Over recent months, many of us have used our smartphones to scan QR codes to access a restaurant menu, visit a website or place an order. QR codes (Quick Response Code) exploded during the pandemic, but what are they? How can the hospitality industry take advantage of this technology, and are they here to stay?
Simply put, a QR code carries data that can be used to direct hotel and restaurant visitors to your website or any other type of information. For example, guests scan the 2D BAR code with their smartphones and go to an online mobile platform to see anything from a menu, health and safety information, a list of services, etc.
The public has widely accepted QR codes as part of living with COVID. Still, they are a superb way for resorts and hotels to increase income, track guest preferences, and improve the guest experience by giving helpful information throughout the property.
The good news is that the technology is easy to use and has limitless possibilities. You can make your QR codes for your resort or hotel just by visiting: QR Code Generator (www.qr-code-generator.com, you can make your own QR code.)
So, how can resorts and hotels take advantage of QR codes to their most significant potential? Patrick Landman from Xotels has the following ideas:
As a marketing tool
QR codes can be applied in various ways, from pointing to a generic website address to your resort’s landing page, welcome centre, social media, promotion, and contact page.
Adding value is the key to successfully using QR codes for promotional activities.
It would be best if you gave visitors something new or something they weren’t aware of as yet. Then, of course, you could use a prize incentive, but Landman believes customers are becoming tired of the constant barrage of special offers. They have reached the “Advertising Saturation Point” and are tired of being bombarded with daily offers.
So, if you use QR codes for promotional or marketing objectives, deliver value. Otherwise, it’s best to avoid it and focus on improving the guest experience instead.
As a guest experience tool
QR codes are becoming increasingly popular to improve the guest experience.
They can be used on several different things, including:
- Cards in rooms, suites and apartments
- In-elevator announcements
- Message boards in the lobby and the concierge desk
Visitors will be sent to the hotel/resort website or blog after scanning the QR code. Here they’ll find information on upcoming events, restaurant recommendations, attractions and activities, favourite stores, and more. The visitor can also access any social media page from this location.
This is a simple approach to improving guest services while also connecting through social media platforms such as a blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Landman recommends that guests visit a specific promotion or landing page, not just your website. You’ll need to educate your guests first, so include a “Call to Action.”
The ideal method is to tell them what to do straightforwardly, such as ‘Scan this Code for our Latest Restaurant, Shopping, and Tourist Tips.’
The idea is for people to believe that scanning the code will result in them receiving some exciting and intriguing information.
As a way to push an offer
Getting your coworkers together and curating a list of everyone’s favourite things to do is a terrific place to start.
In a sense, you’re making a concierge recommendation. But you’re including easy access for every guest. And there is the added benefit of guests having the information at their fingertips on their mobile devices. Some excellent recommendations:
- Favorite restaurants and bars
- Insider knowledge of the area’s unique places and buildings
- Provide options for those who like quiet or hectic places
- Delicacies, snacks, and local souvenirs
Use QR codes in innovative and creative ways
Landman explains how it is critical to be innovative and deliberate in use and placement. Let’s look at a few scenarios:
In-room features
Guests can scan the QR code and see:
- Every detail and feature of the room and apartment, including a description, the location, full details and any costs
- Guests will have to call reception less frequently for information and access it more promptly (decreasing the risk of service failure).
- Inspire guests when they arrive and once they are in their accommodations. This not only improves their customer experience but is a way to drive revenue too. Make sure you have a visually appealing list already connected to a QR code.
Public areas
Guests can scan the QR code and see which amenities are available and where to find them
- Gym
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Parking garage
- Children’s club
History – Include information about the history of your hotel or resort engaging your customers.
Food and Beverage
Use QR codes to discount drinks in the bar or supper in the restaurant. Landman suggests offering a 10 per cent discount to customers who scan the code during specific hours – maybe The QR Code Happy Hour!
The options aren’t limited to the dining room. Use a QR code on the menu board outside of the hotel or in the lobby. Some of the advantages are:
- You’ll save money and help the environment with less paper waste
- Updates will be more configurable and frequent
- Provide a more significant amount of information using “hover over” effects.
QR codes are a great way to display allergenic information, which generally requires a long list on a traditional menu.
General
- Loyalty programmes and a reminder to download the hotel or resort app
- Include it on keycards, pamphlets, printouts, or a curated recommendation list
- Encourage them to write a review by including a QR code in their unit, on napkins or coasters
- Taking part in an event or activity and making it easy to register
- Use a QR code for contactless payments for modest purchases in the lobby or apartment.
QR codes are a great way to interact with your guests if used correctly and avoid code fatigue. This is especially so for guests who want to limit contact with staff due to COVID. They also provide another way to service clients and improve their overall customer experience by providing information and services when they want them.
What are your experiences with QR Codes? We’d love to hear how you use them at your property. Just send us an email at info@insidehs.com and share your thoughts and experiences.
For further information on how QR Codes can assist your business and streamline your processes, check out IHS Client GoTab. You can arrange a demo of their fantastic software here.