The Top 3 Technology Trends Reshaping The Hospitality Industry Right Now
From AI & Keyless Entry to Robotics & VR
The hospitality industry is currently undergoing a massive transformation with the rapid increase in the adoption of digital technologies. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top three technology trends that are reshaping the hospitality industry right now and how they are changing the way hotels, boutique hotels, and other chains operate.
Trend #1: Automation & Robotics
In recent years, automation and robotics have transformed many industries—and hospitality is no exception. Today’s hoteliers are using robotic technology to streamline operations, improve guest satisfaction, and save on labor costs.
One of the most popular applications of robotics in the hospitality industry is automated room service. Hotels like the Aloft Boston Seaport and the Yotel New York City have installed robotic butlers that deliver snacks and amenities to guests’ rooms 24 hours a day. These butlers are not only efficient and cost-effective, but they also create a fun and unique experience for guests.
Another common use of robotics in hotels is automated check-in/check-out. Several major hotel chains, including Hilton and Marriott, are now using self-service kiosks that allow guests to check in and out without having to wait in line or interact with the hotel staff. This not only saves time for guests, but it also reduces labor costs for the hotel.
As robots become more sophisticated, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of this technology in the hospitality industry. From housekeeping to concierge services, there are endless possibilities for how robots can make our hotel stays more enjoyable—and hassle-free.
Trend #2: Virtual/Augmented Reality
There's no doubt that virtual and augmented reality are changing the way we interact with the world around us. And the hospitality industry is no exception. From enhancing the guest experience to streamlining hotel operations, VR and AR are providing new opportunities for hoteliers to improve their business.
1. Enhancing the Guest Experience: Virtual reality can be used to give guests a preview of their stay before they even check in. Hotels are using VR to provide guests with an immersive experience of their property, amenities, and rooms. This allows guests to get a better sense of what to expect during their stay and make informed decisions about their accommodations.
2. Training Hotel Staff: VR and AR can also be used to train hotel staff on various aspects of their job, from customer service to safety procedures. By using simulations, hotels can provide employees with realistic training scenarios that can help them be better prepared for their duties.
3. Streamlining Hotel Operations: From housekeeping to maintenance, there are many potential applications for VR and AR in hotel operations. For example, AR could be used to help housekeeping staff identify dirty or damaged items in a room so they can be more efficient in their cleaning procedures. Similarly, VR could be used for training or orientations so that new employees can learn about the property layout without having to physically go through it themselves.
Trend #3: Wearables & IoT Devices
The wearables and IoT devices trend is one of the most talked-about technology trends in the hospitality industry right now. And for good reason – these devices have the potential to totally transform the guest experience.
Wearables can provide guests with a wealth of information about their surroundings, from directions to the nearest restaurant to real-time updates on wait times for popular attractions. And IoT devices can give hotel staff instant feedback on everything from room cleanliness to how much noise is being made in the lobby.
The possibilities are endless – and it’s not hard to see why this trend is one of the most exciting things to watch in the hospitality industry right now.
Technology and the Hospitality Industry: Simplified Keyless Entry and Payments
Hoteliers and restaurateurs can’t afford to be without a place at the table when it comes to technology. Increasingly, hotel guests expect a frictionless experience from booking to check-in/out, and technology is a key enabler of that.
Simplified check-in/out processes have been around for a while now, but they are becoming increasingly commonplace as more hotels adopt them. A number of players offer solutions that allow guests to use their smartphones for check in and grants keyless access to their room. This not only saves time for the guest, but also for hotel staff who can now focus on other hospitality efforts while the guest seamlessly checks in.
Another area where technology is having an impact is in payments. Contactless payment options are becoming more popular, both with guests and hotel staff. Guests can use their smartphones or other devices to manage their payments for everything from their room charges to restaurant bills and spa treatments. This not only makes life easier for guests, but it also helps hoteliers to streamline their operations and reduce costs.
Technology is also being used to improve the guest experience in other ways. For example, some hotels are using virtual reality (VR) to give guests a preview of their stay before they even arrive. And once they are at the property, they can use apps to order room service, book spa appointments or find local attractions.
Technology in the Hospitality Industry Will Continue to Progress in Exciting Ways
Now that we have explored the top 5 technology trends that are reshaping the hospitality industry right now it is easy to see the way technology is creating a more seamless experience for travelers. By utilizing AI and big data, hotels can work on curating data-rich traveler profiles for personalizing guests’ experiences. As well as introducing robots to enhance customer service, automation is being used to optimize processes in order to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
In conclusion, these technologies are at the forefront of reshaping the future of hospitality - a sector full of potential opportunities!