Ahead of his presentation at the GM Leaders Conference at St. Regis Dubai on May 16, Saahil Mehta, co-founder and MD of ResNet World speaks with Hotel News ME
What will you be talking about at the GM Leaders Conference 2016?
ResNet World is looking forward to participating in the GM Leaders Conference – talking about the benefits to be gained from embracing e-distribution and online sales and marketing tools, and in particular how those tools can be used to drive direct bookings in order to maximize revenue and profitability.
Why is this relevant to the industry today?
The hotel industry is experiencing a significant drop in revenue due to lower ADR, brought about by several factors that prevent hotel operators from increasing their profitability – resulting in significant losses for the hotel. The solution lies in driving direct bookings, which is what ResNet World will explore at the GM Leaders Conference
How can hoteliers use this information to boost their bottom line?
By exploring e-distribution and online sales and marketing tools, and adopting some of the practices we will share with delegates, hoteliers will experience a significant increase in direct bookings – thereby reducing the reliance on agents and the amount of money paid in commissions.
What do you see as the top three trends this topic will influence over the coming 12 months?
The trend towards bolstering direct booking efforts will see a few emerging results:
- Declining reliance on agents, therefore a reduction in commissions being paid
- Profits being redirected to digital marketing budgets to further push direct booking initiatives
- Increased engagement between hotel operators and online guests, which will positively impact reviews, hotel rankings and overall business success
Tell us about ResNet World. What are your core products?
ResNet World works with hotel operators to maximize revenue and profitability through increased e-distribution and online sales and marketing tools.
Headquartered in Dubai, ResNet World offers the best e-technology solutions in the hospitality industry, including direct booking technology, innovative CRS solutions, web design and development, and digital marketing services – all of which seamlessly integrate with hotel operators’ existing platforms.
Why have you chosen to partner with The GM Leaders Conference 2016?
The GM Leaders Conference is now regarded as one of the industry’s leading forums – bringing together senior executives from various functions across the hospitality industry.
In addition to the very successful networking opportunities that underpin the conference’s success, this one-day event enables some of the industry’s most experienced and passionate leaders to share their insights and participate in dialogues that get to the core of current issues being faced by today’s hoteliers.
What are the top trends driving the hospitality industry currently?
Big Data continues to dominate the headlines regarding trends in the hospitality industry. It is now universally recognized that to have a single source of data collection is very valuable, as it allows hotel operators to identify gaps and possible reasons for lost bookings, which then enables operators to drive efforts in the right direction to get more direct bookings.
What are the top positive and negative trends driving business in your specific sector/ line of operation?
There is an ever-growing selection of tools available that claim to assist hotel operators drive online traffic and secure more direct bookings. And while many of these are affordable and work towards achieving an operators’ objective, there are unfortunately many solutions out there that are cheap imitations, and achieve nothing more than destroying the hotel operator’s experience and tarnishing the reputation of reputable suppliers with comprehensive, value-add solutions.
Which session are you most excited about at the conference?
The GM Leaders Conference attracts a high caliber of speakers – each offering valuable insights and information regarding technology and its role in business.
In particular, the panel sessions feature industry experts who explore sector-specific issues, trends, risks and opportunities. These panel discussions and expert sessions are an invaluable part of the program that attracts the industry’s best and most experienced to one single platform.
