For several months, the QR code has been in vogue everywhere we go, and the hospitality industry is no exception. Discover how you can take advantage of it.
Through this article, you will discover the meaning of the QR code, how to use it, and the reasons to adopt QR codes in your establishment!
What Is a QR Code?
Literally, the term stands for Quick Response. Why? Because the content of a QR code can be decoded quickly. A simple scan of this code with a barcode reader or smartphone is all it takes.
Its creation dates back to 1994, in Japan. Originally, the company Denso-Wave designed the QR code to track spare parts in Toyota factories. In 1999, it was made public.
Since then, the use of QR codes has completely evolved and spread worldwide!
How Is a QR Code Constructed?
The arrangement of the black modules you see on a white background is not randomly defined — on the contrary, it is the result of a unique structure for each code.
In other words, each QR code is different and unique.
How to Use a QR Code?
The QR code allows you to store one or more pieces of information, whether small or large, in a single code. You can even consolidate all the information from your room directory into a single QR code for your guests to access.
To use it, it’s quick — simply:
- Point your smartphone camera at the QR code (today all Apple and Android smartphones include QR code reader functionality directly in their camera)
- Scan the QR code by placing it in the center of the screen
- The device will process the QR code and open a pop-up with the link to directly access the target page
What Is the Difference Between a Static QR Code and a Dynamic QR Code?
A static QR code is one that is associated with a single URL. Once you have printed the QR code, you can no longer change the URL it redirects to. If you modify or delete the URL, the QR code becomes unusable.
A dynamic QR code offers more flexibility and allows you to change the redirect URL over time. This QR code is the one to prefer in most cases. It gives you more flexibility and manageability. For example, you can print a single QR code that presents your latest news and can modify the redirect page without having to print a new QR code each time.
5 Good Reasons to Use QR Codes in Your Establishment!
1. Limit the Harmful Effects of Paper on the Environment
Stop the paper! There was a time when paper was something rare and precious, but today its production consumes far too much energy and increases your establishment’s carbon footprint.
Thanks to the use of QR codes, you eliminate recurring printing. Indeed, you only need to print the QR code once! It then has an unlimited lifespan. You reduce your establishment’s ecological impact and contribute to more responsible tourism.
2. Follow the Trend and Be Up to Date!
Just look around you to realize that QR codes are everywhere. We find them more and more on bar and restaurant tables, on communication materials of certain companies, and even on postage stamps!
Moreover, large hospitality groups like Accor or Four Seasons have already started implementing QR codes in their establishments for many years, and guests appreciate it.
The QR code has today become the best substitute for paper media.
3. Organize Your Time Efficiently
Hospitality and restaurant industry jobs are demanding, requiring enormous patience and time. Today, speed is one of the key success factors in your sector. By setting up a QR code that directs your guests to the information they need, you can give them answers to recurring questions and spend your time on high-value tasks! Gone are the days when you gave out the WiFi code or the address of the best restaurant near the hotel 50 times a day.
Moreover, the QR code is quick to set up, quick to scan, and 100% customized.
4. Address the Health Crisis
The COVID-19 health crisis severely impacted the tourism sector, particularly hospitality. New health protocols and barrier measures were put in place. Paper documentation became very cumbersome — to avoid contamination risks, room directories had to be disinfected between each guest. Implementing QR codes eliminates this problem. Guests thus have access to the room directory directly on their smartphones.
Moreover, the QR code is used contactlessly and therefore without contamination risk, unlike a terminal or tablet which could be a vector for contamination!
5. Generate Additional Sales
Through the smart use of QR codes, you can highlight your services at the right time for your guests.
For example, you can place a small poster with a QR code linking to your beverage menu on your pool loungers. Or a QR code in rooms redirecting to the room service menu. Or even a poster with your spa treatment menu, placed on tables in your lobby. So many opportunities to subtly offer your services to guests!
Join the Utelys Adventure
At Utelys, our mission is to help accommodation providers respond to the new challenges of their industry and facilitate their digitalization.
Our web application allows hoteliers to improve the guest experience during their stays. It enables them to personalize guest relations and highlight the establishment’s internal services. It is accessible via dynamic QR codes placed in high-traffic areas of the establishment and in rooms. We create our own web applications as well as our QR codes. This allows us to offer you 100% customized solutions in your image. A tailor-made and turnkey solution that doesn’t pollute!
