Application vs. apps
Factors before developing a hotel app:
- Independent hotels don`t need an app - Develop incentive for customers to download your app - Service covers the before and during: check in, on-site service, leverage real time, local knowledge (events in the neighborhoods) and rich media. - For big hotel chains, there are opportunities to interact with travelers when they are at home. - Work with mobile distribution channels such as hotel tonight. - Use applications for interaction between employees. - Use white-label app.
white label product
A white label product is manufactured by one company and packaged and sold by other companies under various brand names. The product appears as though it has been manufactured by the marketer. The benefit for the manufacturer and the marketer is that the manufacturer can concentrate on making the product or service and focus on cost savings, and the marketer can invest in marketing and selling the product.
Adaptive website design:
AWD not only fits content display, but also provides different content based on the devices used. Yet, if your hotel website does not have many pages (less than 25), RWD is enough.
App audience
Establishing app audience is harder, but their real value is in their loyalty. They spend more time on apps than mobile web visitors. App users are a very loyal bunch. The most common driver to use an app is talking to friend of families about apps.
Responsive design:
RWD, your server will identify the device used by the customer, and display the content with layout fitting the device screen, so the customers do not need to resize or scroll and have a better viewing experience. It is better for websites with less pages, like 25 less.
Mobile friendly websites
Responsive Mobile design and adaptive website design.
conclusions
The top priority for hotels is still to have a responsive website, instead of developing an app. - Stay relevant by providing not only hotel information, but serving as a local concierge for daily or regular use. Example, Gogobot video. This is true for both mobile website and app. - Hoteliers need to leverage the 'during' stage, and serve as the bridge between digital and physical worlds: how do you create an interactive environment for your customers? Example: We Hostel. This is true for both mobile website and app. - Is your hotel ready to work with white-label apps? You may need to change your operation procedures to meet the real-time demand.
Spillover effect:
Travelers extend their everyday behaviour or routine to when they are on vacation. For example, you check your Facebook on a regular basis, and will continue to do so when you are on vacation. Implication: it is not important to provide weather or social media links on hotel apps because people already have specific apps designated to these functions, and will not use these functions available on hotel apps.
mobile users
are goal oriented, they expect to be able to get what they need from a mobile site easily , immediately and on their own terms. Keep in mind their needs when designing a mobile app.
Most forgotten apps
travel and holiday app
