Localization in the APAC region is a prerequisite for success
International hotel brands in APAC countries like China face unique challenges. Cultural differences, regional economic disparity, and consumer behavior can all act as obstacles to success in the local hospitality industry, consequently, learning how to localize can help you to develop your international hotel brand.
By localization we are not just referring to products or technologies, it also means having local service teams that can cope with the specific needs of the region. HRS Hospitality & Retail Systems’ experience in this field is a good example of the importance of localization and how it can be crucial for your hotel in APAC.
Recruit a local team for your helpdesk
The Asia-Pacific region is in an excellent position for growth in the hospitality sector, with the culturally significant destinations of China proving to be very attractive to tourists.
Although Mandarin is the official spoken language, there are almost 300 other dialects and sub-languages. Newcomers to the Chinese hospitality industry must recognize that these linguistic and cultural differences are very important, as is cost because consumers in the regions are very price-sensitive
Ensure that you have a support helpdesk that speaks the local language and understands local requirements, this will help your business to avoid misunderstandings and win the loyalty of your customers.
Translation of user interfaces and reports for each product
Mobile applications are no longer just about online booking or looking for hot deals on room rates. We are seeing much more personalized search results, with localized websites and mobile applications that are catering to an international user base. Guests expect to see information that not only meets their tastes and travel habits but is also in their language.
Increasingly, hoteliers are introducing features and services that are much more personalized. HRS Hospitality & Retail Systems ensure that every product is localized, this includes reports and analytics as well as the systems.
Legal and fiscal requirements
During the recent pandemic period, HRS carried out a remote systems audit for all of its customers in the Asia Pacific Region. Whatever the circumstances, it is essential they take place regularly to meet the required standards and ensure security compliance.
Customers now acknowledge that these service enhancements are essential, and they are comfortable in the knowledge that technology will help them to improve their experience and productivity.
HRS has learned a lot about the capabilities of the modern hospitality industry, therefore, we are committed to ensuring that our customers get the best possible value from the services that they have purchased.
Integrations, develop them to fit popular local solutions
Primarily, HPG (HRS Payment gateway) is a payment integration solution that accepts all credit cards, Alipay, WeChat pay, UnionPay, and works with Oracle PMS/POS products, and TNG. Working with a Qualified Security Assessor, HPG has obtained its PCI-S3 compliance certification and is connected to various major global banks and processors. The HRS Payment gateway supports trading functions like pre-authorization, consumption, refund, manual offline trade mode, daily transaction summary generation, historical transaction query, reprinting the bill, and much more.
In summary, the APAC region hospitality market is unique, consequently, it is important to consider every aspect of localization and ensure that the service or product that you are selling, fits properly.
Author: Steven Lee
HRS Managing Director APAC
