Current trends in the hospitality industry 2023
Current trends in the hospitality industry suggest that the industry will shift to new environments to satisfy consumers' ever-growing curiosity for choice and personalized digital content that they can access at the tap of a finger. Our mobile devices and media giants like Netflix and Amazon have forever changed the way we consume media content. While some industries are delaying the inevitable, technology trends in the hospitality industry must adapt quickly to stay relevant.
As we move into the interactive future, several new ideas are already emerging that collide with trends in the tourism and hospitality industries. We already see more technology in the hospitality industry, using a variety of smart technologies to reduce operating costs, improve the guest experience and create new revenue streams. The most successful hotel businesses areĀ investing in data systems that collect and analyze personal data and turn it into a marketing opportunity. In the words of Silicon Valley tech investors, the future is here, and data is the new oil.
Guests' expectations are rising
More and more research and surveys on current trends in the hospitality industry show that guest expectations for special care and personalized entertainment are rising with the times. Hotel owners are constantly striving to improve guest satisfaction, and there's no better way to do that than by focusing on current and upcoming trends in the hospitality industry and integrating a new, easy-to-use entertainment portal into the comfort of the room.
Guests demand technological innovation
TV and the radio in the hotel room are taking a back seat as research shows guests are using other technologies to entertain themselves. A 2019 Hotel Trends survey found that 81% of respondents want access to streaming video content in hotels, and 55% of respondents said the availability of mobile content in a hotel would influence their decision to stay, as most guests are adapting to technology faster than in the past. Source
Hotels can now dramatically improve the user experience by leveraging current trends in the hospitality industry while prioritizing guest privacy and comfort. Advances in hospitality technology will reduce potential problems with reservation and payment processes and ensure they are completely reliable. But that's just a start.
Personalization is not an option, it is a must
Current trends in the hospitality industry show that personalization is already considered the tool of choice for attracting and retaining customers. In fact, the concept of personalization has been called "a must" for hoteliers as part of the trends in the tourism and hospitality industry. When it comes to travel in the 21st century, standard and impersonal experiences simply will not cut it anymore. Many of today's travelers, especially the younger generations (Millennials, Generation Z), expect personalized experiences and offerings. They want to book a hotel that cares about them as customers. Who would not want an experience that focuses on the trends in the tourism and hospitality industry and strives to tailor the guest experience perfectly for them?
Personalization is a useful outcome of hotel systems integration. For example, when a property management system (PMS) is connected to another smart tool such as a direct messaging app, hoteliers can create a detailed customer profile that can be translated into a personalized upsell offer. This can be delivered in the form of a personalized text message to let the guest know that the hotel can cater to and meet their specific needs. As current trends in the hotel industry suggest, allowing guests to choose their preferred means of communication is another great way to personalize their stay. People like to communicate in different ways, and with so many options available, as the trend in hospitality technology suggests, hoteliers are expected to offer a wide range of options.
Personalization is becoming increasingly important in the hospitality industry, with guests expecting a customized experience that caters to their individual preferences. Hotels are using technology to collect guest data, such as their previous booking history and room preferences, to offer tailored recommendations and services. This trend is expected to continue in 2023, with hotels investing in more sophisticated data collection and analysis tools to provide an even more personalized experience for their guests.
Contactless technology
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend towards contactless technology in the hospitality industry. Hotels are using mobile apps, keyless entry systems, and contactless payment methods to reduce physical contact between guests and staff. In 2023, we can expect to see more hotels implementing these technologies, as guests continue to value safety and convenience.
Intelligent spaces and easy integration of systems
How does this digital storm of new inventions that is transforming the industry translate into practise when it comes to guest interaction with technology itself? Smart devices and automation solutions are a true marvel when you look at current trends in the hospitality industry. Automated temperature control, lighting, alarms, blinds and other technological innovations are helping to improve customer satisfaction and service while reducing overhead costs. For example, guests can turn on the air conditioning through their entertainment portal to ensure the optimal temperature when they enter the room. For the hotel, this is always the most cost-effective solution compared to turning on the air conditioning.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a hot topic in the hospitality industry, with hotels and resorts implementing a variety of eco-friendly initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint. From energy-efficient lighting to low-flow showerheads, hotels are looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption and waste. In 2023, we can expect to see more hotels adopting sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources, implementing recycling programs, and reducing their plastic waste.
AI in the hospitality industry
As a new digital age develops and new trends emerge in the hospitality industry, one thing is certain: artificial intelligence and virtual reality are increasingly becoming part of the hospitality industry in 2023. More and more companies are adopting the new technologies and starting to see the benefits. The main reason for the change, besides the fact that personalised content is the most important item on the list, is the way personalised content is offered to the customer, whose needs are also constantly changing with technology.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important in the hospitality industry, with hotels using AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to provide 24/7 customer support. In 2023, we can expect to see more hotels implementing AI technologies to enhance the guest experience, such as using machine learning to make personalized room recommendations or using facial recognition to streamline the check-in process.
Are the current trends harbingers of the next technological breakthrough in the hospitality industry?
