Archive for December, 2010
Sales Representation – A Viable Solution?
Sales representation companies and GSA’s are they a boon or a bane? Can they be as productive as your own salesforce? Everyone agrees that they are a necessity but no one can really agree on their effectiveness and efficiency. And having dealt with GSA’s from the hotel side until very recently I have found that getting the best out of them consistently and optimising results can certainly be challenging.
Why does this happen and are there viable solutions?
First of all let us look at the reasons why a professionally run hotel company requires or uses sales representation in the first place. The most common reason is usually the high costs of accessing new and distant but lucrative markets through a sales office of their own. This involves the formation of a new company entity and additional legal requirements followed by extensive training of a local expert as well as capital costs involved in setting up a new office.
Except for global corporations many small to medium sized businesses resort to using an already existing platform in these ‘far and away’ markets. And these existing platforms are the GSA’s or sales representation companies who are usually present in the target market and have a sales force able to sell multiple products to a varied client base. Many of them have a travel agency function attached which means that they can directly make individual reservations as well. So far so good a ready solution at the right place at the right time.
What usually goes wrong?
One of the biggest challenges is getting your outsourced representative to live and breathe your brand. So a customer may very well feel the discrepancy in the quality and standard of services received while dealing direct with the hotel company and with the representative.
Another related area is relevant product knowledge and training. This in turn then causes a gap in communication and achieving full potential while working together to sell the same product and services.
Cultural differences can also introduce yet another twist into how deadlines are met and communication lines are maintained.However above and beyond all this is the question of whether the amount of money time and efforts in managing such an outsourced relationship is really worth it in terms of achieving improved brand presence as well as increased sales.
What makes an ideal sales representation organisation?
Of paramount importance is the transparency with which the sales representation company operates in terms of the sales activities undertaken and committed to as part of the agreement between the two parties. This in turn calls for adequate and open communication channels. A style of functioning which most closely reflects the goals of the hotel company represented is important to achieve the common targets. Of great importance would also be the partner approach to growth and all the work undertaken should reflect this underlying need. From a hotel perspective this means that they look to sales representation companies to not only access new markets on their behalf but also to contribute new ideas and routes to achieve accelerated sales.
Unfortunately a conventional sales representation organisation misses this point too often leading to a lot of missed opportunities as well as resulting in dissatisfied clients. These days most companies are looking to holistic growth and this requires holistic solutions which do not just cater to the basic needs of clients but to work together as partners in growth and the ideal sales representation company will do just that and provide the ultimate platform for their business partner to GROW!
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Vineeth is the Director of Hospitality Sales Solutions based in London which provides holistic sales solutions to the hotel and travel industry. For more information please visit
www.hospitalitysalessolutions.co.uk
Safety Norms For Hotel Guests
Staying in hotels has become a regular part of our lives therefore it is important to make sure that we know and follow the rules of hotel safety.
- Maximize fire safety and security by selecting a room located between the 4 and 6th floor Avoid rooms above the sixth floorthe maximum height that firedepartment ladders can reach
- When possible do not except a hotel on the ground floor that has doors and windows that open to the outside.
- For security in motels avoid ground floor rooms off the parking lot. If you can’t get a room on a higher level take one facing the inside courtyard.
- Look for information in room about fire safety and read to become familiar with nearest fire exit / stairway and locate nearest fire exit.
- When you enter your hotel room make sure the door closes securely and that the deadbolt works. Keep the deadbolt and safety bar on at all time.
- Select a hotel with modern electronic guest room locks as these locks automatically change the lock combination with every new guest so there is little chance of a duplicate key to your room.
- There should be fire sprinklers in hotel rooms hallways and meeting rooms likewise for smoke detectors.
- Each room telephone should allow outside dialing.
- Guest phones located in hallways and lobbies should not allow direct room dialing so anyone using the phone should have to call the operator and request a room by guest name not room number.
- There should be secure locks on windows and adjoining doors.
- The hotel should have welllit interior hallways parking structures and grounds.
- The parking garage should not have elevators taking passengers to guest floors. It should only go to the lobby.
- Don’t answer the door in a hotel or motel room without verifying who it is. If a person claims to be an employee call the front desk and ask if someone from their staff is supposed to have access to your room and for what purpose.
- Keep your room key with you at all times and don’t needlessly display it in public. Should you misplace it please notify the front desk immediately
- Close the door securely whenever you are in your room and use all of the locking devices provided.
- Check to see that any sliding glass doors or windows and any connecting room doors are locked
- Dont invite strangers to your room ever.
- Do not draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.
- Place all valuables in the hotel or motel’s safe deposit box always.
- When returning to your hotel or motel late in the evening be aware of your surroundings never be alone stay in welllighted areas and use the main entrance.
- Take a few moments and locate the nearest exit that may be used in the event of an emergency.
- If you see any suspicious activity notify the hotel operator or a staff member.
Remember it is always better to safe than sorry;
About the writer: Ram Gopal is the business development head at Ista hotel Bangalore. Associated with Ista Hotel for the past five years.
Redefine Greek Luxuries As Zakynthos Hotels
Luxury within your budgetthis is what hotels in Zakynthos island are all about. Often people are overwhelmed by the connotation of a luxurious island hotel. The truth of the matter is that hotel vacation packages are worth every cent. As you immerse on the rich culture and heritage of Zakynthos you will be enchanted by its panoramic sunsets and landscapes. As you explore the corners of its villages your curiosity will be fed by its wellpreserved ruin sites and local museums that offer authentic Greek artifacts. The closeness of Zakynthos hotels to the islands scenic and interesting tourist spots made it an ideal place to stay in. Aside from that they offer impeccable service in catering to your every pleasure throughout your stay.
Fine sands pristine beaches and exciting night life will welcome you as you reach the shore of Zakynthos. With the Zakynthos hotels promenade of fine restaurants taverns and beach bars you are bound to immerse into the company of other special guests. In the morning awaiting sunrise will be unnecessary for these hotels make use of the islands panoramic vistas of sunrise as well as sunsets as the backdrop of their rooms and suites. Even function rooms and lobbies enjoy the same privilege of enjoying the islands beauty through its windows. If you are a beach lover you will be amazed of the water sports events that are frequently hosted by some of the beachfront Zakynthos hotels. But if you seek a less crowded area where you can enjoy the turquoise water of the islands beaches you can arrange exclusive accommodations to the islands highend hotels.
The stateoftheart facilities ofZakynthos hotelshave made the island one of the most frequented places in all of Greece. Good food good wine comfortable accommodation; these hotels simply offers the best of what the island can offer. So if you are to plan your next vacation choose Zakynthos and you are bound to enjoy an exciting vacation experience.
About the writer: Zelda Myers is a local holiday expert in ZakynthosZante island Greece with personal work experience at most of Zante accommodation hotels.