device, according to PayPal.
- And the number of users is growing as mobile payments are expected to grow 40 percent, reaching $670 billion in transactions and 2.5 billion users globally by 2015, according to Juniper Research.
Mobile Technology Today
Hotels are recognizing the increased consumer interest in mobile technology and are delivering to their guests in several ways.
In addition to mobile optimized web sites and click-to-call reservations for easier booking, hotels are now instituting mobile check-in, event or discount promotions, communications with loyalty rewards members, spa appointments and golf tee times via smartphones and tablets.
This is all being done in an effort to reach today’s plugged-in consumer, who are increasingly expecting these types of services. Read More »
