Connect with your customers and enhance your marketing

Stampede

Solutions

Table Management

Guest Wi-Fi

Marketing & CRM

Reviews

Loyalty & Rewards

Gift Cards

Analytics & Reports

Venues

Restaurants

Hotels

Pubs & Bars

Resources

About

Success Stories

Testimonials

People and Promise

Careers - We're Hiring!

Learn

Marketing Scorecard

Free Downloads

Email Campaign Templates

Automation Ideas

Blog

User Resources

Knowledge Base

Supported Hardware

Partners

Pricing

More and more hospitality operators are looking to take advantage of AI-driven marketing solutions as an opportunity to streamline their operations and support their staff.



In this guide, we will explore how hospitality operators can utilise AI to strengthen their marketing efforts, increase the visibility of their brand and drive growth at every stage of their customer journey.&nbsp;



From gaining AI-driven customer insights, and leveraging marketing automation, to in-depth data analytics and predictions. There are plenty of ways AI can be implemented in various areas of the business.



Now is the perfect time to jump on board with integrating AI into your hospitality business’s marketing plans.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-in-hospitality-marketing">AI in hospitality marketing</h2>



Artificial intelligence (AI), is the ability of computer systems to perform tasks that would usually require human intelligence.



In recent years, AI has revolutionised the hospitality industry, providing ample opportunities for businesses.&nbsp;



For instance, AI can quickly analyse large amounts of customer data to gain insights into preferences and behaviour. This can be used by staff to tailor the service and marketing campaigns. I.e. greeting a hotel guest with his favourite cocktail upon arrival or treating a customer with a restaurant voucher for their birthday.



In addition, AI can adapt the pricing strategy depending on the current market situation and provide future predictions. Managing and responding to online reviews also becomes much easier with AI tools. To name just a few, we will have a closer look at those and others in this guide.



Overall, by using AI in marketing, hospitality operators can create a seamless guest journey from the moment the customer first interacts with their brand, to the point they come back to the venue. This all leads to higher revenue and customer satisfaction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-ai">Advantages and disadvantages of AI</h2>



It is important for operators to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to incorporate AI into their business operations. We have summarised the most relevant ones in this short list below. 



You can find a more extensive list <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-using-ai-in-hospitality">in this article</a>.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-main-advantages">Main advantages:</h4>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Increased operations efficiency and productivity. AI can streamline and automate repetitive tasks.</li>



<li>Cost reduction. AI allows for data-backed decision-making.</li>



<li>Tailored customer experience. AI provides insights that support personalised marketing and service.</li>



<li>Accurate forecasting. AI can identify revenue opportunities.</li>
</ol>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-main-disadvantages">Main disadvantages:</h4>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Impersonal service. AI lacks the human touch that many guests desire.</li>



<li>System failure. Operators are highly dependent on their digital tools to work seamlessly.</li>



<li>Technical limitations. Not all AI tools are able to cater for the needs of the hospitality industry.</li>



<li>High investment costs. Implementing AI is often a major investment.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-as-a-growth-tool-for-hospitality">AI as a growth tool for hospitality</h2>



AI technology is undoubtedly a growth tool for the hospitality industry, and those who successfully embrace it will thrive in the long run.&nbsp;



<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/4-ways-to-optimise-your-hospitality-business-with-ai">Here are 4 ways</a> it can support different areas of the business.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-operations">1. Operations</h4>



AI technology has vastly improved the way hospitality operators conduct their daily operations and provide service.&nbsp;



Chatbots are a great example, as they can scan common customer queries and answer them in real time. This relieves staff of tedious, repetitive tasks, while still ensuring customers receive an excellent level of service around the clock.



Hotels are also increasingly leaning on AI for contactless check-ins and virtual concierges, making sure guests get the most out of their stay. Self-service kiosks in restaurants on the other hand allow customers to place orders more quickly and efficiently. Again freeing up staff time for other duties.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-marketing">2. Marketing</h4>



AI can massively improve the way hospitality businesses communicate with guests and market their services. It can gather a multitude of data points in one place, coming from tech tools such as Guest WiFi, table booking platforms or loyalty scheme.&nbsp;



Marketers can use the data to better understand customer preferences, habits and needs. This then allows them to provide a more personalised experience, offer relevant promotions and optimise their marketing campaigns for maximum results.



