Buzz
In the next 10 years, every hotel is anticipated to offer free Wi-Fi, as predicted by the Intercontinental Hotels Group, one of the largest conglomerates in the hotel industry.
The Free Wi-Fi Trend
An increasing number of travelers desire free internet, prompting changes in the hotel and tourism sector. Currently, approximately 64% of hotels worldwide provide free Wi-Fi for guests. Wi-Fi services in hotels have been a costly amenity, with prices reaching nearly $6 per day for mid-range and small hotels, and up to $30 for luxury hotels.
Travelers are seeking a change. According to HotelChatter.com, 43% of travelers state they would not choose a hotel without free Wi-Fi. In China, the preference for Wi-Fi reaches an impressive 70%.
Major hotel chains like Hilton, Best Western, and Marriott have implemented free Wi-Fi across certain brand offerings. However, luxury hotels are still hesitating to provide this service. The reason is that guests willing to spend $300 a night at a hotel are unlikely to hesitate to pay an additional $15 for internet services. This becomes a substantial source of revenue for upscale establishments.
Wi-Fi Paradises
Travelers visiting Taiwan can register for free Wi-Fi by presenting their passports at the tourist office in airports or subway stations. In cities like Tokyo and Kyoto in Japan, tourists only need to show their passports to obtain a 14-day free Wi-Fi card. Lesser-known destinations like Niue near New Zealand and Tallinn in Estonia also offer free Wi-Fi coverage. In Vietnam, Da Nang takes the lead in city-wide Wi-Fi coverage.
Sky-High Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is not limited to the ground; it's soaring to new heights. Earlier this year, Norwegian Air became the first airline to provide free Wi-Fi on all European flights. Meanwhile, Hong Kong Airlines offers complimentary Wi-Fi for passengers on the Hong Kong – London route.
Why Free Wi-Fi?
Two factors drive the popularity of free Wi-Fi in global travel. Firstly, an increasing number of travelers own smartphones and tablets, ensuring they favor hotels/airlines providing free internet services. Secondly, hotels/airlines recognize that offering free Wi-Fi helps attract more visitors, leading to better business outcomes.
The Future
Some upscale hotels in the U.S. have developed applications to access hotel Wi-Fi for adjusting reservations or requesting room services from guests' smartphones. This indicates that in the future, free Wi-Fi not only benefits travelers but also opens up prospects for improving business capabilities and service quality for hotels.
Vietnam, among the countries with extensive Wi-Fi coverage globally, mainly due to the government's technology development strategy. Therefore, the next time you choose a hotel in Vietnam, remember to steer clear of those without complimentary Wi-Fi. You deserve to stay connected without paying in Vietnam.
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Source: Travel Guide Mytour
MytourJuly 12, 2013
