Why The Hospitality Business Relies on 1-800 Numbers

Last month, Banyan Tree Hotel Resorts announced that beginning August 1, they would launch 18 new toll free phone numbers in 17 countries. Banyan Tree wants callers to be able to reach hotel reservationists at anytime, in their own time zone, at no cost.

This is a truly a brilliant marketing strategy--one that will likely be copied by hotels worldwide that don’t already have a 1-800 number. For U.S. companies in the hospitality business, this type of solid marketing is especially important now, when the falling dollar has made American vacations a real bargain for foreign tourists.

With the dollar dropping faster than ever before, European and Asian travelers are flocking to the U.S for cheap vacations and shopping. Many large hotel chains already have 1-800 numbers but more and more owners of small hotels, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts are capitalizing on the surge in international travel by securing toll free numbers through providers such as Tollfreenumber.ORG.

While some luxury hotels have veered away from providing toll free service in the past, this scenario is changing. International travelers able to afford more expensive accommodations in high-end hotels are creating intense competition in this market. Even luxury hotels want to make reservations and inquiries for their customers simple and cost-free.

Hotels offering toll-free numbers see a boost in domestic business too. In this economy, all vacationers are cutting back, pinching pennies. If they see a hotel with a toll free number, they will be more likely to call that hotel or restaurant for information instead of paying for a pricey long distance call.

And USA today reports that foreign visitors are not just hitting well-known tourist spots and big cities. Vacations in small towns are all the rage. According to reports, European travel to Alaska in the first half of 2008 is up 30 percent over last year. Ohio? Up 20 percent. Yes, Ohio.

These days, any hotel without a toll free number is at a huge disadvantage. In this economy, every marketing tool available is necessary to boost company recognition and customer outreach. Banyan Tree has the right idea.