With AI automation, tasks such as uploading data are made simpler and faster. This frees up time and reduces human errors. Trigger-based campaigns based on previous customer interactions can also be easily automated. Such as sending discounts to customers who haven’t been at your venue for a while.&nbsp;



Lastly, AI can power up digital advertising by helping with audience and campaign optimisation. On top, it can monitor social media channels for brand mentions and engagement.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-sales-revenue">3. Sales &amp; revenue</h4>



There is promising potential for integrating AI to improve sales too.&nbsp;



AI can analyse customer data to predict their preferences and suggest personalised recommendations. Equipped with these insights staff can better upsell and cross-sell when customers are in the venue. Marketers as well can take advantage of this with highly targeted campaigns that lead to higher conversion rates and ultimately create more sales opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;



AI can further be used for improved revenue management for hotels and restaurants. It creates accurate forecasts by analysing past data as well as external factors such as market fluctuations.&nbsp;



This enables operators to adjust their pricing in real time. So they can take advantage of peak periods while still remaining competitive during off-peak times.



For hoteliers, this also means that they can ensure guests always get the best price when booking direct.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-data-analytics-reporting">4. Data analytics &amp; reporting</h4>



By using AI to generate accurate reports hospitality businesses can become more successful in the long run through leveraging data-driven insights into customer behaviour. So that they don’t rely on guesswork anymore.



A lot of, usually manual, tasks can be automated as well. Such as the creation of monthly reports or the building of customised dashboards with the metrics that matter.



AI can present the data in a way that is accessible to the entire team and that also facilitates performance analysis from relevant KPIs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-ai-use-cases-for-hospitality">3 AI use cases for hospitality</h2>



There are already examples of hospitality businesses successfully implementing AI and it&#8217;s likely that more will follow suit in the coming years.



We’ve summarised 3 <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/4-revenue-driving-ai-tools-for-hospitality-operators">popular use cases for AI marketing</a> and operations below.



If you’re a hotelier you can find more relevant examples <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/3-clever-ai-tools-to-support-your-hotel-operations">here</a> and we also got some, especially for restaurant operators <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/3-restaurant-specific-ai-tools-that-drive-sales">here</a>.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. Personalised service</h4>



AI enables hospitality marketers to create a personalised customer experience with ease. Through the smart analysis of customer data, AI can segment customers into small groups according to patterns, demographics and historical interaction.



This empowers businesses to deliver targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with individual customers, helping them feel appreciated and increasing loyalty.&nbsp;



AI also helps to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/another-5-step-recipe-how-to-easily-win-back-lost-customers-part-2-of-5">detect and retain lost customers</a> through automated campaigns that are triggered by pre-defined conditions.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. Content creation</h4>



AI technology can be used to quickly generate various pieces of content. This ranges from email campaigns to social media posts and website copy. Plus, it can translate content into multiple languages so you can reach wider audiences.&nbsp;



AI algorithms can also analyse the most engaging social media posts and create similar ones. Plus, it can also determine the best posting schedules, hashtags and content for various platforms to grow engagement and followers.



When it comes to website content, AI can improve SEO rankings and develop search engine-optimised content by incorporating relevant keywords.&nbsp;



Another example is restaurant menus. They are often seasonal and need to be changed on a regular basis. AI can support operators to come up with enticing menu descriptions and iterations to speed up the process.



<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-speed-up-content-creation-with-ai-in-hospitality">Check out this article</a> to find out more about how you can create more hospitality marketing content in less time with AI.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. Chatbots</h4>



As already mentioned, hospitality operators are now discovering the value of AI-powered chatbots in providing better customer service that is available for customers&nbsp; 24/7.



Chatbots can be used for a variety of tasks. Common examples are answering FAQs, taking orders in restaurants and helping with general service requests.&nbsp;



Plus, they can act as a concierge and support customers with their travel planning by making personalised recommendations based on past interactions.



