Hotels go e-distribution way
Created by hoteliers, for hoteliers, ResNet World claims truly to be a 'one-stop' solution for a hotel's e-distribution needs. With its new partnership with Sabre, it will be able to offer India even more advanced solutions.
The bright side of a stillevolving hotel industry such as the one in India is that it leaves in its wake enormous potential for subsidiary companies. One such firm that is taking advantage of the huge gap between the demand and supply of room distribution services is ResNet World. Whether it is channel management, booking engine, GDS connectivity or rate shopping, ResNet understands what is required for a hotel to be successful in today's market.
One of its biggest innovations in the market, says Saahil Mehta, its Founder and MD, is its ability to provide responsive website services and internet marketing that is specifically targeted at the hotel market. “If you ask us to build a website for your restaurant, we will have to say no. If you ask us to build one for your flower shop, we will politely decline because we don't understand the restaurant or flower business. We are experts in the hospitality field and our services are specifically targeted at people who buy hotel rooms online,” he says.
Independent hotels over chains
One thing that ResNet World does differently is focus on independent hotels instead of chains and large groups. “We work for the independent sector and strongly feel that our expertise is better suited to this market. Independent hoteliers face many challenges and we make them a viable alternative for customers as against chains,” Mehta says.
Till now, hotels in India had limited choices about where to go to take advantage of Sabre's technology. They will now have a choice who they want to work with to gain access to Sabre
Saahil Mehta Founder and MD ResNet World
Another key element that distinguishes ResNet from others in the market is its attitude. “It is one thing to have technology, and a totally different proposition to effectively use it. At ResNet, we do both. We put the technology in place for the hotel and at the same time, train them on how to effectively use that technol- ogy to drive revenues. That effort does not stop at implementation. We continuously audit our hotel's performance and make recommendations that will help them enhance revenues,” Mehta adds.
Armed with Sabre
The latest development at ResNet is its recent partner- ship with Sabre Hospitality Solutions as a Global Hotel Partner. This will help them offer a superior e-distribution service to hotels.
Mehta states, “Sabre offers the most advanced edistribution solution available in the market today. Up to now, hotels in India had limited choices where they could go to take advantage of Sabre's technology. They will now have a choice in deciding who they want to work with to gain access to Sabre.”
Mobile, tablet bookings trending
One trend that Mehta has identified in the Indian hospitality industry is the rise in bookings through mobile and tablet devices. “This makes it pertinent for hotels to follow some simple guidelines in order to take advantage of this emerging market. First, they have to make sure they have a mobile booking engine activated for their hotel. Second, they need to make sure their website is responsive. A responsive website automatically adjusts to fit screen sizes for mobile and table devices. And last, hotels should consider offering rates that are only available through the mobile booking engine,” he says, adding that these ' mobile specific' rates can help drive revenues through this channel.
As a parting shot, Mehta warns that any hotel that does not have a proper mobile and table booking platform is missing out on one of the most popular booking channels among customers today.