December 2023

Happy Holidays

December is always a strange time in the Guest House business.

If you are servicing corporate travellers, the empty property means you have a chance to renovate, take a break, review your marketing and publicity.

If you are near the coast and this is time to ‘make hay’ as they say, when the sun shines – well, that is fabulous.

Brace yourself for a busy few weeks. It’s a time to look after the most precious thing we have in business – the customer.

Listen to what they have to say, ask how they heard about your property, ask for constructive input and suggestions.

You will be surprised what magic can be had by asking a customer for their opinion.

On that note, as we head into the new year, we are open to suggestions on what we could do better – or differently.

And so, in closing, have a wonderful year end and here’s to 2024.

Regards, Richard Lendrum & the GHASA team

Scam Alert

We received a message from Royal Princess Gardens recently about a guest who tried to scam them with promises to pay for accommodation, false EFT’s etc. This is their message:

“Good day,

Please circulate the face of this fraudster and conman. The name that he booked under was Jeremy Bakker. He goes around making bookings at various guest houses using cloned credit cards, fake EFT slips from any bank claiming same bank payments will take 48 hrs for your funds to appear.

That his family has all passed away in an accident and have willed him an estate including cash to the value of R19m and his funds will clear in a period of days….”

While GHASA can neither confirm nor deny these claims, we always advise vigilance when dealing with guests. Make sure that you have copies of IDs, card or banking details, and contact information and that the money is securely in YOUR account.

If you would like more information about their experience with this guest, please get in touch with Royal Princess Gardens ([email protected])

PREFERRED SUPPLIERS

AI in Hospitality
Revolutionising the Future for South African Guesthouses

By Pamela Mudley, Chief Business Development, Smart Pineapple

In the heart of South Africa’s bustling hospitality sector, guesthouse owners like you stand at a crossroads of tradition and innovation. Embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer futuristic—it's a present-day necessity transforming your business landscape.

1. Online Booking Evolution: The shift to online bookings is more than a trend; it's a customer demand. AI not only enhances your digital presence but also guides potential guests through their decision-making journey. Imagine a world where AI not only predicts but shapes customer preferences, a reality underscored by Accenture's projection of AI doubling annual economic growth rates by 2035.

2. Revolutionising Guest Experiences: In the competitive realm of hospitality, differentiation is your lifeline. Generative AI isn’t just about automation; it’s about creating bespoke experiences, from eco-friendly practices to personalised guest journeys. This technology is not just an addition to your services but a complete transformation of the guest experience, offering a blend of innovation and personalization that today's guests seek.

3. Mastering Digital Marketing: Digital marketing, powered by AI, is like having a crystal ball. AI algorithms don’t just analyse data; they predict trends, tailor marketing campaigns, and unlock the secrets to guest preferences. This strategic approach is not about reaching more people but the right people, thereby ensuring every marketing dollar is an investment rather than an expense.

4. Personalised Services at Scale: Personalising guest services is the new norm. AI tools such as chatbots and virtual assistants are redefining guest interactions, offering a 24/7 service that's not just responsive but anticipatory. These AI-driven interactions are reshaping how guests perceive value, adding a layer of sophistication and attention to detail that was previously unattainable.

5. Operational Excellence Through AI: Operational efficiency is your silent revenue generator. AI is revolutionising this by automating routine tasks, enabling your staff to focus on what they do best: creating unforgettable guest experiences. This shift from manual to strategic operations amplifies your service quality, turning every guest stay into a memorable experience.

Implementing AI: A Practical Guide:

● Begin with Simple AI Tools: Start by integrating basic guesthouse marketing AI tools like chatbots to handle customer inquiries.

● Empower Your Team: Train your staff on AI functionalities and benefits to ensure seamless adoption.

● Harness Data for Personalisation: Utilise AI for deep data analysis, crafting personalised guest experiences.

● Regularly Evaluate AI Tools: Continuously assess the effectiveness of your AI solutions, adapting your strategies for peak performance.

● Stay Ahead of AI Trends: Keep yourself informed about the latest AI advancements in hospitality to continually refine your services.

As you stand on the brink of this AI revolution, remember, it’s not about replacing the human touch; it’s about augmenting it. It’s about enhancing every aspect of your guesthouse, from the first click on your website to the lasting impression long after check-out. Embrace AI and redefine what it means to be a guesthouse in the digital age.

Jenev

Viking Beds

Viking Beds Premier Pocket Spring Range of Mattresses & Bed Sets

We manufacture a range of premier pocket spring and pocket pillow top mattresses & bed sets to meet and exceed the standards required by the hospitality industry.

• Manufactured by an engineer
• 5-star Google rated
• Turn & rotate mattresses
• Recommended on Best Thing Ever
• National delivery
• SADC registered
• Licensed exported
• Quality guaranteed
• 100% South African owned

Visit our Showroom to view our high-quality products.

Shop 2 Tasandra Centre

No 11 Montague Drive

Montague Gardens

For assistance, please contact:

Lindsey O’Neill

Sales & Marketing Manager:

Tel: 087 806 3735

Cell: 083 783 5003

E-mail [email protected]

We manufacture a range of high-quality beds, including Bonnell Spring, pocket spring, pillow top, foam mattresses, and bed-sets, mattress toppers, mattress converters, and base converters.

Available in Single to King size and Super King size, in standard or extra length. All mattresses are turn (flip) and rotate.

We offer a national and international delivery service.