In tough economic times, companies and consumers often cut back on travel spend. When budgets are under pressure, Cape Town hotels can improve their chances of attracting potential clients by using their competitive advantage.
But what is a Cape Town hotel’s competitive advantage? Location There are few places quite as beautiful as Cape Town and travellers usually need little encouragement to choose the Mother City as their preferred holiday destination. Cape Town hotels on the beach-front are in a great position to attract leisure travellers, while hotels located close to the Cape Town International Convention Centre and other business amenities will also be able to target business travellers. Price Whether it is business or leisure travellers, price is the determining factor for most travellers when choosing accommodation. Even luxury hotels can no longer charge the customer based solely on their luxury brand name – travellers are currently very focused on value. Service This is the one area where Cape Town hotels have the opportunity to distinguish themselves from the rest – with ample choice consumers no longer have to stay at hotels were the service is sloppy. Offering superb service is the easiest and most inexpensive way of ensuring that a traveller returns and recommend the hotel to friends and colleagues. Onsite restaurants, bars and spas Convenience is also a big consideration for travellers. Cape Town hotels who offer the best of South African and other popular cuisine and cocktail bars add to the convenience factor. Travellers no longer have to arrange transport and find a suitable restaurant – everything is offered at the hotel itself. Value-adds Especially luxury Cape Town hotels are often afraid that a drop in prices might signal to travellers that the offering is of a lesser standard than it was in the past. One way to overcome this, is to keep prices at the same level, but offer a better package – an extra meal, massage or free transport to the airport are great value-adds.