Quest Apartment Hotels New Zealand has reported a 70% jump in direct bookings in the first six months following the launch of its smartphone app.
The app, created in Auckland by local developer Beweb, can currently only book Quest hotels in New Zealand and Fiji and has been downloaded more than 1,600 times since going live on the Google Play and iTunes Stores in July 2019.
Through the app, guests can secure their booking quickly and also communicate with the hotel ahead of arrival to discuss special arrangements or requirements. Franchisees can also stay in touch with guests through the app by inviting them to complete a post-stay guest survey. More than 60% of guests to have used the app have booked more than once, with yields also seeing an improvement through the new service.
The app is also the exclusive accommodation partner of Air New Zealand’s Airpoints for Business program, with points available to guests who book through the new smartphone channel.
Quest New Zealand Group General Manager, Adrian Turner, said it had been an exciting process connecting its properties’ booking systems to the app over the last quarter.
“There are countless benefits the app provides, but it is surprisingly simple to use. And that is what technology is all about – creating valuable services that users can easily access and utilise.”
The serviced apartment operator is currently engaged in a program of expansion across the country, with new hotels in Palmerston North, Hastings, Christchurch, Takapuna, Mount Manganui and Mt Eden scheduled to open over the next 18 months.