With the ability to integrate with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, hospitality operators can further create a more human experience and eliminate the typing for customers.



With these advanced capabilities, hospitality operators can enhance their services while also improving staff efficiency. All without ever compromising on guest satisfaction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-ai-can-improve-reviews-management">How AI can improve reviews management</h2>



Online reviews play a crucial role in attracting customers. However, managing these reviews can be a daunting and time-consuming task for busy hospitality operators. This is where AI comes in to lend a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-ai-can-facilitate-reviews-management-for-hospitality-operators">helping hand with your reputation management</a>. 



For example, it takes over previous manual tasks done by staff. So instead of analysing each review platform separately and dealing with spreadsheets, AI can automatically gather all reviews in one place. This allows for quick access and a multi-channel overview. Reviews can be dealt with more efficiently and progress on each response can be tracked easily.



To avoid further complications, operators have to react to reach review in a timely manner. This way they can retain unhappy customers and show that their opinion matters to the business.&nbsp;



Depending on the number of reviews flooding in it can be challenging to keep up. With automated response generation, AI can help operators to better handle their to-do lists. Based on keywords AI can generate a personalised reply in no time.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Further, AI-powered sentiment analysis can provide operators with valuable insights into customer feedback. It can detect common themes and tag them accordingly. This enables businesses to quickly identify areas for improvement to enhance their service.



With AI, hospitality operators can better stay on top of their online reputation, and improve their overall scores and customer satisfaction.



If you want to find out how AI can also make it easier for customers to leave a review, check out this article.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summary">Summary</h2>



AI is a very beneficial tool that hospitality operators should look to explore and utilise to back up their marketing strategy.&nbsp;



AI technology has tremendous potential for increasing speed and accuracy in data collection and analysis. This allows operators to provide more tailored services for their customers based on what they&#8217;ve learned from past engagements. But also to make accurate predictions and more informed decisions which will save them time and money.



Moreover, AI can be used to aid in developing marketing content, automating and supporting daily service operations and improving reviews management.



There may be valid concerns around its adoption cost and potential impact on losing the human touch. Though, when leveraged correctly, AI can have significant positive impacts on your hospitality business.

post

AI In Hospitality Marketing: A Complete Guide

If you&#8217;re a hospitality operator, having the right CRM dashboard set up can make a huge difference to your business&#8217;s success. 



It is critical to have access to key metrics quickly and efficiently in order to make educated decisions that will result in high-performing operations.&nbsp;



In this blog post, we will explore what a CRM dashboard is and discuss its 5 key benefits to hospitality operators and marketers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-the-crm-dashboard-feature">What is the CRM dashboard feature?</h2>



If you want to keep a finger on the pulse of your hospitality business, the dashboard is an indispensable CRM feature you should take advantage of when planning your overall strategy.&nbsp;



This powerful tool gives you a high-level overview of key metrics central to your business growth. Think of it as a real-time snapshot of your venue that provides a mixture of graphs, images and figures that accurately gauge performance.&nbsp;



With the CRM dashboard, you can quickly and consistently monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as marketing return on investment (ROI), return in-venue visits or net promoter score (NPS), to name a few.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-main-dashboard-benefits">5 Main dashboard benefits</h2>



A CRM dashboard can be a game changer for operators in the hospitality industry.



Here are the 5 most important benefits of why you should leverage this powerful CRM feature.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. Keeps your team on track</h4>



Keeping your team on track is essential for achieving long-term success. A centralised CRM dashboard is an effective tool for accomplishing this.&nbsp;



With access to the same data, your team can work together seamlessly. They can stay up-to-date on progress and identify potential roadblocks. They also get instant access to sales performance, customer interactions and other key metrics.



Plus, it can motivate your staff to stay focused and achieve their goals.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. Simplified information sharing</h4>



A CRM dashboard massively simplifies information and data sharing within your company.



With a holistic business overview at your fingertips, all the data you need is displayed in one easy-to-use dashboard.



