On-demand, low-cost and high quality colour printing a vital differentiator for hospitality market

With SA recently named as one of the most attractive tourist destinations worldwide, the obvious result is that competition within the hospitality market has become harder. And as the competition has strengthened, so has the need for professionalism and a superior level of service.

"With the hospitality market tougher than ever, restaurants can no longer afford to get by on their cuisine and location alone. In order to remain popular, they need to have exciting menus that change regularly to remain attractive, reflecting special dishes and the stock of wine in their cellars. They also need to become accustomed to handling events, complete with customised name tags, personalised banners and themed decorations," says Neil Rom, managing director of Printacom.

"In the same way, hotels and conference centres are finding that customers are demanding that they go the extra mile. This includes personalised itineraries and all communications with customers, printing of banners for events being hosted and adding a more personal touch by providing patrons with a customised letter from management," Rom continues. Customers at some of the leading hotels also have access to personalised stationery, letterheads and business cards for the duration of their stay.

While up until now, top-end establishments have been offering these services through the use of monochrome laser printers, even the most popular organisations are seeing the need for higher-quality colour output that makes a greater impact, convey an air of professionalism and allow for a wider array of exciting marketing options.

"This is where the Oki range of colour lasers plays an important role," Rom says. "The printers` ability to produce on-demand, high-quality colour results inexpensively, means that restaurants, hotels and conference centres can produce event collateral quickly when and where they need it, without having to outsource printing to a specialist printing house."

"Add to this the Oki range`s ability to print on a variety of paper mediums and sizes, right from business cards through to banners, and it`s not hard to see that the options for promotion and customisation are virtually limitless."

"When it comes down to it, the image a business portrays reaches all the way from the service, professionalism and demeanour of the staff, through to the establishment`s location and physical product delivered - whether it be a meal or a conference venue. Paying attention to detail in the form of quality printed itineraries, personalised stationery and up-to-date menus are all part of the little touches that can set a place apart from its nearest competitor," Rom says.

"Those establishments wishing to stay ahead of the game should investigate the benefits that colour printing from Oki can bring to their business and the value it can add, as they will be pleasantly surprised by the low costs and top class results Oki printers can deliver," he concludes.