There is no denying COVID-19 created some interesting trends in the hospitality industry.

The travel and hospitality industry had to adapt to ever-changing customer expectations while managing health precautions.

With the advancement of hotel technology and design, as well as the changes in traveler preferences, there are quite a few trends hospitality leaders need to keep in mind.

Let’s take a look at a few of the trends that 2021 brought forward… and see which ones are likely to persist into 2022 and beyond.

DIGITAL VOICE ASSISTANTS

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, hotels are introducing digital assistant technology to help reduce the number of physical touchpoints for guests.

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, hotels are introducing digital assistants to help guests interact less physically.

Hoteliers were already using digital assistants prior to COVID. The trend is now taking off.

 

Consumers have become accustomed to voice-activated devices like Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Assistant. Consequently, it only makes sense that they would use them on the road.

Powered by artificial intelligence, digital assistants reduce the need for in-room objects that have a high level of touch traffic – like phones, remote controls, and even doorknobs. Hotel guests can use voice commands to order room service and operate the TV with digital assistant devices.

These devices also allow guests to check the weather or find local recommendations using a simple voice command.

The experience of guests at hotels can be improved by using digital assistants.

MOBILE APPS

The use of mobile apps and touchless technology are inseparable. However, mobile apps aren’t exactly new to the hotel industry…

Many companies have now rolled out new features for their mobile apps that address changing customer preferences in response to COVID-19.

Nowadays, hotel mobile apps let you do things such as:

●        Use an electronic key to gain access to your room

●        Grab-and-go meals and room service

●        Contact reception for additional requests

●        All without any physical contact

Smart Rooms

You can become sick and tired of living in the same house if you don’t come up with new solutions. Although these hotel trends have always been evident, modern hotel technology makes them easier, more convenient, and more enjoyable. By commanding your room to obey you, you can minimize lots of routine tasks so that you can focus on the things that matter most.

Here are a few examples of smart room equipment and tools:

●        Charging of wireless devices

●        Voice-activated search

●        Smart digital controls

●        Voice control

●        Facial recognition

●        Tablet-based monitoring

●        Smart mirrors

●        Concierge video chat

Booking Technology Optimization

It has never been easier to reserve a room today. Most websites require you to fill out a form. Apps that facilitate booking apartments and rooms are also available

Check-in Automation

With the introduction of self-service and robot automation in large supermarkets, the hospitality business doesn’t fall behind. It is basically the “child” of COVID-19 because of the need to follow the social distancing rules. By the time you see how many people use this technology as opposed to traditional methods of check-out/payment in your area nearby, it will become the new normal.

The auto-registration feature helps guests avoid physical contact with staff.

 Automation

Clients and managers save a great deal of time by using the automatic check-in function. Automating tasks such as responding to visitors’ questions and submitting reports is an opportunity to free up time.

It signifies increased satisfaction and a positive impression. There are both AI-based and machine-learning-based smart systems. Technology such as this can be used to collect and analyze data on the preferences of one’s customers. Other than enhancing the customer experience, such tools can reduce energy consumption.

Hoteliers are actively optimizing their front- and back-office activities, which is why development companies should incorporate such features. The hospitality industry will be transformed by AR, AI, IoT tools, building automation, chatbots, and many other innovations.

As never before, tourists are concerned about their health. Today’s hospitality trends are driven by this factor. However, convenience has not been relegated to the background. Everyone wants fast service and a comfortable stay. The best way to convince them to choose your place is to design a cool, responsive mobile hotel app that corresponds to all hospitality technology trends, or by using other technological advances.

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