This not only saves valuable time but also eliminates the need for your staff to search through multiple screens and systems to find the information you need.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. Updates in real-time</h4>



By utilising a dashboard that provides updates in real time, you can be <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-create-a-hospitality-crm-strategy-that-drives-results">proactive instead of reactive in your CRM strategy</a>. So you can spot trends early on, allowing for quick adjustments as necessary.



Take online table bookings, for example. A drop in numbers could indicate an issue with your booking platform integration or a decrease in customer service and satisfaction.



Tracking the success of your marketing campaigns is also made more accessible. You can quickly and easily measure which strategies are meeting your objectives.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. Supports decision making</h4>



As a hospitality business owner, making informed decisions is critical to your success. With a CRM dashboard, you can access real-time data and gain deep insights into how your business is performing.&nbsp;



This means that your decisions will be data-driven, rather than guesswork, giving you an edge over your competitors. By utilising a unified dashboard, you can easily monitor your business&#8217;s progress and identify areas that need improvement.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">5. Allows for customisation</h4>



One of the key benefits of a CRM dashboard is its ability to allow for customisation.&nbsp;



Whether you want to track specific sales performances over time, monitor a particular marketing campaign or measure customer satisfaction, you can build what you need in your own dashboard.



So you can easily stay on top of relevant metrics and track progress towards achieving your objectives.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summary">Summary</h2>



A CRM dashboard is an effective tool for optimising operational efficiency and customer relations for the hospitality industry.&nbsp;



With the centralised view of all key information gathered in one place, operators are better able to stay organised, guide teams and improve their processes while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.&nbsp;

CRM Dashboard – Definition And Benefits For The Hospitality Industry

Consumers appreciate speed and convenience. Pair this with a pandemic that’s encouraged people to stay at home and you have the premise for why online ordering has recently seen exponential growth. While there’s <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/why-you-should-put-your-restaurant-on-a-delivery-app-now/">no longer room for argument</a> as to whether deliveries should be an option for restaurants, the debate of how they should be administered still stands. &nbsp;



Did you know?



Did you know that revenue generated by off-premise dining makes up 44% of all restaurant sales, with 25% of those orders accounting for delivery?<a href="https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/how-do-third-party-delivery-players-stack">[1]</a>



As such, the aim of this article is to guide restaurant owners through the decision-making process when it comes to answering the following question:



Should restaurants provide delivery themselves (DIY) &#8211; or should they rely on third-party services?



To help you work out what’s best for your business, let’s work through the pros and cons of the two options.&nbsp;



Here goes:



DIY Delivery 



Pros



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>If you want full control of your restaurant’s order and delivery system, then DIY delivery is the way to go. Having complete reign gives you the ability to control your delivery logistics so that you can put every effort into keeping your customers happy with your service.</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>In-house delivery methods allow restaurant owners and managers the freedom and flexibility to define their own product-offering and business model. For example, there are many third-party services that are restrictive by the type of products they can deliver.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>By cutting out the middleman, you can reduce the potential for communication breakdown. There is less room for error when customers direct their orders to the source. At the same time, you can own the conversation with your customers where you provide them with options to order online or via a phone call. </li><li>Using your own vehicles is a great branding opportunity. Many companies use vehicles wrapped in eye-catching designs to get them noticed when driving around. It&#8217;s like a mobile billboard for your business, instead of a solo cyclist with a cuboid backpack.</li></ul>



Cons



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Hiring delivery staff and delivery vehicles with in-house delivery operations can become costly.&nbsp; It can also be a complex procedure that adds to your admin, weighing you down with paperwork. </li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Even if you have been in the restaurant business for years, your expertise in modern-day delivery expectations may be lacking. This could lead to disrupted logistics and incompetence that could give your restaurant a bad rep. So, if you are not prepared to master new skills, then “DIY” may not be the way to go.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>If things go wrong with an in-house delivery, there’s just no way to “pass on the buck”. If your customer is dissatisfied, then you will have to take full accountability for bad experiences. It’s fully up to you to provide ways to keep your restaurant customers happy.</li></ul>



