360DigitalInfluence

The global economic downturn and swine flu has been shaken the travel industry all over the world. The majority of holiday makers are now thinking twice before making the big decision of investing in a getaway. The industry is fighting hard against these critical issues and some resorts are actually being creative and taking the saying above very seriously.

Rio Quente Resorts (www.rioquenteresorts.com.br), in Goiás (Brazil) is a good example. It launched a kind of “sun certificate” for July. For each day that rains when a client* is staying at the hotel within the month, they can get one day free for their next holidays at the resort. As it is winter in Brazil and children are on school holidays, many families might feel attracted to this innovative scheme and invest their money in something that it is at least “guarantying” satisfaction if not for this holiday, certainly for the next. Clever, isn’t it?

Another bright idea came from a pool of hotels that includes Real Resorts (www.realresorts.com) in Cancun, Mexico. Their website presents a quick description of the “Flu Free Guarantee” plan: “Real Resorts is offering any guest who in the remote and very unlikely event contracts the (H1N1) flu virus within 14 days of visiting any of its resorts in Cancun or Playa del Carmen a three year package of complimentary guaranteed vacations will be honored”. That is another brilliant way of attracting tourists who might be concerned about the flu epidemic.

Both examples show how companies are taking their commitment very seriously to make client satisfaction a top priority in their business. The great thing is that they will potentially beat global concerns, catch people’s attention and encourage more tourists for holidays. I would say it is an ideal win-win situation. Pat on the back to them!

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