3 Ways hotels can improve the experience for international guests

Take your customer service to the next level with these tips

By:

Sonja Swanson

As international travel continues to increase, hotels can expect to see more guests from all over the world. This growing trend is a fun opportunity for travelers to explore a new country, and for you and your hotel team to connect with a wide range of people. It’s also an opportunity to improve your guest service to cater your international guests with respect and personalization. Here are three ways you can level-up their guest experience.

Intercultural communication

One of the most effective ways to bring outstanding service to your guests is to learn and practice intercultural communication. It’s important to train your staff on cultural differences so they can approach all of your guests respectfully while understanding a guest’s mannerisms, language, etc. If you notice there is a trend of travelers from a certain area, you should take the time to learn their culture.

Even small things like body language can be interpreted differently depending on your guest and where they are traveling from. Having the awareness of what they are conveying through their communication helps your staff better understand your guests while also being more adaptable to meet their needs. 

Offer food with diverse diets

If you have an onsite restaurant, make sure to have options for all of your guests. Depending on their culture, religion, or health, they might have more restrictive diets. Make sure your menus offer items that are vegan, vegetarian, kosher, halal, and gluten-free. Whatever those items are within those dietary restrictions, put a note next to the item on the menu to make it easier for your guests to find something to eat.

If you don’t have an onsite restaurant, have a list of different restaurants nearby. If they ask for recommendations, ask if they have any dietary restrictions and direct them to your favorite restaurant that would meet their criteria. If you’re communicating with them via texting, you can even attach menus of your favorite local spots. They will appreciate your attention to detail and the ability to personalize their stay.

Leverage technology

Technology has brought so many people across the globe together, and your hotel can leverage tech in the same way. Communicate with your guests via text or WhatsApp, channels that are very accessible and approachable to your guests. Tools like Kipsu Engage guest messaging offer language translation features, meaning both staff and guests can communicate seamlessly in their native language.

Texting can go beyond the language translation, too. Send any resources that you have on file in their native language, like menus, brochures, etc. This helps you effectively communicate important information that you like to share with all of your guests. These tech accommodations make a big difference in your service quality.

Are you seeing an influx of international guests? Let’s get you set up for success with the right tools. Schedule a conversation with us today to learn more about Kipsu’s guest messaging.

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Curious to learn more about Kipsu and digital messaging? Connect with a member of our team to get all of your questions answered.