Third-party Delivery Pros and Cons



Pros



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Outsourcing delivery gives you room to breathe. By relying on delivery service apps to do the hard parts for you, you can focus exclusively on the tangible things you provide to your patrons. You have more time and resources on your hands to concentrate on other important day-to-day efforts and bigger projects.</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Choosing to outsource delivery to a third party can lower your fixed expenses. It cuts out the need to pay wages to delivery staff and you won’t need to take out extra insurance. You also won’t need to purchase a fleet of delivery vehicles – which can put a huge dent in your profits.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Using a third-party delivery service has the potential to direct new business to you. Most third-party delivery services use web and mobile applications to run their services, with big advertising budgets to get consumers on board. The apps are out there doing the hard work of bringing you potential new customers.</li></ul>



Cons



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>When you rely on a third-party service application to run your deliveries, then you lose a certain amount of influential control over your patrons. For instance, you cannot customise your customer experience so that it completely meets the goals and values of your brand. You also rely on third-party staff members, who you may never meet, to be the face of your restaurant.&nbsp; At least with in-house delivery, you can train employees in exacting the delivery standards that you would like your customers to experience.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Commissions and fees. Third-party delivery software services are convenient in the sense that you typically only pay commission per transaction. However, this commission can take a hefty chunk out of your profits, sometimes up to 35%. Depending on your type of establishment, staff, wages, and vehicle availability may work out cheaper for a DIY delivery operation.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Third-party apps rely on technology to work and if there’s been a technical hitch in the system, it can lead to broken communication and an unhappy customer. While it may be the third-party’s fault that your customer is dissatisfied, it’s still your reputation on the line.&nbsp;</li></ul>



The Bottom Line…



Both DIY in-house and third-party delivery options are weighted with advantages and drawbacks. But regardless of how you decide to run your delivery operation, it’s always a good idea to incorporate some sort of delivery software into your system. <a href="https://storekit.com/advice/restaurant-software-a-guide/">Technology comes in all shapes and sizes and with its help</a>, you can streamline your logistics and optimise your operation as a whole. 



If you&#8217;re looking for more control and flexibility, DIY is the best option. However, if you favour speed and convenience, outsourcing with a third-party delivery app would be a better fit.



References:



[1] Restaurant Business Online. <a href="https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/how-do-third-party-delivery-players-stack">How Do the Third-Party Delivery Players Stack Up?</a> June 21, 2018



Sources:



<ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Moz. <a href="https://moz.com/blog/third-party-vs-in-house-delivery-guide">Third-party vs. In-house Delivery: A Guide to Informed Choice</a>, 22 June, 2020</li><li>Glympse. <a href="https://glympse.com/glympse/in-house-vs-third-party-delivery-pros-and-cons/">In-House vs. Third-Party Delivery: Pros and Cons</a>, May 15, 2019</li></ol>

Comparing In-House Delivery and Third-Party Delivery Apps

Normally, a pineapple isn&#8217;t something you should be afraid of. Ok &#8211; you can be a little afraid of pineapples because they are spiky on the outside. And sometimes they contain tasty drinks that make people get a little crazy. But in this case we&#8217;re talking about an entirely different type of pineapple &#8211; a WiFi pineapple. This device allows attackers to snoop and sniff over any WiFi network, where they can <a href="https://www.news4jax.com/consumer/travel-warning-do-not-use-public-wifi-in-airports-hotels">steal passwords, information and all sorts of personal data</a>.
So, where do these pineapple attacks take place? Just about anywhere with an open, unsecured WiFi connection &#8211; like coffee shops, pubs, airports &#8211; probably most of the places where you use WiFi. And the worst part? These Pineapple devices are pretty cheap &#8211; for about $100 you can buy a Pineapple Nano, which slips right into a USB port, or, if you&#8217;ve got some hard core hacking to do, you can plop down $160 and get the Tactical Elite &#8211; complete with an antenna extension and handy carrying case. As stated in the catalog, the WiFi Pineapple will &#8220;Command the WiFi landscape and direct attacks from a live recon dashboard, passively monitoring all devices in the vicinity.&#8221;
Kinda scary, innit?
But there are steps you can take to protect yourself. First of all, never use unsecured WiFi.  That&#8217;s bad. Turn on two factor authentication for services like email and anywhere you store sensitive data. This typically involves you logging into a service, then receiving a text message or generated password through your mobile phone. This service is available in Google and most banks are using two factor authentication. Another solution is to invest in a <a style="font-size: 15px; background-color: transparent;" href="http://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-vpn-services-and-vpn-deals-of-2017">VPN (Virtual Private Network) service</a>. This encrypts your data, even on public networks, and sends it securely through a secure tunnel to its final destination.
If you&#8217;re running a business and want to ensure your customers have a secure connection available &#8211; well, you&#8217;ve come to the right place. Stampede can give your customers a <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/how-it-works#security">seamless and safe WiFi experience</a> no matter the location size. From <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/wifi-in-action#coffee">coffee shops</a>, to restaurants, to malls and <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/wifi-in-action#arenas">stadiums</a>, Stampede has you covered.
How has your WiFi experience been? Have you ever been compromised by a pineapple? Feel free to leave us a comment below. 
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

