Customer satisfaction up in a down economy

�The increase in customer satisfaction with hotels is certainly good news and surprising given the current economic pressures to reduce staff and services,� said Jonathan Barsky, Ph.D., vice president of research for Market Metrix.   �But in this economy hotels are focusing more on their current customers.  And with occupancy rates down 2.6 % in the first half of 2008, guest staffing ratios have remained stable.  Other factors helping to maintain or improve customer satisfaction include recent investments in customer technology, facilities and new services; expanded satisfaction measurement programs and pay-for-performance compensation; and the growth of online customer reviews which help to manage guest expectations and deliver more pleasing hotel experiences.�

Comparing performance across the hospitality industry

For the first half of 2008, luxury hotels and midscale w/o food & beverage hotels showed the most improvement.  Luxury brands showing the biggest gains include Intercontinental (+ 3.3), Taj Hotels (+ 2.8), and Ritz-Carlton (+ 2.8).  The most improved midscale w/o food & beverage brands are Howard Johnson (+ 2.7), Ramada (+ 2.2), and Red Lion Hotels (+ 1.9).  The only down-trending segment was Casinos with Flamingo Las Vegas (- 6.1), Excalibur Hotel & Casino (- 1.4), and Rio (- 0.8) posting the biggest declines. 

Customer satisfaction with airlines rebounded slightly (+.5 to 73.8) from last quarter�s all-time record low score.  But due to higher fuel prices there is no real improvement in sight.  �Airlines continue to reduce flights and staff while raising fares and adding fees,� said Dr. Barsky. �That is not a formula to win consumer sentiment.�   Further, according to the MMHI, three-quarters of all airlines have seen their satisfaction scores drop in the first half of 2008.  Among the large carriers, United and Southwest show the biggest declines.  Midwest is one bright spot, earning the award for most-improved airline, as well as top score in customer satisfaction for the first half of 2008. 

Other MMHI Results Include Top Scoring Drury Hotels

Drury Inns posted the highest score (91.8) among all hotels in the industry, demonstrating that exceeding expectations is the key to guest satisfaction.  Guests rave about the personal treatment they receive.  Drury Inns was one of the first hotels in the limited-service segment, and all the Drury hotels are still owned and operated by the Drury family. 

Among rental car companies, satisfaction is down slightly for 2008 (-0.9 to 79.7).  Enterprise placed first despite a drop in its score (-1.6 to 81.7) for the first half of 2008.  Thrifty and Alamo, however, show significant gains in 2008 (+1.6 to 79.2 and +1.3 to 79.5, respectively).  The rental car industry continues to be tightly clustered (less than 5 points separate the top and bottom brands), indicating that the customers do not see significant differences among the brands.  And there is a new kid on the block, car sharing companies (ZipCar and others), that appear to be benefiting from spiraling gas prices and appealing subscription model (renting cars for short periods of time, often by the hour). 

About MMHI
Based on 35,000 customer interviews conducted each quarter, the Market Metrix Hospitality Index (MMHI) is the largest and most in-depth measure of hospitality company performance available today.  These benchmarks, delivered through our flagship product Customer Metrix�, enable Market Metrix clients to compare their results to competitors by STAR segment, AAA classification, Brand, SMSA, industry averages, performers in the top 10% and other classifications.   The MMHI is also available by subscription.

About Market Metrix 
Market Metrix helps hospitality companies around the world foster loyal customers and engaged employees.  Based on award-winning research and breakthrough concepts, our SaaS-based products deliver instant survey results, analysis and management tools for increasing revenue and reducing staff turnover.  Our benchmarking database, MMHI, is the most comprehensive, independent comparison of consumer brand satisfaction in the industry.  Our annual MMHI Awards are coveted by lodging and travel enterprises around the world.  With clients that include more than 120 brands across 70 countries, Market Metrix has been helping leading hospitality companies turn feedback into performance since 1996.  For more information, visit www.marketmetrix.com.

Kristin Nash
Market Metrix
415-302-7951