But do you know what’s happening in the hotel automation space? What are the latest trends in hotel automation?

Whether you’re a hotel owner, manager, or employee, this blog is for you. 

I am going to delve into the world of hotel automation and cover everything you need to know, including the latest trends, the most useful tools, and practical tips for implementing automation in your hotel.

Evolution of Automation in the Hospitality Industry

The use of technology to automate various tasks and services in the hospitality industry has a long history. 

Early forms of hotel automation involved the use of computers for managing reservations and check-ins. 

As technology advanced, so did hotel automation, leading to the widespread adoption of personal computers and the internet in the 1990s, which enabled online reservations and electronic systems for managing guest information. And this made it easier for hotels to manage their operations more efficiently. 

In the last two decades, automation in the hospitality industry has continued to evolve. With the widespread adoption of smartphones and other mobile devices, hotels today are able to offer guests increased convenience and flexibility. 

Now fast forward to date, many hotels offer self-check-in kiosks and mobile app-based room controls, among other features that allow guests to access and control various aspects of their stay through their devices. 

This evolution of hotel automation solutions demonstrates the capabilities of technology to improve efficiency and enhance the guest experience. 

As technology continues to advance, it is likely that hotel automation will also evolve and change the way hotels operate and guests make reservations.

Current Trends and Technologies in Hotel Automation

There are many trends and a variety of tools and technologies that are commonly used in hotel automation. Some of the most talked-about include:

1. Property management systems (PMS)

When we talk about hotel automation solutions, a property management system (PMS) holds the first spot in the list. 

These software systems are used to manage reservations, guest check-in/check-out, and room assignments. However, it’s not limited to the same. A PMS is capable of enhancing and automating hotels’ end-to-end operations. 

Additionally, a PMS often integrates with other hotel systems, such as point-of-sale systems and customer relationship management systems. Through such integration, the system ensures that every department is working in sync and the hotelier doesn’t miss out on any updates. 

2. Guest experience solutions

These are designed to enhance the guest experience by providing personalized recommendations and services, such as booking activities or ordering room service.

Now, that’s a general overview or you can say a definition. 

But when you delve deeper, it goes without saying that there are multiple aspects that these solutions cover. 

One of the most sought-after is a contactless system, that allows guests to book, check-in, avail of services, and check-out from a hotel without any human interference. And it is a great example of such guest experience solutions. 

3. Smart room technology 

IoT is at the forefront of smart room technology. These devices are connected to the internet and can be used in hotel room automation and control of various aspects of hotel rooms. 

For example, hotels might use IoT devices such as smart locks, smart thermostats, or smart lighting systems that can be controlled through a mobile app or other interfaces. 

These technologies have gained a lot of attention lately for their ability to improve the guest experience. They provide customizable control over the room environment and enable guests to have a more personalized and enjoyable stay.

In addition to improving the guest experience, these technologies also have the ability to manage energy usage in a way that helps hotels reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy costs.

They can also provide important data and insights that can be used to identify opportunities for further energy efficiency improvements.

Also read: IoT in Hospitality Industry

4. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies are crucial for a hotel’s automation infrastructure. They can be used to automate various tasks in the hotel industry, such as analyzing guest data, creating guest personas, making personalized recommendations, or automating marketing campaigns. 

Additionally, AI and machine learning can be leveraged to improve security and safety by providing real-time monitoring and alerts, or by automating tasks such as identifying potential security threats. 

Tips for Implementing Hotel Automation

Automation is certainly an intriguing aspect of a hotel’s overall infrastructure. However, to make the right implementation, a hotelier needs to be aware and mindful of certain things.

So, if you have been thinking of deploying hotel automation solutions on your property, here are some tips for implementing it:

1. Develop a clear plan and strategy

Before implementing any automation technologies, it’s important to have a clear plan in place. This should include specific goals for the automation, such as improving efficiency, enhancing the guest experience, or reducing costs.

It should also include a timeline for implementation, taking into account any necessary training or other preparations.

Not just that! A strong and well-thought-out budget also plays an imperative role in the implementation of any automation technology. It ensures that the automation project is financially viable.

In addition to these elements, do consider the long-term benefits and potential ROI of automation. Will it pay for itself over time through cost savings or increased revenue? Will it provide a competitive advantage in the market? Answering these questions can help you determine the best course of action and ensure that your automation implementation is a success.

2. Consider the guest experience

When implementing automation, it’s important to consider how it will impact the guest experience. Will it make their stay more convenient and enjoyable, or will it feel impersonal and disruptive?

It’s important to strike the right balance and ensure that automation is used to enhance the guest experience, not detract from it.

Now, to achieve this balance, a hotelier must consider the needs and preferences of his/her guests. Some guests may prefer a more personal touch and may not be comfortable using self-check-in kiosks or mobile app-based room controls. In these cases, it may be best to offer both automated and traditional options to give guests the choice.

