FAQ VIRTUAL TOUR

UNLOCKING THE POWER OF VIRTUAL TOURS :
COST, ROI, AND IMPACT ON THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

 

1 - Cost and Investment:

1. What is the initial cost of creating and maintaining the virtual tour?

The virtual tour requires a one-time payment. After the photoshoot and editing, it will be fully functional. Critical updates are free, but if non-essential changes, like altering the layout, menu, or adding new documents, are requested later, additional fees may apply.

2. Are there ongoing expenses related to software, updates, or hosting?

No fee: Clients can avoid ongoing costs like hosting fees, software updates, or maintenance if they host the tour on their own platform. However, they may still need to pay for non-essential changes to the virtual tour.

3. How does the cost of a virtual tour compare to traditional marketing?

Virtual tours are usually more cost-effective than traditional marketing methods like print ads, billboards, or TV commercials. They typically require a one-time production fee, while traditional marketing has ongoing costs. Virtual tours also offer long-term value, as they can be reused without extra costs, unlike traditional ads that may need frequent updates.

2 - Return on Investment (ROI):

1. How do virtual tours impact conversion rates (inquiries, bookings, and upsells)?
Virtual tours can greatly boost conversion rates by providing an engaging, interactive experience.
They help customers understand the space or product better, leading to more inquiries, bookings, and upsells by:
• Increasing engagement: Users spend more time exploring, building trust and interest.
• Improving decision-making: Detailed views reduce uncertainty, making it easier for people to   take action.
• Boosting confidence: A transparent look encourages bookings as visitors know what to expect.
• Differentiating from competitors: Virtual tours make your offering stand out, leading to higher
  conversions compared to static images or descriptions.
2. What is the expected ROI timeline, and how do we measure success?
ROI timelines vary based on the business type, audience size, and promotion of the virtual tour.
Typically, returns are seen within a few months to a year through increased engagement, inquiries, and sales. Success can be measured by:
• Website analytics: Track how long visitors engage with the virtual tour and click-through rates.
• Conversion rates: Monitor increases in inquiries, bookings, or sales tied to the virtual tour.
• Customer feedback: Gather insights on how the tour influenced decisions.
• Reduced bounce rates: A good virtual tour keeps visitors on your site longer, reducing bounce rates and   increasing conversions.
3. Examples of hotels with positive ROI from virtual tours:
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
• Virtual Tour Implementation: Virtual Tour Implementation: Rolled out across brands like JW Marriott, Courtyard and Fairfield by Marriott, offering 360-degree views of rooms, dining areas, and event spaces.
• Results: 67% increase in booking conversion rates, 16% rise in direct bookings, and a 15-20% boost in group booking inquiries for event spaces.
• ROI: 4x to 7x return on investment, driven by more bookings, especially for premium rooms and event spaces.
HILTON HOTELS & RESORTS
• Virtual Tour Implementation: Launched in flagship brands like Hilton and Waldorf Astoria, showcasing rooms, event venues, and facilities.
• Results: 45% higher conversion rates, 8% increase in guest satisfaction, 20% boost in corporate event bookings, and a 25% reduction in on-site visits.
• ROI: 5x return on investment, fueled by more bookings and premium room demand
RADISSON BLU
• Virtual Tour Implementation: Focused on luxury properties, offering immersive views of rooms, wellness facilities, and meeting spaces.
• Results: 30% more time spent on the website, 17% rise in event bookings, and 10% increase in
occupancy rates, especially for luxury suites.
• ROI:  4x return, driven by better online engagement, direct bookings, and event visibility.

3. Examples of hotels with positive ROI from virtual tours:

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL

• Virtual Tour Implementation: Virtual Tour Implementation: Rolled out across brands like JW
Marriott, Courtyard and Fairfield by Marriott, offering 360-degree views of rooms, dining areas, and event spaces.
• Results: 67% increase in booking conversion rates, 16% rise in direct bookings, and a 15-20% boost in group booking inquiries for event spaces.
• ROI: 4x to 7x return on investment, driven by more bookings, especially for premium rooms and event spaces.
HILTON HOTELS & RESORTS
• Virtual Tour Implementation: Launched in flagship brands like Hilton and Waldorf Astoria,
showcasing rooms, event venues, and facilities.
• Results: 45% higher conversion rates, 8% increase in guest satisfaction, 20% boost in corporate event bookings, and a 25% reduction in on-site visits.
• ROI: 5x return on investment, fueled by more bookings and premium room demand
RADISSON BLU
• Virtual Tour Implementation: Focused on luxury properties, offering immersive views of rooms,
wellness facilities, and meeting spaces.
• Results: 30% more time spent on the website, 17% rise in event bookings, and 10% increase in
occupancy rates, especially for luxury suites.
• ROI:  4x return, driven by better online engagement, direct bookings, and event visibility.