Did you know that hospitality is one of the most ever-evolving businesses worldwide? While it faced several challenges during the pandemic, now, fortunately, it’s driving more revenue than before.
In fact, according to recent studies, the hotel industry is expected to grow even more in the next four years. However, keeping up with the latest demands and trends can prove challenging if you’re already running a hotel business. But if you choose to look around, you’ll realize that just like this business, technology is also evolving to a great extent. It also affects customers’ expectations, often shaped by anything new in the tech realm.
To that end, using technology for the benefit of running a hotel can lead to a host of advantages, such as better management, productivity, logistics management, prompt service, and, above all, customer satisfaction.
Several tech solutions are currently available that can optimize the daily operations of any business in the hotel sector. In this article, we’ll shed light on a few solutions that have the knack for boosting a hotel’s performance and operations immediately.
Let’s have a look:
Table of Contents
1. Hotel management software
Efficient hotel management software must be in place to guarantee that your customers have a smooth and enjoyable experience. Today, advanced hotel management software tools can handle many tasks far beyond collecting money and making reservations. You can synchronize your front desk and housekeeping with hotel software.
You can use it to handle several properties. There are point-of-sale systems for restaurants and gift shops. Even managing internet reviews can be done using the software.
2. Develop mobile applications
Hotels should opt to invest in mobile application development to boost client engagement. Customers may find booking a stay simpler or learning about the hotel’s services, facilities, and amenities through a mobile app.
All industries have adopted mobile apps as the standard. Everyone is utilizing mobile apps to enhance their customer support, from the retail and healthcare fields to the financial sector and hospitality. The most effective ones offer a smooth experience to both customers and staff. But they should be simple to use and navigate.
3. Virtual queuing
In the hotel sector, virtual queuing has already been introduced. However, the solutions frequently depend on booking time slots or purchasing tickets. True virtual queuing automatically updates this data in real-time to accommodate unforeseen delays or outcomes that enhance the line pace.
Virtual queuing in hotels enables clients to track their position for anything requiring a “wait in line” approach. You might receive a notification at the casino or bar, for instance, when it’s time to get a drink or some chips (for playing).
4. Face recognition software
Facial recognition technology is still new to many customers, particularly regarding smartphone security. However, it’s crucial to note that these same methods form a crucial aspect of contemporary hotel technology. Facial recognition software has several advantages for hotel management, including:
- Improved levels of privacy and security
- Some sections will only be accessible to authorized personnel
- Another technique of verification that can be used in conjunction with electronic payments
5. Big data
Big data has become one of the modern “buzzwords” for a good reason. Hotels must be able to collect, evaluate, disseminate, and respond to this information. It’s especially important for big estates that might accommodate thousands of visitors each month.
Hotels can utilize big data to devise revenue strategies or adopt the correct hotel marketing tactics by combining the data they collect with readily available information.
6. Chatbots
Online chatbots and widgets are commonplace on many websites. They can play a key role in a contemporary hotel marketing plan. Nevertheless, they are also currently being used on platforms like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. The key advantage here is the impeccable ability to give customers prompt responses to questions throughout the day.
Some chatbots can also be designed to interact in many languages, providing a more thorough level of client service. As a result of COVID, chatbots have become increasingly important because customers frequently have inquiries about policies and procedures, which bots can successfully address.
7. Contactless transactions
Contactless payments speed up transactions and are one of the most important hotel technology advances. That was previously only possible with contactless cards. While contactless payments have generally been considered a convenience, they have surfaced as much more of a necessity. Nevertheless, the recent emergence of mobile wallets and wearable tech has expanded this area, giving clients options even when they do not have their cards.
Many clients are hesitant to handle cash or input their PIN using keypads. However, embracing contactless payment methods can assist in keeping your guests safe.
8. Feedback options
Employee happiness surveys, customer service surveys, and customer satisfaction surveys can all be conducted using hospitality feedback software. To help the company upgrade its products and services, it can also track client complaints and spot trends. This system is growing in popularity since it offers information about how visitors interact with the hotel, which enhances their stay and cultivates a dedicated following.
A specialized program or platform gives staff members a simple way to gather and handle consumer feedback. Additionally, it gives employees a way to give customers feedback. Implementing this can improve the quality of the goods or services, make data analysis smoother and more precise, and foster a sense of community.
9. Guest engagement tools
Because consumers want to be able to communicate with their hotels about their conditions, guest engagement solutions are becoming more popular. The main reason is that staying in contact is challenging because they aren’t always in the same location. It may make them feel alienated from the hotel and prevent them from experiencing it as a home away from home.
Although there are various guest interaction solutions, each one provides something unique that might benefit both sides. Some places provide discounts on products or services, some give reward points, and some even give visitors access to premium multimedia. Your business can talk about these things on email and other platforms.
Conclusion
With these tech solutions, you can start boosting your hotel business today. You can also ensure your guests have a memorable experience while visiting your hotel. Remember that technology and the hotel industry are ever-advancing sectors, so you’ll have to keep your ears peeled for the latest developments and trends to stand out from the crowd.