In addition, consider how automation will fit into the overall guest experience.

For example, if you are implementing a chatbot to assist with booking and other tasks, you'll want to make sure that the chatbot is easy to use and provides helpful and accurate information. If the chatbot is difficult to use or provides incorrect information, it could detract from the guest experience rather than enhance it.

3. Start small and scale up

When implementing automation, it’s often best to start small and gradually scale up. Starting small allows you to test out different technologies, see how they work in practice, and make any necessary adjustments or improvements before committing to a full-scale rollout.

Now, when I say start small, there are a few different ways to do that. One option is to implement automation in a specific department or function, such as reservations or housekeeping. Another option is to implement automation in a limited number of rooms or guest areas.

If you take these approaches, you’ll be able to see how automation is received by guests and whether is it really solving the problems and you’re getting the most out of your investment.

4. Train your hotel staff

Proper training is important when implementing automation in your hotel, especially in guest-facing areas, such as self-check-in kiosks or chatbots.

If your staff is not trained, they may not be able to assist guests who are having difficulty using the automation, which could lead to frustration and a negative guest experience.

Now, when you train your staff, provide clear instructions and training materials. You may also want to consider offering hands-on training or providing support as needed.

By investing in your staff’s learning and development, you can ensure that your staff is equipped to handle the new automation technologies and provide a high level of service to guests.

5. Integrate with existing systems

If you already have various systems in place, it’s important to determine how the new automation technologies will integrate with them. This will help ensure that everything works smoothly and that you’re getting the most out of your investment.

For example, if you are implementing a new point-of-sale system or a housekeeping or maintenance system, you'll want to make sure that it integrates with your existing property management system (PMS). This will allow you to have a comprehensive view of hotel operations and streamline processes across departments.

In today’s fast-paced tech-driven era, it is of utmost importance that all of your technology stacks are interlinked and synced. If you get it right, you are sure to witness a successful implementation of automation that adds value to your hotel.

6. Focus on continuously improving

Hotel automation technologies are extremely dynamic. Meaning, the technology that’s making strides today might not actually be relevant tomorrow.

This is why, you as a hotelier, must keep a tap on all the latest happening in the hotel tech space. Not just keep up, but you also need to determine how you can upgrade or replace certain technologies as they become obsolete and add new technologies to improve the guest experience. 

For example, there was a time when OCR scanners for guest check-in were only limited to mobile devices for front desk employees. 

However, there have been a lot of advancements in space. Today, there are dedicated kiosk-like devices that come with OCR scanners. Guests can simply scan their IDs, and proceed with their check-in with little to no human interaction. 

7. Be mindful of privacy

As with any technology that collects data, it’s important to be mindful of privacy concerns and ensure that personal data is collected and used in a responsible manner.

So, it is considered to be a good practice to evaluate every single technology and determine if they are secure enough to keep your hotel and its guests’ data safe. 

After all, a single mishap regarding a data leak can ruin your hotel’s reputation. 

One thing you can do to ensure total data security is work with cybersecurity experts who can help you build infrastructure that would ensure data security.  

8. Communicate with guests

I cannot emphasize enough on this point. It is of utmost importance that you communicate with your guests. 

And when I say communication, I literally mean telling your guests what you are doing in terms of automation in your hotel, particularly if they may impact the guest experience. Provide information about how to use the technologies or address any concerns that guests may have.

Now, this communication can happen in any form; be it on social media, announcements on the website, or with guests in person. 

The post Hotel Automation Checklist: Trends, Tools, and Tips for Success appeared first on eZee Absolute.

The way technology emerged in this volatile industry and transformed the way hotel businesses operate is just supremely impressive.

But (there’s always a BUT), many accommodation providers around the world are still refraining from using any sort of hospitality technology solution.

And this is because, either they are not aware of the merits, skeptical about it, overwhelmed with all the options available, or they are just in denial.

Whatever is the case, avoiding hospitality technology and solutions, that too in this digital age, isn’t the right thing to do.

So, here I am again to change your perception of technology. 

If you have been clueless about what type of hospitality technology solutions you need to incorporate into your property, this blog is for you.

Technology is a Pressing Priority for Hotels

The above heading is a tall statement, but it’s certainly based on facts and the current industry scenario.

At present, a huge number of hotels operate keeping technology at the center. From acquiring bookings, delivering guest experience, enhancing hotel operations, to carrying out various post-stay activities, everything has a touch of technology.

In a recent survey around reasons to use technology, this is what hoteliers stated:

• 24% of respondents said that improving the guest experience is the prime reason.
• 18% said they want to grow their profits.
• 16% said they want to make their hotel future-proof.
• And the rest of the respondents stated they want to gain a competitive advantage, grow top-line revenue, and save money and time.

