Millennial travelers are playing a key role in shaping the travel industry in Saudi Arabia. Personalization and guaranteeing a memorable experience are the elements they look for when traveling. Moreover, they expect hotels and other travel related industries to personalize their experience through technology. Hotel chains are already responding to this shift in their customer base by creating or purchasing boutique brands to add to their portfolio, according to Graeme Kane, Hospitality Business Development Manager at Aruba Networks Middle East and Turkey. Millennials demand the latest technology to help them stay connected and engaged. Over 70% say free Wi-Fi plays a key role in deciding where they book. So being able to provide the best possible Wi-Fi experience and mobile engagement solutions is critical. "Today there is technology that allows hotels to identify who is entering the facility, what they are interested in based on previous visits, where they are inclined to spend more time within the hotel property or resort, and why they are taking these actions," says Kane. "This type of information and data can help a hospitality program manager build a relevant, customized loyalty program that benefits the customer but also lowers maintenance costs for the company." Kane provides some tips for hotels to use: Custom-branded web portal: Guests can be welcomed through a custom-branded captive web-portal where they can get secure Wi-Fi access while getting impressed with ads and special offers about the venue. It's also where hotels can inspire them to download the venue's custom mobile app. Venue mobile app: Guests can get turn-by-turn directions to amenities and relevant push-notification offers based on their opt-in preferences and real-time location. Making staff mobile: Hotels can go wireless with a secure, PCI-compliant infrastructure that reliably handles mobile booking, check in, point-of-sale, housekeeping, maintenance, engineering and other property management apps. Personalized loyalty programs: Hotels can reward guests with personalized push-notification offers based on their preferences and location on your property. This gives a VIP treatment to each guest.