The use of AI will not only bring many new revenue opportunities to hoteliers in the hospitality industry, but more importantly, a new destination. A unique customer experience and, most importantly, seamless and optimised service for guests during their stay. Artificial intelligence has only recently entered the market, but it is sure to play a profound role in all the current trends in the hospitality industry as its presence only increases. But what exactly is behind the term artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the execution of intelligent behaviours by computers or machines. The concept of artificial intelligence has been around since the 1950s, but only in recent years has the technology advanced to the point where it can be considered reliable enough to be used for important business tasks, making it an important part of current trends in the hospitality industry. In 2019, the collection of customer data combined with improvements in computer technology means that artificial intelligence can now be used for a variety of functions, from basic customer service to advanced problem solving and even for purposes such as sales processes and direct messaging. So what can we expect when we incorporate AI technologies into current trends in the hospitality industry?
Simplicity and accessibility
Imagine being able to plan your day much more efficiently from your room as a guest, using your hotel's entertainment portal to virtually hover over the city's largest shopping mall to see if it has some of your favourite stores. Or take a peek behind the curtain of the museum you read about in a city brochure to see if you'd like to spend the afternoon there with your family.
Yes, the latest trends in the hotel industry are making this AI technology the new normal. How about reserving a table for two for a fancy dinner without having to wait in line at the restaurant? You can do all that and much more with a few clicks on your hotel screen TV. Now you can actually get the best seats in the stadium for your favourite sports team's game or get backstage passes for tomorrow's concert across town - and all this and much more without having to touch your computer or remember countless registration passwords for every single website.
How much can current trends really change, and what does that mean for consumers and the hospitality industry?
Even if your guest does not feel like eating out and just wants to stay home, he can use the same screen to order room service, check prices or request a special massage treatment at the hotel facilities. If he is not sure which service to use, he can always read the hotel's recommendations.
The new trends in the hotel industry offer countless options. Even if he is not satisfied with the customer service, has a complaint, or the details of his reservation have changed, he no longer has to wait his turn at the front desk while the elderly couple in front of him looks for his documents but forgot his glasses. Procedures at the front desk are faster today than ever before, with just a few button presses on the remote control. As futuristic as it all sounds, AI is not the only technology on the horizon.
Virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR)
Virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) are emerging as powerful tools for enhancing the guest experience in the hospitality industry. Hotels are using VR to offer virtual tours of their properties, while AR is being used to provide interactive experiences, such as virtual art exhibits or guided tours of local landmarks. In 2023, we can expect to see more hotels using VR and AR to offer unique and engaging experiences for their guests.
The term itself was coined as early as 1990, and one of the first commercial applications was in the television industry and military. With the advent of the Internet and smartphones, AR made its second comeback and is primarily associated with the interactive concept.
I do not want to get too technical, but the most common application is the direct projection of 3D models onto physical objects that are fused together in real time. Various augmented reality apps are sure to impact our habits, social lives, and entertainment industry and slowly move into the adoption phase, not only as part of the current trends in the hospitality industry, but also as part of our daily routine in our busy schedules.
The boundaries between reality and fantasy are blurring
One of the current trends in the hospitality industry in the near future will be so-called augmented reality. What does AR look like? Augmented reality is a technology that magnifies our physical world by adding digital information. Unlike virtual reality (VR), AR does not create its own virtual, artificial environments that replace the physical world. AR appears in direct view of an existing environment and adds sounds, videos and graphics to it. In short, then, it is a view of the physical real environment with a computer-generated image projection that changes the perception of reality.
Support for guests and staff
Although augmented reality (AR) has yet to play a major role in most current hospitality trends, consumers should expect to see more widespread adoption in the industry in the coming years. AR -using electric signs, hotel managers and restaurant owners can direct guests to specific locations such as pick-up or check-in points, making it easier to navigate the hotel and other areas. Some properties are already using AR as part of current trends in the hotel industry to make the hotel experience more attractive and themed, while some restaurants are using the AR technology for promotional purposes.
Could the future already be here?
Yes, the future is here, and the latest trends in the hospitality industry look much more exciting than they did ten years ago, do not you think? This technology will not only benefit guests and hotels, but will also have a significant impact on booking and reservation partnerships within hotel chains, in cities and around the world.
So, in summary, the future of current trends in the hospitality industry will most likely include both human interaction and more advanced and efficient technologies that will best serve both consumers and businesses. It is easy to assume that guests prefer "human" contact, but we should be cautious with such assumptions. Beyond the statistics that show an undoubtedly positive response to technology, there are other benefits to be gained from changing current trends in the hospitality industry. Old-school cynics still claim that in this new digital age, technology can not compete with the warmth and personality of the front desk receptionist at your favorite hotel, whose 20-year personal relationships can get you those coveted dinner reservations and concert tickets. Or can not they? I guess the future will soon tell us how this industry will evolve over time.
The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and innovations emerging every year. From personalization and sustainability to contactless technology and AI, hotels are investing in a range of technologies and initiatives to enhance the guest experience and stay ahead of the competition. As we look to 2023 and beyond, we can expect to see even more exciting trends and innovations in the hospitality industry.
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