The above statistics speak volumes about the significance of hospitality technology and solutions in today’s hospitality segment.

Now, the cloud is also one of the major aspects of this whole shebang, and there’s another survey that certainly proves the point why the cloud holds the center stage.

Executives in the global travel and hospitality industry were surveyed to determine the prominence of the cloud in the industry.

• A whopping 54% of the respondents said that the cloud makes their business agile.
• And 53% said it enhances the guest experience to a higher level.

Essential Technologies for Hotels to Incorporate

The technologies mentioned in this section are the ones that play a pivotal role in a hotel’s success. So, check each one of them and see which ones are the best fit. 

1. Cloud-based Property Management System (PMS)

Whenever it’s about hotel technology, the first and foremost thing that comes to mind is a “property management system”, especially “cloud-based”. It is undoubtedly one of the essential hospitality technology solutions for hotels worldwide.

A cloud-based hotel PMS is a system that can be accessed via a secure login using a computer or mobile device connected to the Internet, anywhere in the world. It helps hotels in not just managing but also automating crucial tasks such as front-office, bookings, accounting, guest check-in/check-out, room assignment, and other necessary day-to-day hotel operations.

Not to mention, there are various new technologies in the hospitality industry, but PMS remains the epicenter.  

A cloud hotel PMS is at the heart of all the technological integration. When other systems are connected to a PMS, it makes everything work together. 

Therefore, if you have been planning to turn your hotel tech-first, this is the first solution you need to incorporate.

2. Channel Manager

If you have observed the hospitality industry for a little longer than the last few years, you must have noticed that the internet has significantly changed various aspects of it. And one of them is in regards to online bookings.

Today, can a hotel overlook the importance of online reservation platforms (or OTAs)?

Absolutely not! They have to list themselves on all the relevant OTAs because they help in maximizing revenue.

However, there’s a challenge. It is difficult to manage all the listings on various platforms. On top of it, what about room inventory updates? The obstacles are legitimate.

This is where a channel manager comes in.

A channel manager is a piece of hotel tech that allows a property to manage multiple listings and update inventory in real-time across all connected distribution channels.

For example, you receive a booking from one of the OTAs you’re connected to. Now, you don’t have to log into other OTAs and mark the room as booked. The channel manager does this automatically and in real-time.

With a channel manager in place, you not just automate your operational tasks but also help your potential guests make the most informed decisions. 

3. Booking Engine

“Every hotel needs a website,” they said. But no one has ever mentioned that every hotel also needs a booking engine.

What is the point of a hotel website where people cannot make a reservation?

But with a cloud-powered booking engine, you can change the entire game.

It is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) application that hotels can integrate into their website and PMS, allowing potential guests to reserve a stay online.

Top-notch booking engines also allow hotels to upsell, create packages, promotions, and exclusive deals for frequent guests, offer payment gateway options, and more.

Not to mention, there are booking engines available that also assist hotels in converting their Facebook page followers into happy guests with the help of social media integration.

All of it at absolutely 0% commission.

If these features don’t convince you to get a booking engine for your hotel, then I don’t know what would.

4. Contactless solution

Many say contactless technology is only relevant during the covid times. However, that’s not true.

Contactless hospitality technology solutions have been around even before the pandemic. It’s just that this particular technology has gained traction during the covid crisis.

Now, what’s interesting is that travelers’ behaviors have changed lately and hotels have realized it. Meaning, properties are now inclined toward incorporating contactless solutions in as many aspects as possible.

With contactless solutions in place, accommodation providers can allow their guests to book their stay, pick their room, check-in, avail services, make payment, and even check-out, with little to no human involvement.

Simply put, the guests have the power to customize their stay the way they want, right from the convenience of their smartphones.

Despite all of these advantages, I can see a lot of hotels shying from it. That shouldn’t be the case. Contactless technology is here to stay and transform the industry for the good. It is the key to delivering exceptional guest experiences and boosting revenue.

5. POS management system

Do you have a point-of-sale outlet at your property?

If so, a cloud-based POS system is a must-have for you.

A POS module integrated into your hotel PMS lets you manage multiple point-of-sale outlets at your property; be it a restaurant, mini bar, spa, or travel desk.

For example, you have a restaurant on your property. With a POS management system, you can take orders directly from dine-in guests, transfer orders to the room as "Room Service", let your guests settle bills during check-out and even bill directly to the company (in case of corporate bookings).

A smart and robust POS management system let you not just streamline services with top-notch features but also automate all the mundane tasks.

Hoteliering can be significantly easy with feature-rich hospitality technology solutions like this.

6. Mobile PMS

There are times when you have to be away from your property. But that doesn’t have to take a toll on your hotel operations.

This is when a hotel management app comes into the picture.

