Attracting international customers and boosting table reservations from abroad can be a key component of a successful restaurant business. In this article, Ty explores some strategies for attracting more table reservations from international customers, including identifying target markets, offering online booking options, optimizing your website for international visitors, & more. By following these tips, you can increase the chances of attracting international customers and boosting table reservations at your restaurant.
Curate your reputation
The reputation of a restaurant is as much a major factor in attracting new customers as the quality of the experience. This is especially true when it comes to tourists visiting from abroad with only a few days to spend trying out the local scene
Tourists are often looking for recommendations and reviews from other travellers to help them make informed decisions about where to eat, and sites like TripAdvisor can be a valuable resource for finding these recommendations. Make sure to invest the time to curate a positive reputation and address any critical feedback on TripAdvisor and other review sites which will boost your restaurant's visibility and credibility with international travellers.
When potential customers see that your restaurant has a strong reputation and is highly rated by other travellers, they are more likely to be confident in their decision to book a table at your restaurant.
Identify target markets
Research and identify the countries or regions that are most likely to generate table reservations for your restaurant. Consider factors such as the popularity of your cuisine in those markets, the availability of flights and other transportation, and local tourism trends.
Offer online booking options
Make it easy for international customers to secure reservations by offering 24/7 online booking options through your website or through third-party platforms such as CeleryTABLES. It's especially important to protect yourself at the same time by taking deposits.
Translate website for international visitors
Make sure your website is welcoming to international visitors by offering translations in multiple languages & providing clear instructions for making reservations.
While this can take some time, it is very easy to do & can make all the difference for guests who are anxious about reserving a table at a restaurant they won't feel understood.
Streamline operations
Take the pressure off your Host with a smart reservation system that is always self-updating & ready to support them with the information they need. A good table reservation system should be able to integrate your Point of Sale, website, and phone bookings not only alerting you of upcoming arrivals, cancellations, no-shows, late guests & incoming VIPs so you can do your best work.
After integrating table booking into your management system, it's important to communicate your preferred reservation process in your messaging to help guests, help you.
Utilize social media
Use social media to reach out to potential international customers and promote your restaurant. This could include posting photos and updates on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, or utilizing targeted advertising to reach specific audiences.
Partner with travel agencies and tour operators
Partnering with travel agencies and tour operators can help you reach a wider audience of international travellers and increase the chances of attracting table reservations from abroad.
Offer special promotions and packages
Consider offering special promotions or packages targeted explicitly at international customers to entice them to make reservations at your restaurant.
Conclusion
So if you're wanting to attract that sweet, sweet international custom & boost table reservations from abroad, follow all the tips outlined above without those cutting corners when it comes to content, customer service, & software.
From identifying your best audiences to offering buttery smooth online booking and optimising your website for international visitors, these strategies will help you bring in more valuable customers and fill up your restaurant's tables. And remember, a good reputation is the critical factor for attracting any discerning customer, so make sure to pay attention to your restaurant's online reviews and address any negative feedback.
With these strategies in place, you'll be well on your way to making your restaurant the go-to spot for international travellers looking for a taste of your cuisine. So go ahead and start attracting those international customers - your restaurant (and your bottom line) will thank you.