New Technology in the Hospitality Industry: The Future is Here

Technology in the hospitality industry continues to develop and progress at a rapid pace. Restaurants, hotels, amusement parks, and all other hospitality-related businesses are being called upon to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in technology. Failing to do so may be detrimental to their ability to thrive.

Hospitality technology refers to a variety of ecommerce and IT solutions designed to make businesses run more smoothly. Another major benefit of technological improvements is their impact on the experience of hospitality customers. When implemented correctly, technology can simplify the lives of employees and customers alike.

While some companies may be hesitant to move away from old ways that brought success, new technology has morphed the landscape of hospitality forever. This article will discuss technological trends in the hospitality industry, why technology is so important and much more.

Why Technology Is So Important in Hospitality Industry

For many business owners, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest trends. Running a business takes a lot of time, energy, and money. Learning new tips and tricks may not seem worth the effort, especially for businesses that have already experienced success.

Why technology is so important in the hospitality industry comes down to one simple fact: the times are changing. Some business owners may prefer to stick with trends that used to work, but these businesses may not be able to survive in the near future. Those who fail to move forward into the ever-changing world of technology will unfortunately be left behind.

Technology has become an essential tool in nearly every facet of life. Many strategies that used to work in the world of business have become less impactful and less efficient. Technology in the hospitality industry can lower staff workloads, reduce costs, improve work accuracy, improve customer experience, and increase profitability.

Much like any other industry, the hospitality industry is extremely competitive. Those that continue to grow and expand will set the expectations for customers. Once customers become accustomed to a certain level of service, there is no going back. This is why businesses must remain active as technological trends ebb and flow.

Emerging Technology in the Hospitality Industry

Technology trends in the hospitality industry continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Ideas that once seemed “futuristic” or improbable are now being implemented in businesses across the world. Here are some examples of the emerging technology in the hospitality industry:

The rise of renewable energy

The process of gathering renewable energy has become increasingly efficient and affordable in recent years. This has allowed both businesses and everyday people to minimize their carbon footprint. The idea of net-zero or carbon-neutral hotels once seemed like a pipe dream. In today’s world, it is a real possibility.

The hospitality industry has begun adopting practices such as using energy-efficient lighting and thermal heat pumps, installing solar panels, using energy management systems, and more. The cost of using renewable energy continues to become more affordable, especially in the long run.

Contactless check-ins are becoming the norm

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, contactless check-ins for hotels and flights have become the norm. Even as the world has reopened, this trend has continued to spread. This process is done through self-service check-in kiosks or mobile apps, effectively minimizing the need for face-to-face contact.

This trend has disrupted the old ways of the hospitality industry. While change can be scary, implementing contactless check-ins allows check-in to be fast and easy for customers. It also gives company employees the opportunity to tend to other parts of the job, making it a valuable business tool.

Implementing artificial intelligence (AI)

AI technology in the hospitality industry has grown exponentially in the last few years. Technology such as ChatGPT has led to less stress on company employees, increased guest satisfaction, cost cutting, and much more. As technology continues to develop, Artificial Intelligence will be able to offer many exciting possibilities for industries across the globe.

The growing popularity of mobile payments and digital wallets

Another major shift during the pandemic was the shift away from cash and toward mobile payments and digital wallets. Even before the pandemic, cashless payments had been trending upward. There is little doubt that this form of digital technology in the hospitality industry is here to stay. While most businesses still accept cash, it is no longer the most popular form of payment.

Options like ApplePay and GooglePay have helped to simplify the payment process. With a quick swipe, customers can quickly move on with their lives.

The importance of social media

Today, marketing and branding is more important than ever. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter offer unique opportunities to businesses in the hospitality industry. Unlike any other time in human history, businesses now have the chance to reach millions of people across the globe.

The biggest hospitality companies spend millions of dollars each year on ads to optimize their reach on social media sites. When done correctly, these sites can help businesses grow quickly and sustainably. This approach is especially helpful for those trying to engage with individuals 30 and younger.

The creation of co-working spaces

There has been a massive growth in “working from home” jobs in the last 3 years. Thriving hospitality businesses have viewed this shift as a valuable opportunity. Some hotels have turned lobbies or underutilized spaces into co-working spaces.

These spaces are jam-packed with outlets, accessible computers, and high-speed WiFi. Many of them have tried to make the co-working spaces as inviting as possible, adding soft mood lighting. Hospitality businesses that took the initiative were able to survive and even thrive during the pandemic.

Using software to optimize business

Evolution in the hospitality industry is not always obvious to the customers or guests. Hospitality industry software is a behind-the-scenes hero for many businesses throughout the country. Hotels, airlines, and other big businesses can benefit from a software system that can help manage scheduling, customer information, inventory, and much more.

Overall, this technology is extremely accurate and can save employees time and business owners a lot of money in the long run.

Using mobile keys

One piece of technology that has taken the hotel industry by storm is the addition of mobile keys. Anyone who has booked a hotel room has likely experienced the process of losing their plastic keycard. This can be highly inconvenient for guests and employees to deal with.

Mobile keys allow guests to use their mobile devices to open and lock their doors. This is done using Bluetooth on their phones. It’s easy to install, convenient, and saves all parties involved from unnecessary stress.

Simplify with voice search and voice control

Most people use their mobile devices for everything these days. This is particularly true when booking hotels, plane tickets, restaurant reservations, or tickets for an event. Voice search and voice control make the process quick and easy for customers.

This is also true for individuals who have booked and arrived at a hotel. In-room devices can allow guests to order room service, turn on smart speakers, or Google “cool things to do nearby.” With the addition of technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT), you can use your voice to turn on lights, shut drapes, and more.

Vacation rentals have become mainstream

For decades, people booked hotel rooms while on vacation. Big-name websites like Booking and Expedia were extremely popular. While some people still prefer this method of lodging, many people have turned to vacation rental marketplaces instead.

Sites like Vrbo and Airbnb have entered the mainstream, particularly for younger people. It offers a more homey, communal space for those traveling or on vacation. You have access to your own space, a shared space, and possible access to a full kitchen. This is something that most hotel guests are not privy to.

Future Technology in the Hospitality Industry

When it comes to future technology in the hospitality industry, convenience is king. Current trends suggest that technology that offers sustainable, safe, and simplified services for customers and company employees will continue to be the primary focus. Technology has developed rapidly in the last 20 years, and the advantages continue to outweigh the negatives.

The advantages and disadvantages of technology in the hospitality industry depend on the business owner’s willingness to learn and grow. For many old-school business owners, it can be difficult to bring new and confusing elements to the table. For those that have experienced success in the past, change can be scary and challenging.

However, those who are willing to implement hospitality industry technology will likely thrive for years to come.

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• What Is the Hospitality Industry
• Hospitality Industry Trends
• New Technology in the Hospitality Industry
• Ecommerce In Hospitality Industry