With a mobile PMS app, a hotelier can perform almost every task that s/he could with a computer. From keeping an eye on new reservations and in-house guests, checking OTA inventory updates, and settling folios, to generating prominent hotel reports, a PMS app will give you complete control of your hotel business.

Simply put, you can manage your hotel from anywhere, anytime; right from your mobile device.

7. Revenue Management System

Maybe you have a luxurious boutique property or an aesthetic B&B. But if you don’t have a strong revenue management strategy, all your efforts of running an accommodation will go down in vain.

Revenue management is undoubtedly one of the most prominent aspects of the hospitality industry. Hotels that know how to anticipate demand, optimize availability, and price rooms the right way, witness the best possible results, both in terms of reputation and profitability.

With a robust revenue management system, you become capable of leveraging data. You can better analyze your competitors and your business performance and see where you stand in the market. 

Not to mention, dynamic pricing is another added advantage you get with a revenue management system. Simply put, you can set flexible prices for products or services based on current market demands.

Revenue management currently is the need of the hour. Hotels that are turning to it are witnessing legitimate results.

The post 7 Essential Hotel Technology Solutions You Should Invest In Now appeared first on eZee Absolute.

However, while many are excited about technology entering the hotel workforce, many seem to be highly sceptical.

The impact of technology on the hospitality job market has gained significant attention in recent years. But several breathless media coverages have bluntly framed technology like AI and robotics as evil, and made people believe that it will be replacing human jobs in the future.

I understand their concern completely. Who wouldn’t be worried if they feel their jobs are at stake?

So, lately, I decided to address the elephant in the room — will machines replace humans in the hospitality industry?

But before I go on, I want to state exactly what I feel. Then, going forward, I will justify my take.

Technology, indeed, has transformed how hotels operate. Hoteliers today don’t have to stress over keeping a constant eye on the operations as they are automated.

However, even though technology in hospitality is getting smarter and serving hotels in many ways, we’re far from the dystopian world. Hospitality professionals are not going to lose their jobs anytime soon.

I will come back to this. But now let’s look at all the other aspects of how technology affects employment in the hospitality industry.

What Do Numbers Say?

The reason I feel this way is because prior to becoming a hospitality blogger, I was a part of the AI domain.

I have talked to dozens of experts and almost everyone has a similar opinion. And it’s not just all theoretical. Even though technology is evolving rapidly with AI being the fine example, we can see the limitations that machines have.

Machines will always be machines. We cannot program or deploy them with ethics and consciousness.

I know, there’s another side of the story too.

Many might argue that it’s wrong because the buttons inside lifts have displaced elevator operators or the OTAs have eliminated travel agencies and tour operators out of business.

Many reports suggest that about 400,000 jobs were lost to automation in U.S. factories from 1990 to 2007. 

I agree technology will certainly replace some jobs, but the chances of it washing off every human job are bleak.

There’s one report by the World Economic Forum that suggests 85 million jobs will be replaced by machines by the year 2025. However, the same report also states that 97 million new jobs will be created by 2025 because of technologies like AI.

All the above arguments are based on technology in general. Now, let’s understand its impact specifically on the hospitality industry.

How Technology is Becoming a Companion for Hotels

To understand better, let’s go back in time and look at things from the get-go.

In 1865, The British firm of Easton and Amos installed a direct-action passenger lift, with a travel of 17 meters, in the Brighton Hotel. Hydraulic elevators were also installed in the six-story Grand Hotel in Paris.

This was the very beginning of technology invading hotels. Since then, a bazillion innovations have happened. Be it electric lights, in-room telephones, kiosks, automated systems, or robots.

The industry has come a pretty long and exciting way.

But if you look closely, most of the hotel tech is only easing up human efforts rather than eliminating it. 

The latest advancements are much more relevant and paint the exact picture. Let’s take the example of a hotel PMS.

Today, numerous hotels have deployed some sort of property management system. But does that mean frontdesk employees are losing their job? Absolutely not! 

A hotel PMS automates and streamlines hotel operations. Meaning, it makes it easier for the frontdesk and other employees to perform their tasks without any discrepancies.

Similarly, hotel websites and OTAs have also transformed the way people book a hotel.

Two decades ago, if you wanted to make a hotel reservation you would call the hotel or send an email. Or you would reach out to a travel agent to create an entire package for you.

But today, all of these tasks can be done with a few clicks. With technologies like booking engines and channel managers, things get way too simple.

At present, there are several technologies available that get integrated with a hotel PMS and all they do is make the human job easier. They are all more like companions.

Now, to reach this stage of evolution, did hotels have to let go of certain job roles? I don’t think so.

Might Eliminate a Few Jobs?

In one of my previous articles, I have talked about how technology can help hotels in improving their concierge services. Then, there’s another blog where I have discussed how technology is changing the hotel job market and also helping hotels deal with labour shortages.

