Modern hotels welcome visitors from a variety of countries every day. Business travelers from Asia, tourists from Europe, and families from Latin America all seek comfortable accommodations. However, many hotels overlook a simple upgrade that can make these guests feel truly welcome: programming in their native languages.
International programming can include news channels, sports broadcasts, movies, and entertainment shows from different countries and in various languages. This isn’t just about translation – it’s about providing content that reflects guests’ cultures and interests.
Benefits for Hotels
Attracting International Travelers
Hotels with diverse programming options can become more appealing to international guests. When travelers know they can watch familiar shows or stay updated with news from home, they’re more likely to choose that hotel over competitors.
Higher Guest Satisfaction Scores
Comfortable guests leave better reviews. International programming helps guests feel at home, helping lead to improved satisfaction ratings on travel websites and booking platforms.
Premium Room Rates
Hotels offering international programming can justify higher rates by positioning themselves as full-service, globally-minded properties. This enhanced value proposition appeals to discerning international travelers.
Corporate Contract Opportunities
Multinational companies often negotiate hotel contracts for onsite conferences and events, which include their traveling employees. Hotels with international programming have a competitive advantage when bidding for these lucrative corporate accounts.
Benefits for Hotel Guests
International programming creates genuine value for guests in several important ways:
Connection to Home
Travel can be stressful and isolating. Being able to watch familiar programs or news from home provides emotional comfort and helps guests stay connected to their culture and current events.
Removing Language Barriers
Not all international travelers are fluent in English. Programming in their native language allows guests to truly relax and enjoy their downtime without the mental effort of following foreign-language content.
Cultural Familiarity
International programming offers more than language – it provides cultural context that guests understand – humor, references, and storytelling styles that feel natural and comfortable.
Business Connectivity
International business travelers often need to stay current with news and events in their home countries. Access to international news channels helps them remain informed and prepared for business activities.
Family-Friendly Options
Families traveling with children especially appreciate programming in their native language. Kids can enjoy familiar kid-friendly shows, making the hotel stay more pleasant for the entire family.
Places International Programming Can Make an Impact
Hotels offering international programming stand out in a crowded hotel marketplace. This differentiation becomes especially valuable for hotels in these key areas:
- Airport hotels serving international travelers
- Business districts with multinational companies
- Tourist destinations attracting global visitors
- Convention centers hosting international events
In an era with increased competition for travel dollars where travelers have a multitude of choices, it’s important that hoteliers offer robust and varied in-room guest entertainment offerings to meet traveler demands and help drive repeat guest stays.
Implementation Strategies for Hotels
Start with Guest Demographics
Hotels should analyze their guest data and customer profiles to identify the most common countries of their guest origin. This information helps prioritize which international programming to select.
Consider DIRECTV HOSPITALITY
DIRECTV HOSPITALITY offers a variety of foreign-language packages—including Chinese, Italian, Spanish and more—full of entertainment and news from across the globe. Plus, DIRECTV HOSPITALITY offers equipment subsidies on our entertainment solutions to help offset the costs associated with bringing premium in-room entertainment to guests.
Promote the Offering
Hotels should consider highlighting their international programming in their materials including their website, social media and in online reviews responses.
Train Staff
Front desk and concierge staff should know what international programming is available and how to help guests access it. This knowledge enhances the overall service experience.
Making the Investment
International programming add-ons are a smart investment to help boost guest satisfaction and competitive positioning.
Hotels embracing international programming demonstrate cultural awareness and global hospitality standards. This commitment to serving diverse guests creates lasting competitive advantages in an increasingly connected world.
The message is clear: international programming isn’t just a nice amenity – it’s a strategic business decision that benefits both hotels and their global guests.
Get the Ultimate in Entertainment with DIRECTV HOSPITALITY
Ready to get started? DIRECTV HOSPITALITY offers flexible and affordable TV solutions for hotels of every size. Plus, benefit from nationwide availability, enjoy 99% worry-free signal reliability*, hassle-free professional installation and equipment subsidies. Visit us online to learn more about hospitality solutions for your hotel.
* Based on a Nationwide Study of representative cities.
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