Overview

The language used in notifications varies depending on the recipient type and several other factors. Understanding these rules is crucial for proper system configuration.

⚠️ Important Note: The default communication locale at the Account level is exclusively for PM and owner communications. Guest notifications follow their own language determination logic.

Guest/Traveler Notifications

Language Determination Factors

• Primary factors:
  • Account's available locales - languages enabled for the account
  • Traveler's preferred locale - individual language preference

Language Selection Process

• If traveler's preferred locale exists in account's available locales → Use traveler's preferred locale
• If no match or no preferred locale set → Default to English
• Country code in address does not influence notification language

Property Manager/Owner Notifications

These notifications follow a simpler rule set:

• Based solely on account's default communication locale
• Not affected by guest language preferences
• Consistent across all communications

Booking Source Impact

Instant Booking Flow

• Language determined by traveler's selection during payment process
• Can differ from browser's default language
• Selection persists throughout the booking communication

Channel API Bookings

• Cannot set preferred language through API
• Defaults to English unless otherwise specified through other means

Website BookNow Widget

• Language based on traveler's interface language choice
• Preference captured during booking process
• Carries through to all subsequent communications

OTAs

• Each OTA has their specifc mechanism for setting the traveler preferred language
• Notifications will be sent in the preferred language as specified by the OTA

Technical Requirements

Notification Configuration

• In order to successfully send a notification, there are required translatable attributes:
  • Subject field
  • Template content

Language Fallback System

• Missing translations for preferred language → System defaults to English
• Applies even if account has other languages available

Best Practices

• Ensure all notification templates have translations for supported languages
• Check translation completeness when adding new notification types

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Unexpected English notifications to French guests → Check for missing translations
• Inconsistent language across notifications → Verify template configuration
• Mixed language communications → Review booking source language settings