If you read them, you’ll understand that hotel tech is about eliminating only the mundane tasks or the tasks that don’t really need any human involvement.

Talking about job loss, going forward, certain roles might fade. But that won’t be because technology is better than humans. Rather, they’ll be eliminated because they don’t require any human effort.

For example, an AI-powered chatbot might take over one part of a concierge job — answering questions, making a reservation, or booking a cab.

Again, this transformation will rather empower hoteliers in utilising their staff to ensure guest experience.

The post Will Machines Replace Humans in the Hospitality Industry? appeared first on eZee Absolute.

Lately, hotel tech has witnessed a significant transformation. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the industry hard and has forced hotels and tech vendors to innovate and bring top-notch technologies to the table.

And I feel, as a blogger, I must put forward my opinion about technological transformations in the hospitality sector. In this blog, I will discuss hotel technology post-COVID and how hotels are going to adapt to the new normal and beyond.

The Scenario Before COVID

Technology in hotels isn’t something new. Over the years, it has made irrefutable impacts on the hospitality sector and celebrated countless milestones. The industry is highly indebted to technology in one way or another!

One of the best examples is the advent of hotel PMS. 

It’s an on-premise solution that focused on automating mainstream tasks like taking reservations, check-ins and check-outs.

However, there was something amiss. A hotel consists of several departments and complexities, the traditional PMS wasn’t enough to handle all of them. 

Hotels needed a system that is more organised and can not only automate operations but also increase efficiency and maximize profits. This is when cloud hotel PMS came into the picture.

A cloud-based PMS helps in tackling and solving the complexities of managing a hotel. The system provides integrated tools for streamlining more than just the front office, such as housekeeping, POS outlets, payroll, etc. Not to mention, it is all done from one single dashboard.

That’s not all. Mobile PMS is another advancement that followed. 

The advent of mobile PMS

The proliferation of mobile technology within the hospitality ecosystem was increasing significantly. And it was changing the way people book stays.

Both the hotel industry and the technology vendors were seeing this transformation, and they were quick to understand the impact.

PMS vendors soon equipped their hotel management systems with mobile PMS. And even though hoteliers were a little reluctant, upgrading to a mobile PMS didn’t create any operational upheaval.

To be precise, it rather empowered hoteliers to manage their hotels in the most efficient way possible. Today, they can manage their hotel right from their smartphone, even without being present at the property.

The hospitality industry is evolving continuously, establishments that are more open to adapting to new trends and industry expectations are more likely to succeed in the long run. 

How the Pandemic Pushed Hotels to Adopt New Technologies?

Before I tell you about the transformation, let me share an experience.

Back in May 2020, I had a conversation with a hotelier on LinkedIn. We were discussing implementing contactless technology.

And guess what, the hotelier wasn’t game for any sort of touchless technology in hotels. Rather, he was so against it that he said and I quote:

“Contactless check-in and check-out and all sorts of these services are just a bubble. It is nothing but a way for tech vendors to take advantage of a global pandemic. A hotel business requires a lot of human connection and interaction. And if you eliminate it, it will result in a major downfall.”

This might sound like a script, but the hotel has actually closed its operations.

What went wrong?

The biggest mistake that the hotelier made is that he assumed people would stick to the traditional ways even when there is a pandemic going on. And unfortunately, he faced the repercussions.

To be profitable, hotels must stay open to the latest trends. It’s the consumer that decides a  business’ future. You have to understand what the consumer wants; rather than building products and services based on assumptions.

People today seek to have a contactless arrival experience. They don’t want to stand in a queue to check-in. Rather, they want to choose their room, access their room, stay, and check-out with as minimal human involvement as possible.

Hotels that were quick to adopt these guest-centric services (such as contactless check-in and check-out) are still in operation.

Here’s How Technology Will Reshape the Hotel Industry Post-COVID

Contactless hospitality is already one of the prime technologies that hotels use amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. And it is definitely going to stay in the future, no matter how clichéd it sounds. Be it in the form of a mobile app or a self-service kiosk.

No, I am not saying that this is going to be in every single aspect. It’s just that there are certain areas where human involvement can be reduced.

For example: If I am travelling during this pandemic, I would definitely not want to stand in front of the front desk to check-in or pick the intercom to order a meal or call housekeeping. Instead, I would want everything to be done right from my smartphone.

Further, people also want a quick payment process where they don’t have to go to the frontdesk and pay. It could be a system that sends a payment link to the guests an hour before their check out. They can make the payment right from the phone and leave the property. 

That’s not all

Technology in the hotel industry post covid is also going to play a crucial role in personalisation.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning-powered systems are likely to become some of the fundamental tools. Hotels will need systems that can help them understand guests’ preferences at the most precise level. And AI and ML do just that.

Let me give you an intriguing example.

