What are the benefits of a tourist information point?
We have a waiting list of hoteliers who want our brochure display stands in their establishments. What are the main benefits to the guests and to the hotel staff of having local leaflets on display? I would be very interested to hear your opinions.
Good Answers (4)
Wing W
Sr. Technical Consultant & Sr. Systems Administrator
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Generally speaking, from personal experience, it breaks down into two benefits:
1) hotel staff who may not be well versed in the hilights in the region, can direct tourists and visitors to the informational stand, allowing them to continue servicing other customers, while the original customers are looking at the brochure stand. The additional benefit of such a stand is that the tourists can take the brochures with them.
2) some tourists will do anything and everything in their power to not talk to people, for fear of embarassment. The brochure stands provide a good way for them to find information they need/want, without bothering others. Stands with brochures in multiple languages are especially helpful, if you have many foreigners visiting.
An added benefit is that the brochure stands allow the hotel/establishment to make some extra money by partnering with local businesses to carry their flyers and/or advertisments.
But basically, the stand does the job of the employees, without consuming as much time.
Ajay M
Senior Manager - Branch Head
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A good star (class) hotel always has an in-house travel desk which facilitates sightseeing/touring options by suggesting itineraries, organising transport to-and-fro the hotel and providing information, hiring guides, they even help by directing a tourist to the concerned tourism agencies who undertake tourism activities.
A 'concierge' who is, normally employed, by five star hotels is a valuable asset when it comes to providing information or planning and organising activities within the hotel as well as for the guests entertainment out side the hotel. Concierges are supposed to be walking-talking encyclopedias and are very industrious and resourceful.
Having leaflets/brochures would just be an aid or substitute to this function of a concierge, it is mainly a prop adding to the glamour or show, unless the hotel has a strategic business tie up with a travel agency like for promotion of package tours, etc. If there is a tie up, then obviously, the benefit derived out of advertising each others products and services would be mutual.
Of course, it could save the concierge time and energy by redirecting guests seeking general information to pick up a brochure or browse the picture postcards.
A good hotel likes to be highlighted by reputed and large travel houses or even for that matter other tourist-related activity partners like Thomas Cook, Cox & Kings, money transfer agents, international (credit) card companies, various international & domestic airlines, rent-a-car facilities, membership with hotel groups or associations like LHW, SLHW, FHRAI, AH&LA, portals for online reservations, etc.
So, unless there is a business tie up wherein your agency is promoting the hotel and the hotel is promoting the travel and sight seeing options from your agency, the stand in a corner is merely a prop for decoration.
This tie up would be more common in smaller hotels who would prefer to cut costs and outsource their travel desk function to local agents who can offer transport, guides, etc. This way, the hotel can still advertise or boast of a travel desk &/or concierge at no extra cost, tax or maintenance hassles to them.
But, the profits to hotels out of running their own travel desk with transport facilities (chauffeur driven cars) outweighs outsourcing it.
Another thing, if your agency is in to selling postcards, brochures and other such paraphernalia, then you can make some money as the location for your stand would be prime, but the hotel will charge a rental for that space, also you'll need a dedicated manpower to monitor the sales, replenishment of items and collection of money.
Clarification added May 21, 2008:
Two points I forgot to make earlier....
One, if the same travel agent putting up a stand offers other useful facilities such as reservations or cancellations by railways or airlines, then it would be more beneficial to the hotel to want to tie up.
Two, hotels are in the tradition and habit of printing their own catalogues and brochures including a list of services offered by the concierge and the rates of such services as an when applicable, and tourist-related information with photographs and suggested itineraries. So, in the case of budget or smaller hotels, they could cut their costs on printing and stationery (overheads) by instead distributing some one else's brochures, this way their guests wouldn't also be deprived in any ways.
Clarification added May 23, 2008:
When I say, a concierge is supposed to be very industrious and resourceful, I mean it, his function or duty is not restricted to managing the travel aspect, special guest amenities (like birthdays or anniversaries), transport or newspapers.
A concierge not only provides information and organises excursions or tours, but also can provide information and make reservations at the cinema, theatre, restaurant, spa, etc.
A concierge worth his salt, can even offer valuable advice and have contacts on medical tourism and the exhibitions going on in that place.
A concierge is basically the power house and hub of all activities, high adrenaline and passion.
Trust me, I was a concierge many years back at the world's best resort (The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, India) and thoroughly enjoyed my stint with utmost creativity, imagination and freedom.
Please do watch this movie 'Concierge' starring Micheal J Fox, you might see things in a better perspective.
Benefit to Hotel guests
=======================
Provide guests, ACCESS to
- Local Events
- Local Attractions
- Local Product & Service providers
- Other Services/ products including those that may enrich/add value to their stay.
- Promotional deals on the above.
Benefit to Hotel Employees
==========================
Provide Employees ACCESS to
- Products and Services from motivated vendors (sellers).
- Promotional deals on products and services (that may otherwise be not available to them).
Adrienne S
Travel Specialist at Rubinsohn Travel; Travel & Tourism Consultant: [LION] TopLinked.Com
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Paula,
The others insightfully hit on a number of key points. Information which is readily available to the guest is aways welcome. Many will take the information up to their rooms and make decisions about excursions, shopping and locate restaurants. Some hotels have busy front desk areas and that may make getting local information difficult.
Also, front desk staff and concierge are more apt to supply information about eateries and shopping for example which they have only personally experienced. The guest may want something different.
Also, leaflets can be changed periodically to promote special events, establishment hours and easy to follow directions. Many shops and eateries will attach coupons as well.
Also, the guest may also be someone who is relocating to the area and perhaps looking for housing. Local information can make becoming acquainted with the area much easier for purposes of relocation. The same applies to business relocating or opening additional offices or outlets.
I appreciate information stands in the lobby. I often look at the area leaflets or pamphlets when I am traveling.
All the best,
Adrienne
