This is a sector I have been closely watching in the past year and without doubt the most active one in having mobile websites developed and using QR codes when advertising

Hotels Dramatically Increasing Mobile Marketing Budgets

Global hoteliers are plunking down cash for mobile marketing at an exceptional pace.

Recognizing the growing trend of smartphone use and comfort with mobile advertising among the masses, hotels are ramping up their focus on mobile websites and other mobile marketing initiatives.

According to a recent poll conducted by TravelClick, 50 percent of hotels plan to put more marketing dollars towards mobile websites and marketing. Overall, 43 percent of hotels are planning to increase overall marketing budgets for 2012. Of those surveyed, 34 percent expect to keep their marketing budgets the same as 2011, and only 3 percent plan to decrease their marketing spend.

“According to Nielsen, 40 percent of the Western Europe and 38 percent of the U.S. cell phone markets are dominated by smartphones. Given these rising numbers, it is essential that hoteliers optimize their websites for mobile use to increase direct bookings from travelers that are using their mobile devices to select rooms,” says Jason Ewell, Senior Vice President of E-Commerce for TravelClick.