UK hotel chain Premier Inn has deployed Rapide Communications enhanced text service to send guests booking confirmations, reduce no-show rates, increase dinner bookings, and provide maps and directions. The service is an extension of the Booking Confirmation Service provided by Rapide Communication, which sends out reservation details to around 1 million customers every year.
Since Premier Inn launched the Booking Confirmation Service, 3% of the message recipients have used it to book meals, while 13% of guests have requested and received maps and directions. The technology has also helped Premier Inn to reduce its no-show rate by almost 20%.
Premier Inn required a technology that provided a booking confirmation text message, yet also added value to their guests experience with the hotel. Hotel guests now receive a text reservation reminder on the day of arrival, which also offers directions to their hotel, and an option to book dinner.
Should a guest request directions, Rapide Communication send a text message to their mobile phone, including satnav co-ordinates. If the directions are insufficient, a second text message provides a colour map of the hotels location. The enhanced automated text service also provides the guest with an opportunity to book dinner at the local (parent company) Whitbread restaurant by text.
Rapide Communications automated SMS, mobile Internet and voice services allow companies to communicate with a large number of people with either one message, or a series of messages. The latest range of services also allow conversations to take place, where message recipients communicate with the automated service to gain more information. The companys technology automates processes such as bookings confirmations, reminder distribution, sign up, payment and feedback.