You are a big-time football fan. And coming Monday your favourite team is playing a qualifier match. But unfortunately, you have to travel for a conference and all your excitement vanishes. 

You can definitely watch it on TV once you’re back in the hotel room. But what if you check into your room and find a gift hamper that contains all the merchandise of your team and a letter that reads “I hope you enjoy the match.”

Sounds fascinating, right!

The challenge of human-technology coordination

In the new normal, the expectation for customer experience is higher than ever, they are looking forward to enhanced tools like live-agent or AI-powered support channels.

However, not every hotel will be able to employ all sorts of advanced hotel technology post COVID.

You ask, why?

Because finding the right blend is a difficult feat. It’s not an easy task to make technology and humans work together seamlessly. There could be clashes between the both. 

However, if everything is tech-driven, the preciseness could increase. But then there comes job loss.

It is a complicated scenario.

To implement technology without any conflict, hotels must find the sweet spot.

Let me give you an example.

The customer service staff at a hotel needs proper training to handle every type of query. That’s not all. Whenever there’s a new policy, the training department has to update the staff and ensure they are trained on it too. 

However, if you employ AI-based staffs, you don’t have to train them in every aspect because they are part of a single algorithm. You can simply make changes in the algorithm and all your staff will be updated at once. 

The post How Technology Will Reshape the Hotel Industry Post COVID-19 appeared first on eZee Absolute.

From streamlining hotel operations to improving the guest experience, technology is becoming more and more pivotal. 

If hotels want to stay profitable in this competitive industry, it is imperative to keep a tap on the latest trends.

Just like 2023, the year 2024 also has a lot in store for hotel businesses. And in this article, we are compiling some of the top hotel technology trends that focus on improving the guest experience, enhancing your operations, and increasing your bookings.

Latest Technology Trends in the Hospitality Industry to Improve Guest Experience

As hospitality professionals, the guest experience is easily one of your top priorities. Because of that, it’s no surprise that there are many technology trends in the hospitality industry that focus on the guest experience through and through.

1. Smart hotel rooms

Smart hotel rooms allow guests to easily personalize their rooms to fit their needs. The technology in hotel rooms enables the guest to adjust the room temperature and lighting, and guests can even stream their favorite shows through a remote or smartphone.

Such rooms can also be programmed to automatically reduce power usage during certain hours of the day. Besides, they can shut everything off in a room when guests are not present. 

In a world where people are increasingly conscious of the environment, smart rooms also offer a promise of greater sustainability, and guests can feel comfortable knowing that they’re using energy sustainably. 

While these rooms are a massive benefit for the guest experience, they are also beneficial to hotels because they can reduce operating costs associated with energy usage. 

2. IoT

IoT (Internet of Things) is definitely one of the top new technology trends in the hospitality industry. It allows various devices to be connected through the internet and controlled by one central source, such as a phone or tablet. Examples of IoT applications can include everything in a smart hotel room, digital key cards, and even voice-controlled customer service. 

IoT allows guests to easily control everything in their room and personalize it to their needs. They are also useful in operations, mainly because IoT works as a smart hotel technology that can use data to identify and address issues before they become greater problems. 

You may like to read: How IoT helps you Grow Your Hotel Business?

3. Big data

Big data is one of the most practical hotel technology trends.

To define, big data is a large collection of data that businesses can collect from consumers. It is then used to analyze customer behavior and make more informed and strategic business decisions.

You can use the insights to cater your service directly to your guests’ needs and interests and create a personalized experience they will never forget. 

4. Mobile check-in service

In times of COVID-19, interactions at the front desk should be minimized as much as possible. A mobile check-in service reduces contact between guests and employees, and this can give guests greater peace of mind. 

Undeniably, mobile service is a proven future hotel technology trend.

Aside from this benefit, a mobile check-in service can speed up the arrival process and allow guests to get to their rooms faster. One way to implement this is through digital registration cards that allow guests to fill out all necessary information from their phones prior to arriving at a hotel. Meaning, you reduce any risk that comes with close contact.

5. Contactless payments

Another new technology trend in the hospitality industry that every hotelier must know about is contactless payment. 

It uses wireless technology to complete transactions. Customers place their card, or even mobile device, within a few inches of the reader and quickly complete transactions.

Looking at its benefits amid this covid scenario,  hotel businesses have extensively picked up on this trend.

Contactless payments also reduce the transaction time, allowing guests to quickly finish up their check-in and finally relax after travel. 

Beyond the typical definition, contactless payments could also mean payments made through online mode. Meaning, guests use mobile devices to transfer money to a specific account. UPI transactions and payments made by scanning a QR code are great examples of this.

6. Translation devices

In a globalized world, it’s very likely that you will host foreign guests who speak different languages, especially if your hotel is at a popular tourist destination.

