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Do you know what the hottest new developments are in the hotel sector? Hospitality has been severely affected by the epidemic and the resulting economic slowdown, worse than the 2008 recession and the turmoil generated by fluctuating demand. Innovative reactions to this unique scenario, aiming to draw consumers back into food and beverage outlets and persuade holiday-goers that it is safe to enjoy a hotel stay, have expedited current hospitality sector trends and generated long-term changes.
As a result of shifting social values after the pandemic's acute phase, there has been a transformation in the social landscape. Even if the popularity of staycations, cleanliness regulations, and contactless technology have increased dramatically in 2020 and 2021, new trends are beginning to emerge in the hotel industry.
Consumers are more conscious of the importance of sustainability, purpose, health, and well-being. As a result, the following are the most anticipated developments in the hospitality sector for 2022.
1. Digital signage
Using digital displays at hotel receptions (airports, restaurants, monuments, and other tourist attractions) may alleviate many travelers' concerns while visiting a foreign nation. With digital signage, it is easy to read critical information in an emergency, estimate check-in time, check the weather, and more.
There are now many advantages and possibilities of digital signage in the hotel industry. You may quickly and easily show whatever information you want by mounting a few displays on the wall.
The read-consume-reach style of digital signage will give way to a speak-touch-gaze model in the hospitality industry in the future. In the future, visitors can traverse screens using their voice or sight, allowing them to choose just the information they wish to view, rather than relying on a static noticeboard to instruct them.
2. Touchless experiences
Cleanliness and touchless services are becoming more crucial in the hotel business in light of the latest outbreak. Innovative approaches to serving clients while minimizing physical touch are necessary for the restaurant industry.
You may start by using QR code menus and contactless ordering to stay up with this new trend. Additionally, there are several ways restaurants may stay up with this new trend, but this is not the only one. They should also begin investing in virtual kitchens to keep up with consumer demand for touchless experiences.
3. Chatbots
It is possible to create a chatbot to think by itself and answer to clients without the help of a person, making it a virtual assistant. While it may seem fancy, this is rather basic and has made its way into the hotel industry with little fuss.
In the United States, you've undoubtedly seen the bots if you've utilized Domino's app or a flagship Burger King or Taco Bell. Customers in this area may use chatbots designed to expedite the customer experience. The greatest chatbots mimic human communication while functioning autonomously, for example, by checking inventories and forecasting delivery times.
4. Virtual & augmented reality
Following on from the trend toward aesthetically attractive material, it seems that organizations in the hotel sector would aim to profit from features such as virtual tours, which allow customers to imagine themselves in a digital environment.
An institution will stand out this year by using 360-degree videos to show off its atmosphere, such as café terraces surrounded by lush flora or beachfront hotel sites, as an example. Making virtual reality content available on a wide range of devices without requiring a VR headset is essential to attract as broad an audience as possible.
Once on-site, visitors should be able to use their smartphone as a reliable companion to get extra information by just pointing it to real-world artifacts. In-situ surroundings may be enhanced with graphical or informative overlays using augmented reality. Customers who have downloaded the app will have access to the app's features, including the ability to see ratings and interactive maps. They even can upload their content.
5. Blockchain
Although the term "blockchain" is commonly used to refer to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, the reality is that it strives to transform the technological systems we rely on daily. The goal is to increase confidence and impartiality in everyday transactions like exchanging money and casting ballots. Further, in terms of hospitality, what does it entail? Because it better meets the client's needs, blockchain is poised to become a valuable ally for the hotel industry.
Using it, you won't have to go through a bank or anybody else to pay for currency conversion. People would be able to control the prices they pay for hotels, which would eliminate situations like the one described above; when you look at a hotel one day and find it is $100 a night and the following night it is $150 because they know you are interested. In the future, it might connect many components of the trip experience and make payment more seamless.
Additionally, blockchain allows booking directly with hotels, eliminating the need for a middleman. Thanks to digital currencies such as Bitcoin, you can also plan day excursions, lunches, and museum admission without exchanging money or currency.
6. Smart hotels
A smart hotel uses the Internet of Things (IoT) to function more smoothly, efficiently, and with a better experience for guests. You can control each room in a hotel individually through an internet-enabled HVAC system to provide optimal comfort while minimizing energy use. Guests at smart hotels may also have the option of using technology, such as phone apps or voice control, to make it easier for them to manage the temperature in the room, the lighting, and the entertainment systems. It is expected that the demand for smart hotel rooms will increase as the number of individuals who utilize intelligent technology in their homes continues to rise.
Technology has evolved to the point that it is now an essential part of providing service to guests. You may considerably increase the number of visitors who pick your hotel for living and promote guest loyalty if you provide your guests with outstanding service and unrivaled rooms that are outfitted with the newest technology. It has also become vital to have the appropriate technology to optimize administrative chores, enhance personnel happiness and raise income.