Has Your Data Been Compromised by a WiFi Pineapple?

For decades, hospitality businesses have trusted in the power of human labour to keep their venues running. Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises more efficient operations and better-personalised experiences for their customers.&nbsp;



But while AI has comes with huge benefits &#8211; from automating mundane tasks to better understanding customers’ needs &#8211; it also poses potential drawbacks.&nbsp;



Before you decide whether or not integrating AI into your hospitality operations is right for you, take some time to consider both the pros and cons we lay down in this blog article.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-ai-is-used-in-the-hospitality-industry">How AI is used in the hospitality industry</h2>



AI is being used in a variety of ways in the hospitality industry, from chatbots that assist with reservations to orders to automated systems that streamline check-in and check-out processes and marketing and sales automation.



It also comes with the ability to predict customer needs and preferences, which can help with recommendations, personalised service and upsell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-advantages-of-using-ai-in-hospitality">Key advantages of using AI in hospitality</h2>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. Increased operational efficiency and productivity</h4>



With AI, businesses are able to streamline their operational and administrative processes and automate tasks. This allows for a significant increase in productivity and better resource management.



Moreover, with less manual handling required, there is a reduced chance of human error. Especially when dealing with customer data or uploading and updating spreadsheets, which can be prone to mistakes.



Marketing teams can massively improve their efforts with AI. For example, use data insights to build defined customer segments. The foundation for email and SMS campaigns that really resonate with customers and drive them back to their venue.&nbsp;



With clever <a href="https://stampede.ai/downloads/hospitality-marketing-automation-playbook">campaign automation</a>, operators can additionally save valuable time and staff can focus on more crucial tasks.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. Reduced costs</h4>



With the rise of AI, there are new opportunities for hospitality businesses to cut costs.



Routine and repetitive tasks can easily be automated, saving on labour costs. Besides, by implementing AI, operators can bypass ongoing staff shortages.



It also allows for more efficient and accurate decision-making backed by real data insights. So without relying on guesswork, operators can ultimately reduce unnecessary costs in the long run.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. Improved customer experience</h4>



The key to retaining customers is to ensure that they have a memorable experience when interacting with your brand. This is where the use of AI comes in.&nbsp;



Businesses can create a much more personalised and tailored experience that is based on customers’ preferences and behaviours.



Moreover, AI can help to connect all of a customer&#8217;s interactions with a brand across various digital channels. This contributes towards a more unified and seamless online experience.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. Better forecasting</h4>



In today&#8217;s fast-paced environment, having accurate and timely forecasts can mean the difference between success and failure.&nbsp;



AI has the ability to analyse vast amounts of customer data in a second and provide insights into revenue opportunities that may have otherwise been missed.&nbsp;



Perhaps even more importantly, AI can predict market trends, giving businesses an edge in their strategic planning. By leveraging the preciseness of forecasting, businesses can make smarter decisions, allocate resources more effectively, and ultimately, increase their bottom line.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-main-disadvantages-of-using-ai-in-hospitality">Main disadvantages of using AI in hospitality</h2>



Although AI has the potential to take business operations to the next level, it comes with its share of disadvantages that should also be considered.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">&nbsp;1. Impersonal service</h4>



One major issue with AI is the loss of the human touch. Whether it&#8217;s automated customer service systems or self-checkout kiosks, these rather impersonal experiences can negatively affect customer satisfaction.