Of course, clear communication is essential to customer service and a great guest experience, so hoteliers need to modify their processes to overcome language barriers. 

Luckily, translation devices are available to integrate into guest services, so you can communicate with anyone in their native language. It is a mandatory practice and one of the prominent hospitality technology trends.

7. Increased internet bandwidth

People travel with more devices than ever before, and they’re using these devices to stream videos, surf social media, play games, attend video conferences during their stay, and whatnot.

Did you know according to a survey 93% of guests felt that complimentary WIFI was the most important amenity a hotel provides?

To accommodate this behavior, hotels should get as much bandwidth as they can, since higher-quality media requires more bandwidth to load. And the growing popularity of 5G technology opens numerous opportunities for the industry as well.

Some people are also looking to work from hotels as a way to get out of their homes during the pandemic (staycations), so it’s even more important nowadays to provide this service.

8. Cybersecurity

Stories of cyberattacks on hotels and hotel groups are not uncommon, and even some of the largest groups have had security breaches. With the growth in the use of technology in the hotel industry comes the necessity for stronger cybersecurity practices.

Cyberattacks put guests’ sensitive information at risk, so security procedures should evolve with technological improvements. 

From an experience standpoint, guests want to trust that their information is secure at all times. With the rise in working from hotels, it’s especially important that your network is secure enough for sensitive business information. From another angle, it’s also worth investing in stronger security measures so your operations and brand reputation don’t suffer the consequences. 

9. Robots

Robots can have a wide range of uses, especially for contactless services. They can be used to greet and provide guests with key information upon arrival, and some hotels have gotten very creative with that, like this Japanese hotel staffed by robots.

Additionally, robots can also be used for room service and housekeeping services. In a world where social distancing is still very important, robots can contribute to contactless service that helps guests feel at ease. 

10. Air filter systems

According to a study by the World Health Organization,

9/10 people around the world breathe polluted air.

Pollution from cities, bad air quality from wildfires, and pollen during allergy season; all contribute to unpleasant air. Air filter systems can get rid of pollutants and allergens, and they can be especially useful in eliminating bacteria, mold, and viruses in hotel rooms. Guests will appreciate the breath of fresh air. 

Hotel Technology Trends to Increase Operational Efficiency and Revenue

One of the key benefits of technology in the hotel industry is that it streamlines routine operations to a great extent.

Guest experience is also closely tied to some of these trends. Because more efficient staff can serve guests faster and take the extra time to really personalize their experience.

11. Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence has been changing operations in many industries, and the hotel industry is no exception. It has the ability to streamline operations, taking over repetitive tasks like answering frequently asked questions.

These hotel technology trends can free up your employees’ time, so they can focus on the most high-touch and personalized service. 

12. Face recognition technology

Face recognition technology is a type of biometric technology that is able to recognize people by the features on their faces. You’re probably familiar with it already, especially if you have a more recent version of an Apple or Android phone. 

Some uses in the hospitality industry can include security and improved customer service. Properties can use facial recognition as a way for guests to access their rooms, and on the flip side, it can also prevent access to anyone who’s caused problems in the past. 

In terms of customer service, facial recognition can help your staff identify guests in order to better tailor services and messaging to particular guests. 

If you’re hosting a special guest, perhaps a high-spender or a loyal guest, this technology can help staff members identify them and treat them with extra care. 

13. Occupancy-based sensors

Occupancy-based sensors can never go off the list when we are talking about some of the latest technology trends in the hospitality industry.

These sensors are great for reducing energy costs. These sensors can be in the form of motion detectors or thermal sensors, to name a few.

When these sensors determine that there is no one in the room, they can automatically shut off the power in those rooms. Thereby, saving you from wasted energy and the associated costs. 

14. Energy-saving appliances

In addition to other energy-saving technologies like smart rooms and occupancy-based sensors, hotels can save a lot of money by just updating their lighting and adding water-saving tools.

Since lighting accounts for about 25-40% of a hotel’s energy costs, your hotel can save a lot by switching to LED lighting.

In fact, LED lighting saves at least 75% of energy, and these light bulbs last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent. 

Water usage is another high operating cost, so updating to low-flow faucets and showerheads can save a lot of money, without sacrificing the water pressure that guests want.

15. Cloud hotel property management system (PMS)

When we are talking about technology trends in the hotel industry, a property management system can never go out. From the very get-go, it has been the backbone of a successful hotel business. 

The cloud hotel PMS is a software that comprises different modules and functions to automate every operation of your hotel. 

Whether it’s about managing reservations, frontdesk, housekeeping, billing, or anything, you name it; a PMS takes care of everything. 

Now, this is not the only benefit you get. A cloud hotel PMS has got more in store for hotels; it ensures the scalability, availability, and security of the business.

So, if you’re still shying away from it then it’s high time to change your perspective and opt for a cloud-based property management system.

