A couple of weeks ago, we posed the question: “What are the benefits of a tourist information point?” to fellow members of LinkedIn. It went something like this: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? We would be very interested to hear your opinions.
We were delighted with the response we received and would like to share with you a handful of the most interesting replies.
Ajay Merchant, National Head - Hospitality Division at TCL, says, “A good star (class) hotel always has an in-house travel desk”. Although, he feels that Five Star establishments would normally employ a concierge (described by Ajay as “walking, talking encyclopedias”) who would use leaflets as a mere “prop”. Nevertheless, he concedes that a tourist information stand “could save the concierge time and energy by redirecting guests seeking general information to pick up a brochure...”
Photographer and graphic artist, Wing Wong, observes that “some tourists will do anything and everything” to avoid asking for assistance. He says, “The brochure stands provide a good way for them to find information they need… without bothering others.” He also points out that, “hotel staff who may not be well versed in the [region’s highlights],” are able to “direct… visitors to the information stand, [which will] allow them to continue serving other customers”.
Nirmal Kishore, the Sales Manager at Kuoni Travel, very practically lists the top benefits to the guests as, “providing access to: local events; local attractions; local product & service providers; other services/products, including those that may enrich/add value to their stay; and promotional deals…”. His benefits to the hotel employees are: “providing access to products and services from motivated vendors (sellers); and promotional deals on products and services (that may otherwise be not available to them)”.
Travel Specialist at Rubinsohn Travel, Adrienne Sasson, points out that “the guest may be someone who is relocating to the area and perhaps looking for housing. Local information can make becoming acquainted with the area much easier… The same [would apply] to a business relocating...” She concludes by saying that she herself appreciates, “information stands in the lobby” and “often looks at the… leaflets or pamphlets” when she is travelling.
Same here, Adrienne! It’s usually something of a busman’s holiday when LDS employees take a trip!
May we take this opportunity to thank all those who responded to our question. We very much enjoyed reading your answers.