AI systems can never fully replace human intuition and judgement, which can also lead to errors and inaccuracies in service.&nbsp;



No doubt, the human element is vital to creating a warm and welcoming environment. It&#8217;s through genuine connections with staff that customers feel valued and it&#8217;s those connections that keep them coming back time and time again.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. System failure</h4>



Running a hospitality business is a complex task that requires a lot of moving parts to function well. The success of operations depends heavily on all of the systems working properly.



Unfortunately, when these systems fail, they can cause serious disruption to the entire operation. Rooms may be double-booked, orders may be lost or misplaced and customers may be left waiting for extended periods of time.



As a result, unsatisfied customers and negative reviews can quickly pile up, causing lasting damage to the business.&nbsp;



To mitigate the risk of system failure, it’s important for hospitality operators to have a plan in place in case their AI tool breaks down. By being proactive and prepared, they can ensure a seamless experience for their customers.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. Technological limitations</h4>



The hospitality industry requires technology tools that cater to their particular needs. Customer interactions happen both online and offline. Generic AI tools might not align with their specific requirements and might therefore create more work than taking off the workload if not set up properly.



Even with the right technology tools to hand the various systems used need to interact and talk to each other. Without those <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/5-common-data-integration-flaws-in-hospitality-tech">integrations</a>, the data flow is disconnected and operators are not able to generate a single customer view.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. High implementation costs</h4>



The implementation of these tools often comes at a high cost, making them unaffordable for smaller venues. This situation has forced operators to carefully weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it is worth investing in AI tools.&nbsp;



While AI can bring about significant returns, it may not be a worthwhile investment for all businesses. However, as technology continues to advance, we may see a rise in more cost-effective solutions that cater to a range of budgets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summary">Summary</h2>



In conclusion, there are pros and cons of using AI in the hospitality industry that should be taken into account.&nbsp;



Technology can be used to save money, increase efficiency, improve customer experience and enable more precise forecasting. However, many operators are still struggling with the lack of human element when it comes to dealing with customers and their needs.&nbsp;



Furthermore, technological limitations should not be disregarded as they might also cause certain problems when it comes to adapting AI to existing processes.&nbsp;



Finally, before making any investments in AI, operators should evaluate the costs associated with them as this could highly affect their financial situation.&nbsp;



All factors taken into consideration, applying AI technology correctly can prove extremely beneficial for restaurants and the hospitality industry in general.



Make sure to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/ai-in-hospitality-marketing-a-complete-guide">check out our full guide</a> exploring AI for hospitality marketing.

The Pros And Cons Of Using AI In Hospitality

The Guest Re-Engagement Workflow Every Venue Needs

Introducing – Marketing Workflows

Coming Soon – The Enquiry Pipeline

June Update – AI Review Insights, New Features and More

Build, Build, Build

Introducing AI Segments for Marketing

A more effective ways to run Meta ads for hospitality

4 Ways CRM Data Can Be Used in Day-to-Day Service by Your Staff

How to Use Segmentation to Increase Guest Engagement in Hospitality

Introducing Quick Campaigns

3 Time-Saving Newsletter Tips to Keep People Engaged

When was the last time you&nbsp;checked your 3-star reviews? Most businesses pay close attention to reviews on both ends of the scale but miss out on the valuable middle part. It’s often presumed that those 3-star reviews have minimal impact on scores and that customers probably won’t read them.&nbsp;



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



3-star reviews might be small in volume but they’re definitely the highest in value. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-3-star-reviews-matter">Why 3-star reviews matter</h4>



In general, 3-star or neutral reviews are a&nbsp;mixture of both negative and positive feedback in one review. Most of the time, those reviews are less emotional and written in a more neutral tone of voice.



A&nbsp;fair review with well-written text is much more insightful&nbsp;for your business and potential new customers reading through them. Using these insights you can then come up with action points to improve your customer experience.



