An overwhelming response was received by the majority of Local Hoteliers from Management and Sales/Marketing who attended the hospitality conference organised by HWS in collaboration with the MHRA.

The conference predominantly focused on the importance of having an effective hotel website.  The various global statistics show that the internet has become one of the most popular methods for potential hotel guests to find out more information about a particular hotel and to actually book their stay online.  

The conference was opened by Mr. George Schembri, CEO of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, while, Mr. Frankie Spiteri, the Managing Director of HWS was the main conference speaker.

The keys topics covered by Mr. Spiteri during the conference, included:-

• The Importance of Search Engines
  If a hospitality operator features well on search engines, a potential guest is as likely to become aware of its products as that of its better known competitors.  Once the user has knowledge of the hospitality operator, half the race is won !  An organisation needs to proactively plan ways in which to gain footage in the race to feature well on the search engines.  There are an ever-changing set of rules set by the search engines which must be adhered to at all times.  While tour operators and other intermediaries have been extremely proactive in utilising search engines to offer their services, hotels both locally and internationally have lagged far behind.  It is now time for hotels to catch up. 
  
  
• An Effective Hotel Web Presence can Increase Revenues and Decrease Expenses
  An effective website with the proper positioning on search engines will not only translate into an increase in hotel bookings, however, it assists potential guests during their purchase decisions.  One aspect which is often ignored is the amount of time that can be saved by hotel staff through having an effective website.  This can range from automated processes such as request for proposal forms, conference facility layouts and other information being readily available on the site saving both time and money.   Capturing client contact details is facilitated and can be used to encourage repeat business through e-newsletters, promotions, etc.
  
  
• Communicating with clients
  Speaking to potential and repeat clients on a one-to-one basis is one of the greatest advantages that the internet can offer the hospitality industry.  With advances in technology, an organisation can add information to its websites with a few easy clicks.
  
  As hotels operate in a global environment the importance of multilingual websites was highlighted during the course of the conference.  Local hoteliers should not miss out on the opportunity to ‘speak’ their potential guests ‘language’ in order to cater for this potential market. HWS introduced web administration systems which facilitate the uploading of multilingual content.  
  
  
• Marketing in the Hospitality Industry
  Three essential principles of hospitality marketing - that of building a relationship with a client, attempting to retain this client and encouraging repeat visitors - can be successfully attained through the effective management of an organisation’s website. 

The key to internet success is to have the right know-how and technology when planning each and every aspect of e-commerce.  Efforts must be made to ensure that the hospitality operator features well on search engines. Facilities such as an easily updatable content management system, where the organisation can carry out changes to its website using everyday MS Office technology and multilingual content can place the operator a step ahead of its competitors.