In case you hadn’t heard UEFA Euro 2024 is about to start. Held in germany between june and july love it or leave it it’s coming to a hotel near you. SO… grab this opportunity and make your hotel stand out from the rest by showing just how much you care for your guests. And not just football fans – it’s a chance to highlight offers for those who want to get away from it all. It’s all about how you angle it.
Before kick off it’s a good idea to get a bit of the groundwork done. So before we get carried away with fun ideas here are some important considerations.
If you have an info channel or guest app have content prepared in advance. The first two weeks are dedicated to the group stage so match schedules are already set. Keep guests well informed about which games will be showing in the public areas. And don’t forget to promote alternatives to football. Make your screens work for you. If you have a mobile app prepare notifications to send to guests regarding daily activities – football or otherwise.
Check broadcasting rights and technology and that your TV service includes the necessary sports channels.
It’s also important to offer reliable streaming options for guests who prefer to watch matches on their personal devices and that you have strong and reliable wifi access throughout the hotel so guests can stream matches or access sports apps without interruption.
GET THE BALL ROLLING
Here’s a few ideas to enhance your guests experience. No need to incorporate all of them – in fact it might lead to overload – just cherry pick the ones your team are comfortable with.
+If you have an entertainment team now is the time to get them involved and let them have fun with it. If your hotel has a kids club get the children involved with face painting, drawing or even a mini tournament.
+Create a great viewing atmosphere with dedicated viewing areas – large screens in the bar, lounge or outdoor spaces help create a communal and festive atmosphere, don’t forget enough seats and good visibility for all guests.
+Try decorating areas with European themed items to enhance the atmosphere.
+Encourage guests to wear jerseys or team colors regardless if it’s their team to create a spirited atmosphere.
+Host prediction contests, football quizzes and other interactive games with small prizes to engage guests.
+Sell football merchandise in the shop.
+Set up dedicated fan zones – along with sports free areas!
+Try special menus – offer food and drink inspired by the participating countries. Incorporate elements of spanish culture into the european experience by offering tapas during matches
+Adjust service hours to accommodate late night and early morning matches. Don’t forget to offer room service during these times too.
+Don’t forget it’s important to cater for guests who have no interest in football. Offer spa specials during match times, throw in a movie night away from the noise. Even if they don’t appreciate football they will enjoy the party atmosphere you create.
+Encourage guests to share their experiences on social media using a specific hashtag, you can feature guest posts on the hotels social media channels.
Be culturally sensitive and respect all teams making sure the hotel environment is welcoming and respectful to fans of all teams – avoid favoritism and that staff are trained to handle rivalries diplomatically. This seems like a lot of extra work but don’t panic, let your hotel infochannel and guestapp do the legwork for you.
With a little planning you can provide guests with all the information they need – match schedules, including kick off times, teams, venues and results. Your staff will be forever grateful and allow them to get on with their job. Post highlights on screens in public areas to help create a festival atmosphere throughout the hotel.
Remember it’s important to keep it simple if you are catering for international guests with multiple languages. As ever entvbox will be providing our partners with the necessary content to enhance guest experience. Being able to offer an international atmosphere during an international event such as the euro-cup is too good an opportunity to miss showing guests you’re willing to go the extra mile. Make it a memorable holiday that guests will want to repeat.
And even better…it all starts again a couple of weeks later with the olympic games!