16. Mobile hotel PMS

Mobile technology is certainly transforming the hotel industry. However, many hoteliers are still not turning to it. Which shouldn’t be the case.

A mobile PMS app makes your grip stronger on hotel management. You can perform almost every task from the convenience of your smartphone that you usually do on a computer-based PMS.

With a mobile hotel PMS, you can run your hotel from anywhere, anytime. Yes, it is that simple. So, hurry and adopt a mobile PMS app to manage your hotel operations.

17. Integrated technology solutions

Speaking of new technology trends in the hospitality industry, integrated hotel technology can never be overlooked. 

This sought-after tech is all about connecting data, applications, APIs, and devices to the existing technology stack.

Now, when it comes to trends, channel managers and booking engines are two of the most sought-after hotel technologies.

An integrated channel manager helps hotels in updating their room inventory, rates, and packages in real-time. Meaning, hotels can now do away with manual tasks, double booking, and rate disparity.

Next up, an integrated booking engine makes the process of acquiring direct bookings smooth. No need to update manually on the PMS as well, because the booking engine does that too. 

18. Revenue management system

A hotel revenue management system is at the core of a hotel’s pricing strategy. It is basically used to analyze data such as internal data, market supply, customer demand, etc. to optimize pricing and inventory. 

If your hotel is looking to up its revenue management game or just wants to boost revenue in general, a revenue management system is a must.

Read this blog to learn in detail about the benefits of incorporating a revenue management system at your property.

Hotel Technology Trends to Foster Hotel Marketing

When it comes to hotel marketing, technology plays a prominent role. However, not many know about the exact tech stack they need to carry out their hotel marketing tasks.

Here are some ways you can adopt new hotel technology trends to improve your marketing:

19. Text-message marketing

People don’t seem to like phone calls as much as they used to. For the hotel industry, this change can be huge.

Many of your guests will appreciate the opportunity to text you rather than call the front desk. And you can build stronger relationships with guests through their preferred channel of communication. 

The benefits of text messaging don’t end there. Conversion rates can increase by over 100% through texting with qualified leads. What that can mean for hotels is bringing more guests back directly through text message offers.

75% of people like to be offered special deals through text messages

The Local Project

So, there’s a great opportunity for you to reach guests directly.

An easy way to implement this strategy is through Akia’s SMS Campaigns feature, and you can kiss the days of unopened emails goodbye.

We also have a detailed blog SMS marketing. Do give it a read.

20. Booking on mobile devices

If you were in a new and unfamiliar place, would you be able to get by without your smartphone? What if you need to make a last-minute hotel booking? 

Smartphones have become a huge part of how people interact with the world, and their ease and convenience make them even more popular than desktops in many scenarios.

The growing presence of mobile means that hoteliers need to optimize their website and booking processes for mobile devices. 

An easy-to-navigate mobile website can capture more direct bookings, and a seamless mobile booking experience can even build customer loyalty since people will remember good experiences. Last-minute bookings are also predominantly captured by mobile, so weary travelers should be able to quickly and easily find your website on their phone and make a booking. 

21. Voice search

Another booking channel to optimize for is voice search. More and more people are using voice-activated search assistants, like Apple’s Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon’s Alexa. It is one of the most prominent hotel technology trends.

50% of all searches will be voice-activated searches in 2020. 

ComScore

Since voice searches use more natural language and speech patterns than typed searches do, strategies like creating content in a more conversational voice and answering frequently asked questions on your website can help your hotel become more discoverable through voice search. If people can easily find your website, they will be much more likely to book with you.

22. 360-degree videos

Virtual reality is a simulation of the real world using digital means. A virtual tour of your hotel can be a great way to show prospective guests what they would experience from a first-person point of view and move them further down the decision funnel.

Providing a 360-degree presentation of your hotel allows prospective guests to get a better sense of the space and confidently make their reservations.

23. Metasearch bookings

Metasearch websites collect information on different properties and compare them all in one place. Websites like Google Hotel Ads, TripAdvisor, and Trivago are all examples of metasearch engines. 

Advertising on metasearch sites can drive a 180% increase in bookings. 

Let us tell you that these sites drive more website traffic than any other platform. Most hotels use metasearch websites to research their competitor hotels. Whereas, most of them so taking advantage of advertising on these platforms can drive a lot more direct bookings.

24. Chatbots

Chatbots can be used for a variety of different applications, and driving direct bookings is one of them. They are rule-based or artificial intelligence-powered, and can quickly answer questions directly on your website.

With the ability to answer queries 24/7, chatbots are a great way to create a live form of communication. And ChatGPT is one such innovative tool that hoteliers can use to improve their customer service and save costs. They encourage prospective guests to book directly.

The post 24 Latest Hotel Technology Trends To Watch For in 2024 appeared first on eZee Absolute.