Attracting international customers is a challenge for any business, especially for hotels, where effective communication across languages is crucial to capturing a significant share of their clientele. For years, I have been collaborating with Spanish hotel chains operating internationally to deliver professional, culturally nuanced translations. Here’s how I work with them to translate content that boosts engagement, captures audiences and converts readers into paying guests.
1. Understanding the hotel’s needs
Before beginning the translation process, I take the time to fully understand the hotel’s goals and target markets. This begins with ascertaining whether the hotel is targeting a UK- or US-based audience, as recognising and respecting the differences between these two dialects is essential when producing content for English-speaking readers. I then discuss the scope of the content they want translated, which could include their website, social media copy, promotional emails, in-room materials, menus or training resources.
The next step involves collaborating with the hotel to define the desired tone and style—whether professional or casual, welcoming or informal. I also analyse the client’s brand identity to ensure that the translated content aligns with their overall presentation. During this process, I identify any outdated or incorrect translations, which enables us to optimise their multilingual communication strategies together.
2. Tailoring the translation process
Each task I undertake is approached with a combination of linguistic expertise, industry knowledge and a creative touch. My translation process ensures the client’s message is rendered faithfully yet inventively, striking the right chord with English-speaking audiences. Here’s how this works in practice:
· Crafting SEO-optimised translations using keywords travellers are likely to search for when looking for a hotel.
· Avoiding literal translations that might confuse guests.
· Adapting descriptions of hotel rooms, facilities and services to match cultural expectations.
· Maintaining an engaging, compelling tone while adhering to the client’s style guidelines and terminology preferences.
· Creating persuasive calls to action and writing eye-catching headlines.
· Respecting cultural sensitivities by avoiding outdated terms such as “oriental” and “exotic”.
3. Ensuring consistency and speed with translation tools
As a professional translator, I utilise specialised translation memory software to ensure that translations remain consistent over time. These tools enable me to reuse previously approved translations for terms like room types and amenities, which in turn streamlines the translation process, reducing costs for clients and achieving faster turnarounds—all while maintaining the high standards of excellence I am dedicated to delivering. By leveraging my professional software, I ensure consistency in tone and terminology throughout. The result? A cohesive and polished brand voice that flows seamlessly across all communication channels.
4. Clients reap their rewards
After implementing my professional translations, clients report noticeable improvements. Online bookings from international guests rise, guests comment positively on the clear, accessible information available on websites and printed materials and hotel websites rank higher on search engines for English-language queries. It’s a win-win situation for hotels and their guests!
Conclusion
Investing in professional translations allows hotels to connect with a global audience, unlocking the potential to reach guests from around the globe. The ability to communicate effectively to English-speaking markets will not only solidify your hotel’s international reputation but rocket your conversions. Whether you’re a small boutique hotel or a large chain, accurate, culturally appropriate translations can be a game-changer for your business.
If you’d like to take your international guest experience to the next level, feel free to reach out—I’d be delighted to help! With my hotel translation services, global success is within easy reach.