Have a look at the below example. It can be categorised as a&nbsp;balanced neutral review, containing both positive and negative aspects.&nbsp;



Overall it provides a good insight into what potential customers can expect from their stay at this particular hotel. But it also contains parts that should be addressed and communicated back to the reviewer.&nbsp;



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Screenshot-2021-10-21-at-11.41.59-1.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Screenshot-2021-10-21-at-11.41.59-1.png" alt="TripAdvisor Review Example" class="wp-image-20616" width="729" height="282" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Screenshot-2021-10-21-at-11.41.59-1.png 729w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Screenshot-2021-10-21-at-11.41.59-1-300x116.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Screenshot-2021-10-21-at-11.41.59-1-150x58.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Screenshot-2021-10-21-at-11.41.59-1-592x229.png 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Screenshot-2021-10-21-at-11.41.59-1-155x60.png 155w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Screenshot-2021-10-21-at-11.41.59-1-233x90.png 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 729px) 100vw, 729px" /></a></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">How to respond to 3-star reviews</h4>



As with all reviews, it’s vital that you respond to your 3-star reviews as soon as you can. The tricky part lies in striking the balance of taking praise and acknowledging that there are areas that need your attention. Your response, therefore, needs to&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-respond-to-positive-and-negative-customer-reviews-online/" target="_blank">address both positive and negative comments</a>&nbsp;equally.



Make sure you personalise each response. The following 4 core elements give you a framework on how to approach your responses:



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">1) Acknowledgement</h5>



First off, thank the reviewer for their feedback by addressing them with their name.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">2) Appreciation</h5>



Next, thank them for the positive feedback and emphasise the positive aspects of their experience.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">3) Apologise &amp; take it offline</h5>



Transition smoothly over to the negative areas to address and apologise for their sub-par experience (if needed). Take the recovery handling offline.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">4) Follow-up &amp; invite them back</h5>



Communicate the steps you’ve taken based on your customers’ feedback. Invite them back to show you’ve taken their feedback seriously.



This is how a response based on the 4 steps could look like:



“Dear [insert name], thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback.&nbsp;



We are glad to hear that you’ve enjoyed [insert positive]. However, we are sorry to learn about [insert negative], as we always aim to deliver an outstanding experience. We will use your feedback to improve our service and to ensure this doesn’t happen again.&nbsp;



To fix this, it would be great if you could drop us an email or call us on the details below.



Thank you again for your feedback, and we look forward to welcoming you again soon.”



Make review management even easier for you and your staff with our&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/automations/#reviews" target="_blank">reviews feature,&nbsp;</a><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="mailto:contact@stampede.ai?subject=&amp;body=" target="_blank">get in touch</a>&nbsp;to find out more.&nbsp;

Why 3-Star Reviews Actually Matter More

[vc_row bg_type=&#8221;color&#8221; padding_top_multiplier=&#8221;&#8221; padding_bottom_multiplier=&#8221;&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1/6&#8243;][/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2/3&#8243;][fildisi_modal modal_id=&#8221;leave-feedback&#8221;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1/6&#8243;][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2/3&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Feedback&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][contact-form-7 id=&#8221;2323&#8243; title=&#8221;Feedback&#8221;][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1/6&#8243;][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/fildisi_modal][/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1/6&#8243;][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row bg_type=&#8221;image&#8221; bg_image=&#8221;15599&#8243; bg_image_size=&#8221;responsive&#8221; padding_top_multiplier=&#8221;5x&#8221; padding_bottom_multiplier=&#8221;5x&#8221; columns_gap=&#8221;60&#8243; font_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; el_class=&#8221;try-it&#8221;][vc_column text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1583788662441{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;background-color: #1f2888 !important;border-radius: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Check out our news&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:45px|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff|line_height:65px&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][fildisi_empty_space][fildisi_button align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Go to Blog&#8221; button_hover_color=&#8221;primary-2&#8243; button_shape=&#8221;extra-round&#8221; button_link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fstampede.ai%2Fblog%2F|||&#8221;][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Now Online

Demo

Now Online – Highlands and Islands Airports

Loyalty